OCTOBER 11TH, 2024

FRIDAY’S VIBES

OCTOBER

DESIGN
SURPRISE

NEW DESIGN 🎨 Who Dis?!

• Happy Friday, CuratedLA Fam! We’re dropping into your afternoon with a fresh new look—designed for that thumb-scroll life. Expect headlines first, then the juicy deets that matter most to you.
  
  In the spirit of celebrating all things fine-tuned (and giving our creative minds a breather), CuratedLA will be taking a break this Monday for Columbus Day. Don’t worry, though—I’ll probably still be tweaking things behind the scenes, as per usual.
  
  Miss CuratedLA? Don’t stress. CuratedLA will be back Wednesday at 6:00am sharp. Enjoy the long weekend, LA!

DAILY SCROLL

HOV LANES

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EATS

HEADLINES

MCDONALD’S 🍟 Chicken Big Mac Now Available:

• McDonald’s dropped its Chicken Big Mac yesterday with a splash of influencer marketing, teaming up with streamer Kai Cenat to hype it up. Fans were polled through the McDonald’s app, deciding if this new take really holds up as a Big Mac—early votes say yes. The twist? Instead of beef, you get two tempura chicken patties, but everything else stays classic: Big Mac sauce, sesame bun, lettuce, pickles, and cheese. Priced at $6.29, it sits higher than the McChicken, but lines up with McCrispy options.

OPENINGS

HIGHLAND PARK 🍕 Wildcrust Opens Next Saturday:

• Highland Park’s pizza scene is heating up with the arrival of Wildcrust, is opening next Saturday, October 19th. Helmed by chef Miles Okabayashi—formerly of République and NYC’s Michelin-starred Torishin—this sourdough pizzeria began as a pandemic pop-up in his mom’s backyard. Now permanent, Wildcrust features Okabayashi’s 48-hour fermented dough, with a menu blending traditional and bold flavors. Think margherita and marinara for purists, and braised lamb tzatziki or mushroom-raclette pies for the adventurous. The cozy, mid-century-inspired spot offers beer, sake, and a curated wine list by sommelier Enoch Ahn. Lunch service is coming soon.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

CHINATOWN 🍕 Dodgers’ Pizza Eatery Opens:

• La Sorted has leveled up from its beloved Silver Lake take-out window to a full-fledged Chinatown outpost, bringing pizza and sports fans together under one roof. The new space is decked out with Dodgers memorabilia, plenty of seating, and TVs to catch the game while you dig into their signature bubbly-crusted pizzas—now served whole or by the slice. Not stopping there, the menu flexes with all-beef split hot dogs slathered in Phillippe’s mustard, mortadella sandwiches, and buffalo wings.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

HOLLYWOOD 🏺Toast and Juice Bar Opening October 26th on Sunset:

• Toastique, the popular East Coast toast and juice bar, is making its LA debut on October 26th on Sunset Blvd in the Sunset Media Center. The first one-hundred guests at the grand opening will score $50 in rewards with a minimum $10 purchase. Known for its gourmet toast creations like the Avocado Smash and PB Crunch, along with smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, and collagen lattes, Toastique is set to become a new healthy hotspot near Hollywood's iconic landmarks. Doors open at 8:00am, with more locations on the way.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

BEVERLY GROVE 🇮🇹 Farmers Market Restaurant Now Serving Italy Eats:

• Ettore Vino e Cucina just landed in Beverly Grove, offering a front-row seat to the hustle and charm of the Original Farmers Market. Brought to you by the Osteria Mamma team, this Northern Italian eatery boasts an extensive antipasti menu featuring daily fish crudo and chickpea fritters, alongside fresh salads, house-made pastas, and hearty braised meats. With a NorCal Italian-style winery as a partner, expect an impressive selection of natural and organic wines to sip on their cozy outdoor patio.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

EL SEGUNDO 🌮 Evil Cooks opens November 12th:

• Heavy metal meets haute cuisine in El Sereno as Evil Cooks Corazón Abierto opens its doors on November 12th. Chefs Alex and Elvia Garcia, known for their inventive tacos at Smorgasburg and a PBS Rebel Kitchens feature, are bringing their fan-favorite Poseidon octopus taco and McSatan burger taco to a permanent home. Housed in the former Antojito Chapines space, the restaurant features an open kitchen, a back patio, and a menu filled with innovative dishes like octopus over mushroom risotto and baklava Wellington. No partners, no investors—just pure, unfiltered passion on a plate.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

WEST HOLLYWOOD 🇫🇷 Patios, Sunsets, and Vibes of French Comfort:

• Chez Mia has officially arrived in West Hollywood, bringing Riviera vibes and LA star power to the former Ago space on Melrose. Opened by Marissa and Matt Hermer on Tuesday, this 220-seat stunner boasts one of the city’s hottest new patios, complete with lush foliage, pastel fabrics, and a secret garden ambiance when the sun sets. The menu, led by culinary director Ivo Filho, is packed with French and Italian-inspired dishes like black truffle-topped linguini, a whole grilled branzino, and a decadent caviar section. Don’t miss the 72-hour fermented fougasse bread or a mezcal-spiked Nicolette’s Waterfire cocktail. With its see-and-be-seen energy, Chez Mia is already primed to be a new hotspot among LA’s in-the-know crowd.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

HIGHLAND PARK 🍪 Instagram Worthy Coffee and Pastries:

• Modu Cafe, the long-awaited bakery from Jiyoon Jang of By Jiyoon fame, opens today in Highland Park, marking her first standalone venture after years of pop-ups and pastry drops. CuratedLA recently had a snippet on this launch. Located on York Boulevard, Modu serves up Jang's signature creations like dark chocolate mochi brownies, miso-misugaru cookies, and hojicha mochi muffins, all in a sunlit, minimalist space featuring light ash wood and lime-washed walls. Expect a full coffee and tea menu, with matcha front and center. For fans who’ve followed her journey from Instagram pastry boxes to pop-ups, this new spot is a sweet dream come true.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

BEVERLY HILLS 🍣 New Pop-Up from Scratch Restaurants:

• Michelin-starred Sushi by Scratch Restaurants is popping up at SLS Beverly Hills, offering an exclusive omakase tasting menu from the celebrated husband-and-wife duo, Chefs Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee. Running Wednesday through Sunday, this seventeen-course experience unfolds in the hotel's secret white room, transformed into a cozy lair for just ten guests. Expect signature dishes like roasted bone marrow nigiri and unagi fried in bone marrow fat, alongside fresh seafood flown in from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

HOLLYWOOD 🎬️ New California Cuisine from Chef Kevin Meehan:

• Chef Kevin Meehan is gearing up to open his latest venture, Koast, at 6623 Melrose Avenue, taking over the former Umeda space. While details about the new concept are still under wraps, Meehan’s track record—most notably with Kali, his Michelin-starred gem between Hollywood and Larchmont Village—promises something exceptional. Known for his commitment to California’s finest seasonal ingredients, Meehan’s new solo project will likely continue his dedication to contemporary Californian cuisine. No official opening date has been announced yet, but expect Koast to bring more of Meehan’s culinary magic to Melrose soon.

BEVERLY HILLS 🧀 Getting Cheesy With This Headline:

• The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills is expanding to a new location at the upcoming Neighborly food hall in Westlake Village. Set to open this winter on E Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Neighborly will feature curated dining options, including Joan’s On Third, Mini Kabob, and Social Monk. Known for its exceptional selection of over six hundred imported cheeses, The Cheese Store will offer its iconic products in this new venture, alongside other gourmet goods like fresh pasta, charcuterie, and artisanal spirits. This marks an exciting new chapter for the legendary cheese shop as it partners with Neighborly to bring its culinary excellence to the Conejo Valley.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

LA + OC 🍕 Prime Pizza Expanding Throughout Southern California:

• Prime Pizza is gearing up for a major expansion in 2025, with plans to open four new locations across Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The popular pizzeria, known for its round and square pies, pastas, and subs, will debut in Northridge next spring, followed by new spots in Mission Viejo and Brea in the summer, marking its first foray into Orange County. Prime Pizza will cap off the year with a Torrance location opening in fall 2025. With this, the pizzeria’s footprint grows from seven to eleven locations, making it easier than ever to get your Prime Pizza fix.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

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EVENTS

TODAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

FIVE FUTURES

GUIDES

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ACTIVITIES

GRIFFITH PARK 🎃 October 25th, 5:00pm - 11:00pm:

• Fright Night Market is taking over the Autry Museum of the American West on Friday, October 25th from 5:00pm to 11:00pm, with a spooky-meets-chill vibe perfect for October. Expect over fifty horror-themed vendors, costume contests, and food trucks to fuel your fall fun. Admission to the market (and parking) is free, but access to the beer garden will cost $23. Whether you’re shopping for handmade Halloween goodies or just looking to snap some vampy pics, this is the spot for a laid-back, festive evening. Pups on leashes welcome.

WEST HOLLYWOOD 🏳️‍🌈 October 31st, 6:00pm - 11:00pm:

• West Hollywood’s iconic Halloween Carnaval is back ready to turn Santa Monica Boulevard into a mile-long, costume-packed celebration on Halloween. From 6:00pm to 11:00pm, thousands of revelers will flood the Rainbow District for an unforgettable night of wild costumes, live DJ sets, food trucks, and Halloween spirit like no other. Spanning between N. Doheny Drive and N. La Cienega Boulevard, this free event is a celebration of creativity and community that’s been thriving since 1987. Get ready for a truly unique, only-in-WeHo Halloween extravaganza.

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COMMUNITY

BEACH ADVISORIES 🌊 Eight County Beaches Flagged:

• Eight LA County beaches have been flagged for unsafe bacteria levels by the Department of Public Health. If you're planning to surf, swim, or splash, steer clear of spots like Inner Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro), Santa Monica Pier, Redondo Beach (Sapphire St.), Mothers Beach (Marina Del Rey), and others listed. Good news though, Manhattan Beach Pier is back in the clear.

HEALTH OF MIND 🧘 Free Mediation Sessions from UCLA:

• UCLA Mindful is bringing back its popular free drop-in meditation sessions at UCLA Health Santa Monica Hospital. Every Tuesday from 12:30pm - 1:00pm, you can unwind in the hospital’s first-floor auditorium (1250 16th Street, Santa Monica). Led by rotating mindfulness experts, these weekly sessions are perfect for anyone in the area, from locals to those just passing by. No experience needed, just a desire for a moment of calm.

SPACE SHUTTLE 🚀 Endeavour Getting Set For Display:

• The California Science Center reached a major milestone on Thursday with the topping-out of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, where the space shuttle Endeavour will soon be displayed in an awe-inspiring, launch-ready vertical position. Crews raised the final beams into place, marking significant progress on the $400m, 200,000-square-foot expansion. The new facility will nearly double the Science Center's exhibit space, featuring multi-level galleries dedicated to air, space, and the shuttle, alongside rotating exhibits. The Endeavour, complete with rocket boosters and a massive external fuel tank, will be the centerpiece, standing over twenty stories tall.

PALMDALE TEACHER 🎒 Matthew Winheim Honored Nationally:

• Palmdale teacher Matthew Winheim has been named California's representative for the 2025 National Teacher of the Year competition, as announced by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond. Winheim, who teaches STEM aviation and mathematics at the Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy, will compete at the national level this spring. He joins four other exceptional California Teachers of the Year: Kristen LoPrell (Grossmont High), Robert Mauger (Corona High), Nicholas Westfall (Hamilton Senior High), and Arby Jean Wolkov (Taft Charter High). Winheim expressed his gratitude, saying it's an honor to represent Palmdale and California in this prestigious competition.

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DEVELOPMENT

GLASSELL PARK + MID-CITY 🏡 City Says Yes for New Apartments:

• The LA City Planning Commission just greenlit two new apartment projects, adding over sixty units to Glassell Park and Mid-City. In Glassell Park, KAS Verdugo, LLC will replace a church on Verdugo Road with a three-story building offering fourteen apartments and ground-floor commercial space. Meanwhile, P.D. Development, LLC plans to bring 52 new apartments to Venice Blvd in Mid-City, with a five-story structure featuring a two-level parking garage. Both projects utilize density bonus incentives, with a portion of units set aside for affordable housing.

WESTCHESTER 📦️ Self-Storage Facility’s Sleek Look:

• Morphosis just unveiled the sleek exterior of a new self-storage facility in Westchester, transforming the old mortuary site at 7366 Osage Avenue. The Cardiff Mason Development project boasts 50,000 square feet across three above-grade and three below-grade levels, with parking for seventeen. The metal-clad building, highlighted by bold yellow accents, takes on a darker tone than initially expected. Sitting west of the 405, this modern addition stands out in a neighborhood of post-WWII homes, alongside newer mixed-use developments. Construction kicked off in early 2023 and should wrap up within 23 months.

SOFI STADIUM 🏨 Kali Hotel and Rooftop Breaks Ground October 22nd:

• Inglewood is leveling up once again with the arrival of the Kali Hotel and Rooftop, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection. Set to rise twelve stories near SoFi Stadium, the hotel will cater to sports and entertainment VIPs, boasting 34 massive suites and luxe features like eleven-foot shower heads. The rooftop bar offers stunning views of SoFi, the Intuit Dome, and LAX flight paths—perfect for the World Cup, Super Bowl, and Olympics in the coming years. Kali Hotel and Rooftop is expected to open by 2026, timing this opening in conjunction with the World Cup in Los Angeles. A groundbreaking ceremony for the hotel is scheduled for Tuesday, October 22nd.

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BUSINESS

TESLA UNVEIL IN BURBANK ⚡️ We, Robot Took Place in Burbank Last Night:

• At Tesla’s We, Robot event in Burbank, Elon Musk introduced the long-awaited Cybercab, a self-driving electric vehicle, alongside the surprise reveal of the Robovan—an autonomous van capable of carrying up to twenty people or goods. These futuristic vehicles could change urban transportation, with the Cybercab aiming to eliminate awkward cab conversations entirely. Musk also provided updates on Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, designed to perform tasks from walking your dog to serving drinks.

  
  While the Cybercab was expected, the Robovan’s sleek, boxy design grabbed attention. With no steering wheel or controls, it's built for efficiency, promising to cut travel costs to just five to ten cents per mile. Meanwhile, Optimus continues to evolve, though its practical applications are still a ways off.
  
  The Cybercab and Robovan could soon reshape LA streets, but as with all new tech, approach with caution—especially given Tesla’s track record of recalls on its vehicles. Will these autonomous wonders live up to the hype? Only time will tell.
  
  Prediction: Expect these game-changing Teslas on LA roads soon, though safety concerns remain​.

INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE 📚️ The Black Cat Bookstore & Café:

• Monrovia just got cozier with the opening of The Black Cat Bookstore & Café. Nestled behind Moo Moo Mia, the bright and welcoming space offers a wide selection of books, totes, and stickers. Owner Nicole Fabry, a local, and her small team designed the space with a communal vibe in mind—think library meets coffee shop, fostering connection over commerce. Expect book clubs, art displays, and collaborations with nearby Underdog Bookstore.

PROCURELA 💼 New Program Unveiled for LA Small Businesses:

• Mayor Karen Bass just unveiled ProcureLA, a new program to gear up small businesses for massive opportunities tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. Launched at the inaugural Sports and Entertainment Summit, the initiative offers businesses personalized consultations, proposal development help, and training to win contracts for these major events. With heavy hitters like Jessica Alba and LA sports execs in attendance, the summit aimed to bridge the gap between local businesses and billions in economic impact from upcoming global events. L.A. is prepping for a world stage, and small businesses are getting in the game. 💌 

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ENTERTAINMENT

A THOUSAND BLOWS 🥊 Steven Knight’s next epic set in 1880s London:

• Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, is back with ‘A Thousand Blows’, set in the underground boxing scene of 1880s London. Starring Malachi Kirby as Hezekiah Moscow, a Jamaican immigrant battling his way through the criminal underbelly, the series also features Erin Doherty as Mary Carr, leader of the all-female gang, The Forty Elephants, and Stephen Graham as his fierce rival. Expect intense street fights and Victorian grit when the show premieres on Hulu in 2025. First stop: the BFI London Film Festival.

CHELSEA HANDLER 👩 Handler To Host Critics Choice Awards:

• Chelsea Handler is back to host the 30th annual Critics Choice Awards, marking her third consecutive year emceeing the event. The show will air live on E! from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica January 12th, with streaming available on Peacock starting January 13th. The Critics Choice Association promises this milestone event will be their biggest yet, thanks to Handler's signature wit. TV nominations drop December 5th, with film nominees following on December 12th, all leading up to the star-studded January ceremony.

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SPORTS

PADRES VS. DODGERS 🧢 Decisive Game 5 Showdown:

• When: 5:08pm, tonight | Where: Dodger Stadium
  TV: Fox | Matchup Predictor: Dodgers 58.8%, Padres 41.2%
  
  The Dodgers face a win-or-go-home Game 5 against the Padres, marking the first postseason duel between two Japanese-born starting pitchers—Yoshinobu Yamamoto for LA and Yu Darvish for San Diego. Yamamoto struggled in Game 1 but looks to bounce back after a tough debut season against the Padres. Darvish, a seasoned veteran, was stellar in Game 2 and holds a 2-0 postseason record against the Dodgers. LA will get Freddie Freeman back from injury, but Miguel Rojas remains doubtful. The Dodgers are 9-6 in series that go the distance, while the Padres have won all three of their past full-length postseason series. Prediction: Dodgers 4, Padres 3.

PENN STATE VS. USC 🏈 High-Stakes Showdown in the Coliseum:

• When: 12:30pm tomorrow. | Where: LA Memorial Coliseum
  TV/Radio: CBS (Ch. 2)/710 AM | Line: Penn State by 3.5
  
  USC (3-2) is reeling after a rough loss to Minnesota, but Lincoln Riley insists his Trojans are just a couple plays from being 5-0. However, Penn State (5-0) brings a formidable defense, ranked fourth in the nation, and a dangerous run game led by RB Nick Singleton. With the College Football Playoff dream on the line, USC needs a strong rushing game from Woody Marks and a turnover-free effort from QB Miller Moss to pull off the upset. Prediction: USC 27, Penn State 24.

MINNESOTA VS. UCLA 🏈 Big Ten Clash at the Rose Bowl:

• When: 6:00pm tomorrow. | Where: Rose Bowl Stadium
  TV/Streaming: Big Ten Network | Line: Minnesota -5.5, Total: 40.5
  
  Minnesota (3-3) comes off a momentum-building upset over USC but faces a tricky West Coast trap game at UCLA (1-4), who's had a brutal schedule. Minnesota's QB Max Brosmer leads the charge, fresh off impressive performances despite facing tough Big Ten defenses. UCLA, struggling with QB injuries, might see Justyn Martin start after a solid relief effort against Penn State. The Bruins are still seeking consistency, but their improvement, especially at home, could spell trouble for the Gophers. Prediction: Minnesota 23, UCLA 20. Watch for UCLA to cover the spread in a tight, defensive battle.

SOFI STADIUM 🏟️ SoFi Hosts CONCACAF League Finals:

• SoFi Stadium is set to host the 2025 and 2027 CONCACAF Nations League Finals, bringing another major international soccer event to LA. The fourth edition kicks off March 20, 2025, with semifinals, followed by the third-place and championship games on March 23. Soccer fans can also look forward to a week-long Nations League Fan Zone at Hollywood Park, plus a concert at YouTube Theater. This marks the first time the tournament heads to LA, after past finals in Denver, Las Vegas, and Arlington.

CHARGERS’ DEFENSE⚡️Strong Start for Chargers:

• After a rocky 2023 season, the Chargers have turned things around under new head coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. The defense, once overcomplicated under former coach Brandon Staley, is now a powerhouse, allowing an NFL-low 12.5 points per game. Minter's simplified schemes and the team’s offseason signings—like Poona Ford, Denzel Perryman, and Kristian Fulton—have been game changers. Khalil Mack continues to lead a stacked linebacker group, while Minter’s focus on consistency and physicality is shaping the Chargers into a top defensive unit heading into Week 6.

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CU WEDNESDAY, LA!

🤙 Have a wonderful Holiday Weekend, Los Angeles.
See everyone back here, 6:00am on Wednesday.
Email me if you need me (thanks, Mom).

And as always, Go Tigers! Beat Wake Forest!

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