hoopLA Weekend

Friday

Ultimate Coachella Guide

I remember my first time going to Coachella. Was I dreaming? What was this magical place? I was amazed by everything I saw and the feelings of euphoria that overcame me. Coachella is not your average music event, but an eye-opening festival promoting self-love, peace, acceptance, creativity, positive vibes, friendship, eye-dropping art, and bomb-ass music! People are free to dress and be who they want without judgment or limitations. Coachella is a celebration of life and love. Simply put, Coachella = MAGIC.

Weekend one kicks off today and we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite food vendors, cocktail bars, and of course parties that are awaiting your presence. For those of you going, remember your sunblock and to hydrate. Enjoy the magic, have fun and be safe. For those of you staying home, you too can get in on the action by streaming your favorite acts on one of YouTube’s 3 Coachella Livestream channels (Channel 1, Channel 2, and Channel 3).

• Food
  • Broad Street Oyster Co
  • Cena Vegan (Vegan)
  • Craig’s Vegan Ice Cream  (Vegan)
  • Ggiata 
  • Hawkin’s House of Burgers 
  • Irv’s Burgers
  • Kogi BBQ
  • Monty’s Good Burger  (Vegan)
  • Outstanding in the Field Chefs: Reservations required; $275
  • Prince St Pizza 
  • Sushi by Scratch: Reservations required; $375
  • Trill Burgers 
  • TRIO Palm Springs
  • Umami Burger
  • Xiao Chi Jie 
• Cocktails
  • Bar Flores 
  • The Cabin 
• Parties
  • Bootsy Bellows Festival After Party: The L.A. nite club from the h.wood group is hosting a celeb-filled Coachella after party Saturday night. Tickets are hard to come by, but if you can manage to get in, you are guaranteed to have an amazing time. Saturday, 11:00 pm – 4:00 am
  • Day Club Palm Springs: $30+; You can’t go to Coachella without going to Day Club Palm Springs. Come for the day or relax all weekend, and sip libations while listening to DJs and soaking up the sun. Friday – Sunday; Hilton Palm Springs – 400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262; 760.320.6868
  • Deep in the Desert: This party from Deep Space Productions is for those of you who love EDM and dance music. Past guests include Justin Bieber and Leo DiCaprio. Please reach out to @zochagroup to RSVP and for the location and hours
  • The Do-Over: the Do-Over may be the hottest Sunday Funday party, period. Dress to impress because you never know who you may see at this world-famous Sunday day party! RSVP recommended; Sunday, 12 – 6:00 pm; Ace Hotel – 701 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92264
  • Neon Carnival: Tickets may be sold out to what has been called THE Coachella party, but you can get creative. Reach out to them on the gram. Find Coachella Promoters. Put on your Sherlock Holmes hat and get to this uber-exclusive world-renowned party! Saturday
  • Rolling Stone: ARRIVE Hotel hosts the ultimate pool party event brought to you by Rolling Stone Live and Meta. Saturday; Please reach out to @zochagroup to RSVP and hours; 1551 N. Palm Springs Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262; 760.507.1650
  • Saguaro Palm Springs: Tickets may be sold out for this weekend’s bash, but we strongly encourage you to get on the waitlist. The weekend extravaganza has outdoor yoga, DJs, pool parties, and tons of merch. Saturday – Sunday; The Saguaro Palm Springs – 1800 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92264; 760.323.1711
  • TAO Desert Daze with Galore Magazine and TAO Beach Club: The esteemed TAO Group is hosting a pre-festival party on Saturday and a Vegas-style pop-up Beach Club on Sunday. Please reach out to @zochagroup to RSVP and for location and hours
  • The Zoe Report’s Annual ZOEasis: Fashionista Rachel Zoe and her website The Zoe Report will be hosting their 6th annual ZOEasis party complete with art installations, celebrity guests, music, and more. Saturday; Please reach out to @zochagroup to RSVP and for location and hours

Europe’s Premium Mixer and Tonic Brand, Double Dutch, Makes U.S. Debut

Europe’s premium flavored mixers and tonic brand Double Dutch is now available in the United States. The high-quality mixers and tonics enhance every drink and are also delightful as a standalone refreshment. Flavors range from Indian Tonic Water, Ginger Ale, Ginger Beer, and Soda Water mixers. Double Dutch is available at exclusive members-only clubs, bars, and restaurants such as Soho House. Double Dutch, “Never Drink Dull Again.”

Saturday

n/soto (from Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida-Nakayama) is Now Open

n/soto, the upscale izakaya-inspired Japanese restaurant from Chef/Owners Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida-Nakayama is now open! The dynamic indoor/outdoor restaurant features a menu of a rotating selection of family-style dishes reflecting the seasons of California. Wednesdays – Sundays, 5:30 – 10:00 pm; 4566 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016; 323.879.9455

Workshop Kitchen & Bar + Mauro Café

Workshop Kitchen & Bar is making its Los Angeles debut next month, and executive chef and owner, Michael Beckman is offering a special preview. Beckman has formed a tasty partnership with Melrose Italian café, Mauro. For one night only, Chef Beckman will bring his wood-burning oven to the café to serve two specialty pizzas: Finochiona (with shallot thyme marmalade, tomato sauce, Niçoise olive, and mozzarella) and Potato Leek (with bechamel, parmesan, mozzarella, and mache). $24; Saturday, 5 – 7:00 pm; Mauro Café – 8112 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046; 323.653.2874

Kevin Bludso & Bludso’s Bar & Que

TV personality and chef Kevin Bludso is celebrating the release of his cookbook “Bludso’s BBQ Cookbook: A Family Affair in Smoke and Soul” with a special launch event at Bludso’s Bar & Que. Guests will sample meals from the cookbook prepared by Bludso and some of his famous industry friends. If you close your eyes, you can almost smell the delicious BBQ. $95 (includes a signed copy of the new Bludso’s Cookbook); Saturday, 7 – 10:00 pm;  609 N La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.931.2583

Viceroy Santa Monica Launches Pet Travel Deal and New Wags & Brunch Menu

In celebration of National Pet Day, Viceroy Santa Monica is launching a new Wags & Brunch menu of unique food and drinks. Your furry friend can relax and enjoy such items as Puppy Scramble (eggs, spinach, shredded chicken), Salmon Stir Fry (organic chinook salmon, edamame, rice), Fruit & Yogurt (non-fat yogurt, sliced bananas, berries, honey), Lady & The Tramp (coconut water, sliced pink lady apples, parsley) and the Snoop Doggy Dog (CBD oil, almond milk, peanut butter, and banana). In addition, the hotel will be waiving the pet fee of $125 through the end of May. Saturdays – Sundays, 6:30 am – 2:30 pm; 1819 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.260.7500