MAY 29TH, 2024

WEDNESDAY

WEDNESDAY’S VIBES

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

🩴 HAPPY NATIONAL FLIP FLOP DAY, GOOD LOOKIN’ 🩴 

🍹 FREE SMOOTHIES TODAY: I hope that everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend, it’s so good to see the CuratedLA Family again. Today, the first Wednesday after Memorial Day, marks National Flip Flop Day. National Flip Flop Day was created by the folks over at Tropical Smoothie Cafe to celebrate summer vibes.

In celebration of summer vibes, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is handing out a free 12 oz Island Punch Smoothie for those that wear flip flops in-store today between the hours of 2:00p - 7:00p. SoCal has two locations: one in Huntington Beach/Fountain Valley, and the other in Rancho Cucamonga.

🚀 CURATING A GROWING JUNE: CuratedLA published four original articles last week. These publications were not only neat discoveries regarding Los Angeles Development, but will also help us grow here at CuratedLA with originality scores on Big Search.

Speaking of search, both Full List + Trending Calendars have been updated to reflect events from June 1st to June 30th. As always, feel free to submit any events that you are involved with, or find interesting, as these calendars are constantly updated.

Now, onto today’s good vibes… 👇️

TRENDING 

THE HOV LANE

EATS

LOCAL HEADLINES

🐔 USC/WESTWOOD: Buffalo Wild Wings is eyeing a new location within USC's Hub LA Coliseum, sparking interest as the City's Planning Division delves into the proposal at 3800 S. Figueroa Street. Outlined in the submission are plans for a sizable establishment, spanning 4,896 square feet indoors and boasting 132 seats. Additionally, an outdoor patio, with room for 26 patrons, is proposed, offering a pleasant al fresco dining experience along Figueroa Street. Interestingly, Buffalo Wild Wings intends to cater to its student clientele by proposing operating hours from 8:00 am to 2:00 am daily. While the chain does offer breakfast options at select locations, this early opening time is notably ambitious for the brand.

🌿 AMSTERDAM-STYLE EATS APPROVED: The California Assembly passed a transformative bill last Monday that could significantly alter Los Angeles’ cannabis landscape. The legislation, which is now pending approval from the State Senate and Governor Newsom’s signature, aims to replicate the success of West Hollywood’s exclusive cannabis lounges, the only ones legally operating in the county. These establishments, which include the Cannabis Cafe, Artist Tree, the Woods, and PleasureMed, are part of the ‘Emerald Village’ initiative and serve a high-end market, with a basic meal and cannabis pairing starting at $80.

OPENINGS

🥪 WEST HOLLYWOOD: Vanderpump Rules stars Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney opened their highly anticipated sandwich shop Something About Her last week in West Hollywood. The menu features a selection of handcrafted sandwiches priced between $8.00 and $19.00 and are considered to be comforting, home-worthy sandwiches. The menu boasts a collection of carefully chosen ingredients, from homemade dressings and marmalades to specially marinated produce, all complemented by premium artisanal breads and cheeses. In a nod to Hollywood’s leading ladies, each sandwich bears the name of an iconic actress, such as The Viola, The Reese, and The Meg, adding a touch of star power to the dining experience. | Review from our friends at Betches.

• 🥪 Deli: Sandwiches, Chips, Treats

• ⏰ Wed - Sun: 10a - 4p

• 💻️ Website | 📸 Instagram | 📜 Menu

🍨 WEST HOLLYWOOD: Another treat just landed in West Hollywood with the arrival of Awan, a plant-based, Indonesian-inspired ice creamery. This quaint dessert haven offers a unique twist on traditional treats, serving up exotic flavors like blood orange, lemongrass, and rhubarb pie from a charming takeout window. Awan prides itself on its globally-sourced ingredients, boasting vanilla beans directly from Bali and strawberries from the esteemed Harry’s Berries in Oxnard. Patrons can expect to savor their creamy indulgences in stylish beige cups, brimming with innovative concoctions. Among the array of surprises, the tortilla flavor stands out, astonishing customers with its authentic taste that rivals a freshly made blue corn tortilla.

• 🍨 Creamery: Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Gluten Free

• ⏰ Mon - Fri: 3p - 10p, Sat + Sun: 12p - 10p

• 💻️ Website | 📸 Instagram

🍺 MANHATTAN BEACH: Manhattan Beach’s beloved Brewco has reopened its doors, unveiling a stunning transformation from a cozy seaside taproom to a luxurious spa-like gastropub. The extensive renovation showcases a fresh, culinary direction under the guidance of the esteemed chef from Redbird. Patrons can now indulge in an eclectic new menu featuring delicate snow crab sushi rolls, crispy golden schnitzel, and flavor-packed spicy pork ribs, served both at lunch and dinner. Amidst these changes, Brewco retains its renowned vast beer selection, continuing to cater to the tastes of beer aficionados.

🍕 PARKLABREA: Leopardo recently opened on S. La Brea Avenue earlier this month. Curated by renowned chef Joshua Skenes, Leopardo’s menu adapts daily to the freshest local catches, featuring dishes like ocean tilefish and Dungeness crab with mafaldine pasta. The restaurant’s commitment to perfection is perhaps best exemplified by its pizza, a result of hundreds of trials, blending neo-Neapolitan and neo-Minato influences into a unique West Coast curation.

• 🏄‍♂️ West Coast: Pizza, Seafood

• ⏰ Tue - Sat: 5:30p - 10:30p

• 💻️ Website | 📸 Instagram

🎬️ NORTH HOLLYWOOD: El Bacano just opened up in North Hollywood. Tucked away next to Subway, the unassuming spot is a haven for those craving the comfort of home-style Dominican dishes, like the succulent fried pork chop that beckons diners on a cozy evening. El Bacano’s menu is a celebration of tradition, with each plate accompanied by the pulsating rhythms of reggaeton, infusing the dining experience with an infectious energy. The culinary journey here is marked by simplicity and heartiness, featuring staples like habichuela with rice, golden tostones, and a selection of proteins tailored to personal tastes.

• 🇩🇴 Dominican: Mangu, Chicken, Burgers

• 🕰️ Tue - Sun: 12p - 9p

• 💻️ Website | 📸 Instagram | 📜 Menu

🍰 SANTA MONICA: Kimberly Bailey, the renowned pastry chef and Food Network judge, is set to delight Santa Monica with the opening of the Butter End Cakery at the end of June. The cakery will rise in the space once occupied by Vanilla Bake Shop at 512 Wilshire Boulevard. Since launching her business in 2010, Bailey has become synonymous with exquisitely designed, towering cakes that have captivated Hollywood’s elite. The Butter End Cakery promises to bring Bailey’s signature flair to a range of delectable treats, from organic, locally-sourced cakes by the slice, cupcakes, and scones, to comforting classics like sticky toffee pudding and butterscotch budino.

• 🍰 Bakery: Cakes, Cupcakes, Sweets

• 🚀 Opening at the end of June

• 💻️ Website | 📸 Instagram

😋 SANTA YNEZ VALLEY: Santa Ynez Valley, a favorite escape for Los Angeles residents in Santa Barbara, is expanding with three exciting new eateries. Stica, a laid-back spot by the creators of S.Y. Kitchen and Nella Kitchen & Bar, will offer Roman-style pinse pizzas and convenient take-away options in Santa Ynez. In Solvang, Crudo by Chef Cullen Campbell is set to delight with Italian-inspired raw seafood dishes, artisanal pastas, and a future sushi and izakaya venture. Lastly, Chef Budi Kazali is set to rekindle the beloved Gathering Table in Solvang, promising a communal dining experience with Asian influences.

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EVENTS

BIG LIST OF EVENTS

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TRENDING

[CLICK FOR FULL VIEW]

ACTIVITIES

🔠 CULVER CITY: The Casual Creative in Esme in Culver City Downtown is hosting Word Play & Collaging for an evening of guided journaling, creative writing and collaging. The event takes place Sunday, June 2nd from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. Unwind and immerse yourself in the healing act of putting pen to paper as you sip delicious natural wine. We will start the evening with some guided fun writing prompts and then have free time to build collages inspired by our writings or just for fun! 

You’ll get:

• Your own journal (I can smell the brand new pages from here )

• Collage materials to get your creative juices flowing

• Juicy writing prompts that will convince you that you are, in fact, a writer!

• A glass of wine or a non-alc beverage of choice.

• A welcoming atmosphere—everyone will be seated at communal tables, perfect for connecting with friends or meeting new people

  • Tickets and more information here | 💌 

🎬️ HOLLYWOOD: The 2024 Hollywood Fringe Festival returns throughout various locations of Hollywood this June. This is annual event, now in its fourteenth year, is Los Angeles’ largest celebration of the performing arts. The event is open-access to the community and celebrates freedom of expression + collaboration within the performing arts community. Participation in the Hollywood Fringe is completely open and uncensored, emphasizing its mission to be a platform for artists without the barrier of a curating body. By welcoming anyone with a vision, the festival showcases diverse and cutting-edge points of view. Previews of Hollywood Fringe run from June 6th to June 11th, the Opening Night Party (co-produced by LA LGBT Center) takes place on June 12th, and the 14th Annual Hollywood Fringe Festival runs from June 13th to 30th.

🏎️ MIRACLE MILE: The Petersen Automotive Museum has unveiled a spectacular new exhibit titled Best in Low: Lowrider Icons of the Street and Show, celebrating the vibrant lowrider culture that’s integral to Southern California. The exhibit contains close to 40 stunning vehicles, including the legendary Gypsy Rose, an icon of East L.A. that graced the screen in Chico and The Man. The display, which also features an influential lowrider from Japan and extends to motorcycles, bicycles, and even children’s vehicles, is a tribute to the craftsmanship of lowriders—showcasing their intricate artistry, glossy paintwork, and sophisticated hydraulics. This dazzling array of lowrider art will be available for admiration at the museum until next April. | Official Information | Read more via Secret Los Angeles

🏆️ GRAMMY AWARDS: The Recording Academy has announced Sunday, February 2nd 2025 as the date for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. The ceremony will take place at Crypo.com Arena and the show will broadcast live on Paramount+. The Recording Academy also announced key Grammy dates: nomination announcements on November 8th, 2024 + final round voting to conclude on January 3rd, 2025.

🤠 SILVERLAKE: Pioneering artist Prospex Park, known for his innovative approach to storytelling through AI generative portraiture, is set to unveil his debut exhibition, Frontier Drops. In collaboration with a group of talented artists and textile designers, the exhibition features handcrafted crochet, beaded and quilted garments inspired by Prospex’s imagery. For his inaugural public appearance, he will don bespoke masked cowboy outfits, embodying the mystery and anonymity characteristic of his masked creations. During the event, Prospex will be signing books and prints, adding a personal touch to the immersive experience. The exhibition will take place from 2pm to 8pm on Saturday, June 8th, at 3100 W Sunset Blvd in Silverlake. In addition to the captivating artwork on display, attendees can expect exclusive art prints, bespoke costume pieces, and beverages by Three Spirit Drinks. | 💌 

COMMUNITY

🏈 RAMS X PACSUN: The Rams and Pacsun have initiated a donation program to provide essential laundry facilities to educational institutions in both Compton + Los Angeles. The Loads of Love program, backed by the Thinkwatts Foundation, aims to alleviate attendance issues by ensuring students have access to clean clothing. Chronic absenteeism, defined by the U.S. Department of Education as missing fifteen or more school days annually, is particularly prevalent in underserved communities where students face numerous obstacles, including inadequate clothing. To further support these communities, the Rams and Pacsun have pledged an additional two million dollars in clothing donations to various under-resourced schools within the Compton Unified, Inglewood Unified, L.A. Unified, and Partnership for Los Angeles Schools.

🚇️ TAP OUT: Metro is piloting a program at North Hollywood’s B Line Station to bolster safety and ensure proper use of the transit system. The pilot program requires passengers to ‘tap out’ at fare gates, a measure aimed at verifying payment for travel. The initiative follows a successful safety pilot at Westlake MacArthur Park station and is part of a broader effort to enhance security and reduce fare evasion: a violation of the transit authority’s Code of Conduct. Passengers must now tap their TAP cards both when entering and exiting the rail system, aligning with practices in other major transit systems like BART, WMATA, and MARTA. Non-compliance may result in warnings, citations, or removal from the system. Metrolink riders can use their QR code tickets on optic scanners to exit.

📣 HONK FOR SPEEDING: California is considering a bill that would require new cars to warn drivers when they exceed speed limits by ten-mph, aligning with EU standards and aiming to curb traffic fatalities. This legislative push, which has passed its initial Senate vote, could have a nationwide ripple effect due to California’s significant influence on the auto industry. 

🐝 SPELLING BEE: Los Angeles County’s Oliver Halkett and Orange County’s Katelyn Nguyen have both successfully advanced to the third round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Oliver, a student at The Mirman School, showcased his vocabulary skills by spelling ‘desiccate’ and defining ‘acerbity’ with precision. Meanwhile, Katelyn, from Helen Stacey Middle School, demonstrated her mastery of language with the correct spelling of the Latin term ‘ubi sunt’ and identifying a ‘schooner’ as a boat. Both students earned their spots in the national competition held in Maryland through regional victories, with Oliver winning the Los Angeles County Regional Spelling Bee and Katelyn triumphing in the Orange County Spelling Bee. Their interests extend beyond spelling; Oliver enjoys reading, soccer, piano, and cooking, while Katelyn engages in piano and martial arts. The national bee, the largest since 2019, began with 245 spellers and is being streamed live from the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

🚀 SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has unveiled two pivotal programs: LA Optimized 2.0 and LApreneur. LA Optimized 2.0 aims to bridge the digital divide, offering up to 500 businesses support in website and social media development, and providing a further 1,000 with digital evaluations to enhance their online footprint. Meanwhile, LApreneur emerges as a dynamic online learning hub, forged through a partnership between the Mayor’s Office, BusinessSource Centers, and Loyola Marymount University, to deliver essential skills and knowledge to budding entrepreneurs. | 💌 

DEVELOPMENT

🚰 JAPANESE GARDENS: As part of the Mayor’s Resiliency Plan and the Green New Deal, Los Angeles is embarking on a bold new project that promises to redefine its future.The Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant, located at the cornerstone of the city’s water infrastructure and nestled near the Japanese Gardens, is set to undergo a transformative upgrade. The new proposal, DC Tillman Reclamation Wastewater Treatment Plant Advanced Water Purification Facility, recently unveiled with detailed renderings, outlines a plan that is not only ambitious but also aligns with the community’s vision for a sustainable and self-reliant future. Construction for the Donald Tillman Water Advanced Water Purification Facility is slated to start this October. The project costs are estimated to be $700 million dollars.Rams’ construction.

🎬️ HOLLYWOOD, NEAR PINK WALL: Plans call for a new six-story, 110,850 square foot mixed-use development project containing of ninety residential units, including ten units for very-low-income households as well as 16,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space: one restaurant (bar, general), a small restaurant, one retail store, and one furniture store. The proposal also includes open space of 7,860 square feet, including 1,280 square feet of open space by virtue of second floor courtyards, 1,850 square feet via 37-qualified private balconies between floors two and six. 1,965 square feet via recreation rooms on floors two, four, and five, and 2,765 square feet via common open space via a sixth floor deck and spa. The project also provides 1,965 square feet of landscaped area. 

🌴 WESTLAKE: Plans have been greenlit for a seven-story, multi-family mixed-use building at 668 S. Coronado Street. The project has been designed by the newly rebranded firm, Donaldson+Partners. The building will house a total of 122 residential units, catering to a diverse community. Notably, 12 of these units will be designated as affordable housing, providing much-needed options for lower-income residents. The ground floor will feature a spacious lobby, retail spaces, and amenities spanning 7,015 square feet. Residents can also enjoy a beautifully landscaped courtyard on the second level. The seventh floor boasts a rooftop deck spanning 3,628 square feet, providing stunning views of the surrounding area.

🏈 RAMS’ TEMPORARY FACILITY: The Rams have advanced on the construction of their temporary football practice facility. The site, located at the intersection of West Oxnard Street and Canoga Avenue, is marked by a blue fence encircling Kroenke’s expansive property, including a vacant thirteen-story building previously housing Anthem Inc. This move is part of a strategic relocation from Agoura Hills to Warner Center, set to be completed before the NFL’s 2024 season. The project is a cornerstone of Kroenke’s ambitious 100-acre Warner Center development plan, which aims to transform the area into a vibrant entertainment hub. The Los Angeles City Council’s pre-approved entitlements empower Kroenke to convert a deserted mall into a bustling complex, featuring 280,000 square feet of dining and retail space, 700,000 square feet of office areas, a 10,000-seat entertainment venue, two hotels, and approximately 1,400 residential units, reshaping the Warner Center’s landscape into a dynamic destination.

🌳 ARROYO SECO: The Arroyo Seco, a cherished natural haven in Pasadena, is on the brink of an exciting transformation. The One Arroyo Foundation, in partnership with the city, is nearing the completion of a project aimed at enhancing the 3.5-mile trail network within the Lower and Upper Arroyo Seco. This initiative promises to bolster safety and accessibility for visitors of all ages, fostering a deeper appreciation for the area’s rich historical and ecological tapestry. The city is poised to a select a contractor for this project b by June 10th.

BUSINESS

🦨 SKUNK WORKS: The US Air Force has released new images of the B-21 Raider, America’s latest stealth bomber, valued at $745 million, during its inaugural public flight test. Initially revealed at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works in Palmdale last December, the B-21 has been kept largely under wraps by the US government. The aircraft, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons, was photographed performing various operations at Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County last week. Touted for its advanced radar-evasion capabilities, the B-21 is expected to be a formidable addition to the US military arsenal, with plans for at least one-hundred units pending approval.

👕 PSYCHO BUNNY: Esteemed men’s fashion label Psycho Bunny has unveiled its new flagship store at Topanga Mall in Canoga Park, California. This launch is part of the brand’s strategic growth, which began in 2019 and has since burgeoned into a global presence with over 130 stores. The latest addition spans 1,499 square feet and is designed to captivate shoppers with its iconic neon bunny emblem and an impressive LED video wall that narrates the brand’s unique story.

🏢 WEWORK: WeWork, the co-working space provider, is making strides to overcome its bankruptcy woes by securing eleven additional leases in Southern California. Despite its November bankruptcy filing, the company has filed a court request in New Jersey to retain these locations, alongside approximately eighty others across North America. This move aligns with WeWork’s ambitious plan to emerge from bankruptcy by the end of May, supported by a $450 million financial boost and a debt reduction strategy that could slash its rent commitments by over eleven billion dollars. The company’s restructuring efforts received court approval last month, setting the stage for a promising future. WeWork’s latest focus includes properties in Irvine, Warner Center, Newport Beach, Playa Vista, Pasadena, Glendale, El Segundo, San Diego, and Santa Monica, with varying lease terms and potential amendments still under negotiation.

ENTERTAINMENT

👮 BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F: Detective Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) is back on the beat in Beverly Hills. After his daughter’s life is threatened, she (Taylour Paige) and Foley team up with a new partner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and old pals Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton) to turn up the heat and uncover a conspiracy. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F drops on Netflix July 3rd. Watch trailer, above.

🏡 HOME ALONE: The iconic Chicago suburban house, which served as the backdrop for Kevin McCallister’s unforgettable Christmas adventure, has hit the market with a $5.25 million price tag. The 9,000-plus square-foot residence at 671 Lincoln Ave. in Winnetka, made famous by the 1990 film, is up for grabs for the first time since 2012, when it was purchased for $1.58 million. While the home’s exterior remains a nostalgic landmark, the interior has undergone significant changes since its brief stint on Airbnb in 2021 and a comprehensive renovation in 2018. The current owners have preserved the home’s architectural essence while updating it with modern amenities, including a basketball court and a movie theater adorned with Home Alone memorabilia. | See Zillow listing with photos.

SPORTS

🧢 DODGERS OVER METS: In a thrilling extra-innings victory, the Dodgers overcame a two-run deficit to defeat the New York Mets 5-2, ending the Dodgers five-game losing streak. Freddie Freeman’s pivotal two-run homer in the 10th inning sealed the win after the team rallied with key hits from Chris Taylor and Mookie Betts. Despite a strong start by Mets pitcher Tylor Megill, who struck out nine over seven innings, the Dodgers’ late-game heroics showcased their resilience. The win was a significant morale booster for the Dodgers, as they had not experienced such a losing streak since April 2019.

⚾️ ANGELS OVER YANKEES: The Angels overturned a deficit to clinch a 4-3 win against the New York Yankees, breaking their four-game losing streak. The pivotal moment came in the eighth inning when Taylor Ward hit a decisive two-run double, following a critical error by Yankees’ Anthony Rizzo and a pitching change that saw Clay Holmes step in for Luke Weaver. The Angels’ victory was sealed by Carlos Estévez’s ninth-inning save, his eighth of the season. The Yankees showed strength with Juan Soto’s consistent power, hitting his 15th homer and extending Anthony Volpe’s hitting streak to 20 games, a feat not seen since Robinson Canó in 2012. Despite Nestor Cortes’ previously unblemished run, Kevin Pillar’s early two-run homer set the tone for an Angels’ resurgence, underscored by a tight play at the plate that denied the Yankees a further run.

ALMOST FRIDAY, LA!

🤙 Los Angeles over New York,