Pacific Pole Championships
Pole dancing is not only a sexy activity, but it’s also an amazing workout. Catch all the action and be prepared to be amazed. $35+; Saturday; LA Convention Center
Cuban Caribbean Food Adventure
Omg! Didn’t think it could get better than all-you-can-eat? Mojitos! Chef Sylvia Garcia is cooking up a Cuban Caribbean cuisine feast. Go on, get those eating pants on. Saturday, 6:30-9:30 pm; Studio Maestro, 1547 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90401
Sunday Wrestling Federation
Head to The Groundlings Theatre for their all new sketch comedy show. Co-directors are Chase “The HotFlash” Winton and Alex “MeatFist” Staggs along with top level talent from The Groundlings school. They will all battle it out. $16; Sundays (starting Sunday, through April 19), 7:30 pm; 7307 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA; 323.934.4747
Global Service Design Jam
Join a diverse group of passionate Angelenos for the 5th annual Los Angeles Service Design Jam. It’s all about experimentation and some (friendly) competition. Teams will have one weekend to create completely new services through an entire human-centered design process. Friday, 5:45 pm; General Assembly, 1933 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90007
L.A. Cumbia Festival
Hear four of L.A.’s newest bands who evoke the soul of deep cumbia rhythms. Hand-picked by radio producer Betto Arcos, these Latin indie artists have electric surf guitar riffs, salsa, Afro-Latin, reggae, funk and cumbia grooves. Saturday, 7 pm; Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA; 213.628.2725
Culina Five-Year Anniversary Menu
Michelin-starred Four Seasons Chef Vito Mollica of Il Palagio Ristorante at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze rings in Culina, Modern Italian’s five-year anniversary by joining forces with Chef Mette Williams on a collaborative menu. Highlights of the five-course menu include sea bass and beef fillet carpaccio with bone marrow, sea urchin and citrus dressing; ravioli carbonara, prosciutto wrapped egg yolk, mascarpone and pancetta; and seared sea bass in olive and tomato crust with white wine scented artichokes. In addition to the tasting menu, Chef Mollica’s à la carte specials will be offered alongside the everyday lunch and dinner menus. Dishes include “antipasti” such as seared scallops with broccoli rabe coulis, “primi piatti,” fresh pea risotto with burrata cheese and black truffle and “secondi piatti,” dry fig-stuffed quail with creamed celeriac and seared foie gras. Dessert includes dishes like “Millefoglie,” a crispy puff pastry with strawberries. Mollica’s famed cavatelli pasta with cacio e pepe sauce, baby calamari and marinated prawns, named dish of the year by I Ristoranti d’Italia de l’Espresso (Italian Restaurants Guide) in 2013 will also be making an appearance as an à la carte special at dinner. $65; Saturday through March 4; 300 S Doheny Dr., Los Angeles, CA; 310.860.4000
Nyesha Arrington’s Beach Brunch Bash Pop-Up
Nyesha Arringon, a contestant on Top Chef Texas and Top Chef Duels, is presenting a pop-up “Beach Brunch Bash” for one day only. Her menu highlights include carnitas chilaquiles with fried egg; savory pancakes with shredded potato, kimchee and pink lady apple; coconut brown butter pancakes; and hemp crème brûlée porridge. Cocktails include Satsuma mimosa or a Seaside Michelada. Sunday, 10 am-3 pm; 123 W Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90292
Melrose Menagerie
The Melrose Business Improvement District will have some of the city’s top street artists participate in a day of live painting throughout the District. Each artist will present their own interpretation of an animal theme as they paint more than sixteen electrical boxes scattered along Melrose Avenue. The project, curated by local artist Jennifer Korsen, features artists: Annie Preece, Branson Sopinsky, Cale, Duce, Jennifer Korsen, Jules Muck, Leba, Phobik, Self, Septerhed, and Steven Lopez. The BID also held an online contest on their Facebook page, inviting new artists to submit entries. Four winners were chosen by a panel of judges who picked their favorite designs. The BID will be holding an Instagram contest and anyone who takes pictures of all 16 boxes and posting with the hashtag #MelroseMenagerie will have a chance to win a special Melrose Ave. prize. Sunday
37th Annual LA Chinatown Firecracker 5/10k Run/Walk
Angel City Brewery is ready to get the “Year of the Ram” off on the right foot as the official beer sponsor of the 37th Annual LA Chinatown Firecracker 5/10k Run/Walk. The largest Lunar New Year charity run in the US will kick off with a festive opening decorated by the glow of 100,000 red sparkling firecrackers. Participating runners, walkers and cyclists will compete in various challenging activities, including a 5/10K Run/Walk, 20/30 Mile Bike Ride and a 1K Kiddie Run. The course winds through one Los Angeles’ most historic neighborhoods, Old Chinatown Plaza. At the finish line, Angel City will quench runners’ thirsts with tastes of their West Coast Wheat and Angel City Pilsner in the beer garden located in Old Chinatown Central Plaza (43 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012 from 8:30 am-12:30 pm). Since its inception in 1978, the L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee has contributed over $500,000 to elementary schools and non-profits including Need2Read, Friends of the Chinatown Library, Alpine Recreation and Chinatown Senior Citizens Service Center. Hey, go for the beer and the Clipper’s girls. Sunday; 943 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Antibellum
The longtime Boston chef is coming to Los Angeles with his second pop-up. The name comes from a the pre-Civil War antebellum South and dishes will be influence by Southern cuisine. Menus can be viewed here. Tickets go on sale Sunday
The Langham Huntington Offers Imagine Tea
Designed for children and featuring a touch of magic, junior performers from the famed Magic Castle will be on hand to entertain young tea guests, performing close-up magic while children dine on a specialty tea menu of cookies, ham, turkey and PB & J sandwiches and whimsical desserts, all accompanied by pink lemonade, milk and a selection of fruit-infused, caffeine-free teas. Imagine Tea at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena is part of a partnership created between the hotel and the junior program of Magic Castle, benefitting local children’s non-profit organizations. Throughout 2015, The Langham Huntington Pasadena will donate a portion of the Imagine Tea proceeds to Five Acres, a child and family services agency that strengthens families and prevents child abuse through treatment and education in community-based and residential programs. The organization will also receive its own table at each seating of the tea, with the ability to bring their own special guests to the event. Young tea guests will also have the opportunity to make their own magic during the tea, as they are invited to attend dressed as whichever character, person or animal most appeals to their imagination. During the tea, each child will be invited to enjoy a special photo booth by Snapgram and create an imaginative craft with Little Junebugs. $48/adults, $28/children; Sunday, 10 am & 1:30 pm (June 7 and September 13); 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106; Resys required: 626.585.6218
Old Pasadena Happy Hour Week
Enjoy extended happy hour food and drink promotions all week. Enjoy special tastings, flights, and food pairings at your favorite bars, or discover something new. Expect deals like the Blind Donkey discounting their delicious burger & fries to $6; $1 award-winning sliders, $1 fries, and $5 beer of the day at Dog Haus Biergarten; the Otis Bar at La Grande Orange Café presents $5 signature drinks; the Luggage Room has $5 Slushy Cocktails; you can mix and match any 5 cans of selected beers for a $20 Bucket Special at Lucky Baldwin’s Pub; and The Melting Pot has a buy one $50 Grand Supreme Margarita, and get one for 50% off. Sunday through Saturday, March 14; Pasadena
Barneys New York in Beverly Hills’ Sunset Menu
Executive Chef Mark Strausman created a menu of late afternoon snacks to pair California inspired cocktails at the bar/lounge designed by Steven Harris Architects. Nosh on a selection of dishes from the Freds Sunset Menu like the Raw Vegan Cashew “Cheese” Dip and crudité of fresh seasonal vegetables; Freds classic Tuna Tartare; or Beef Sliders made with grass-fed beef and served on Brioche Buns. Flatbreads and Pizzas will also be available including the Bugsy with Black Mission Figs, Onion, and Blue Cheese; Ba Da Bing with Crumbled Italian Sausage and Roasted Peppers; or the Farmers’ Market fresh pizza using ingredients Mark and his team source from the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market. Fresh, house made juices are also available for the health-conscious clientele including the Orange is the New Black or Kale to the Veggie. Juices such as the Fresh Orange County Pink and White Grapefruit can be spiked with vodka or your spirit of choice. Thursday-Sunday, 3-7 pm, Monday-Wednesday & Sundays, 3-6 pm; 9570 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212; 310.276.4400
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Los Angeles‘ “Garden to Glamorous” Treatments
Designed to revitalize winter skin, and invigorate blustery spirits, coconut and lime treatments are now available. Treatments include the Coco-Lime Manicure and Pedicure (includes a scrub of virgin coconut oil and raw sugar, while the vitamin C of the fresh lime zest provides a boost of antioxidants. Then the restoring massage of coconut and kukui oils leaves skin luminous and moisturized). The Lime Refresh Facial energizes dull skin with this customized facial featuring fresh lime. Enjoy a stimulating citrus masque followed by a conditioning coconut facial massage to help with circulation, refine pores, and leave skin with a healthy glow. There’s also the Toasted Coconut Sugar Scrub that polishes, refines, and prepares skin for a deeply quenching coconut crème massage. Fresh lime zest and essential oils help to revitalize the mind and improve clarity, leaving you with the feeling of an island getaway. The Spa’s Garden-to-Glamorous treatments use ingredients gathered from the hotel’s rooftop garden. Complementing the spring offerings, all Spa guests will enjoy fresh coconut water and house-baked lime cookies within the Spa’s Sanctuary. Sunday through Sunday, May 31; 213.763.4400
Barneys New York Saturday Series
Head to the department boutique’s locations at The Grove, The Americana at Brand, and Santa Monica Place to shop stylish activewear from VPL and Live the Process. In addition to enjoying free healthy bites and fresh juices, you can win one of three wellness packages at each participating location. All three prizes include five free Cycle House classes and a one-week Moon Juice cleanse; The Grove’s winner also scores a one-hour massage at the Montage Beverly Hills Spa and SaMo’s winner enjoys a Diamond Magnetic Body Ritual at Hotel Casa Del Mar‘s Sea Spa. Saturday, 1-4 pm;
Knuckle & Claw
Opening in Silver Lake, this Martha’s Vineyard-inspired lobster shack by fiancées Chloe Dahl (Roald Dahl’s granddaughter) and Nikki Booth has a menu of New England favorites. Expect dishes like Crab Rolls, Shrimp Rolls, Lobster Pot Pie, and Lobster Rolls (made with Maine lobster that’s flown in daily). Grab a spot on the patio with a beer, and chow down like you’re on the east coast during the summer. Opens Sunday; 3112 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026
Bike Day Family Festival
Presented by Fowler Museum at UCLA, be a part of Bike Day Festival, celebrating bike culture and current exhibition Round Trip. Steps from the galleries, learn bike safety from UCLA Recreation and then participate in a bike parade at 2:30 pm. Inside the museum, enjoy an ice cream social by Peddler’s Creamery and then catch a 3 pm screening of To Live and Ride in LA, a documentary on the Los Angeles fixed gear community, which kicks off with a raffle for two adult bicycles to take home. Complimentary bike valet and tune-ups provided by Fleet Street Bikes. Free; Sunday, 1-4 pm; 308 Charles E Young Drive North, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Yoga & Pranayama at The Springs
In this 2-part workshop, explore how the breath affects the body & mind, and learn the ancient science of Yogic breathing techniques. Then you will incorporate them into a Yoga practice, accompanied by the beautiful live music of Mia Doi Todd. They enjoy DJ Sonny Abegaze (RADIO AFRIQUE) as he spins rare soul & african rhythms. Juice/Drink specials through the evening offered by The Springs. $35; Saturday, 4-6 pm; 608 Mateo St., Los Angeles, CA 90021; 213.223.6226
Shop EraLuxe’s Vintage Alaïa Archive
If you’re around my age (31) you know what “But this is an Alaïa!” means…Cher Horowitz? Clueless? Well, now is your chance to shop the designer. Vintage emporium, EraLuxe is taking over Switch Boutique in Beverly Hills to showcase its Azzedine Alaïa inventory (that would make Cher Horowitz drool). The two-day pop-up will include clothing (mainly dresses) from the legendary luxury designer’s 1980s and 1990s collections. Come prepared to spend money, the vintage collection will range from $400-800 (compared to $2,000-4,000). Friday & Saturday, 10 am-6 pm;
West Third Street’s Block Party Sale
This weekend, over 20 shops are rolling out major deals as part of the stylish street’s sidewalk sale. Score 30-90% off at designer boutiques like Trina Turk, Polkadots & Moonbeams, Show Pony, Civilianaire, Wittmore, Douglas Fir, Flight 001 and Traveler’s Bookcase. In addition to two days of discounts, expect gratis refreshments, freebies with purchases, trunk shows, and more. Full lineup of participating shops and events here. Friday & Saturday
Rock ‘N Roll Flea Market
This market brings together an impressive list of hand-picked vendors. Expect antiquities dealers, vintage clothing and jewelry, vinyl, local food vendors, craftsmen, and more. Sip bottomless Mimosas while you shop. $2 cover but free if you eat at Prufrock; Sunday, 10 am-3 pm; The Regent, 448 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Me Undies
Following its delivery service, the LA-based brand is popping up on Abbot Kinney. The pop-up shop will run through the end of April and offer the full range of super-soft jersey bottoms (briefs, boxers, trunks, thongs and bikinis), tops, loungewear, and socks for women and men. The temporary boutique will also showcase unreleased merchandise from MeUndies’s limited-edition Design of the Month line. The spot will also have a cool hangout spot, complete with couches, coffee tables, and free drinks. Starting Sunday; Open Monday-Friday, 10 am-8 pm, Saturday, 10 am-7 pm, and Sunday, 11 am-7 pm; 1627 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
Sales:
Eva Franco
Score the vintage-inspired designer’s retro dresses for $75 and skirts and tops for $55 during her two-day sample sale in DTLA. Friday, 12-7 pm, Saturday, 11 am-6 pm; 731 S Spring St., Ste 500, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Haati Chai, Amarilo, Melis Yildiz & More at Showroom Joplin
Get edgy-luxe jewelry from Haati Chai, Amarilo, and Artelier; lingerie and gowns from Michelle Herbert; footwear by Melis Yildiz, trendy apparel from e-tailer Shuku NY, candles from Candlessentials, and temporary tattoos from Gold Nine Ink at this sample sale in DTLA. Most items will be priced between $4-50. To enter the showroom, use gate code 206912. Saturday, 10 am-4 pm; 120 E 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90014
Monrow
Snag 50-70% off the LA basics brand’s classics, men’s, and fall/resort collections during its sample sale in Mezzanine 4. Friday & Saturday, 9 am-5 pm; 860 S Los Angeles St., Los Angeles, CA 90014, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Ruche & Threadsense
Score clothing, footwear, accessories, and home decor from charming e-tailers Ruche and Threadsense for $7 a pop. Cash-only! Saturday, 11 am-3 pm; 140 W Wilshire Ave., Fullerton, CA 92832
Tarina Tarantino
Head to the LA designer’s Sparkle Factory pop-up for 40-90% off her colorful jewelry, cosmetics, accessories, and more during the one-day sale. Friday, 10 am-3 pm; 910 S Broadway St., Los Angeles, CA 90015
Unionmade
Save 40% off fall/winter apparel, accessories, and more at the menswear retailer’s end-of-season sale. Through the end of February; 189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.965.2248
They Way We Wore
Score 50-70% off all clothing and accessories on the first floor (excluding items in cases) during the end of the designer vintage boutique’s semi-annual sale. Friday & Saturday; 334 S LA Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.937.0878
The Well
The essential beauty and retail spot is unloading almost everything for 50-80% off during its semi-annual warehouse sale. They promise major markdowns on its entire stock of labels. Expect to find women’s merchandise from Shakuhachi, edgy basics from Drifter, footwear from Miista, menswear from Zanerobe, accessories and apparel from Henrik Vibskov, and much more. Saturday, 11 am-8 pm;
