SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2024

FRIDAY’S VIBES

WE

MADE IT.
FRIDAY.

• 🎉 FRIDAY: Happy Friday everyone. We made it. And to celebrate, CuratedLA is coming at us all with a fresh new look for how we share events, now in table form. This allows easy scrolling, and also allows for everything to be a bit more condensed - because, yes, I know…CuratedLA is always jam packed with content. But hey, that is why I incorporated the HOV Lanes and Table of Vibes. Speaking of vibes, below are today + this weekend’s vibes. I will see everyone back here, 6am on Monday morning. Have a wonderful weekend, CuratedLA Family! - Wyatt.

• 💼 LAYOFFS: The entertainment industry has been hit with layoffs at Paramount, Disney, and others, and if you’ve been affected, remember—this is just temporary. I’m working on curating job postings tailored to our community, right here in the newsletter. A simple link, not a job board. Got a lead on a job?Share it with me via email at: [email protected]. Also, if you’re actively job hunting, whether employed or not, I’d be happy to feature your LinkedIn on CuratedLA.

HOV LANES

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EATS

HEADLINES

• 😋 LA HISTORIC PARK: This Saturday, The Family Style Food Festival hits Los Angeles Historic Park, serving up exclusive bites and merch from top chefs, restaurants, and brands. Don’t miss Pikachu’s Electric Café by The Pokémon Company, NYC’s Katz’s Delicatessen, and local favorites like Baroo, Holy Basil, Cobi’s, and 715 Sushi. Tickets start at $46.46—come hungry!

• ☕️ FREE COFFEE: Coffee lovers, rejoice! This National Coffee Day (Saturday), Randy’s Donuts is treating loyalty members to a FREE hot or iced coffee—no strings attached. Whether you're pairing it with your go-to glazed or mixing it up with something new, your caffeine fix is on the house. Not a member yet? Just sign up in-store or online to join the fun and start reaping the rewards. 💌 

• 🥩 ANNIVERSARY SPECIALS: Nick + Stef’s Steakhouse is throwing a juicy celebration for its 25th anniversary in Downtown LA! From October 14th-19th, indulge in prix fixe dinners, $25 steak lunch specials, and happy hour oysters with wine pairings. A staple of Bunker Hill since 1999, the restaurant, led by Executive Chef Megan Logan, is famed for its USDA Prime dry-aged steaks and curated wine list. If you’re a fan of premium cuts and a bit of nostalgia, don’t miss their $250 anniversary dinner for two, or swing by for the $25 New York Strip lunch.

• 💯 NY LOVES LA: Five California hotspots just made the New York Times' 2024 list of best restaurants, with LA shining bright. Downtown’s Camélia, a French-Japanese fusion bistro, wowed with its Croque-Madame—a ham katsu twist layered with gruyère and shokupan. Meanwhile, Silver Lake's Azizam had the Times raving over its ash-e-jo, a soul-warming barley and bean soup. San Francisco’s Four Kings and Quince, along with Alameda’s barbecue gem Fiskue, also landed spots. What’s better? All five are fresh to the list. Check out the full rankings on the Times' site.

OPENINGS

• 🇲🇽 HOLLYWOOD PARK: Martin’s Cocina y Cantina is leveling up with a second location set to debut in early 2025 at the buzzing Hollywood Park development in Inglewood. Known for serving up flavorful Mexican dishes, the new spot will join the Martin Family's lineup, which includes Antojitos Martin and Fiesta Martin. Hollywood Park is stacking up new tenants, with other eateries like Social Pies and Smize Ice Cream on the way.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🍺 HIGHLAND PARK: Sam’s Place in Highland Park is more of a vibey bar than a full-fledged restaurant, but you won’t leave hungry. With low lighting, cozy wooden booths, and a chill counter for ordering drinks like vermouth spritzes and natural wine, it's the perfect spot to unwind. The menu leans snacky with standout dishes like grilled sourdough, a baked Japanese sweet potato slathered in tahini, and chicken wings dressed with ají amarillo and pomegranate sauce. But if you're after something heartier, they’ve got a solid 10-ounce steak too.

  • Directions to Sam’s Place

• 🍣 KOREATOWN: Intercrew, Koreatown’s glamorous supper club, is back and turning heads with its latest menu and opulent interior with a grand re-opening today. Touting itself as more than a restaurant, this 15,000-square-foot spot brings a mix of California-inspired dishes with an Asian twist, featuring showstoppers like fried chicken with crab fat caramel and scallops with green apple aguachile. With a grand staircase, dangling chandeliers, and art deco vibes, it's the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Whether you're there for dinner or drinks at the stunning bar, Intercrew is all about indulging in the finer things​.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🌮 SOUTH-CENTRAL: Fátima Júarez and her husband, Conrado Rivera, have turned hard work and community support into Molino Komal, their new tortillería and antojitos spot at Mercado La Paloma. After tiling every inch of the space themselves and receiving donations like a kitchen hood from neighboring Holbox, this opening is the definition of a labor of love. Three months after welcoming their first child, Júarez celebrates Komal as a testament to their family’s heritage and hustle. Stop by for handmade tortillas and a taste of authentic Chilanga pride.

  • Instagram

• 🎡 SANTA MONICA: Something’s brewing at 828 Pico Blvd, Ste 5 in Santa Monica, and it’s not just the beer and wine. A mysterious ABC application recently popped up under the name Pacific Golf Corp, but good luck finding much about them—searches come up empty. All we know is that it’s for an ‘on-sale beer & wine eating place,’ leaving us to wonder what’s really on tap. If you’ve got the scoop, LMK!

• 🧑‍🍳 BEVERLY GROVE: Chefs Daniel Patterson and Keith Corbin are cooking up something new in the former Son of a Gun space, set to debut in 2025. Their new restaurant, jaca (short for jacaranda), is inspired by the blooming tree that captivated the pair years ago. Patterson will lead the kitchen with both chefs co-owning the spot, offering a tasting menu that promises a fresh spin on fine dining. Fresh off reopening Locol in Watts, the duo aims to bring the same spirit of transformation.

• 🤵‍♂️ CENTURY CITY: Westfield Century City’s about to get a taste of luxury dining on-the-go with the arrival of MR CHOW NOW. Spotted behind plywood, this new fast casual expansion of the iconic MR CHOW brand has everyone wondering how it’ll stack up to the Beverly Hills staple known for its chic atmosphere and high-end Chinese cuisine. Details are still scarce, but they’re aiming for a late autumn opening. Hand-pulled noodles, perhaps? We’ll have to wait and see!

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

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EVENTS

TODAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

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ACTIVITIES

• 🎨 DOWNTOWN LA: TODAY: Secret Walls is taking over DTLA with The Art of Competition Tour—an epic live art battle that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. Graffiti artists and muralists clash in teams, racing to create jaw-dropping murals in just 90 minutes. With Monster Energy Ultra flowing and the crowd roaring, it’s all about the hype, as judges use audience reactions to crown the winners. Tickets start at $17.79.

• 🛩️ SANTA MONICA: NOW - SUNDAY: Santa Monica's Barker Hangar is the place to be this weekend with over 140 independent artists showing off their best work. From today to Sunday, catch art for sale, live DJ sets, installations, interactive activations, and a cash bar to keep things flowing. Tickets start at $30 for the weekend. Grab your art-loving crew and dive into creativity.

• 🎤 THE ELYSIAN: SUNDAY, 9:00PM: Bonnie He’s A Terrible Show for Terrible People is the raunchy, side-splitting clown act you didn’t know you needed. It’s like if Mr. Bean became a sultry Asian femme fatale, mixing Benny Hill chaos with a hint of spicy dungeon humor. With only two spoken words, this award-winning solo show has been dubbed a smash-hit from Edinburgh to LA, charming audiences with ‘cute giggles and filthy wiggles’ (EdFringeReview). Warning: expect sexual innuendo, audience participation, and pickles. After the show, stick around for a Q&A with Bonnie herself—an improv queen, Hello Kitty devotee, and Los Angeles’ own Maverick Award winner. Buy tickets to Sunday night’s show. 💌 

• 🍺 TOPANGA SOCIAL: SATURDAY, 4:00PM - 9:00PM: Topanga Social is bringing Oktoberfest vibes this Saturday with an evening of German tunes, soft pretzels, a beer garden, and yard games. From 4:00pm to 9:00pm, test your strength in a stein-holding competition or just relax with a brew in hand. Admission is free, so grab your crew and celebrate!

• 🛍️ ROW DTLA: SATURDAY: The Pickwick Vintage Show returns to ROW DTLA, featuring over fifty vendors offering an amazing selection of vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Tickets range from $10 to $20 depending on your entry time, and the market runs from noon to 4:00pm.

• 🇹🇭 SANTA MONICA PIER: SATURDAY, 11:00AM - 9:00PM: Thai Fest by the Beach brings the vibrant flavors and culture of Thailand to the Santa Monica Pier. Indulge in dishes from top LA Thai spots like Emporium Thai, Ayara Thai, and Luv 2 Eat Thai Bistro, while enjoying complimentary massages, live cultural performances, and appearances by world-renowned WBC Muay Thai fighters. It’s a free, immersive celebration of Thai food, art, and sports.

• 🥬 PLANT BASE LA: SATURDAY, 12:00PM - 5:00PM: This Saturday, Vegtoberfest takes over Common Space Brewery with a plant-based twist on Oktoberfest! Curated by The Plant Base LA, the event features vegan food vendors, a live brass band, a stein-holding contest, and plenty of brews and is free to attend.

• 🐴 ARCADIA: TOMORROW: Santa Anita Park is upping the ante with the debut of the California Crown this Saturday, transforming a major race day into a high-energy, luxury event. With a $1 million purse and a stacked field, the California Crown Stakes headlines the day alongside four other big-money stakes races, pulling in top horses and trainers. Modeled after the Pegasus World Cup, this event blends elite racing with live performances by Lil Yachty, Gryffin, and more, plus posh culinary experiences from L.A. favorites like Delilah. It’s all about luring a glamorous crowd and putting California racing back in the spotlight. Tickets are still available, and the race will be shown nationally on both CNBC and Peacock, starting at 3:00pm.

• 🚴‍♂️ DOWNTOWN LA: SUNDAY, 11:00AM - 2:00PM: This Sunday, pedal through DTLA for the Brews & Bike Crawl, hitting four top taprooms: Audio Graph Beer Co., Creature Comforts, Boomtown Brewery, and Angel City Brewery. The ride kicks off at Audio Graph at 11:00am, and it’s free to join. Grab your bike and your beer-loving friends for a laid-back afternoon of cycling and sipping.

• 🏆️ ACADEMY MUSEUM: SUNDAY, 10:30AM - 3:30PM: This Sunday, celebrate The Academy Museum’s third anniversary with free admission for all visitors! Enjoy special activations, including a 35mm screening of Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush at 2:00pm., live music, tacos from Fanny’s, fruit vendors at The Walt Disney Company Piazza, and a drop-in tactile filmmaking workshop. Advance reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

• 🎃 DESCANSO GARDENS: OCTOBER 4TH - 30TH: Carved at Descanso Gardens returns with more pumpkin magic than ever! Kick off the evening at the beer garden on the Main Lawn, where you’ll find a house made entirely of pumpkins alongside festive fall vibes. Explore the stunning Día de los Muertos ofrenda and stroll through glowing jack-o'-lanterns, hand-carved giant pumpkins, and new installations like the playful wood spirits by Chainsaw Jenna. Don’t miss the Descanso Railroad, specially lit for the event, and the captivating ‘Rhizome’ by Tom and Lien Dekyvere.

• 🇬🇷 PICO-UNION: NEXT SATURDAY + SUNDAY: Get ready to opa your way through the weekend at L.A. Greek Fest, the city’s biggest celebration of Greek food, wine, and culture. Hosted at the stunning Saint Sophia Cathedral in Pico-Union. This event is set to dish out everything from mouthwatering gyros to leg of lamb pita sandwiches. Expect live Greek music (and a splash of mariachi!), traditional dancing, Cathedral tours, and a family-friendly vibe with a kid’s zone and market for shopping. Proceeds support the community, so grab your orange aprons and dive in. Free parking with shuttle service seals the deal.

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COMMUNITY

• 🚇️ FINAL DESIGN: LA Metro has tapped HDR, Inc. to lead the final design for the 18-mile North Hollywood to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor Project. The $267m initiative will link key destinations across North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, Eagle Rock, and Pasadena with electric buses running in dedicated lanes. With construction set to begin this year and service starting in 2027, the BRT line is expected to slash travel times by up to 44%. Connecting major hubs like the North Hollywood Arts District and Pasadena City College, this project aims to improve mobility and access across bustling LA neighborhoods.

• 🏡 ZONING: With over 250,000 new homes needed, the city is weighing whether to preserve low-density areas or open them up for affordable housing. A new city report spotlights how current zoning laws reinforce racial and economic inequality, a legacy that some argue has long stifled opportunities for marginalized communities. The Planning Commission’s upcoming vote could reshape the housing landscape—or keep the status quo intact for L.A.'s wealthier neighborhoods.

• 📸 YOUNG INFLUENCERS: California just made a major move to protect the earnings of child influencers. Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills into law, ensuring young stars on platforms like TikTok and YouTube get a fair cut of their earnings. SB 764 requires content creators featuring kids in 30% of their content to set aside a proportional percentage of earnings in trusts. Meanwhile, AB 1880 extends the Coogan Law, mandating 15% of child content creators' earnings be placed in a trust—just like child actors. Newsom, joined by Demi Lovato, emphasized these laws are crucial to stopping the modern exploitation of young influencers.

• 🔌 PUBLIC POWER WEEK: Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) is celebrating Public Power Week from October 6th-12th, with fun, family-friendly events that highlight the benefits of being part of a publicly owned utility. Events include a Resource Booth Power Hour at Victory Park Recreation Center (October. 8th, 11:30am), Storytime and Touch-a-Truck with a Lineman at Jefferson Branch Library (October. 8th, 10:00am), and an Electric Circuit Activity at Lamanda Park Branch Library (October 9th, 4:00pm). Learn more about how PWP serves the Pasadena community with reliable, eco-conscious service at PWPweb.com/PublicPowerWeek.

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DEVELOPMENT

• 🏡 KOREATOWN: A Koretown development just got the green light to move forward with a long-awaited project. The LA City Council approved a zone change for 3600 Wilshire Boulevard, clearing the way for two sleek 23-story apartment towers. These towers will bring 760 new units and some ground-floor retail to the area, replacing an old parking garage. Designed by Perkins&Will, the buildings will rise up to 269 feet and include luxe amenities like rooftop pools and a fitness center. While construction is expected to take two years, no word yet on when the groundbreaking will start.

• 🏡 EAST LOS ANGELES: Casa de la Luz is set to bring 95 new affordable apartments to East LA, with a colorful, courtyard-centric design. Developed by Hollywood Community Housing Corp., this five-story project on S. Kern Avenue will offer permanent supportive housing for low-income households and on-site services from The People Concern. Of the $34m in funding secured so far, $27m comes from a state grant. If all goes well, construction could kick off by summer 2025. Keep an eye out for the public art installation by a local muralist.

• 🏡 LONG BEACH: Trammell Crow Residential and R&V Management have broken ground on the Alexan West End, a massive multifamily residential development at 600 Broadway in Downtown Long Beach. This new project, designed by Studio One Eleven, will feature 600 apartments spread across four buildings, ranging from seven to eight stories. Expect amenities like a rooftop deck, fitness center, and pool to complement the vibrant urban vibe. And it’s just phase one—plans are already in place to add more units, including a high-rise for phase three.

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BUSINESS

• 🍺 BEER GROWTH: Anheuser-Busch is pouring $16 million into its Van Nuys brewery, boosting production for 25-ounce cans and expanding packaging for brands like Cutwater and Nutrl. The investment will also fund water conservation efforts and reduce boiler emissions. Opened in 1954, the LA facility has already seen $2.6 billion in investments, making it a major player in California’s brewing scene. General Manager Eric Gutierrez emphasized the positive impact on both the local economy and the company’s growth.

• 🎬️ HOLLYWOOD PARK: The Shops at Hollywood Park just made its grand debut in Inglewood, adding 500,000 square feet of retail to the mega-development around SoFi Stadium. The first phase features big names like Cinépolis, Iconix Fitness, JD Sports, and Residency Arts Gallery. Plus, Google's Code Next Lab is opening its first SoCal location here next year. With new tenants like Martin's Cocina y Cantina, Phenix Salon Suites, and The Meeting Spot on the way, this retail hub is heating up. Hollywood Park is shaping up as the West Coast's largest mixed-use project, set to include homes, hotels, offices, and even an automated people mover.

• 📡 DIRECTV X DISH: DirecTV (El Segundo) and Dish are reportedly in advanced talks to merge, potentially creating the largest U.S. pay-TV provider with nearly 20 million subscribers. The merger would unite two satellite-TV giants at a time when traditional TV is losing ground to streaming platforms like Netflix. While previous discussions faced antitrust hurdles, the rise of streaming might smooth the path for this deal. DirecTV, owned by AT&T and TPG, is expected to control the combined entity, though EchoStar and TPG will likely stay on as investors.

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ENTERTAINMENT

• 🎤 SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE: Jean Smart’s hosting debut on SNL is off to a hilarious start—at least in the promo. The Hacks star can barely get a word in as her lines are hilariously cut off by iconic flashbacks to 50 years of classic SNL moments, from Eddie Murphy to Steve Martin. Frustrated, she jokes, “Can we make this a little more about me?” Smart is set to host the season 50 premiere alongside musical guest Jelly Roll. With upcoming hosts like Nate Bargatze, Ariana Grande, and Michael Keaton, SNL’s milestone season is gearing up for a star-studded lineup. Tune in this Saturday.

• ⭐️ BATMAN: The Dark Knight just cemented his legacy in Hollywood with a shiny new star, becoming the first superhero to land one on the iconic boulevard. Appropriately placed outside the Hollywood Guinness World Records Museum, Batman’s star rests alongside Adam West and Bob Kane’s—honoring the legacy of Gotham’s finest. With DC Comics’ Jim Lee and Burt Ward (the OG Robin) on hand, it was a fitting tribute to a character who’s transcended comics, film, and TV, capturing hearts since 1939.

• 🍿 THE WILD ROBOT: Universal’s The Wild Robot is set to lead the weekend, banking on strong early reviews (98% on Rotten Tomatoes) and the directorial vision of Chris Sanders (How to Train Your Dragon). Based on Peter Brown’s popular children’s books, the film offers a gentler alternative to last weekend’s Transformers One. Universal is going all in with a release on 3,900 screens, including 900 Premium Large Format showings. While original animated films can be hit or miss, positive buzz and a big Oscar push could help The Wild Robot hit the high end of its projections.

• 💪 SUPER/MAN: Warner Bros. Pictures has announced the wide release of Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story on October 11th, 2024, following successful Fathom Events preview screenings and a 100% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, the moving documentary chronicles the incredible journey of Christopher Reeve—from his rise as an iconic Superman to his life-changing injury and advocacy for spinal cord injury research and disability rights. Featuring never-before-seen home videos and interviews with Reeve’s children, this is a must-see cinematic tribute. Tickets are on sale now.

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SPORTS

• 🧢 DODGERS CLINCH NL WEST: The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the NL West in dramatic fashion Thursday night, rallying with a five-run seventh inning to beat the San Diego Padres 7-2 in front of a packed Dodger Stadium. It marked the first time since 2018 that Dodgers fans were on hand for a division-clinching win at home. Will Smith's two-run homer sparked the comeback, tying the game after the Padres held a 2-0 lead through six innings. Key hits from Mookie Betts and pinch-hitter Enrique Hernández sealed the victory, but the win was tempered by an apparent injury to Freddie Freeman. With their 11th division title in twelve seasons, the Dodgers (95-64) earned a first-round bye and will open the playoffs at home on Oct. 5th.

• 🏈 UCLA X ORGEON PREVIEW: UCLA fans, get ready for history as the Bruins face the No. 8 Oregon Ducks this Saturday at the Rose Bowl in Oregon's first-ever Big Ten conference game. The Ducks, riding high with a 3-0 record after a 49-14 win over Oregon State, bring a strong offense anchored by an elite O-line, while UCLA (1-2) has struggled both offensively and defensively, ranking last in the Big Ten in several key categories. With quarterback Ethan Garbers and the Bruins’ offense still searching for rhythm, the team will need to step up big to stop Oregon's momentum in this must-watch matchup.

• 🏈 USC X WISCONSIN PREVIEW: The USC Trojans are set for a Big Ten showdown against the Wisconsin Badgers this Saturday at LA Memorial Stadium. The Trojans, boasting a 2-1 record with a dominant 48-0 win over Utah State and a hard-fought victory against LSU, will look to build on their momentum after a narrow 27-24 loss at Michigan. Meanwhile, Wisconsin is without their starting quarterback, Tyler Van Dyke, who is out for the season following an injury. With the Badgers coming off a tough 42-10 home loss to Alabama, USC has a prime opportunity to capitalize and make a statement.

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HAVE A GREAT WKND, LA!

🤙 Have an awesome, awesome weekend LA.

And as always, Go Tigers! Beat Stanford!

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