MAY 15TH, 2024

WEDNESDAY

WEDNESDAY’S VIBES

Eats | Events | Activities
Community | Development
Biz | Entertainment | Sports

🐫 HAPPPPPPY WEEDDDNNESSSDAYYY

• 🇺🇸 MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND: 

  • CuratedLA will be off on Friday, May 24th and Monday, May 27th to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend. During this time, I am devoting the weekend to filling out the CuratedLA Calendars (both trending and full-list) for June.

  • Thank you to those that have submitted content, events, and your admirations for CuratedLA using our new form. It works! PTL.

• ☀️ SUMMERTIME RISE: As mentioned, CuratedLA now publishes at 5:30am to align with the amazing-earlier sunrises that we all have the opportunity to enjoy. And I’m happy to announce that after looking at a digital almanac, CuratedLA will publish at this new time of 5:30am until August 1st.

TRENDING 

THE HOV LANE

EATS

LOCAL HEADLINES

• 🍺 DOWNTOWN: Bar Frances, Volume 1, takes place this Saturday, May 18th. The pop-up will feature a rotating lineup of local chefs with Juliana Zarate & Danielle Buncik of OLA. Guests are invited to enjoy a cohesive dining experience featuring a multi-course family-style dinner complemented by unique cocktails. These cocktails are crafted using ingredients carefully selected by industry veteran and Bar Frances partner, Mitchel Bushell, in collaboration with the pop-up chefs. After dinner, the party continues where guests can dance the night away to local live music and DJs while enjoying late-night bites by OLA, sipping on handpicked small batch California wine, handcrafted cocktails, local beer + artisanal coffee.

  • 🎟️ Buy tickets online | 📸 Instagram | 🖥️ Official Website

•  💎 BEVERLY HILLS: Le Cirque of New York is taking over Sixty Beverly Hills with a pop-up collaboration that starts today and lasts until Friday. As patrons, we can enjoy Le Cirque classics on the menu, such as Caesar salad with fried egg, a lobster salad, and creme brulee. Tre yo’self, Beverly Hills. Reservations are available here through OpenTable. | 📸 Announcement on Instagram

• 🍔 FOODIE CALL: Calling all Los Angeles Foodies! At CuratedLA, we want to showcase more local talented food writers and curators. If you have a food newsletter, Instagram, or both, we’d love to know about such! We are working on a Summer Foodie Guide that contains the best Foodies to follow and subscribe to, all that live in Los Angeles. If this is of an interest to you, please use this form to simply answer three questions. And yes, share accordingly!

• 🍷 WONDERWERK X MAS VINO PLEASE: A new wine collab with Wonderwerk x Mas Vino Please is now available, Sol Y Mar. Inspired by the salty, sunny beaches of el Caribe , this low-ABV single varietal wine is tropical and bright with a kiss of salinity like sunny, salty day at the beach. Sol y Mar is 100% Vermentino from California with twenty-four hours of skin-contact with notes of pineapple, pomelo, cucumber and just a touch of salt. It’s beach ready and perfect paired with ceviche, cóctel de camarón, or fish tacos. Sol y Mar, Como La Flor & Chismosa are all available now. | 📸 Instagram

OPENINGS

• 🥪 VAN NUYS: Borekas Van Nuys, the second location of Sherman Oaks’s popular Sephardic pastry shop, opened its doors recently on May 3rd. Since its debut in 2022, Gal and Uzi Waizman’s borekas have consistently sold out, prompting the need for a larger space to meet demand. The new location, situated in a semi-industrial building, features an order counter, outdoor seating, and ample capacity for large orders.

  • 🍞 Bakery: Coffee, Breakfast, Brunch, Kosher

  • ⏰ Sun - Thu: 7:30a - 3:30p | Fri: 7:30a - 2:30p

  • 💻️ Website | 📸 Instagram | ⭐️ Yelp |📍Map

• 🍕 KOREATOWN: Seven Tigers Pie Club had their grand opening in Koreatown’s MarkEat 8 Food Hall. This pizza eatery has been curated by creative Alex Sohn, who is also behind the curations of Yup Dduk, Egg Tuck, and Calic Bagel.

  • Seven Tigers consists of a Detroit-style base, with a special blend of King Arthur flour that Sohn developed with Slow Rise Pizza founder, Noel Brohner.

  • Curations of the brand’s pizzas include gochujang marinara, a classic-four cheese blend, and tender short rib infused with galbi sauce from Park’s BBQ.

  • Seven Tigers also offers a unique pizza sandwich featuring gochujang and bulgogi and a pizza sandwich with prosciutto, burrata, and tomatoes.

  • 🍕Pizza: Detroit-style, Pizza Sandwiches

  • ⏰Wed - Sun: 5:00p until sold out

  • 💻️ Website | 📸 Instagram | ⭐️ Yelp |📍Map

• 🍪 WEST HOLLYWOOD: Crumbl Cookies is set to sweeten up West Hollywood with the grand opening of their new store at the West Hollywood Gateway next Friday, May 24th.

  • CuratedLA Family: Crumbl has invited us to an official sneak peek today from 4:30pm - 5:30pm. The sneak peek includes a cookie tasting, a meet + greet with the owners, photo ops, Crumbl merch and more! Register here, there are limited spots available.

  • For the grand opening, next Friday, Crumbl is celebrating by treating visitors to free chocolate chip cookies all day from 8:00am onward and a chance to win a 4-pack box in their giveaway.

  • With over 200 flavors rotating weekly, including their signature Milk Chocolate Chip and Classic Pink Sugar cookies, Crumbl ensures a fresh experience with every visit, inviting customers to witness the magic in their open kitchens.

  • 🇺🇸 Dessert: Cookies, Cupcakes, Pies, Cakes

  • 📍Address: 7100 Santa Monica Blvd, Unit 117B

  • 📸 Instagram | 📜 Menu |📍Map

• 🧑‍🌾 SILVER LAKE: Tacolina, a Baja-inspired culinary delight, is set to open in Silver Lake this August. Tacolina promises an immersive dining experience with its one-hundred-seat venue, an inviting cocktail bar, and the allure of live entertainment. The essence of Tacolina is a homage to Todos Santos’ enchanting spirit, where owner Jenny Rush’s experiences have woven into the fabric of the restaurant’s identity. Patrons can anticipate a feast for the senses with a menu featuring succulent rotisserie meats, the freshest produce from local farmers’ markets, and artisanal handmade tortillas, all masterfully crafted by Chef Jonathan Juarez of Blue Plate Taco fame.

EVENTS

Submit your event

TRENDING

BIG LIST OF EVENTS

ACTIVITIES

• 🎞️ DOWNTOWN: This Friday, Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA is celebrating one of Tarantino’s most-beloved films, Pulp Fiction, with a 30th Anniversary event!

  • The event includes a pre-screening soiree complete with trivia, a Twist dance-off, and a costume contest, so be sure to come dressed as your favorite character! Then, prepare to settle in and watch this iconic movie on the big screen in Downtown Los Angeles.

  • Schedule: Doors open to ticket holders at 6:50pm

    • Twist Contest: 7:00pm - 7:15pm

    • Costume Contest: 7:15pm - 7:30pm

    • Trivia Contest: 7:30pm - 8:00pm

    • Movie runtime: 8:20pm - 10:54pm with event ending at 11:00pm

  • Tickets: $35 and includes access to the rooftop party, a swag bag, and a guaranteed seat for Pulp Fiction.

• 🎟️ Buy Tickets Online | 📸 Instagram | 💌 

• 🚀 JUST GO GRIND: Justin Gordon of Just Go Grind is hosting two upcoming events for any ambitious creatives, curators, founders, operators, and investors here within LA.

  • Next Tuesday, May 21st: LA Startup Community Coffee Meetup at 8:00am in Santa Monica.

  • Saturday, June 8th: LA Startup Community Hike at 9:00am, register to see address.

• Both events are free, and so is Justin’s newsletter, Just Go Grind.

• 🚴‍♂️ BICYCLES RIDE FREE: In a vibrant celebration of Bike Week, Metrolink is offering a special treat for cycling enthusiasts across Southern California. For the entire week, riders can hop onto any Metrolink train with their bicycles completely free of charge, encouraging a blend of eco-friendly transit and outdoor activity. To further inspire pedal-powered adventures, Metrolink has curated a list of the top fourteen bike paths, all conveniently accessible from its stations. Spanning over 540 miles and connecting sixty-seven stations through six counties, including the nine-mile Arrow service between San Bernardino and Redlands, Metrolink’s expansive network is an open invitation for commuters and leisure riders alike to explore the region on two wheels.

• 🎫 FREE PRIORITY TICKETS: The Price is Right is back with a studio audience, and we have the chance to get free priority tickets and our chance for Host Drew Carey to chose us with many opportunities to win cash and prizes. Filming takes place locally in Burbank, with a list of available dates, times, and priority tickets, found here. Of interest: Thanksgiving’s show is being filmed soon, on June 12th. 💌 

• 🎡 SANTA MONICA PIER: Walk & Play L.A. takes place this Saturday, May 18th at the Santa Monica Pier. Hosted by boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard and Ellen K from the Ellen K Morning Show on KOST 103.5, this amazing community event features DJ Dense spinning tunes, a dynamic warm-up with TV star and dancer Amanda Kloots, and a special appearance by pro dancers from ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars in the Play Zone. The 3K walk along the iconic Ocean Front Walk offers scenic views, and participants receive free parking, an event T-shirt, and access to the family festival with special guests, food, and an exciting all-star lineup. The event schedule includes the festival opening at 8:00am., the main stage program starting at 9:30am., the walk at 10:00am, and the festival closing at noon.

COMMUNITY

• ⛪️ NORTH HOLLYWOOD: Apartments in North Hollywood provide a sanctuary for women fleeing domestic violence. The NoHo 5050 initiative marks a significant milestone for Los Angeles, providing a beacon of hope with its forty-unit housing complex dedicated to aiding women escaping domestic violence. NoHo 5050 opened on May 9th.

  • Applicants are invited to lease through a lottery system, specifically caters to survivors of gender-based trauma, offering them a sanctuary from the perils of sexual and intimate partner violence, stalking, and coercive control.

  • The project has garnered unanimous support from local authorities, including the NoHo Neighborhood Council, and prioritizes residents from the surrounding community.

• 📰 FLYER: NoHo 5050 Apartments leasing flyer, via LA County Housing.

  • 🔗 COUNTY WEBSITE: NoHo 5050 Website, via LA County Housing.

  • 📚️ READ FURTHER: New affordable apartments in North Hollywood for women fleeing domestic violence, via LA Daily News.

• 💸 LANDLORD RENT RELIEF: Los Angeles County is reopening applications for its rent relief program next week. The application portal opens this upcoming Monday, May 20th at 9:00am, and will close on June 4th at 4:59pm.

  • The program was launched in December 2023 and aims to support landlords impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Since December’s first round of grants, the program has provided over $68 million dollars in financial support to qualified landlords. Eligible landlords can apply for up to $30,000 per rental unit, covering past due rent and eligible expenses dating back to April 1st, 2022.

  • The program specifically targets small, mom-and-pop landlords who own up to four rental units, with the goal of reducing tenant evictions and ensuring affordable housing availability.

• 🔗 COUNTY WEBSITE: Los Angeles County Rent Relief Program Portal, via Los Angeles County Consumer & Business Affairs.

• 👮 CAMERAS OUT FOR ROLLING STOPS: The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority has seven cameras across four parks: Temescal, Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park, Top of Topanga Overlook and Franklin Canyon, to check for rolling stops. Fines for violating a stop-sign could result in a $100 administrative citation. Read more via KTLA 5, watch segment above.

• 🔬 CANCER BREAKTHROUGH: UCLA scientists have developed a groundbreaking method using invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells). These iNKT cells can be engineered from a single cord-blood donor and used as an off-the-shelf cancer immunotherapy for multiple patients. The technology described in Nature Biotechnology allows mass production of cell therapies, similar to CAR-T cell therapy. By eliminating the need for patient-specific customization, this approach makes cancer treatments more affordable and accessible.

• 🇺🇸 JUNE CAMPAIGN STOPS: President Biden and former President Trump will host high-profile fundraisers in Los Angeles next month in June. Trump kicks off his visit on June 7th in Beverly Hills with ticket prices reaching $250,000, followed the next day by a Newport Beach event featuring tech entrepreneur Palmer Luckey. Biden's fundraiser events take place the week after Trump’s visits to Los Angeles, June 14th, and will include campaign events at Peacock Theater, headlined by former President Obama, and will include celebrities like George Clooney and Julia Roberts. 🐇 No opinions: we don’t know politics, just how to drink a good Capri-Sun. 

• 🛫 MEMORIAL DAY: A record 3.5 million Southern California residents are expected to travel over Memorial Day weekend, surpassing last year's level and marking the second consecutive year the number has exceeded the pre-pandemic record set in 2019. This represents a 4.7% increase over last year and 4.2% above 2019's figure according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

  • Nationally, 43.8 million people are expected to travel, a 4.1% increase from last year and 2.4% above 2019. Of the 3.5 million travelers who are expected to travel across state lines or father, 2.9 million will drive, 371,000 will fly, and 237,000 will use other modes like buses, trains, or cruises.

  • Southern California's top destinations include Las Vegas, San Diego, the Grand Canyon, Hawaii, and Seattle/Alaska cruises, while national favorites are Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, Seattle, and Anaheim/Los Angeles. Internationally, U.S. travelers are eyeing Rome, Vancouver, London, Paris, and Dublin. The Memorial Day travel period is defined as Thursday through Monday, May 23rd-27th.

• 📖 READ FURTHER: Record number of SoCal Residents to travel for Memorial Day Weekend, via Pasadena Now.

DEVELOPMENT

• 🐺 WESTCHESTER: Meow Wolf has announced that they will transform the Cinemark Theater at HHLA Mall, becoming our location for Meow Wolf here in LA. The project will occupy the upper levels of the theater, which has been restructured post-pandemic to revitalize the space. The ambitious renovation includes adding elevators, boosting power supply, and reinforcing structures to support the anticipated influx of art enthusiasts. With construction slated for completion in four months, Meow Wolf will then take 12 to 18 months to infuse the venue with its signature otherworldly charm, marking the sixth location after Santa Fe, Denver, and Las Vegas.

• 🏡 GLENDALE: The City of Glendale is completing its quick-build North Brand Boulevard Complete Streets Demonstration Project, which showcases painted curb extensions and newly installed barrier-protected bike lanes. Located just north of downtown Glendale, this project spans half a mile between Glenoaks Boulevard and Mountain Street. By reallocating road space, Glendale added two protected bike lanes while maintaining driving capacity and diagonal parking. The project features vibrant green pavement in bike lane conflict zones, bike boxes, and eye-catching geometric patterns in pedestrian areas. Concrete jersey barriers protect the bike lanes, allowing for easy adjustments as needed. These barriers, similar to those used in Glendale’s in-street Al Fresco outdoor dining locations, enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians alike.

BUSINESS

• 🥬 UCLA ROWING FINANCED: Friends of UCLA Rowing (FOUR) has announced the public phase of a groundbreaking ten million dollar endowment campaign for the UCLA Men’s Rowing program. With a vision to become the nation’s premier collegiate club rowing program by 2030, this ambitious initiative aims to secure the team’s financial future. The endowment will significantly boost the annual budget from $300,000 to $600,000, allowing strategic investments in coaching, equipment, and athlete development. Early support includes a historic $2.5 million donation from alumnus Bob Newman ('68) and his wife Mary Jo, setting a powerful example for others. UCLA Men’s Rowing, known for its excellence and leadership since 1933, recently clinched the 2023 ACRA National Championship and the 2024 WIRA regional championship, solidifying its prominence in the sport.

ENTERTAINMENT

• 🎬️ MEGALOPOLIS: Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary director behind The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has released the teaser trailer for Megalopolis, declaring the work as this finest of his career. Megalopolis premieres this Thursday at the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France. The film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, and many more. Written and directed by Coppola, with production by Fred Roos, Barry Hirsch, and Michael Bederman. Megalopolis is rumored to hit theaters nationwide this September; trailer, above.

• 🎞️ CANNES PREVIEW: The 77th Cannes Film Festival is set to dazzle the French Riviera with a lineup that promises to be as thrilling as ever. Anticipation is high for Yorgos Lanthimos’ Kinds of Kindness, and the competition is fierce with films like Andrea Arnold’s Bird, Sean Baker’s Anora, and Paul Schrader’s Oh, Canada. Cannes wouldn’t be complete without Catherine Deneuve, who returns in Marcello Mio, while David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds and a new take on body horror with The Substance add to the excitement. Buzz surrounds Ali Abassi’s The Apprentice, featuring Sebastian Stan, and Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis is poised to be a standout. The jury, led by Greta Gerwig, boasts a diverse and talented panel. Out of competition, George Miller’s Furiosa and an honorary Palme d’Or for Studio Ghibli add to the allure. Cannes Classics celebrates cinema history, and VR content gains prominence.

• 🎤 FUNNER, CALIFORNIA: Harrah’s Resort Southern California officially inaugurated iconic comedian and actor Martin Short as Funner’s newest mayor. Mayor Marty took the oath of office amid enthusiastic support from residents and beyond. Mayor Marty’s innovative projects, including the “Short On Time” spa offerings and “Buckets of Fun” hotel package, promise to enhance the city’s fun quotient. Former mayor Jane Lynch, serving as surprise emcee, joined Marty in promising distinctive, laughter-filled experiences for all visitors. Bo Mazzetti, Chairman of the Rincon Tribe, expressed excitement about Short’s entertainment background elevating Funner’s vibrant community. With the key to the city in hand, Mayor Marty is set to usher in a new era of fun in Funner. 💌 

SPORTS

• 🏀 SEASON TIP-OFF: The Los Angeles Sparks are set to ignite the WNBA season with a thrilling debut tonight from their top draft picks, Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson, against the Atlanta Dream in LA. Brink, a Stanford champion, and Jackson, a scoring powerhouse from Tennessee, are poised to elevate the Sparks’ game and chase a playoff berth after a three-year hiatus. Amidst roster changes, including the departure of former MVP Nneka Ogwumike and the arrival of Aari McDonald, the Sparks are determined to turn the tables on last season’s record. Meanwhile, the Dream bolster their ranks with the return of MVP Tina Charles and the promising duo of Charles and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, aiming to establish themselves as one of the league’s formidable pairings.

• ⚽️ LOS ANGELES FC: Olivier Giroud, the renowned French striker and World Cup Champion, is set to join Los Angeles FC after an illustrious eighteen-year career across Europe’s premier leagues. The 37-year-old forward, who recently confirmed his departure from AC Milan, is celebrated for his tenure with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Milan, amassing 285 goals in 716 club matches, and a Champions League victory. LAFC’s general manager, John Thorrington, expressed enthusiasm for Giroud’s arrival since last year, highlighting his dual role as a goal-scorer and play facilitator. While Giroud’s LAFC debut is pending due to his participation in the upcoming European Championship with France’s national team, his addition is expected to enhance LAFC’s already formidable attack.

CU FRIDAY, LA!