LA Examiner

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  • Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer Quietly Marry in Los Angeles

    Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer Quietly Marry in Los Angeles

    Image credits: Pexels

    Kristen Stewart, 35, and Dylan Meyer, 37, are officially married. The actor and screenwriter exchanged vows on April 20th in a small ceremony held at the iconic Mexican restaurant Casita del Campo in Los Feliz, California. The nuptials took place after a four-year engagement.  

    A Private Ceremony

    The wedding occurred on a Sunday, just days after the couple obtained their marriage license at the Los Angeles courthouse. Stewart, best known for her role in the Twilight series, wore a matching gray skirt and blouse paired with a white crop top. Meyer, who penned scripts for XOXO and Moxie, opted for a sheer white blouse and a beige satin skirt. She completed her look with a ponytail tied with a black ribbon.

    The ceremony took place in front of 170 guests, including actor Ashley Benson and her husband, Brandon Jack James, Nicholas Meyer (Stewart’s dad), and Phil Meynell, the co-owner of The Mulberry bar in New York City. The casual, close-knit wedding was just what Stewart always envisioned. 

    A No-Fuss Wedding

    In 2022, Stewart appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, hinting at an upcoming wedding and describing the vibe she desired for the ceremony.  

    “I want to have a big party or something,” Stewart said. “I think we might do it this weekend or something, and then hang out with everyone afterward. I just want to do it.” 

    The Oscar nominee got what she expected. She and Meyer enjoyed a low-key celebration at their favorite Mexican eatery. They tied the knot while surrounded by a small group of close friends and family. 

    In 2022, Meyer and Stewart hit a milestone in their relationship. For the first time, they appeared on the red carpet at the Academy Awards. At that time, the latter received a nomination for her role as Princess Diana in the movie Spencer.

    From Coworkers to Partners

    Stewart and Meyer first met in 2013 on the set of a film project. However, they didn’t begin dating until six years later. Their romantic connection reportedly began after reconnecting at a friend’s birthday party in 2019. Soon after, the couple was spotted together in public, holding hands and appearing cozy.

    Their relationship became official on Instagram in October 2019. Meyer posted a black-and-white photo booth picture of the two sharing a kiss. She captioned, “Find me under the covers hiding from the happiness police.”

    Love in Her Own Words

    Stewart has been candid about her relationship with Meyer in past interviews. During a 2019 appearance on The Howard Stern Show, Stewart recalled the first time she told Meyer she loved her.

    “The first time I told her I love her, it was late, and we were in some bar, and her friends were there or whatever, and they walked out, and I was just like: ‘Oh, man, I’m so in love with you.’ Like, done,” she said. “It wasn’t like ‘a thing,’ and it was so obvious.”

    Two years later, she returned to Stern’s show to share that she and Meyer were engaged. “We’re marrying, it’s happening,” she said.

    Life Beyond Wedded Bliss

    Aside from tying the knot, the newlyweds plan to start a family. In the meantime, the couple has also cemented their professional partnership. Last year, they launched their production company, Nevermind Pictures.  

  • LA Takes Its Wellness Obsession to a More Expensive Level

    LA Takes Its Wellness Obsession to a More Expensive Level

    Image credit: Unsplash

    Venice’s recently opened Hume wellness club features a compact hyperbaric chamber that circulates pure oxygen at air pressure rates approximately three times the normal amount. These high-end training tools are far from the outdated chain gym accommodations elsewhere. The new members-only club also boasts a gym with indoor/outdoor spaces overlooking the beachside enclave and offers services including Reiki, acupuncture, and lymphatic drainage massage. It also features a rooftop smoothie bar, steam rooms, and cold plunges, elevating the gym experience and reflecting a marked trend in LA. 

    Wellness Clubs

    Though Hume revolves around the wellness space, it does not feel like a traditional gym. The wavy sitting benches inside the workout spaces are crafted from polished concrete, which blends with the downtempo electronic music emanating from pipes inside the winding, three-story club. The recovery area’s focal piece is the buttery couch, where guests can prop their feet up and use one of the always-charged massage guns to work out any sore muscles. 

    Hume features a floral scent wafting in and out of the club courtesy of a local French perfumer. Members can also purchase the smell at the front desk and take it home. 

    Membership

    Unlike traditional gyms and wellness clubs, where members might be squeezing in a quick workout around the rest of their hectic lives, Hume aims for its patrons to “lose the sense of time” while at the wellness center. Co-founder and creative director Sandy Bole says, “There are no TVs anywhere. There are no clocks anywhere.” 

    This dissociation from time will cost members in other ways, however. Membership runs $395 per month, plus a $500 initiation fee and an application that may be rejected. 

    Hume aims to sell an aesthetically pleasing communal experience. Bole adds, “All the walls are hard-troweled, so you get this human, artisanal feel.” The creative director mentions that Hume has a waitlist with hundreds of hopefuls, but it is currently at capacity. However, outsiders are invited to Saturday socials if they come with a member. 

    Other Upscale Clubs

    Hume is not the only upscale fitness club in the area. Remedy Place, which considers itself “the world’s first social wellness club,” opened in West Hollywood in 2019 and now boasts New York and Boston locations. The US has other socially focused wellness club initiatives, including Othership, SAA, and Continuum. The clubs have surged in popularity recently because they cater to a crowd that craves experiential activities, preferably in a beautiful location where they can break a sweat.

    Some initiatives have LA roots, but they are becoming a nationwide trend. Unsurprisingly, the popularity surge comes when the lines of work-life balance have blurred, and social media dramatically influences many life decisions.

    As individualized self-care becomes the balm against the instability of the early pandemic era, the wellness industry has bloomed beyond what was predicted. Pair this with an almost insatiable appetite for more experiential fare and active forms of entertainment, and you have the reason for the growing number of high-end wellness clubs, particularly in the LA area.

  • Artist Umar Rashid Curates a Robert Colescott Show for Blum LA

    Artist Umar Rashid Curates a Robert Colescott Show for Blum LA

    Image credits: Pexels

    LA-based artist Umar Rashid is bringing his “The Anansean World of Robert Colescott” to Blum. The curated show combines 30 paintings and drawings from five decades of Colescott’s career. Works include drawings from the early 1950s, when Colescott would have been studying in Paris under Cubist artist Fernand Léger, semi-abstract paintings from the late 1960s, and works from the height of his career from the 1970s to the 1990s. The exhibition at Blum Los Angeles aims to shed a different light on the artist known for his harsh social critique of the US.

    Rashid brings a lifetime of adoration for Colescott, focusing on the historical aspects of the influential artist’s work. 

    Robert Colescott

    Robert Colescott’s most famous painting is “George Washington Carver Crossing the Delaware: Page From an American History Textbook” (1975). The work has since been acquired by the forthcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art at a Sotheby’s auction in 2021 for $15.3 million. Rashid drew inspiration for the exhibit from numerous spirits, including Ananse, a spider deity and trickster from West African mythology, positioning Colescott as the “grand trickster of the ages.”

    Umar Rashid’s Reflection on Colescott

    Rashid writes of Colescott, “The appellation is incredibly apt in terms of his artistic practice. Yet he was not born thus but forged through the crucible of being an African American fine artist in a time of limited opportunity for those like him and the ideals he sought to bring forth in a postindustrial world burdened by draconian racial awareness, social robotization, and post-imperial, imperial war machinations.”

    Rashid came into contact with Colescott’s “George Washington Carver Crossing the Delaware” years ago and compares the experience to a dream. Though he did not know the name of the pivotal work, Rashid knew of the iconic Leutze painting on which it is based.

    Artistic Influences

    Rashid grew up frequenting art museums with his father. He was taken by prominent artists such as Horace Pippin, Jacob Lawrence, Henry Ossawa Tanner, and Elizabeth Catlett, who created a canon of Black painters in his mind. It was in this environment that Rashid first experienced Colescott. He recalled in an interview, “I remember the Colescott and not thinking about or not looking at the cartoonish representation of Black people, but just looking at Black painters in general in the painting. But this painting just really stood out because it was historical. At the time, I didn’t get the tongue-in-cheek aspect of it. I didn’t see all the things that were happening. I just saw the image.”

    In 2018, Rashid was hosting an exhibition at the University of Arizona Museum of Art in Tucson when the curator told him that Colescott used to teach at that university. This brought him back to studying his work through a historical lens. Before that, Rashid was only familiar with Colescott’s nudes and Léger-era pieces. The Blum exhibition showcases a broader scope of his work to introduce the influential artist to a new audience.

    The curated exhibition runs through May 17 at Blum Los Angeles.

  • Nadine Ismail Examines Personal Wellbeing in Jordan and Los Angeles

    Nadine Ismail Examines Personal Wellbeing in Jordan and Los Angeles

    Image credit: Unsplash

    In an opinion piece for the Daily Bruin, Nadine Ismail reflected on the shifts in diet culture and societal norms between her childhood in the Middle East and the city of Los Angeles. While comments on weight and the suggestion of plastic surgery were common in Jordan, she was met with a “more pervasive form of body scrutiny” in LA.

    Nadine shared how even the lyrics from Katy Perry’s “California Girls” were setting unconscious expectations as she prepared to move to LA for college. She said that her friends would tease her about having to keep up with the “stick-thin, blonde athletes.”

    “While we laughed about these ideals,” Nadine wrote, “living in LA turned out to be more complicated than I expected. Moving here has undoubtedly changed my relationship with food in ways I didn’t anticipate.”

    “This shift left me wondering why,” she continued. “What is it about the Middle East and LA—their diet cultures and societal norms—that feels so different?”

    A Distinction Between Cultural and Societal Pressure

    In the remainder of her piece, Nadine explains what feels so different about the two standards as a distinction between Jordan’s cultural scrutiny and the hard, defining pressures of LA society.

    Jordan’s Cultural Scrutiny

    While no one is afraid to comment on appearance in Jordan, Nadine shared that her AP Calculus teacher once suggested that she get lip filler, which is tied to culture and community. It’s part of the norm to bluntly discuss weight and appearance, but comments were easily dismissed as they came and went.

    “Yes, beauty standards existed,” Nadine explained, “but they coexisted with values of family, hospitality and tradition.”

    LA’s Defining Pressures

    In LA, Nadine was met with billboards featuring models, Ozempic ads, and celebrities who pressured those around them to conform. As opposed to a passing comment, the societal pressures of LA are all-encompassing, intentionally narrowing the definition of what it means to care for oneself. Even when comments were made, they were subtle.

    “Small remarks in casual conversations would stick with me,” Nadine said. “‘Oh my god, I was so bad today. I ate a burger with the actual bun and fries on the side,’ or, ‘You think that’s healthy? It has peanut butter on it.’” 

    “I could never enjoy bread or eat peanut butter without hesitation again,” she shared.

    Societal Norms as Potential Hindrances

    LA caused Nadine to “unlearn” her previous feelings about food, from something social and abundant to something hesitant and invasive. Food started creating questions about whether she was eating right, exercising enough, or looking good enough. There was something positive about the wellness culture of LA, but it was hindered by the persistent pressure of society.

    “I’ve come to understand that both cultures have their flaws,” Nadine concluded. “Jordanian remarks about appearance are uninvited and unwelcome, yet their transparency makes them less corrupting. Meanwhile, LA’s wellness culture, despite its emphasis on body positivity, often feels tied to beauty standards that equate physical perfection with self-worth.”

    Finding Self-Worth in Any Culture

    Nadine’s example shows that, no matter the culture, its standards should not be a definition of one’s self-worth. They may inform identity, but the individual should always pursue the lifestyle that is best for their personal health and well-being.

  • 4 Must-Try Restaurants in Los Angeles This Weekend

    4 Must-Try Restaurants in Los Angeles This Weekend

    Image credit: Unsplash

    Augustine Wine Bar: A Vintage Experience

    For wine lovers seeking a unique experience, Augustine Wine Bar in Sherman Oaks offers more than just a drink. The 10-year-old establishment is home to owner David Gibbs’ impressive vintage wine collection, which includes bottles dating back to 1860. 

    After surviving a devastating fire in 2023, Gibbs reopened in December, eager to share his passion with the public. The menu is carefully crafted by chef Miguel Gonzalez and pairs perfectly with the wines, featuring dishes like tater tots with scallion emulsion, charcuterie, and gnocchi dumplings. With an impeccable sound system, Augustine’s ambiance enhances the experience. 

    “Get there early, grab a seat, ask for recommendations, and stay awhile,” insists Eater Southern California editor Mona Holmes. Augustine Wine Bar is located at 13456 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA.

    Felix: Perfect Italian Dining on the Westside

    Felix in Venice continues to impress with its refined Italian dishes. Known for its exceptional handmade pasta, Felix is helmed by chef Evan Funke. The spot remains a favorite despite Funke’s expanding empire, which now includes restaurants in Miami and Hollywood. 

    The menu at Felix offers everything from a hearty Radicchio salad (enough for four people) to the signature sage brown butter agnolotti and classic tagliatelle alla bolognese. 

    “The food was simply astounding,” raves Matthew Kang, Eater Southern California editor. Even on a Tuesday night, the restaurant was bustling with energy. Funke’s meticulous attention to detail is evident, making Felix an unforgettable dining experience. Felix is located at 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA.

    Pine & Crane DTLA: Taiwanese Breakfast Made Easy

    Pine & Crane, a popular spot in Silver Lake, has expanded to downtown Los Angeles. The restaurant offers a new breakfast menu that brings Taiwanese comfort food to the area. 

    From 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. daily, the restaurant serves breakfast dishes like sticky rice fan tuan with pork floss and breakfast porridge sets. The breakfast sandwich, with egg and pork sauce on fluffy white bread, is a must-try. 

    “The menu of Taiwanese-leaning breakfast dishes is a welcome addition to downtown,” says Rebecca Roland, Eater Southern California editor. For those seeking something different from typical breakfast fare, Pine & Crane DTLA is an excellent choice. Visit them at 1120 S. Grand Ave., Unit 101, Los Angeles, CA.

    Rasarumah: A Modern Malaysian Gem

    Located in Historic Filipinotown, Rasarumah is a modern Malaysian restaurant by chef Johnny Lee. With a menu that blends sour, peppery, and punchy flavors, Rasarumah brings a refreshing take on Malaysian cuisine to Los Angeles. 

    The decor features a mix of mid-century modern and Art Deco influences, setting the tone for a memorable meal. Highlights include ayam berempah (Malaysian-style fried chicken), tangy solo skewers, and a sweet-and-sour whole-fried snapper. 

    “The attentive service and strong wine list make it a perfect spot to impress out-of-towners,” notes Nicole Adlman, Eater Cities manager. Rasarumah is located at 3107 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA.

    Explore New Dining Experiences

    From vintage wine pairings to modern takes on international cuisine, these four restaurants offer a variety of dining experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Taiwanese, Malaysian, or an exceptional wine selection, Los Angeles has no shortage of delicious options this weekend.

  • Landmark LA Restaurant Original Pantry Cafe Closes its Doors After 101 Years

    Landmark LA Restaurant Original Pantry Cafe Closes its Doors After 101 Years

    Image credit: Unsplash

    The legendary Original Pantry Cafe in Downtown Los Angeles closed its doors on Sunday, March 2, 2025. The 24-hour diner had operated seven days a week for most of its history but closed due to a dispute between unionizing workers and its owner, the Richard J. Riordan family trust.

    The diminished foot traffic after the pandemic and other legal factors led to the historic eatery’s closure, marking a sad day for Los Angeles. Fans stood in line for hours during the restaurant’s last weekend to get a final taste of the home-cooked ham steak and eggs, pancakes, fried potatoes, and crunchy coleslaw.

    Richard Riordan

    In 1981, former LA mayor Richard Riordan purchased the Original Pantry Cafe after a server told him he ate too slowly while reading a book. The mayor-turned-restaurateur exclaimed in 2008, “I fell in love with it right then.” Riordan operated the cafe for decades, opening Riordan’s Tavern next door and feeding thousands of Angelenos.

    Original Pantry Cafe’s Public Appeal

    The restaurant was notable for its eclectic atmosphere and its ability to cater to families, business people, night owls, and college students. Wood-paneled dividers separated its tables, and it featured a long open kitchen and a front counter that offered views of the bustling short-order cooks working over hot grills. It became one of LA’s most iconic eateries, leaving thousands of diners without their favorite late-night spot.

    The restaurant built its Los Angeles legacy on its 24-hour service, making it a haven for night owls and early risers.

    The Original Pantry Cafe survived many challenges over the years. In the 1950s, it escaped a freeway project, moving its location to make way for an off-ramp, cementing its legacy among Angelenos.

    The cafe was famous for its lack of door locks and had rarely closed throughout its history. It remained open during the 1992 Los Angeles riots but temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. After pandemic restrictions were lifted, the Original Pantry Cafe operated with limited service hours from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and until 5 p.m. on weekends. Riordan passed away in 2023, and his family’s trust assumed ownership of the restaurant, ultimately deciding to sell it to fund its philanthropic operations. 

    Struggling to Make it Work

    The Original Pantry Cafe struggled to operate at full capacity after the COVID-19 pandemic, due to diminished foot traffic, a decline in in-person office workers, and a decrease in Downtown Los Angeles residents. It abruptly closed following the January 2025 wildfires.

    Weeks before Riordan passed away, workers filed a class-action lawsuit alleging unpaid overtime, rest, and meal breaks. The case remained in settlement talks as of February. Since the restaurant shut down, union workers sought to strike a deal requiring any new ownership to honor their existing contract. That never materialized, and the workers, represented by Unite Here, filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board in early February. The charges were dismissed due to a “lack of cooperation from the Charging Party.”

    A Shift in Funding

    The family trust attributes the restaurant’s closure to a decision to maximize its foundation’s financial resources, not the pandemic. The trustees, who primarily focus on academic charity initiatives, decided last summer to close the restaurant and sell the property to fund their foundation work.

    Though the Richard J. Riordan Trust is attempting to sell the business, the union still wants to ensure that new owners honor the existing labor contract. Union spokesperson Kurt Peterson said, “It’s still open from their perspective.”

    Downtown locals had hoped the restaurant would return to its pre-pandemic heyday with a rise in housing levels. Even with the closure of the Original Pantry Cafe, the entertainment district around Downtown LA continues to attract thousands of visitors to the Crypto.com Arena and LA Live.

  • Magic Farm, Starring Chloe Sevigny, to Open Los Angeles Festival of Movies

    Magic Farm, Starring Chloe Sevigny, to Open Los Angeles Festival of Movies

    Image credit: Unsplash

    Amalia Ulman’s Magic Farm debuts as the opening night screening of the second edition of the Los Angeles Festival of Movies. Presented by MUBI and Mezzanine, LAFM will be held from April 3-6, 2025, and will feature more than 20 feature films, a curated shorts roster, an inaugural animation program, and featured artist talks.

    Ullman’s sophomore film is laced with the sardonic humor the filmmaker is known for. The musical score also demonstrates her sense of humor, as the film follows an inept film crew pursuing a celebrated Latin American singer in the wrong country.

    Magic Farm, a MUBI film that had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January, will kick the event off at Vidots’ Eagle Theatre on April 3. The independent film was written and directed by Ulman and stars Chloē Sevigny, Simon Rex, and Alex Wolff. Critics have enjoyed the movie, calling it hilarious and charming with a vibrant visual style. Sheri Linden with The Hollywood Reporter states, “Magic Farm features a stupendous cast fully in sync with Ulman’s deadpan absurdity.”

    Magic Farm

    The film tells the story of a film crew working for an edgy media company who travels to Argentina to profile a local musician, though they are in the wrong country. As the crew works with locals to form a new trend, unexpected connections blossom while a pre-determined medical crisis looms. 

    The acerbic comedy highlights the American film crew’s ineptitude and their Argentine counterparts’ resourcefulness. Cumbia music is present throughout the film, adding nuance to each scene that follows the film crew who travel the world in hopes of exploiting offbeat international stories for sensationalized content. 

    Their new quest finds them chasing the elusive Super Carlitos, a whimsical singer known for wearing bunny ears, residing in San Cristobal. The inept crew travels to the wrong Latin American country and is forced to team up with locals to pursue their target through Argentina. The film follows the sardonic and dry humor from Ullman’s first film, El Planeta. The sophomore film has received warm reviews for Ullman and her work and debuts at LAFM.

    LAFM

    LAFM again partners with Vidiots in Eagle Rock, interdisciplinary space 2220 Arts+ Archives in Historic Filipinotown, and independent theater Now Instant Image Hall in Chinatown as screening venues. The lecture series will be held at the Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz. 

    Founders Micah Gottlieb and Sarah Winshall collectively said, “After a devastating start to the year for Los Angeles, we feel more inspired than ever about bringing our community together to watch, discuss, and celebrate great movies.”

    The founders continued, “We’re thrilled to host a variety of incredibly stirring and original films from some of the finest emerging international filmmakers, multidisciplinary artists, and top talents. It’s our pleasure to provide a holistic view of independent cinema today.”

    LAFM’s Lineup

    Along with Magic Farm, the festival includes Dennis Cooper and Zac Farley’s Room Temperature, Alexandra Simplson’s No Sleep Till, Grace Glowicki’s Dead Lover, Virgil Vernier’s Cent Mille Milliards, Julian Castronovo’s Debut, Or, Objects of the Field of Debris as Currently Catalogued, Courtney Stephens’ Intervention, and Charlie Shackleton’s Zodiac Killer Report.

    According to the festival’s description, Cooper will participate in an artist talk with Tony Tulathimuttle to “discuss their respective approaches and inspirations in creating aberrant and transgressive depictions of obsession and desire in cinema and literature. ” 

    Animation Today

    Cartuna presents Animation Today, and the lineup hosts Yoriko Mizushiri’s An Ordinary Life, Jan Sasaka’s Hurikán, Lucas Malbrun’s Margarethe ’89, Jean-Baptiste Peltier and Erika Haglund’s Mont Noir, John Kelly’s Retirement Plan, and Samuel Patthey’s Sans Voix.

  • Some of the Best Restaurants From Los Angeles’ Downtown Arts District

    Some of the Best Restaurants From Los Angeles’ Downtown Arts District

    Image credit: Unsplash

    Los Angeles is full of great places to eat, but the Downtown Arts District has cultivated an especially notable culinary scene in recent years. No longer an industrial zone, the neighborhood is now home to beautiful communities and incredible food. The following are some of the best restaurants in the area.

    Manuela

    Located in the Hauser & Wirth Gallery, chef Kris Tominaga combines Southern classics with coastal flair at Manuela. Designed as a place to enjoy a meal that matches the district’s refined artwork, the restaurant opens in the late morning and serves lunch until early afternoon, then reopens for dinner. Tominaga is known for his biscuits and barbecued oysters.

    Camphor

    Chef Max Boonthanakit began his career as a Nightshade pastry chef, worked for legendary chef Alain Ducasse, then returned to open a restaurant exactly where he got his start. Camphor opened in 2022 in the former pastry shop’s space and quickly earned a Michelin star. Boonthanakit serves flavorful, French-inspired cuisine in a refined setting from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day except Tuesday and Wednesday.

    Afuri

    Featuring house-made noodles and rich broth, Afuri’s specialty is a daytime bowl of ramen. The restaurant certainly isn’t lacking for options, like donburi bowls and hand rolls, but the ramen options are what draw guests from across the city of Los Angeles. Notably, the restaurant works to find innovative ways of accommodating dietary restrictions, offering vegan and gluten-free options, along with other alternatives. Anyone can enjoy a bowl of ramen at Afuri.

    La Cha Cha Chá

    La Cha Cha Chá is a Mexican restaurant on the rooftop of the Downtown Arts District, known for its remarkable views to match the food. Chef Paco Moran brings Mexico City to Los Angeles, offering a suite of shareable appetizers, family-style dinners, and tasty desserts. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and focused on dinner, but Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays have a happy hour from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    Camélia

    Camélia is a unique fusion of French dishes and Japanese ingredients, boasting a truly distinctive flavor in every dish. Perusing the menu, customers will find the usual French cuisine, but then discover Japanese ingredients incorporated into the classic dishes. For instance, the braised beef cheek features a touch of wasabi. To complement the cultural fusion, co-owner Courtney Kaplan has curated a beverage menu of French wine and Japanese sake.

    Bestia

    Though a decade-old classic Italian restaurant born from a warehouse, it’s still tough to get a reservation at Chef Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis’ establishment. Such an achievement alone speaks to the tastes one can expect at Bestia, which is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. every day. Menashe brings authentic handmade pasta and blistered-crust pizzas, while Gergis offers an array of delectable desserts.

    Girl and the Goat LA

    Originally from Chicago, Los Angeles’ Girl and the Goat location is no less enticing. The restaurant is known for providing globally inspired dishes in a beautiful and inviting space. At Girl and the Goat, diners enjoy a family-style experience, with options ranging from chili-Sichuan bass to goat curry. There are also plenty of tempting dessert options, including passion fruit ice cream and miso pineapple cake.

    Baroo

    Baroo was once an East Hollywood fermentation shop but has since transformed into a Korean tasting-menu restaurant. Chefs Kwang Uh and Mina Park are constantly creating new dishes to keep their menu fresh and exciting, proudly offering a completely vegetarian selection. Furthermore, customers have the option to pair their meal with a carefully curated drink list.

    A Dynamic Food Scene

    The Downtown Arts District certainly is a place for connoisseurs to keep an eye on. Popular restaurants line the blocks, and new locations open consistently. There’s so much to try in Los Angeles, and this neighborhood is one of the most exciting areas to explore.

  • Los Angeles Film School Alumni Take Home 8 GRAMMY Wins

    Los Angeles Film School Alumni Take Home 8 GRAMMY Wins

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    Excitement was high at the GRAMMYs this weekend as hundreds of music industry professionals gathered in Los Angeles to celebrate the year’s talent, sipping martinis and exchanging pleasantries and expectations about how the awards would go. Enthusiasm was particularly strong for alumni of The Los Angeles Recording School, a division of The Los Angeles Film School, many of whom were nominated this year. 

    Seven of the School’s alumni took home GRAMMY wins this year on five albums—eight awards in total—showcasing their work with such stars as Beyoncé, SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, and others.

    “Cowboy Carter”

    Beyoncé’s album Cowboy Carter claimed three GRAMMY awards: Album of the Year, Best Country Album, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance. Credited as contributors for the wins were four Los Angeles Film School alumni, including recording engineers Henrique Andrade (class of 2011) and Brandon Harding (class of 2013), as well as mixing engineer Jaycen Joshua (class of 2003) and assistant engineer Jacob Richards (class of 2017).

    This was engineer Brandon Harding’s first GRAMMY win; he was named individually to receive Album of the Year. Harding has actually been nominated twice before (in 2023) for his contributions to Beyoncé’s Renaissance album.

    “Revenge”

    Two of the engineers credited for work on Cowboy Carter, Jaycen Joshua and Jacob Richards, were also recognized for their work on Muni Long’s album, Revenge, which won this year’s GRAMMY for Best R&B Performance.

    “Every project is a journey,” Richards remarked, “and this recognition represents the incredible path alumni like me have created in the music industry. This acknowledgment goes beyond personal achievement—it’s about the collective creativity, attention to detail, and commitment to the craft we bring to every opportunity.”

    “Short n’ Sweet”

    Anthony Vilchis (class of 2018), a mixing engineer with over 600 major label credits, was awarded for his work as an assistant mixer and studio personnel for Sabrina Carpenter’s album Short n’ Sweet, which received two GRAMMYs, one for Best Pop Solo Performance and the other for Best Pop Vocal Album. 

    Other Credits

    There were more awards, too. Engineer Julio Ulloa (class of 2015) was credited for his contribution to Nxworries’ album Why Lawd?, which won the GRAMMY for Best Progressive R&B Album. Mixing engineer Hector Castro (class of 2014) was recognized for his work on SZA’s hit single “Saturn,” which received the GRAMMY for Best R&B Song.

    A Source of Pride for The Los Angeles Film School

    Founded in 1999 (and adding the LA Recording School as one of its divisions in 2010), Hollywood’s LA Film School has established a legacy to be proud of. The school is where Oscar-winning sound designer Phillip Bladh got his start, and its roster of alums have worked on many multi-platinum records, GRAMMY-awarded and GRAMMY-nominated albums, and Oscar-winning films, and have been recognized at film festivals internationally. Sunday’s wins for its alums were today’s chapter in a twenty-year story.

    The Los Angeles Film School’s offerings cover a broad range of fields and careers in the modern music industry. It offers entertainment-focused Bachelor of Science degrees in Animation, Audio Production, Digital Filmmaking, Entertainment Business, Film Production, Graphic Design, Media Communications, Music Production, and Writing for Film and TV, as well as several two-year degree programs. The hands-on education exposes students to industry equipment, editing labs, dub stages, and advanced recording studios.

    Given this year’s wins and the school’s mission of shaping passionate students into industry-defining professionals, it will be exciting to see what both those awarded at the GRAMMYs on Sunday and the school’s other alums achieve in the years to come.

    For more information on The Los Angeles Film School or The Los Angeles Recording School, check out their website at lafilm.edu.

  • L.A.’s Wellness Community Rises to Support Fire Victims, First Responders

    L.A.’s Wellness Community Rises to Support Fire Victims, First Responders

    Image credit: Unsplash

    As wildfires ravage Los Angeles, the city’s wellness community has rallied to support victims and firefighters. From free massages for first responders to meditation sessions, practitioners are providing solace during a time of widespread devastation.

    Zuma Beach is now an Incident Command Center for the Los Angeles Fire Department. There, a corner of the lot has transformed into a serene massage station. Organized by the nonprofit Do Good Bus, 13 massage therapists and a chiropractor offer free pain relief to firefighters returning from grueling shifts.

    “Our most critical need is helping first responders. That’s what we’re focused on right now,” explains Do Good Bus board member Erika Swartley. “These [firefighters], they’re moving trees, they’re on their feet for really long periods of time. This allows them to renew.”

    Therapists Provide Emotional Support

    The emotional toll of the wildfires has mobilized grief therapists across the city. Santa Monica-based therapist Claire Bidwell Smith launched Elegy, an online hub for grief resources. The platform includes articles, book recommendations, and a steadily growing list of therapists donating their services. Bidwell Smith has also started a weekly virtual grief support group for displaced residents and those who have lost homes.

    “There are so many aspects coming from this disaster—it feels very similar to COVID times,” she says. “But grief is a really big one that needs to be acknowledged and supported.”

    West Hollywood therapist Dana Nassau offers free Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) sessions for fire-related trauma. She explains the program’s value: “It’s a form of trauma therapy that can have a large effect in a relatively short period of time. It essentially shifts how we relate to traumatic experiences.”

    A public Google sheet circulating in L.A. lists more than 900 therapists who have offered free services to help residents process their fire-related trauma. 

    Yoga and Meditation for Healing

    Empowered Yoga Studio in West Adams provides free yoga classes to anyone impacted by the fires. Co-owner Rachel Hirsch explains, “It’s not just the people who are displaced—everyone is impacted. Whole ZIP codes are gone now, and that is traumatic for those people, but it also impacts the city broadly. It’s important to show up for one another, hold space for each other, as we flow through these emotions.”

    The studio also hosts donation-based classes to support the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and offers “pay-it-forward packages” purchased by supporters from as far away as Austria and the U.K. “It’s incredible, the outpouring. People care,” Hirsch confirms.

    Sweet Antelope is another West Adams organization. They will host a free “Dance Your Ass Off” event for displaced residents. Organizer Kristina Robbins shares, “I truly believe there is no greater source of wellness than a feeling of belonging.” 

    At Zula Den wellness center, free sessions include reiki, acupuncture, and sound baths. Zula’s creative director, Bar Asolin, explains the impact of these practices: “Sound baths are a form of meditation and allow anyone going through stress a way to deeply unwind. Reiki and breathwork—it helps people process emotions too.”

    In Santa Monica, artist Jess Mack leads nature-focused meditations at Merrihew’s Sunset Gardens. “People are feeling really ungrounded—it’s a time of great uncertainty—and this is very regulating,” Mack says. “You use your body and breath as an instrument for healing.”

    Small Acts, Big Impact

    Small gestures are also making a difference. Laurel Canyon mobile manicurist Vanessa McCullough offers free manicures and pedicures to evacuees. She explains her motivation: “It’s extremely important to continue to provide yourself with self-care, especially in stressful situations that are out of our control.”

    In a symbolic effort, the pro-democracy group 14th Now organized a healing snow ceremony. Members gathered snow in Washington, D.C., and shipped it to L.A. There, it will be melted and poured near the Hollywood sign in what organizer Dael Wilcox calls a “symbol of water to quench and heal the ground.”

    A Community United

    Through massages, therapy, yoga, and countless small gestures, Los Angeles’ wellness community is showing the power of collective care. Their selfless efforts provide relief—and hope—to a city facing enormous challenges.

  • Navigating the Busy Business Startup World of LA

    Navigating the Busy Business Startup World of LA

    Image credit: Unsplash

    Los Angeles is one of the most populated cities in the entire US. The City of Angels is an object of much admiration, adoration, and ambition, inspiring countless people over the centuries to dream big and attempt to turn their dreams into reality. Because of this, the city has become a thriving business destination, especially for newcomers. According to a recent report, in addition to having one of the largest populations of any American city, LA is also now the third-largest startup ecosystem in the US. Trailing only San Francisco and New York City, LA has become home to several global startup incubators and accelerators, including Amplify Partners and StartEngine.

    With so many people making the migration to LA every year, attempting to achieve their goals, you must plan ahead if you hope to be one of the lucky ones who truly make it. In order to take full advantage of what LA has to offer, however, it’s important to future-proof your business. Because of the sheer popularity of the city, LA is home to a dense concentration of entrepreneurs and investors, which means there’s a lot of competition. If you’re hoping to cut through such an oversaturated market with a new business venture, it will undoubtedly be an uphill battle, but it’s one that you can overcome. You should plan accordingly and continually evolve in terms of technology, services, and marketing strategies to maintain an edge.

    Staying Ahead of the Curve

    Los Angeles also has a highly diverse and trend-sensitive population, and consumer preferences often shift rapidly. Whether due to social media trends, new entertainment offerings, or simply cultural changes, LA businesses need to stay in tune with these fluctuations. To do so, they must focus on long-term market research and future-proof their operations.

    If you’re an entrepreneur entering the competitive LA market, the above are just two examples of how you can be future-proof, but there are many more. Here are some of the most crucial ways you should be future-proofing your new company, ensuring you reap all the rewards of LA’s startup ecosystem and none of the inevitable cons.

    Start With Insurance

    One of the most important things you need to have in place is insurance. In a city like Los Angeles, where natural disasters and legal disputes are significant risks, having comprehensive insurance can ensure your business is financially protected, regardless of what challenges arise. You need to look no further than the tragic recent fires that have plagued the city and its surrounding areas for proof of how incredibly important it is to have proper insurance in the event of the unthinkable happening.

    If you operate from a physical location, look into property insurance quotes. In addition, make sure you have general liability, cybersecurity insurance, and product liability insurance to protect against employee or customer accidents, faulty or lost products, and any financial loss accrued through a cyberattack.

    Invest in Sustainable Practices

    Investing in sustainable and eco-friendly practices is another effective way to future-proof your business in LA. Environmental consciousness is a growing trend, especially in California, and consumers are increasingly drawn to businesses that prioritize green living. Because of this, ensuring that your business utilizes eco-friendly and sustainable practices will not only benefit it in the long term but also earn you a larger portion of California’s ardent and avid customer base.

    Whether that means using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, or switching to energy-efficient processes, the important thing is that you adopt sustainable practices and are transparent about them. This ensures your customers know exactly how you’re helping the cause and positions you as a leader in the eco-friendly space.

    Build an Online Presence that Lasts

    As a result of LA’s diversity, the digital marketplace is ever-growing, with many people from various backgrounds to market to. If you want to continue to be successful in your marketing strategies over the coming years, you must ensure your business is future-proof by investing in a strong online presence. This includes optimizing your website for mobile users, utilizing the most popular social media platforms, and exploring all e-commerce channels available. An effective digital strategy will not only increase visibility but also position your business to reach these wider, more diverse audiences that LA is known for.

    Utilize LA’s Hub

    Lastly, Los Angeles is a hub for a wide range of talent, and this means the job market is heavily competitive. To get potential employees interested and retain loyal employees to boost your reputation, it is crucial that you create an inclusive and flexible work environment. Offering remote work opportunities or employee benefits like wellness programs can make the difference when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent. By doing so, you’re not only boosting that reputation, but you’re building a resilient workforce that knows LA and can adapt to its changing market conditions, working to navigate any future challenges.

  • Local Farmers: The Faces Behind LA’s Cannabis Growth

    Local Farmers: The Faces Behind LA’s Cannabis Growth

    Image credit: Unsplash

    LA is famous for its vibrant culture, celebrity status, and bustling lifestyle. It is also making headlines in the cannabis industry. As legalization expands across California, local farmers have become the capstone of a booming industry. Medical marijuana has been legal in the state since the 1990s, and the demand is only continuing to grow.

    As the popularity increases, it is essential to cultivate the products ethically to preserve the land, grow the local economy, and ensure consumers receive quality products. Cannabis farmers are responsible for cultivating an in-demand product synonymous with wellness and relaxation. They also have a critical role in society’s perception of the once-taboo product.

    LA Cannabis Farming Roots

    In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana, and the industry has since grown exponentially. Los Angeles County is home to myriad licensed cannabis farms that collectively contribute to a multi-billion dollar industry. This business transformation would not have been possible without the farmers who embraced the new opportunities that legalization provides.

    The farmers are dedicated to producing high-quality, sustainably grown cannabis. They prioritize organic cultivation methods, environmentally friendly practices, and community involvement. By doing so, they contribute to local and state economies and promote a healthy lifestyle with their crops.

    The Farmers

    At the heart of the cannabis industry are the dedicated farmers. LA farmers come from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have been in agriculture for generations. They have a strong work ethic, always looking for ways to optimize their crops while remaining environmentally sustainable. Local farmers are at the forefront of new farming techniques, prioritizing environmental responsibility. They focus on techniques such as water conservation, soil enrichment, and organic pesticides. One such farmer, John Tanaka, stated, “We’re not just growing cannabis; we’re also committed to preserving the land for future generations.”

    The local cannabis farmers have changed the societal stereotypes surrounding cannabis cultivation, along with the literal landscape. Through community engagement, education, and transparent practices, farmers are working to shift public perception of the cannabis industry. They do this by offering workshops and educational tours, which attract everyone from locals to industry leaders.

    How to Support Local Cannabis Farmers

    The demand for cannabis continues to grow, and supporting local farmers is essential, as with any other agricultural commodity. Consumers are encouraged to seek out locally sourced products, which not only support the local economy but also foster a deep sense of community. Small businesses like farmers’ markets, dispensaries, and online platforms are encouraged to showcase local farmers’ products to form a symbiotic relationship, much like a farm-to-table restaurant.

    Moreover, there are organizations dedicated to preserving the rights and interests of local cannabis farmers. The California Growers Association advocates for fair policies that support smaller producers in a competitive market. These initiatives ensure that the voices of local farmers are heard, protecting their rights and the quality of their products.

    Despite the burgeoning market, farmers face multiple challenges. Regulatory hurdles, taxation policies, and market competition can create significant barriers. However, the resilience and determination found in local cannabis farming communities ensure that the crops remain available for generations.

    Final Thoughts

    LA’s cannabis farmers are more than just cultivators. They are stewards of the land, community leaders, and advocates for sustainability. Their dedication to their craft upholds the quality and ethical standards needed by the industry to survive. These practices also make the industry more inclusive and responsible—a win for all involved. 

    When consumers support these local farmers, they contribute to the local economy and support a more sustainable and ethical industry. It all reinforces the idea behind the phrase, “Shop local,” which is good for the consumers, the farmers, and the land.