LA CA GIRL

kcetliving: Weekly Fun: Events to Guide Your Free Time This...

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:23:27 -0700

Weekly Fun: Events to Guide Your Free Time

This week, Los Angeles seems to have a lot to talk about. There are discussions, seminars, panels, plays and festivals surrounding the spoken word all throughout the city, with topics that are sure to please even the most hardened listener. Take a look at our constantly updated events page for a full listing of all the great food, art and culture events going down this week and beyond.

Read more here.

If I won the lotto tomorrow I would buy tickets to every...

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:10:00 -0700

If I won the lotto tomorrow I would buy tickets to every festival on this list….why are these lineups so good!?

Sasquatch (WA)- Mumford & Sons, Postal Service, Sigur Ros, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Vampire Weekend, XX, Elvis Costello, Lumineers, Arctic Monkeys, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Empire of the Sun, Bloc Party, Andrew Bird, Steve Aoki, Azealia Banks, Tame Impala, Bauuer, Dirty Projectors, Shovels and Rope,

Bonnaroo (TN)- Paul McCartney, Mumford & Sons, Tom Petty, Wilco, Pretty Lights, Lumineers, Passion Pit, R. Kelly, Wu-Tang, XX, Grizzly Bear, Bjork, Of Monsters and Men, Jim James with John oats, Billy Idol, ZZ Top, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Matt & Kim, Dirty Projectors, Local Natives, Weird Al, Kendrick Lamar, Foals

Lollapalooza (Chicago)- The Cure, Mumford and Sons, The Killers, NIN, Phoenix, The Postal Service, Vampire Weekend, New Order, Queens of the Stone Age, Lumineers, Kendrick Lamar, Steve Aoki, Ellie Goulding, Thievery Corporation, Grizzly Bear, Steve Angello, The National, Azealia Banks, Makor Lazer, Hot Chip, Cat Power, Crystal Castle, Local Natives, Lana Del Rey, Beach House, Dillon Francis, Matt & ki, Grizzly Bear.

Outside Lands (SanFran)- Paul McCartney, Red Hot Chili Peppers, NIN, Kaskade, Phoenix, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Vampire Weekend, Pretty Lights, Jurassic 5, The National, Grizzly Bear, Hall & Oates, Matt & Kim, A-Trak, Band of Horses, Gary Clark Jr, Dillon Francis, A-Trak, Yeasayer, Deap Vally, Foals

Bumbershoot (Seattle)- TBA (last year included Gotye, Jane’s Addiction, Skrillex, Tony Bennett, M83, Awolnation, Passion Pit, M. Ward, City & Coulour, Barcelona, and a load of funny comics)

You can’t have any regrets at Coachella but I definitely...

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:00:46 -0700

You can’t have any regrets at Coachella but I definitely can wish I were going again this weekend. Soooo many bands…sooooo little time. Here is who we caught…

Friday: Dillon Francis, Jake Bugg, Of Monsters and Men, Passion Pit, Modest Mouse, Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Fav of the day), Blur, Bassnectar.

Saturday: Violent Femmes, Portugal the Man, Hot Chip, The Postal Service, Moby DJ set, Phoenix (Fav of the day).

Sunday: The Lumineers (Fav of the day), Social Distortion, Rodriguez, Oakenfold, La Roux, Vampire Weekend, Pretty Lights, Wu-Tang, Red Hot Chili Peppers

If I were going this weekend I would see: C2C, Metric, Local Natives, Jurassic 5, The XX, Franz Ferdinand, Knife Party, Shovels and Rope, Alex Clare, Benassi, Major Lazer, and Janelle Monae.

I love Halloween!!! I had three costumes this year (Frankenstein...

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 10:22:00 -0700

I love Halloween!!! I had three costumes this year (Frankenstein and his bride with my bf, Troll dolls with my gfs and Hunger Games with my coworkers). It is so fun to get in the spirit and dress up. So, I am doing the top 10 BEST Halloween Costumes (I saw) of 2012!

10. Ace Ventura (pink tutu, crazy hair, combat boots)

9. Walter White (has to have a shaved head ;0)

8. North by Northwest (suit, tie pinned to the side and a model airplane attached above the head)

7. Publishers Clearing House winner (big check, hair in curlers, robe)

6. A Golden retriever dressed as Charlie Chaplan

5. French Kiss (Kiss makeup, beret, black and white stripped shirt)

4. Sister Wives (conservative dresses, long braid, 2+ girls + 1 guy)

3. Jaegar Bomber (vest with Jaegar and red bull attached to it)

2. Toy claw machine (glued stuffed animals all over themselves with twinkle lights and a claw arm)

1. Loader from Aliens (using the baby as the driver) see it here. So good!

What were the best ones you saw this year?

Oct. 12 edition. It is National Dessert Month so I am...

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:28:43 -0700

Oct. 12 edition. It is National Dessert Month so I am delivering a sweet Weekender for you all!

Try on of these sweet treats this weekend to celebrate my favorite month!

Boneyard Bistro- Jack ‘n Coke Decadence Cake (flourless chocolate cake, coca-cola, caramel, chocolate sauce and whipped cream). $10

Bottega Louie- Macarons (comes in vanilla, salted caramel, earl gret, pistachio, lemon and more). 4 for $8

Porto’s- Anything (they have muffins, brownies, cakes, cookies and my fav the fruit tarts). Ranges from .50 to $3.

Nothing Bundt Cakes- Bundelets (comes in marble, carrot, red velvet and more). $5.99

Cheesecake Factory- The Pumpkin Cheesecake is back! $6.95

If you want to check out the 101 best desserts in the country, click here

I am kind of surprised I have not been to The Barnyard Bistro...

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:59:00 -0700

I am kind of surprised I have not been to The Barnyard Bistro before. It was great! I recommend it for a group, to hang at the bar and watch the game or for a dinner date.

This is what my bf and I had and how we rated it:

Small bites:

Devil’s Eggs- made with sriracha and jalapeño. 3.5/5. Not that spicy but definitely has a kick and interesting flavor.

Pulled Pork Dumplings- 4/5. Interesting fusion of bbq pulled pork and an asian style dumpling.

Spicy Ahi Tuna Tacos- 4/5. Had this as my main. Great flavor with mango serrano salsa. I asked for the spicy aioli on the side and I am happy I did! It was spicy.

Main:

Pulled Chicken Sandwich- My bf ordered this as his main and I had a sample of the pulled chicken. So good! He added onions, pickles and white mustard. Recommended. 4.5/5

Sides:

I am rating the side of fried Mac N’ Cheese separately because it was that good! 5/5

Check it out!

Cost:$$

13539 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

This is all you need to know about for this weekend! Culture...

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 09:16:10 -0700

This is all you need to know about for this weekend!

Culture Collide 2012!

WHAT: FILTER Magazine’s Culture Collide is a four-day international festival welcoming artists from 25 countries and counting, bringing their unique perspectives on music and culture to LA’s East Side for a musical melting pot of live performances, film screenings, and happy hours featuring food and drink from around the world. The festival will once again end with the Block Party, a free all-day event in Echo Park on Sunday, October 7th. (http://www.culturecollide.com).

WHEN: October 4-7, 2012

COST: $20

Get Ready For 2013

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 17:20:43 -0700

Next year is going to be way better than this year in the movie watching department. Here are the...

SHOPPING ALERT! Last week after having a lunch meeting in...

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 17:01:41 -0700

SHOPPING ALERT!

Last week after having a lunch meeting in Manhattan Beach I stumbled past the cutest little shop on the way to the car. Of course I stopped in for a few minutes to peruse in Katwalk on Manhattan Beach Blvd. They have super cute (and affordable) jewelry, shoes and clothing. I didn’t actually have time to do a full sweep or purchase anything so I will definitely be going back next time I am in the area.

12 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Ohhh people. This girl has found yet another YUMMY food truck...

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 16:56:50 -0700

Ohhh people. This girl has found yet another YUMMY food truck that you should follow. Today my co-workers and I headed out to Warner Brothers to find the Cousins Maine Lobster Truck. However, I was distracted by the Asian Cravings truck (if you know me you are not surprised). Oh boy! My lunch was delicious!

I got the Crispy Pork & Shrimp Potstickers with Curry Aioli & Sweet Soy Reduction (pic above). They also have Asian tacos, “Angry” chicken wings and chicken katsu with curry rice on the menu. I must say I give my lil food truck meal a 5/5! It was that good. I got it over rice for $2 extra.

A must try!

New to try

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:13:26 -0700

More places to add to my foodie bucket list Messhall Los Feliz 3 Dog Cantina Los Angeles L&E...

Baco Mercat Downtown LA My girlfriends and I started this...

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 09:43:00 -0700

Baco Mercat Downtown LA

My girlfriends and I started this tradition of having a dinner out together a few months back. We go the last weekend of the month and It is an opportunity to get together around our busy schedules and try one of LA’s great restaurants without breaking the bank. So far we have been averaging only $20 a person, which is great! We also get to sample a bunch of different plates this way. This past Sunday we went to Baco Mercat downtown. I would definitely recommend this place for a group or a romantic date!

Let me note that we were seated about 30 mins after our reservation time but the manager gave us free champagne, cured ham and a flatbread pizza to start us off. Great service! Here is what we had and how I rate it.

Sugar Snap and pear salad with burrata, dill and walnut 3.5/5 (could have had more burrata and less dill)

Dry cured ham. 3.5/5

Cheese plate. Although I loved the cheeses, the honey and pickled grapes on the plate I thought the portion was small for the price. 3.5/5

Cream of Mushroom Coca (flatbread) on the house. Yum! 4/5

Caesar Brussel Sprouts (with garlic, pecorino, anchovy). This was really good! 4/5

Hamachi Crudo (with avocado and hash brown). 5/5 This was my favorite thing of the meal!

Baco (sandwich) The Original (pork and beef carnitas) 2/5. Didn’t really care for this. But I would try another baco next time!

Check it out!

408 S. Main St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Cost: $$

It is a Carmageddon weekend! My advice? STAY HOME…or stay...

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:21:23 -0700

It is a Carmageddon weekend! My advice? STAY HOME…or stay local. Just avoid the freeways people. Here are a few things for you to do broken up by town.

The Valley - Single? Head to Laurel Tavern this weekend, Refinery 29 included this place in it’s guide to meet guys. You will find the witty writer type here according to the site. Or if you are a dude reading this…go to Laurel Tavern and pick up on chicks using Keats or Dickenson ;)

Check out their other suggestions here :)

Hollywood- The Galbani Italian Feast is going on all weekend long at Hollywood and Highland. Get in for $5 and then buy up tasty Italian dishes you can stuff in your big boca (mouth).

Santa Monica- Front Porch Cinema brings a free screening of The Wizard of Oz to the Santa Monica Pier tonight. Come dressed as your favorite character, if you like, or feel free to sing along. Lawn chairs are available to rent, and food and drinks are available for purchase. Music starts at 6 pm and the film screens at 7:30 pm. FREE (P.S I am really sad Carmageddon is preventing me from attending this!)

Echo Park- Carmageddon got you in a mood? Party like there is no tomorrow at the End of the World Party Saturday at Los Globos, created by the guys behind Rebel Bingo. Dress like you’ve never dared, make a wish in the last wish wall and make last song requests. $5. Starts at 10pm.

Pasadena- Do some good this weekend and join Heart Walk at the Rose Bowl on foot for a good cause. Walk starts Saturday 8am.

Century City- Check out some super cool art at the Annenberg Space for Photography where the ever buzzing WHO SHOT ROCK & ROLL display is up. Opens at 11am daily.

LAers! I have something fun for you to do this weekend!!! Do...

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:31:01 -0700

LAers! I have something fun for you to do this weekend!!!

Do you like outdoor movies?

Do you like food trucks?

Do you like live music?

If you answered yes to all of these questions then you will love this event, Eat|See|Hear by Fandango! If you said no then you are a square. Sorry. This is the final one of the summer so don’t miss out!

When: Saturday Sept. 15th (doors open at 5:30pm, music at 7pm and movie at 8:30pm)

Where: Westwood Recreation Center

What: Live Music + Food trucks (Flatiron, The Fry Girl, Jogasaki Burrito (<3), Coolhaus and B Sweet Moble) + The Karate Kid!

If you want some good authentic vietnamese food try Pho So 1 in...

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 11:39:47 -0700

If you want some good authentic vietnamese food try Pho So 1 in Van Nuys! Don’t be scurred to venture deep into the valley because this place is worth it! We got some great dishes you should try out!

Start with the egg rolls! Wrap them in lettuce with then veggies and dip them in the sauce and you will be in heaven. Some of the best I have had. 5/5

Pho- choose any from the menu. Tastes great! 4/5

Order a Thai ice tea to go. Seriously some of the best I have had. 5/5

I also ordred a bun vermacilli dish that had pork and a friend egg. mmmm. 4/5

Check it out!

6450 Sepulveda Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91411

My bf and I enjoyed a lovely evening this past Labor Day weekend...

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 10:14:15 -0700

My bf and I enjoyed a lovely evening this past Labor Day weekend at the LA Times Taste Event. I suggest you all go next year! They set up booths from different local restaurants and alcohol brands and give you samples to try. What a better way to enjoy a summer night? From that I now have a list of even more restaurants I need to try! So I don’t forget, I am putting them down here.

Since I know you all have one here is my (super specific) order...

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 09:47:50 -0700

Since I know you all have one here is my (super specific) order at Starbucks-

Grande Ice Chai Tea Latte with non-fat milk and only 3 pumps (instead of 4- cuts calories between the milk and the pumps).

;)

Do not fear the express sushi route! When you crave sushi and...

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 09:39:56 -0700

Do not fear the express sushi route! When you crave sushi and you want it quick and you want it cheap, I have the place for you. Sushi Don! They have 184 reviews on yelp, mostly 5 stars at that. You can get 1 of 2 combinations. I went with combo B and got myself a spicy tuna roll, 5 pc of sushi (tuna, yellowtail, salmon, and albacore) and a salad for $11.95. It was all good and fresh!

Check it out!

4816 Laurel Canyon Blvd

Valley Village, CA 91607

I did go to Bow & Truss for a happy hour a few months ago...

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 09:28:19 -0700

I did go to Bow & Truss for a happy hour a few months ago but recently went with girlfriends for a nice dinner. The great thing about going in a group is getting to sample all of the dishes. After this second trip to this hot new NOHO spot I would definitely recommend it to friends. It is just lovely. Here is what we had and how I rated it:

For starters they bring the table little cups with marinated castelvetrano olives and spicy friend macron almonds. Yum!

Queso- we ordered the cheese plate (5 cheeses-Idiazabal, Iberico, Manchego, Mahob and Caprichevere) and it was delicious. Served with fresh berry jam, toasted almonds, toasted bread, and papaya. 4.5/5 for variety and quality of cheese.

Lobster Ceviche with plantain chips- fresh and tasty 4/5

Empanadas- 4/5 (they get an extra point for the sauces, though I think LaLa’s emps are better)

Smelt frieds- did not thing I would like this but they were seasoned great! 4/5

Pulled pork belly taco- not my favorite. 3/5

Chorizo Meatballs- couldn’t eat this- way too spicy for me. 2/5

Shelled Paella- with clams, shrimp, mussels, scallops and chorizo. I liked this though it had that burnt flavor to it (maybe they cooked it too long). I thought the scallops and shrimp were delicious. Big enough to share. 4/5

Overall highlights: They have valet, the service was great and the food was tasty.

Aug. 31 Hello LA! Need something fun to do this long holiday...

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:50:32 -0700

Aug. 31

Hello LA! Need something fun to do this long holiday weekend? Check out all the haps in the hood.

“Hello Clarice”-Scariest words ever..now in a musical! Yes Silence of the Lambs can now creep you out on stage too. At the Hayworth, opening Saturday.

Beach and Bands- Don’t fight traffic to go out of town this weekend, have a staycation and head to a beach instead. Check out the Pacific Festival: The Dunes in Newport on Sunday from noon-10pm. $55

Finally, the Fair is Here!- Fried butter, ferris wheels, and miniature pigs for petting? I am in! The LA County Fair is all weekend long (end Sept. 30th) in Pamona. $12

Labor Day Festivities- Join Crafted at the Port of LA for a BBQ and live music in the courtyard. Saturday and Sunday from 2-6pm.

Burning Man- Can’t forget to mention one of the best coast’s biggest festivals going on this weekend Burning Man. If you are into art, self-expression, dirt, and thousands people dressed in crazy getups this is the place for you!

Music to the ears- Looking to rock out with your…well you know where I was going with that. Check out FYF Fest this Saturday -Sunday at the LA State Historic Park. Noon-midnight hundreds of bands/artists/DJs will be playing for your entertainment. M83, Refused, Beirut, Sleigh Bells, Yeasayer to name a few. $89

Happy holiday weekend!!

XO LA Girl