Tag: los angeles

Check Out These New Places to Eat in LA

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Los Angeles is known for many things, but its food is one of its staples. You needn’t look further than this list for those looking for new offerings for breakfast or something for lunch and dinner.

(Saying Goodbye to) Breakfast at All Day Baby

Many find it hard to say goodbye to a restaurant that offers vibrant experiences. However, All Day Baby, which ends its long five-year run on December 15, is one of those goodbyes that will be especially hard. This late fall, the wait to get in has been pushed to an hour as people have flocked in droves to arrive as first-timers or regulars to bid farewell.

The classic breakfast biscuit with sausage, slathered with jam and topped with eggs and cheese, is a fan favorite. There will be a few breakfast sandwiches made like those at All Day Baby, sweet and tender, and with a crisp biscuit to top the salty and fatty notes.

Be sure to get in to eat at All Day Baby before December 15, as afterward, the restaurant will no longer be in business. All Day Baby is available at 3200 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026.

Sandwiches at Torinos Sandwiches

Tongue sandwiches at Torinos Sandwiches in Pasadena are hot on the menu. Tucked between a bakery and a travel agency on Washington Boulevard, the shop has been around since 1986. It boasts a robust menu of sandwiches, including panini, and composed plates that highlight various Middle Eastern dishes ranging from garlic chicken to falafel and sujuk.

Their tongue sandwich is one of their specialties and arrives neatly sliced and wrapped in parchment paper. Tenderized tongue, tomatoes, pickles, and fresh jalapeno spears are meticulously layered between toasted bread with a generous swipe of toum in every bite. Add in some pickled pepperoncini for extra spice and tang.

You can find Torninos Sandwiches at 1672 E. Washington Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91104.

Pork Sisig Try Mumshies Kitchen

Mumshies Kitchen is a Filipino homestyle restaurant. Founded by Frances Vergara in Van Nuys, the former Etihad flight attendant aimed to pursue cooking dreams. The sisig, one of Vergara’s specialties, is made with chopped pork belly, pig ears, pig snout, chicken liver, and onion, accompanied by a properly fried egg and spicy vinegar. The meat is well-chopped and blended with warm, fluffy rice to enhance the flavor of porcine.

You can find Mumshies Kitchen at 14435 Victory Boulevard, Van Nuys, CA, 91401.

Noodles at Ding’s Garden

Ding’s Garden has been a neighborhood favorite serving pan-regional Chinese since its opening in 1998 for years. The wok dishes are excellent, including chicken fried noodles and pork chop over fried rice. Their version of dan dan noodles also hit the post, as they are served with extra-long wheat noodles and a spicy, nutty sauce.

Ding’s Garden is at 733 W. Naomi Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91007.

Chicken Drumettes From Thunderbolt

The cocktail destination Thunderbolt in Historic Filipinotown is close to downtown, and Mama Leah’s chicken drumettes are the perfect snack. Initially inspired by chef Johneric Concordia’s mother, the drumettes feature crisp, sugary outsides and juicy meat within. They are nicely paired with drinks, including the La Frutera #3, which fuses tequila, guanabana, and smoked pineapple.

Thunderbolt is at 1263 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026.

Tostadas at Tacos San Miguel Arcangel

Last but not least, some restaurants make the perfect comfort food. Tacos San Miguel Arcangel, a street stand, evokes feelings of comfort for Mexican taquerias. With sunflower-draped tables, their burritos are served with Oaxacan-styled pollo, tasajo, cecina, and chorizo alongside fluffy telera bread tortas, mulitas, memelas, and quesadillas.

However, their tostadas are a standout. They are almost as large as the paper plates served on and topped with grilled tasajo, stringy queso Oaxaca, crisp cabbage, avocado, and tomatillo salsa.

You can find Tacos San Miguel Arcangel at 12814 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90066.

December 14, 2024
It’s That Bad: Poor Air Conditions Blanket L.A.
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Last week, Greater Los Angeles was issued a sweeping air quality alert. L.A.’s unique geography and persistent pollution sources created challenging air conditions through this past Friday at midnight. Announced last Wednesday, the alert comes as the basin’s natural bowl-like terrain traps pollutants in a stagnant air mass across many areas.

Sprawling from the coast to the valleys, the poor air conditions impacted the following regions: Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, the Santa Clarita Valley, Malibu Coast, Los Angeles proper, Palos Verdes Hills, the Western and Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational areas, and the communities of Calabasas and Agoura Hills.

Dangers in the Air

California endures some of the poorest air quality issues throughout the nation, mostly due to its high population density, high temperatures, frequent wildfires, and high human-caused emissions.

The terrible air quality in the Greater Los Angeles area is especially concerning given L.A.’s position in the American Lung Association’s 2024 State of the Air Report. This report ranked the Los Angeles-long Beach area among some of the country’s highest in ozone pollution. Ongoing emissions are a contributing factor to the region’s challenges; emission sources include vehicle exhaust, industrial activities, and port operations. Coupled with temperature inversions that prevent pollutant dispersion, the area is more prone to poorer air conditions.

“Particles in smoke can get deep into the lungs and cause health problems, including asthma attacks, increases in emergency room visits, and hospitalizations,” warned the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard, CA, which emphasized the air quality concerns were based on pollution levels forecasted for entire 24-hour periods.

Steps You Can Take

With L.A. being prone to terrible air conditions, health officials recommend several precautionary steps you can take during such periods. These include:
- Staying inside if possible, especially if you have respiratory issues, are elderly, or are a child.
- Limiting your outdoor activities to essential tasks only when necessary.
- Reduce the use of pollution-generating equipment, such as cars and gas-powered lawnmowers.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Running air conditioners and air purifiers when possible.
- Avoid using devices that bring in outside air, such as swamp coolers or whole-house fans, if alternative cooling methods are available.
State Measures to Address Air Quality Issues

California has implemented several measures that address air quality issues, including introducing strict vehicle emissions standards and promoting clean energy alternatives. Last month, regulators approved changes to the low carbon fuel standard, which now requires gas stations to provide a more expensive but cleaner fuel blend.

While a persistent concern for California, more air quality alerts have been issued this year than during 2023. These alerts can be accompanied by varying calls to action depending on the specific concern. Some residents have been advised to avoid refueling their cars, being asked to avoid driving their cars, or to find carpool options instead.

Air quality alerts are more common in the summertime because of the impact that hotter weather has on the formation of ground-level ozone, which is a harmful pollutant.

Also part of Wednesday’s alert was the banning of residential wood burning, which included the non-desert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, as well as all of Orange County, according to the National Weather Service. Residents in these areas were reminded that burning wood in their fireplaces or any indoor/outdoor areas is prohibited, as well as burning manufactured fire logs, like those made from wax or paper. Exceptions to this alert included mountain communities above 3,000 feet, the Coachella Valley and the high desert, homes that rely on wood burning for heat, low-income households, and those without natural gas service.
December 13, 2024
Eating Bagels: Is L.A. Experiencing a Bagel Rennaissance?

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While you can grab a decent dozen bagels from a nearby bagel chain, Los Angeles has never really been known as a bagel town in the same way New York City is.

Yet, now the city may just be experiencing a bagel renaissance, with self-made bagel shops focusing on achieving artisanal excellence that is receiving high praise from the Big Apple.

New York City’s “Bagel Ambassador,” Sam Silverman, consults with start-up bagel shops around the world. Silverman said of L.A.’s bagel scene, “In L.A., there tends to be a much bigger emphasis on the presentation and overall experience than just the food itself.” Silverman stated that, in N.Y.C., bagels are curated for convenience—they are closed sandwiches you can grab and go.

“There is not an expectation for long lines, with equally relaxed atmospheres, and beautiful open-face sandwiches,” he says. “The aesthetics are more Instagrammable.”

Three L.A. bagel shops helping create a bagel culture in the city are Belle’s Delicatessen & Bar, Hank’s Bagels, and Daniel’s Bagels.

Belle’s Delicatessen & Bar

Nick Schreiber co-founded Belle’s Bagels with his high school buddy J.D. Rocchio after reminiscing about their favorite childhood bagel shops. Sam’s on Larchmont. The Bagel Broker. I & Joy Bagels. The duo was inspired to bring bagels back to L.A. and launched Belle’s Bagels in 2012 as a pop-up “before pop-ups were pop-ups.”

Obsessed with making the ideal bagel, the co-founders watched YouTube clips, going frame by frame to learn about and analyze the techniques and factory setups in them.

What’s the secret to making a great bagel? Schreiber said that a great bagel must have “textural contrast, a good crust, and a little fluff and a little chew.”

Schreiber loves bagels that “still derive sweetness from barley malt syrup,” which is used in beer making and baking and is the signature sweetener of a New York-style bagel. “If you need a frame—it’s Grape Nuts. That’s what I look for.”

When it comes to Belle’s Bagels style, it’s hard to describe, according to Schreiber, who said, “It’s more of an emotion than anything … We’re just trying to make the food the grandma would make with a full sleeve of tats and septum piercing.”

Hank’s Bagels (Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas)

Blowing up in 2019, just a few months before the pandemic shut everything down, Trevor Faris and his wife Kelly opened Hank’s Bagels. Faris had a background somewhat bagel-adjacent, having baked sourdough as a cook in other kitchens. But when the chance to lease a pinhole-sized restaurant space just a block from Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank popped up, the couple imagined a sort of focaccia-forward sandwich shop.

The bagel shop was an immediate hit, with doors opening at 8 a.m. and selling out by 10 a.m. It was clear the people of Burbank really loved some bagels.

Surviving throughout the pandemic, having shifted to deliveries, the couple now takes Hank’s Bagels via a food truck that does catering events and pops up at The Platform in Culver City on Fridays and Saturdays.

Faris says the secret to the perfect bagel is “time … you have to be willing to take the time to develop dough.

Daniel’s Bagels (Palms)

Relative bagel newcomer Daniel’s Bagels opened up over the summer. Founded by Daniel Messinger, who spent a lot of time reading online recipes and watching YouTube videos about bagels during the pandemic, Daniel’s Bagels whips up smaller bagels, preferring the rip-and-dip smaller side of things.

Opening in June, Messinger said, “The response has been great. We’ve become part of a lot of people’s routines. Walk over, get some bagels.”

“In the first few weeks, we were selling out early, so we had to compensate. We just kept up with the capacity limits and found a way to add more staff,” he added.

Now, on their busiest days, they make between 1,000 and 1,500 bagels.

Messinger said the secret to a great bagel “doesn’t require a crazy amount of knowledge. But to make a really good bagel takes a lot of practice and trial and error.”

December 12, 2024
Lowrider Soul and Cars: The Cultural Symbol of LA Thrives

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Lowrider cars were once stigmatized as being associated with gang activity and were targeted by law enforcement, but they have now evolved into an enduring symbol of Chicano pride. The smooth, romantic sounds of lowrider soul music continue to celebrate the rich heritage as it gains global recognition.

The Origins of Lowriders

A lowrider car has a lowered suspension, a custom paint job, and hydraulics. The vehicles are low to the ground and can bounce up and down. They emerged in Los Angeles’ Mexican-American communities after World War II.

They were initially seen as creative expressions of identity and soon became showcases of technical car expertise and Chicano pride.

Lowrider Soul

Although lowriders are often associated with hip-hop from the 90s, their traditional music roots are smooth, emotional R&B ballads from the 50s and 60s that feature romantic lyrics. In contrast to the typically gang-affiliated drivers, the romantic songs reflect the depth of the pain many Chicanos endured at the time.

Lowrider’s soul was a spark of inspiration for many Chicano youth. They found hope in the genre’s introspective themes. Those themes of love and family were a stark contrast to the harsh reality of many lowrider’s lives, which often faced poverty, discrimination, and broken families.

A notable Chicano poet, Luis J Rodriguez, says, “Well, these lowrider guys were tough dudes, many street-and-prison hardened, but they were also notoriously ‘romantic.’”

“I think many of us hung on to the illusions of family and home because we didn’t have good families or homes. Those old R&B songs spoke to our depths,” he said.

Cultural Recognition

Now, lowriders are seen as cultural centerpieces of LA. Their physical beauty and historical meaning are being celebrated in museums, such as Best in Low at LA’s Petersen Automotive Museum. The museums display the beauty and culture while educating audiences about lowrider history.

Newer bands like Thee Sacred Souls are bringing attention to the music of this subculture. They are helping to preserve and revive the legacy of the lowrider soul for a new generation of listeners.

Lowrider Soul’s Musical Heritage

Soul music, which was originally rooted in Black culture, found another home with Chicano audiences in the 50s and 60s in Los Angeles. The racial segregation during this time created a unity between Black musicians and Chicano listeners, who became supporters of Black soul music.

Notorious Chicano bands like Thee Midniters and Sunny & the Sunliners fused R&B with their own styles, creating the “Eastside sound” that became synonymous with lowrider culture.

Lowrider Music Revival

Thee Sacred Souls and Thee Sinseers, modern bands, are bringing life back to lowrider soul by creating original tracks that stay true to the sound of the era. These groups pay homage to influential bands like Thee Midniters, whose music remains a foundation of lowrider soul.

With the globalization of music, lowrider culture has reached beyond its Los Angeles origins. The music and automotives have reached Japan, the UK, and beyond. Japanese lowrider enthusiasts have embraced the aesthetic, crediting Chicanos for their influence.

Cultural Legacy

Lowrider cars and lowrider soul represent a unique cultural combination of art, music, and identity. They are essential to Los Angeles’ rich history and culture. As lowrider culture continues to garner attention, it demonstrates the resilience of the Chicano community.

Modern lowrider music and events promote family and tradition, separating the cultural icon from stereotypes of gang affiliation. These gatherings are intergenerational celebrations of Chicano heritage. Older lowriders come to pass down music and craftsmanship to younger generations.

Experience a history walkthrough with exhibits like Best in Low, a place for automotive lovers to engage with the culture.

The timeless sounds of lowrider soul continue with Got a Story to Tell, the latest album by Thee Sacred Souls, on Daptone Records. The band will play at London’s Jazz Cafe on October 31.

November 21, 2024
LA’s Indie Music Venues Are Struggling to Stay Afloat

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LA’s small indie music venues are proud to provide the people of LA with independent artists who are yet to be discovered. They often support underground and niche genres people haven’t heard of before.

These small venues are essential places for up-and-coming bands to play for an audience. Without such locations, these bands often wouldn’t get discovered otherwise. Many of these independently-owned music venues are struggling to stay afloat against competition from corporate-owned venues.

The Mission of Independent Venues

The owner of Zebulon, Jef Soubiran, says his place “gives access to some people who never listen [to] some free jazz or some avant-garde or some experimental, some minimal, some punk rock,” he said. They can experience a kind of music they wouldn’t have heard anywhere else.

These small spaces give a stage to bands that are lesser-known, experimental, or that don’t conform to the norms of music. Non-mainstream musicians need a place to be staged, too, and indie venues are the place for them to get their foot in the industry’s door.

Challenges Faced By Indie Venues

As inflation rises and rent prices go up, independently owned venues are struggling to stay open. They are also in competition with major music conglomerates that own venues in the area. AEG runs El Rey, the Shrine, and The Roxy. Live Nation runs The Echo, the Hollywood Palladium, and The Wiltern.

It’s not easy to stay open when these larger venues have a significant source of income for marketing and constant traffic to even their smaller music hubs.

Financial Strategies Indie Venues Are Adopting

Independently-run music venues are taking up two major financial strategies to stay open. The first is a focus on ticket sales. The Lodge Room in Highland Park heavily relies on entry tickets at the door. “We’re not making that much money at the bar,” says the owner, Dalton Gerlach. “We have to survive on ticket sales, so it’s really just a volume thing for us,” he says. In the case of the Lodge Room, the number of people they can get to attend is more important than anything else.

The other strategy is a focus on bar sales, as seen by Gold Diggers in East Hollywood. “The door is a break-even for us. We’re making money off the bar. We want to sell drinks, and that’s what it comes down to,” says the owner, Dave Neupert. However, even with bar sales, the venues are struggling as younger generations are buying fewer drinks.

Hybrid and Nonprofit Venues

On the other hand, Permanent Records, an independent venue and record store combined, gives all of the ticket sales to the artist. The owner, Lance Barresi, says, “We only take revenue from our shows from the sales we do at the bar and whatever sales we do in the record store. Generally speaking, 60% of our revenue comes from bar sales, 40% from record sales.”

Places like Flow Sanctuary, which operate without a bar or any alcohol, rely solely on donations to stay afloat. “We’re hoping we can do fundraisers and other things that other nonprofits do,” says the owner, “Magick” Mike Milane.

Rewards Beyond Financial Gains

Although money is vital for staying open, the owners of indie venues find it inherently rewarding to run a place where new artists can get discovered. Jef Soubiran of Zebulon is exposing people to music they’ve never heard before and finds that very rewarding. “You need to have the love of what you do,” he adds.

Gerlach from the Lodge Room says, “The financial reward of it is not really quite there,” but instead, “the social and relational reward of it is there. . . Just being at shows and the community, and there’s so many intangible things around what I get to do that [are] really special.”

Losing indie venues in LA would be losing a piece of the heart of music. Without experimenters and avant-garde artists, LA music risks becoming too homogenous and lackluster. “It’s nice to have [a] different flavor,” says Soubiran.

Preserving these diverse scenes is what maintains LA’s vibrant and eclectic music culture.

November 20, 2024
Genaro Trejo’s Megacity Review Launches in LA

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Founded by former investor and present arts advocate Genaro Trejo, Megacity Review is a new voice in the Los Angeles literary sphere aiming to capture narratives of urban life from worldwide. Trejo has established his platform for those often ignored by mainstream media, especially members of LGBTQ+ communities.

“Cities are filled with dynamic people and untold stories,” Trejo said. “My goal with Megacity Review was to create a space that captures urban experiences from every angle. Cities are rich, complex spaces, and we want the journal to reflect that.”

An Education That Began the Journey

Trejo’s passion for the urban environment was bolstered by his studies at UCLA and the University of Chicago, where he studied political science and Chicano Studies and earned a master’s in public policy, respectively. This period of education initially led Trejo toward investment opportunities.

Trejo’s Initial Career in Global Investing

Though Trejo has deep connections in East Los Angeles, his career has involved travels to cities across the world. His local inclinations have brought him back to the city of Los Angeles, but his vision remains broad. Trejo’s career has ranged from global private investing to community work in his home city, but urban life remains at the core of his interests. Following a period of investment in Latin America and Asia, Trejo’s eyes were opened to the challenges of the urban landscape through his work in Mexico City and Shanghai, as well as its unique beauty and inspiring potential.

Nonprofit Work and Partnerships

In the present day, he uses his insight into urban spaces to contribute wherever he can, especially by serving on boards such as The Survivor Center (formerly The Center for Law and Justice) and PS Science. In these roles, he applies his urban knowledge to community work in order to improve the lives of others. Trejo also applies his skills to nonprofit work in Los Angeles, serving as COO of Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) and partnering with groups like the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Weingart Foundation.

Founding Megacity Review

Megacity Review is yet another local initiative from Trejo, ignited by a passion for urban environments and a sense of purpose. He gained both experience and insight through his education and professional career, and now this platform will broadcast the voice of cities around the world.

“After years in business, I wanted to bring [my] experience to the literary arts,” Trejo said. “Megacity Review allows me to support both emerging and established voices, showcasing stories that shape city life.”

Megacity Review’s experience is inspired by The Paris Review, combining uncoated text pages with semi-gloss inserts. The result is a tactile experience that emphasizes the artistic features of the journal for the reader.

The First Issue

The first issue of Megacity Review, “Chronicling the Urban Condition,” features pieces by the New York Times-recognized artist Lauren Halsey, Vietnamese-American writer Lynn Lieu, the University of Chicago managing editor Lisa McKamy, and The Idea of You author Robinne Lee. As a whole, the issue explores themes of identity and culture, authenticity, and inclusivity.

A New Platform for Urban Voices

Megacity Review aims to capture the sense of city life, exploring its unique realities and global influence. Much like the city in which it is situated, the journal advocates for free expression while connecting a diverse audience of readers. Trejo envisions the journal as an outlet for sharing urban stories with a worldwide audience. It is an extension of his dedication to his home city of Los Angeles and the global urban community, moving beyond his local work to give a new voice to the people all around him.

Megacity Review’s first edition is available for pre-order at megacityreview.org.

November 19, 2024
The L.A. Film School Named a Top U.S. Film School for Fifth Consecutive Year

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The Los Angeles Film School has once again been ranked among the nation’s top film schools, securing a place in TheWrap magazine’s 2024 Top 50 Film Schools list. Known for its robust curriculum that merges technical skills with artistic exploration, the L.A. Film School is celebrated for preparing the next generation of filmmakers and entertainment professionals, offering an immersive education that uniquely balances hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge.

TheWrap, an American digital news platform that covers entertainment, media, and technology, focuses most content on Hollywood but also the broader entertainment industry. They offer in-depth reporting on industry trends, box office analysis, awards season coverage, and exclusive interviews with entertainment leaders. In addition to their Top 50 Film Schools list, they host events, including TheGrill conference, which features discussions on entertainment and tech innovation.

TheWrap’s annual Top 50 Film Schools list is based on a detailed evaluation of key factors, such as student demographics, class sizes, networking opportunities, and insights from industry experts, all of which contribute to identifying the leading institutions in film and entertainment education. This year marks the fifth consecutive year the L.A. Film School has made the list, underscoring the school’s reputation as one of the premier creative learning hubs in the country.

In 2024, the L.A. Film School celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of excellence in entertainment education. With 50 of its alumni contributing to projects that collectively received an impressive 299 Emmy nominations, the school’s impact on the industry is clear, as its training consistently propels students towards successful careers. From celebrated award-winning films to groundbreaking projects in animation, music production, and digital media, L.A. Film School alumni have left a lasting impression on the entertainment world. This impression speaks volumes of the school’s commitment to cultivating talent, creativity, and the technical skills required to excel in an evolving industry.

Located in the historic RCA Building on Sunset Boulevard, the L.A. Film School takes pride in its Hollywood location, which, according to TheWrap, “blurs the lines between education and real-world experience.” Students benefit immensely from access to industry-standard facilities, including professional studios and editing labs. The school’s supportive network of faculty and accomplished alumni– many of whom have received Grammy and Oscar nominations– further enhances the learning experience, providing invaluable mentorship and firsthand insights into careers in film, music, gaming, and other entertainment sectors.

“Being recognized, once again, by TheWrap reaffirms our commitment to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers, animators, music producers, and the many entertainment industry professionals who share the stories we see and hear,” said Tammy Elliot, president of the school. “This accolade celebrates our faculty’s dedication, our students’ hard work, and our alumni’s impressive accomplishments across the industry.”

The L.A. Film School offers 18 different undergraduate degrees, both on campus and online, covering fields like Animation, Audio Production, Digital Filmmaking, Film Production, and Music Production. Each program is designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills and experience, ensuring they are well-prepared to step into competitive roles across the entertainment industry.

The L.A. Film School emphasizes real-world preparation by offering students access to exclusive industry events, guest lectures, and internship opportunities that encourage hands-on learning. This exposure to current industry trends and professional networks enhances students’ education experience and keeps them up-to-speed with everything recent in film and entertainment.

By combining top-of-the-line facilities with experienced faculty who have earned accolades across film, music, and digital media, the L.A. Film School encourages a supportive and innovative learning environment. Students graduate not only with technical expertise but also with a valuable network of industry contacts and mentors, opening the doors for successful careers in their chosen fields.

November 9, 2024
Shohei Ohtani’s Dog Took Center Stage at Dodgers’ Victory Parade

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On Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their World Series victory over the New York Yankees, in a historic comeback win in Game 5, with a long-awaited open-top bus parade through downtown LA, followed by a pep rally at Dodger Stadium.

The parade started at City Hall, where fans gathered starting at 6:00 AM, and ended in the area of Fifth and Flowers Streets. It’s estimated that approximately 250,000 fans flooded the streets, wearing Dodgers jerseys that turned the cityscape into a vibrant sea of blue as they cheered and waved to the team passing by. The atmosphere was electric, with fans chanting and music blasting.

Among the highlights, fans witnessed Shohei Ohtani proudly lift his dog, Decoy, who was sporting a number 17 Dodgers jersey and a special parade access pass clipped to his collar. Decoy later enjoyed pets from young fans along the route, becoming an instant fan favorite.

As the parade concluded at a sun-soaked Dodger Stadium, Ohtani addressed the 42,000 fans gathered. “This is so special,” he said in English as his teammates celebrated alongside him. “I’m just so honored to be here and to be part of this team. Congratulations, Los Angeles, thank you fans.”

The Dodgers’ last victory parade came over three decades ago. After winning the World Series in 2020 without the chance to celebrate due to the pandemic, and the last parade-worthy win before that in 1988, the city turned out in full force for the occasion. Some fans climbed fences and traffic lights for a better view, while others decorated windows along the route, and waved flags, scarves, and handkerchiefs.

Inside Dodger Stadium, rapper Ice Cube opened the celebration with a performance of “It’s a Good Day,” with Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts dancing as players, families and staff joined them on the field. As each player spoke, the crowd erupted in cheers, especially for World Series MVP Freddie Freeman, who achieved a career milestone this season despite stepping away temporarily to care for his three-year-old son, Max, during an illness.

“What’s up, LA?” Freeman called out as he stepped up to the podium, with the crowd chanting his name. He reflected on his journey and said, “I only had one leg but I got a whole group of guys that had my back all year.” He also shared his gratitude for his teammates, “From the bottom of my heart, three months ago… when I came back after my son got sick, you guys showed out for my family and I. That was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had on the field.”

Earlier this year, Freeman’s son, Max, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks nerve cells. Max suffered full paralysis in July, prompting Freemad to leave the Dodgers temporarily to be with his family at the hospital. Following signs of Max’s recovery, Freeman returned to the field in August. Freeman’s family and Max joined him for Friday’s parade and stadium celebrations.

The festivities also honored Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela, who would have turned 64 on Friday. Several renditions of “Happy Birthday” were sung in honor of Valenzuela who passed away last month just three days before the Series began. The team commemorated him through the series, as well, with a uniform patch featuring his name and number. On Friday night, LA’s City Hall was lit in green, white, red, and blue– the Mexican flag and Dodgers colors– to honor his legacy.

November 8, 2024
Four Restaurants to Try in Los Angeles This Fall

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Spice up the month with four delicious restaurant recommendations in Los Angeles. As the weather cools off, enjoy refreshments at The Punchbowl, warm hearty meals at Holy Basil, a breakfast of champions at John O’ Groats, and indulge in Korean food at Ham Ji Park. These four eateries will satisfy any indulgences that come with the beautiful fall weather.

Sweet Smoothies and Refreshing Juice: The Punchbowl

The Punchbowl has introduced a new pumpkin spice shake to the menu. Smoothies don’t have to be only for summer months– enjoy the spice flavors of fall-themed drinks. With generous-sized portions, The Punchbowl packs organic goodness into all drinks.

Their juices are raw, cold-pressed ingredients that don’t compromise quality or health. Smoothies don’t have fillers like ice or preservatives, just fruit, homemade nut milk, coconut water, or cold-pressed juice.

The outdoor seating allows customers to enjoy the beautiful LA weather year-round. Feel the breeze while sipping the chocolate frost for a nostalgic, chocolatey taste, or The Golden Idol for a health kick with turmeric and cayenne.

The owners created The Punchbowl with a peaceful environment in mind. Their menu reflects that amity by combining vegan options into delicious sippable drinks.

4645 Melbourne Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Holy Basil: Thai Cooking From Your Dreams

Atwater Village is home to Holy Basil’s second-ever location. Featuring a hearty menu with mouth-watering options like Pad Thai Noodle, Gra Pow, and Thai Shrimp Fried Rice, Holy Basil’s options will leave you craving more.

Reviewers rave about their signature Moo Krob and Gra Pow, both made with pork belly or optional Wagyu Beef for the latter. The restaurant also offers sides to elevate any meal or as a smaller, affordable option. Holy Basil’s luxurious vegan desserts will make your meal a lasting memory. Drink options include several teas and lemonades—a great refresher with such a rich meal.

3170 Glendale Blvd, Unit C, Los Angeles, CA 90039

A Breakfast of Champions: Say Good Morning at John O’Groats

John O’Groats is a local family-owned diner “serving old-fashioned Americana and Biscuits from Heaven,” according to their website.

And it sure does look like heaven, as their menu features mouth-watering photos of strawberry pancakes, fresh eggs, and sizzling bacon. John O’Groats has several pancake options that satisfy many particular tastes, including spiced pumpkin pancakes representing the heart of fall.

For a more satiating meal, try John O’Groats’s egg and choice of meat options with fries, cantaloupe, cottage cheese, and biscuits or toast on the side. Ziggy’s Get Fit menu is an excellent option for high-protein or lower-carb meals that still please the taste buds.

Accompany your meal with sides like cheesy grits for a southern twist or additional meat for those particularly hungry mornings.

10516 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Ham Ji Park: For a Taste of the East in The West

Ham Ji Park is a Korean restaurant famous for its Dwaeji Galbi (Pork Spare Ribs) and Gamjatang (Pork Neck Bone Stew). You’ll rarely find such elite, traditional Korean meals in the far west US.

The restaurant has an outdoor seating area that accommodates customers for their preferred dining experience. One reviewer recommends that everyone try Ham Ji Park, including Korean customers who may know the dishes well.

Customers love the huge portion sizes provided, leaving a full tummy and a satisfied experience. Ham Ji Park has rich appetizer options such as squid and octopus to start your meal with a bang. There are also vegetable options for customers who prefer not to eat meat, making Ham Ji Park a great restaurant that caters to all food accommodations.

Find your next meal at Ham Ji Park with a stew, barbecue, or even a simple kimchi rice bowl. They are sure to fill your heart and stomach’s desires.

3407 W 6th St Ste 101C Los Angeles, CA 90020

September 25, 2024
LA to Host Family Style Food Festival, Presented by Complex

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The Los Angeles State Historic Park will be hosting the Family Style Culinary Festival again on September 28th. This one-day event combines streetwear and gastronomy and promises to provide unique culinary, shopping, and cultural experiences. The event, which is organized by Complex in collaboration with The Pokemon Company International, features a wide range of chefs, eateries, companies, and performers.

The family-friendly event combines food and fashion for a one-of-a-kind event. Collaborative food and merchandise items will be available exclusively at the festival. Not only will there be a delicious array of food, but there will also be clothes from the hottest brands and designers, Family Style’s own “Next In Line” cooking competition, a kid’s area, and a select music lineup.

Selected Menu Items from Food Vendors

Celebrated chefs and well-known food sellers will provide a variety of gastronomic treats during the event. Among the well-known names are Katz’s Delicatessen, Regina’s Grocery, Kato, Kuya Lord, Bacanora, baroo, and Din Tai Fung. Other vendors bringing their flavors to the event include Burritos La Palma, Park’s BBQ, Jeni’s Ice Cream, Howlin’ Ray’s, and Broad Street Oyster Co.

Some of the highlights of this year’s list are unique ideas like Pikachu’s Electric Cafe, which will serve only bubble tea, and Alfredo, a collaboration between The Alchemist and Freddie Gibbs inspired by their 2020 album. A host of additional vendors, including Ggiata, Holy Basil, Wanderlust Creamery, Cobi’s, Moo’s Craft Barbecue, Mariscos Jalisco, Camphor, Amboy Quality Meats & Delicious Burgers, and many more, are scheduled to participate.

Only Available Items from Top Streetwear Brands

Apart from its varied cuisine selection, the event will showcase partnerships with leading streetwear labels, enabling guests to acquire rare items. Nike, Converse, Awake NY, Better Gift Shop, Billionaire Boys Club, Kids of Immigrants, The Hundreds, verdy, Diet Starts Monday, Compton Cowboys, New Era, Bricks & Woods, Tombogo, Tokyo Vitamin, DJ Javier, and Daydreamer LA are among the participating businesses.

These companies will work with food vendors to produce limited-edition goods that showcase the festival’s distinctive convergence of fashion and cuisine, combining aspects from both.

NEXT IN LINE Cooking Competition

The NEXT IN LINE cooking competition, which aims to promote diversity in the culinary industry, will undoubtedly be the event’s centerpiece. This year’s competition will include up-and-coming female chefs thanks to a partnership formed with RE, a nonprofit organization that is committed to expanding opportunities for women working in the food business. Five chefs will square off for a $10,000 prize that will help launch their culinary careers.

Intricate Plans for Acquisition and Growth

The Family Style Food Festival will make its debut in 2024 after being purchased by Complex, a well-known media outlet that specializes in convergence culture. Family Style is now Complex’s food-focused sector, and the company intends to grow into new markers as a result of this purchase.

Family Style will have its premiere in November at ComplexCon in Las Vegas, after the Los Angeles event. Family Style will become even more well-known in the cultural sphere when Travis Scott and Playboi Carti headline ComplexCon, an event renowned for its blend of fashion, music, and art.

Tickets and Additional Details

FamilyStyleFest.com is the website where you can buy tickets for the Family Style Food Festival. The event offers a rare chance for participants to discover the newest trends in the streetwear and culinary worlds and will be a day filled with unique item collaborations, live entertainment, and exclusive dining experiences.

Visit FamilyStyleFest.com or follow @FamilyStyleFest and @Complex on social media to learn more and to be informed about the most recent releases and news.

September 5, 2024
Mental Health First Responders Expand Reach in Los Angeles

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Los Angeles Expands CIRCLE Program to Address Non-Violent 911 Calls

Los Angeles is broadening its approach to non-violent 911 calls involving homeless individuals by expanding the Crisis and Incident Response through the Community-led Engagement (CIRCLE) program. Mayor Karen Bass announced on Monday that CIRCLE will now serve additional areas in West Los Angeles, including Manchester Square, Oakwood, Mar Vista, Palms, Playa Vista, Playa Del Rey, Westchester, and Dockweiler Beach.

Overview and Impact of CIRCLE Program

Launched in 2022, CIRCLE dispatches mental health professionals and individuals with lived experience of homelessness instead of armed police officers to handle specific non-violent situations. The program began in Hollywood and Venice before extending to downtown Los Angeles, Lincoln Heights, South Los Angeles, the Northeast Valley, and the Harbor Area.

CIRCLE’s team of 80 staff members operates on 24-hour shifts, responding to diverted 911 calls related to unhoused individuals. These calls typically involve issues such as loitering, well-being checks, noise disturbances, substance abuse problems, and indecent exposure.

In the past year alone, CIRCLE teams have been dispatched to over 14,000 calls, demonstrating the high demand for their specialized services. The teams have also helped over 1,600 people acquire essential documents like social security cards and IDs, connected more than 1,000 individuals with mental and behavioral health services, and successfully intervened in multiple opioid overdose situations.

“We are responding to the mental health crisis with solutions that are long-term and sustainable. At the same time, we are freeing up our LAPD officers to fight crime. Our work does not stop here. We will continue working on this important issue and continue to make our city safer,” Mayor Bass said during the news conference.

Mayor Bass emphasized the program’s role as a preventative measure, addressing community concerns about quality of life issues related to the unhoused population. “If you can address a person who is having a mental health crisis early, you can prevent that person and that crisis from deteriorating to the point where you have to have police because that individual has become violent, or that individual has hurt someone,” Bass stated.

The program’s impact is significant, with CIRCLE teams responding to over 14,000 calls in the past year. This high volume of responses underscores the demand for specialized services in addressing non-violent issues involving the homeless population.

CIRCLE’s mental health director, Latoya Stevenson, highlighted the importance of decompression centers in the program’s operations. These centers provide temporary respite for individuals experiencing homelessness, offering a break from the elements and an opportunity to meet with care coordinators and mental health workers.

Stevenson clarified that these centers are not open for public drop-offs or walk-ins. Instead, they are accessed exclusively through interactions with CIRCLE program staff. “It’s a place for respite for people experiencing homelessness to come back for a short period of time to meet with the care coordinator, to meet with the mental health worker, get a break from being out in the elements,” Stevenson explained.

Despite the program’s expansion, challenges remain. Stevenson noted that a decompression center has yet to be established in the newly served West Los Angeles area, potentially limiting the program’s effectiveness in these communities.

The CIRCLE program represents a shift in how the city addresses non-violent issues involving the homeless population. By utilizing mental health professionals and those with firsthand experience of homelessness, the program aims to provide more appropriate and effective assistance.

Stevenson emphasized the program’s approach: “When it comes to the individuals we work with, who are experiencing homelessness, it’s meeting them where they are, but also encouraging the utilization of those existing services.”

With this latest expansion, CIRCLE aims to provide targeted assistance to more areas of the city, potentially improving outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health crises.

September 4, 2024
Permit Deadline Extended for the Sunset of LA’s Emergency Dining Program

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Once the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, businesses rushed to find solutions to prevent themselves from failing. Restaurants were hit especially hard, but chef Jenee Kim saw a solution in LA’s emergency al fresco dining program. Allowed to skirt the permitting requirements during the pandemic, Kim invested $80,000 in building an outdoor patio in the parking lot.

The Impact of Park’s BBQ Patio

Her restaurant, Park’s BBQ, has brought quality Korean meats and banchan for over 20 years, and she was determined to keep it that way. The patio succeeded in bringing her customers back. Today, with the pandemic largely weathered, the patio experience has become just another part of the restaurant. Customers love the light and the seating, providing an outdoor alternative to the main restaurant. Despite this, Kim plans to tear it down.

Temporary Measures

The emergency dining program was a temporary one, and after a meeting with the building and safety department, she found out that she would need to get a permanent permit for her patio. While the city expressed that they would make it easy to get a permit, Kim felt that the rules and restrictions would prove too much and remained resigned to tearing it down.

LA’s 2020 dining program required little more than an online form, but its sunset is reinstating the requirements that were ignored during the pandemic. Business owners who wanted to keep their additions rushed to get the paperwork in order, but fortunately Mayor Karen Bass announced an extension just before the final deadline. Six more months was a relief for business owners.

The Start of an Optimistic Future

While the permitting process remains complicated, Park BBQ’s Operations Director, Ryan Kim, feels optimistic about the current situation. The patio will remain open for the foreseeable future.

Why the Old Process?

So, what exactly is the problem with the old process? As overseer of the Independent Hospitality Coalition, Eddie Navarrette, explained on LAist 89.3’s AirTalk: “It’s essentially a building permit for private property…four engineers were assigned to your project…a green engineer for environmental standards, one for disabled access, one for zoning, and one for your building. That’s four people to look at your project.”

Businesses also need several approvals. Rather than one department, business owners can expect to communicate with the Health Department, the Transportation Department, and the Building and Safety Department to get their hands on a permit. Often, they need to hire a professional just to keep everything in order.

Progress for the LA Restaurant Industry

Navarette is working on proposals for streamlining the approval process. Resources available for training and the application process seem limited to English, leaving many restaurant owners without guidance, since they may not speak English. Accessibility will be key for these individuals to keep their COVID-19-era extensions around. Navarette also suggests that a self-certification process for restaurants could be a solution, which could permit them to have tables and chairs in their parking lots as an outdoor alternative.

“It’s progress,” said Navarette, “but we have a long way to go. I’m proud of the Mayor and her staff doing the right thing, but the only way we’re going to get there is to do the work. This is a step in the right direction, but it’s not a sprint; it’s a marathon, and we gotta stay in the race.”

While progress is being made, the future of these restaurants remains unclear. Progress has to keep moving or it will come to a halt and leave restaurant owners like Kim without options going forward. As Navarette expresses, the marathon is ongoing for every restaurant owner who wants to stay in the race.

August 8, 2024