Los Angeles Weekly Roundup
(Things to Do in Los Angeles April 10, 2023 – April 13, 2023)
Monday
Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum
Witness mother nature at its finest at the Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum. The seasonal exhibit displays colorful plants and up to 30 beautiful butterfly and moth species taking flight around you. FYI – the best viewing times are between 10 – 11:00 am. Free – $23; Mondays – Sundays (through 8/13), 10:00 am – 4:30 pm; 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007; 213.763.3466
Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure
The family of Neo-expressionist painter Jean-Michel Basquiat welcomes you to experience King Pleasure, an art exhibition of over 200 never-before-seen and rarely-shown works. The immersive experience provides insight into the artist’s creative life through paintings, drawings, multimedia presentations, ephemera, and artifacts. $32+; Mondays, Wednesdays – Fridays, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturdays – Sundays, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; The Grand LA – 100 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Swirl into Spring with Yogurtland’s Sweet Spin on Classic Tea Drink Flavors
Spring has officially sprung at Yogurtland with two seasonal flavors, limited-time-only toppings, an online-exclusive digital cup, and more for the ultimate springtime celebration. The leading self-serve frozen yogurt brand invites froyo enthusiasts to experience the new Thai Tea and returning favorite, Boba Milk Tea flavors, Yogurtland’s take on two classic tea experiences, and its limited-time-only topping, rainbow mochi (available now while supplies last). Customers can also enjoy Yogurtland’s brown sugar mini mochi topping and an exclusive online treat, the Mochi Mochi Tea Cup, made with creamy Boba Milk Tea frozen yogurt and finished with a blend of the mochi-based toppings (available starting on 5/1 while supplies last). Various prices, locations, and hours
California Dreamin’: Discover the Golden State’s Best Hidden Gems
Planning your next road trip? Exploring California is an unforgettable experience, with endless opportunities for adventure and discovery, many of which are within a few hours’ drive of the main metropolitan areas – San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. From the sun-kissed beaches of Southern California to the rugged coastline of Big Sur, the state is home to a diverse range of landscapes and destinations. So whether you’re looking to hike through California’s national parks, indulge in world-class cuisine, or simply soak up the laid-back California lifestyle, there’s something for everyone. With its year-round sunshine, stunning scenery, and endless possibilities for exploration, California truly has it all.
Wednesday
Moxy & AC Hotels Downtown LA to Debut as a New Cultural Hub
On behalf of Lightstone, Moxy & AC Hotels Downtown Los Angeles will debut today. The soaring 37-story, 727 key property has been beautifully designed by Yabu Pushelberg and will offer a new cultural hub in Downtown LA. 1260 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015; 310.669.9252 (Moxy) and 213.385.2225 (AC)
- The debut of the 727-bedroom Moxy Downtown Los Angeles & AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles will bring a striking 37-story addition to the Downtown Los Angeles skyline, with two hotels side by side under one roof.
- The tower is wrapped in a 15,000-square-foot live LED screen — the largest 3D billboard on the west coast — that transforms the corner of Figueroa and Pico into an illuminated landmark.
- The building will be home to 12 new dining and entertainment venues and 13,000 square feet of meeting and events space in the blossoming neighborhood.
- Opening this summer, the two hotels will share Level 8, the brainchild of hospitality veterans Mark and Jonnie Houston, known for their immersive and wildly successful restaurants and bars across LA.
- La Lo La Rooftop will offer an outdoor sanctuary 34 stories up in the sky. The menu offers Spanish-style tapas with contemporary flair and highlights a selection of specialty cocktails, all perfectly complemented by lush plantings and views that stretch to the Hollywood Hills.
- Inspired by the spirit of discovery that California stands for, Yabu Pushelberg’s design carves out distinct identities for each hotel while remaining cohesive.
- At Moxy DTLA, Yabu Pushelberg captured the California desert’s iconoclastic romance and adventurous spirit, whilst AC Hotel DTLA is imagined as an artist’s loft.
- With street access, Moxy will be home to Bluestone Lane, ready to fuel co-working sessions with all-day Aussie-inspired coffee and brekkie sandwiches.
- The Moxy DTLA lobby is an expansive space with an open ceiling and an eye-catching jumble of design elements, including a retro-style motorcycle and sidecar.
An Evening Inspired By Carla Hall’s Soul Food at Caldo Verde
For one night only, chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne will welcome world-renowned chef, author, and restaurateur Carla Hall for a special event and dining experience inspired by her latest cookbook, Carla Hall’s Soul Food. As the latest installment in an ongoing series spotlighting chefs, restaurateurs, and food connoisseurs from around the globe that have inspired the duo over the years, the special event provides an opportunity for Hall’s highly sought-after culinary creations to be enjoyed in a distinct setting via a four-course pre fixe menu inspired by the book and prepared by Caldo Verde’s skilled culinary team. Highlights include Sea Island Shrimp and Grits, Pineapple-Habanero Fried Chicken or Oxtail Stew with Brown Rice, and Banana Pudding. $85; Wednesday, 5 – 10:00 pm; DTLA Proper – 1100 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA, 90015; 213.806.1023
Thursday
The Green Room Debuts New Through the Looking Glass Pop-Up Experience
As one of Los Angeles’ top craft cocktail destinations and speakeasies, The Green Room invites you to step past the unmarked and into their secret garden bursting with beautiful colorful flowers and twisted trees that draw inspiration from the beloved Alice in Wonderland. Inside their pop-up experience, enjoy The Mad Hatter welcome cocktail before interacting with various elements and characters from the story––from playing cards and teacups to the Cheshire Cat.
Off with their heads and onto the good part! While immersing yourself in the pop-up’s imaginative décor and playful ambiance, journey down the rabbit hole (menu) to indulge in The Green Room’s visually explosive and thematic food and drink offerings like the items below, which will have you feeling curiouser and curiouser! Various prices; Thursdays – Sundays (through mid-May), 6 – 11:00 pm; 1250 E Harvard Rd, Burbank, CA 91501; 818.962.4446
- Down the Rabbit Hole – Ube Crepe Cake, White Chocolate Ube Mousse, Pistachio Gelato, Candied Pistachio (+ don’t forget the Mad Hatter’s hat!)
- Crazy Rich Cocktail – Dos Gabachos Mezcal, Cucumber, Agave, Lime, Butterfly Pea Flower
- Buzz Off –Don Julio Blanco, Yuzu Lemon, Organic Ginger, Szechuan Flower, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Grand Marnier Whip
Celebrate Songkran (Thai New Year) at Two of LA’s Beloved Thai Restaurants
Historic LA Thai restaurants Tuk Tuk and Chao Krung are celebrating Songkran (Thai New Year). Songkran traditions are centered around cleaning and purification rituals to begin the new year. It’s also a festival of unity. Family members who have moved away return home to their loved ones (not unlike Thanksgiving in America). People also offer food to Buddhist monks as a “merit-making” ritual, because monks are not supposed to cook for themselves, so the Songkran menus at Chao Krung and Tuk Tuk are inspired by dishes people would prepare for monks in Thailand around this time.
- Chao Krung (Fairfax) serves a special five-course Songkran version of its monthly Sum Rup tasting menu. Prepare to feast on Hoi Nueng Kati (Aromatic coconut soup, green mussels, makrut lime leaves, galangal, lemongrass, and cilantro), Nam Prig Ong (Northern Thai dipping paste, minced pork, and tomatoes stir-fried with homemade red curry paste; served with an assortment of raw, blanched vegetables and crispy pork skin cracklin’), Pla Tod Dad Deaw (cured, sun-dried, fried salmon with apple salad in lime garlic chili dressing), Kaeng Matsaman (bone-in chuck ribs slow-cooked in south Asia style curry paste), Khanom Pang Ai Tiim (Homemade coconut ice cream, sweet sticky rice, dusted with crushed peanuts on a sandwich bun), an optional wine pairing is also available. $75; Thursday, 11:30 am – 10:00 pm; 111 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.939.8361
- Tuk Tuk Thai (Sawtelle) offers a casual three-course set menu featuring auspicious, symbolic dishes like Larb Moo Tod (Thai Spicy Meatball), Kanon Jeen Namya (Salmon Curry with Rice Noodles), Kanom Tong Yip, Tong Yod, Foi Tong (Golden Three Musketeers), and a Singha Beer. $38; Thursday, 11:30 am – 10:00 pm, Friday, 11:30 am – 10:30 pm, and Saturday, 12 – 10:30 pm; 1638 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025; 310.860.1872
Coming Soon
Melanie Wine Bar Announces Spring Wine Series Lineup
Melanie Wine Bar, West 3rd Street’s neighborhood wine bar, has announced its spring Melanie Talks Wine lineup of intimate, conversational wine tasting classes! Lead by Melanie Wine Bar’s wine director and locally beloved expert sommelier, Austin Ferrier, and lead sommelier Stephen Sherry, Melanie Talks Wine invites wine novices and enthusiasts to explore the history and winemaking methods behind unique and familiar wine varietals from around the globe. Each event in the series features themed wine talks and tasting experiences focusing on specific wine varietals or regions. Continuing its goal to transform the traditional wine culture from one of intimidation to an approachable experience, Melanie Talks Wine will celebrate curiosity amongst guests and encourage conversations about wine, all while pouring tastings over complimenting Cheese and Charcuterie. The theme for the first tasting is Languedoc/Roussillon. Cheers! $75; Saturday (4/15), 4 – 5:00 pm; 8310 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048; 323.592.3390
Other Tastings Include:
- Saturday, (4/29), 4 – 5:00 pm | Theme: Sonoma
- Saturday, (5/13), 4 – 5:00 pm | Theme: Alsace
- Saturday, (5/27), 4 – 5:00 pm | Theme: Oregon
Meet Your Makers Monthly Drink Series Continues at SALT and The Rooftop
Pacifica Hotels invites you to celebrate the creators of some of the top spirits, wines and brews with the Meet Your Makers series. Each month, the Meet Your Makers series offers the food & drink connoisseurs (or those who just want a nice night out on the town!) the chance to enjoy delicious aperitifs and learn what it takes to create a world-renowned liqueur, wine, and beer. Each event will offer vastly different food offerings paired with the highlighted drink to ensure that epicureans have a unique experience each time.
- Flights & Bites at SALT (Marina del Rey Hotel): Become an oenophile for the evening with tasty treats and pairings featuring Paso Robles-based Tooth & Nail Wine Company. $104.84; 4/20, 7:00 pm; SALT – 13534 Bali Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292; 424.289.8223
- Flights & Bites at The Rooftop (The Wayfarer DTLA): Wine lovers are invited to sip, mingle and meet the makers behind Tooth & Nail Wine Company at The Rooftop’s Meet Your Makers event with a wine flight featuring Tooth & Nail wines, passed appetizers and a take-home souvenir. $104.84; 4/21,7:00 pm; The Rooftop – 813 Flower Street Los Angeles, CA 90017; 213.285.4400
- El Tesoro Private Tequila Barrel Tasting at The Rooftop (The Wayfarer DTLA): In honor of Cinco de Mayo, The Wayfarer DTLA will continue its Meet Your Makers series with an El Tesoro Tequila barrel tasting experience. The event will include three specialty cocktails featuring the Private Pacifica El Tesoro barrel, passed appetizers, a take-home souvenir, and the opportunity to meet the makers behind the brand. $104.84; 5/18, 7:00 pm; The Rooftop – 813 Flower Street Los Angeles, CA 90017; 213.285.4400
