APRIL 29TH, 2024

MONDAY

MONDAY’S VIBES

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

🏢 IT’S A MOANDAY. BUT WE
SO GOT THIS, LA.

• ☀️ NEAR FORECAST: With a high-pressure system continuing to build over the Pacific, Southern California is set to enjoy a stretch of warm, dry weather this week. Temperatures across the region are expected to reach the mid-to-high 70s in Los Angeles, with the Inland Empire and San Fernando Valley seeing highs in the low-to-mid 80s. While some clouds may develop over the beaches, they should clear up by Monday afternoon, allowing for plenty of sunshine. However, certain areas like the Antelope Valley, inland Ventura County, and sections of the Grapevine will have to contend with strong northwesterly winds gusting up to 35-40 mph through Tuesday. Overall, it's shaping up to be a beautiful week to get outside and enjoy the warm, sunny conditions in Southern California.

• ⏰ NEW CURATEDLA TIME: Starting next week, CuratedLA will publish at 5:30am to align with sunrise times. It’s always nice to know what time to catch a sunrise for those of us that want to enjoy a cup of coffee and watch a SoCal golden vibe.

TRENDING 

THE HOV LANE

EATS

OPENINGS

• 🍹 VENICE: Gran Blanco in Venice opened this past Wednesday after undergoing a dramatic transformation, pivoting from its Mediterranean roots to an izakaya-inspired Japanese concept. Co-founders Sam Trude and Sam Cooper are shaking up the competitive Venice dining scene with a revamped menu featuring shareable Japanese-influenced dishes like yellowtail crudo and wagyu steak, priced between $8-$36. The cocktail program has also been overhauled, with new offerings like a sparkling pear cocktail complementing the food. The bar's location, a former Bank of Venice building, retains its architectural charm but has been redesigned for a more intimate atmosphere. Reflecting on their seven years of restaurant experience, the co-founders believe the timing is right for Gran Blanco to evolve and carve out a unique niche in the neighborhood. | 📸 @granblancovenice | 💻️ Official Website | View Menu Online

• 🍣 TORRANCE: Yokocho in Torrance recently had their soft opening this past Friday. This Torrance eat brings the vibrant spirit and flavors of Japan’s street food culture to the heart of South Bay. With eleven distinctive shops offering an array of delicious dishes, Torrance Yokocho invites guests to enjoy authentic culinary experiences inspired by Japan’s famed Yokocho. | 📸 @torranceyokocho | 💻️ Official Website

• 🇮🇹 LONG BEACH: Chef Johnathan Benvenuti has transformed the former Remix Kitchen Bar in Long Beach into Bar Becky, a tribute to his late mother Becky. The new izakaya-inspired concept features a playful, nostalgic menu that draws inspiration from Benvenuti's childhood memories, like his mother's homemade BLTs and pancake art. Dishes like pappardelle with beef cheek, roasted carrots with whipped burrata, and a deconstructed sfogliatella showcase Benvenuti's talent while honoring his mother's influence. The transition was facilitated by Remix's former owner, Chef Ross Pangilinan, who recognized the need to connect with the local community. Bar Becky's inaugural menu has been praised for its comforting yet sophisticated flavors, and the restaurant is poised to become a beloved addition to East Long Beach's dining scene. | 📸 @barbeckylbx | ⏰ Make reservations via Tock

• 🇰🇷 KOREATOWN: LASUNG HOUSE, the latest restaurant and marketplace concept from On6thAvenue Hospitality, has opened in Koreatown, specializing in homestyle Korean cuisine that pays homage to the resilience and heritage of first-generation immigrants. The star of the menu is the signature Korean-style Jumbo Pork Cutlet, meticulously tenderized and fried to perfection, served with a house-special sauce, rice, salads, and soup. Adventurous diners can opt for the Spicy Pork Cutlet or a cheese-topped version, while non-meat eaters can enjoy a Fish Cutlet or a combination of fish and shrimp. Through its recipes, techniques, and hearty portion sizes, LASUNG HOUSE celebrates the hard-working spirit of immigrant families and the comforts of home-style cooking. | 📸 @lasunghouse | 📜 View Menu Online

• 🏳️‍🌈 WEST HOLLYWOOD: In the heart of West Hollywood, a new reservation-only bar has emerged, promising to transport guests to a tropical wonderland. Lucky Tiki, located above the iconic Tail O' The Pun hot dog stand, is the latest addition to LA's burgeoning tiki bar scene, offering a truly immersive and theatrical drinking experience.To access this hidden gem, visitors must first buzz an intercom hidden in a pickle barrel on the first-floor patio. Once past this intriguing entryway, they'll be greeted by a world of beaded entryways, bamboo huts, and sneaky-strong cocktails served in smoking treasure chests and edible sandboxes. The attention to detail is nothing short of Hitchcock-esque, a testament to the expertise of the team behind Highland Park Bowl and Idle Hour. The only challenge with Lucky Tiki is securing a reservation, as the bar's popularity has led to bookings being booked months in advance. However, those who manage to snag a spot are in for a truly theatrical drinking experience, where every sip and every bite is a carefully curated moment of tropical escapism.

• 🍚 WILSHIRE: Toast & Rice Co., a culinary gem recently opened its doors in Gramercy Wilshire. Helmed by visionary chefs Louis Huh and Marcos Spaziani, who bring their expertise from the acclaimed ML Eats Food Truck and Beverly Hills' Lou'Mar, this establishment promises an unforgettable dining experience. At Toast & Rice Co., we will all be treated to a delectable array of Donburi rice bowls, bursting with flavor and crafted with the utmost care. Alongside these signature dishes, the restaurant also offers a selection of sensational sandwiches, inspired by Asia's beloved toast creations. Each dish tells a story, inviting us on a culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Koreatown. | 📸 @toastandrice | 💻️ View Menu Online

EVENTS

Submit your event 

• 🐇 POLITICS: I would like to make a correction: CuratedLA does allow the submission of political events.

• 📆 LAST UPDATED: The CuratedLA Calendars are currently being updated for the week (Monday, 12:18pm)

TRENDING

BIG LIST OF EVENTS

ACTIVITIES

• 🎸 SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER: MUSE/IQUE's annual performance series returns to the Skirball Cultural Center starting this Tuesday. Running through October 20th, this monthly concert series promises to delight audiences with a diverse lineup of shows inspired by landmark albums, public figures, and beloved musicals. From tributes to the iconic Ed Sullivan and Bob Dylan, to performances celebrating the legacies of Abraham Lincoln and the musical Oklahoma!, MUSE/IQUE's programming offers something for every music fan. These vibrant concerts are held largely in outdoor venues across Los Angeles, providing the perfect opportunity to enjoy live music on a warm spring or summer evening. To attend MUSE/IQUE's events, you'll need to become a member of the organization. A single-event ticket can be purchased for $75, but if you plan to attend more than one show, it's more cost-effective to become a full-fledged member. Membership starts at $250 and provides access to the entire season of performances.

• 🕺 TOM SELLECK: In Conversation with Tom Selleck takes place Wednesday, May 29th at the Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center at Vista Del Mar. Though the event has a waitlist set online, rumor has it that more tickets will opened up by this week. During this event, Selleck will talk about his new book, You Never Know, which will be released May 7th. Frank, funny and open-hearted, You Never Know is an intimate memoir from one of the most beloved actors of our time. With never-told stories from all corners of his personal and professional life, Tom Selleck recounts his friendships with Frank Sinatra, Carol Burnett, Sam Elliott, James Garner and more. Selleck is an award-winning actor and producer best known for his iconic role as Thomas Magnum in the original Magnum P.I. television series. Among the many unforgettable roles he has played are PI Lance White on The Rockford Files, Peter Mitchell in Three Men and a Baby, Matthew Quigley in Quigley Down Under, and Peter Malloy in In & Out. He was beloved as Dr. Richard Burke, Monica’s older boyfriend, on Friends and is currently starring as NYPD Commissioner Frank Reagan on the hit crime drama Blue Bloods, now in its 14th season.

• 🎨 BEVERLY HILLS: The beloved Beverly Hills Art Show will once again transform the city's iconic Beverly Gardens Park on May 18th + 19th, showcasing the work of over 235 artists from across California and around the world. This free, two-day event will feature a diverse array of artwork spanning eleven categories, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, and photography. Attracting an estimated forty thousand visitors each spring and fall, the Beverly Hills Art Show has grown from a small arts and crafts fair over fifty years ago to one of the most beloved community events in the city. In addition to the impressive array of artwork, the show will offer gourmet food trucks, a beer and wine garden with live music, children's activities, and more.

• 📚️ THE GETTY CENTER: Poetry in the Garden, is a free series kicking off on May 1st at the lush, hilltop Getty Center. Every Wednesday in May, local poets will take to the museum's picturesque gardens to share their works as attendees bask in the warm spring sunshine, resting on benches, sprawling on blankets, and wandering amidst the blooming flora. The lineup includes acclaimed poets like Mandy Kahn, Senon Williams, Jessa Calderon, Ariana Reines, and Yesika Salgado, offering a powerful and pay-nothing way to commune with both nature's beauty and the power of the written word. So grab your sun hat, slather on the SPF, and get ready to experience poetry in a truly enchanting setting.

COMMUNITY

• 🛰️ CURATEDLA WEATHER EMULATOR: I love being a nerd. And my nerdy ways have now treated all of us to a weather emulator that I recently found via open source. This weather emulator allows anybody to see our local forecast, hazards, observations, and much more, to the style of a retro Weather Channel news ticker. It’s pretty neat, check it out, it is free. This will now be linked at the very top moving forward, titled, ‘Weather Emulator.’ Just click the play button below and enjoy!

• 🐶 NATIONAL ADOPT A SHELTER PET DAY: A feel-good dog adoption event is taking place at The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood tomorrow from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. In honor of National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, the hotel will be partnering with local animal rescue Paw Works, with plenty of cuddly adoptable pups in attendance that need a fur-ever home. The event will be in the hotel's lush rooftop oasis, i|O Lounge, featuring gorgeous 360 views of Los Angeles, the perfect sun-kissed spot to meet the pooch of your dreams. Delicious drinks and bites will be available for attendees, both human and canine guests. Some of the dog-inspired cocktails for the human attendees include The Sassy Frenchie, The Pink Poodle, The Salty Chihuahua, and Nothin' But a Hound Dog. Additionally, the first five dogs that are adopted will receive complimentary accessories courtesy of Saint Woof. | 💌 | 📸 @godfreyhotelhollywood | 📸 @io_hollywood | 📸 @pawworks

• 🎒EL CAMINO REAL CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL: Cementing its status as a powerhouse in academic competition, El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills secured its tenth national championship in the Academic Decathlon on Saturday. This latest victory continues a remarkable streak of dominance by Southern California schools, which have claimed the top spot in the national competition every year since 2003. El Camino Real and fellow San Fernando Valley school Granada Hills Charter have traded the national title back and forth since 2010, showcasing the exceptional academic talent in the region. To celebrate this impressive achievement, the school is planning a pep rally on Monday for the victorious team.

• 💸 GRANTS FOR ENTERTAINMENT SECTOR: Grants are now being offered through the Entertainment Business Interruption Fund by virtue of the L.A. County Department of Economic Opportunity and the County Film Office. The grant will provide relief for qualifying small and micro businesses that serve the Entertainment Sector and experienced a loss in revenue due to the COVID -19 Pandemic and the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes. Businesses that meet specific eligibility requirements may receive a grant of either $10,000 or $25,000. Applications will be accepted now through May 24, 2024 at 5pm PT. To learn more about the grant, please visit the official Business Interruption Fund Website or attend an informational webinar to see a live demo of the application process. 

• 🎬️ HOLLYWOOD + COLLEGE HOUSING: Hollywood power players are taking notice of the nonprofit group Los Angeles Room & Board, which works tirelessly to provide housing, meals, and comprehensive support to college students experiencing homelessness in the L.A. area. A growing list of high-profile supporters, including writer-producer John Wells, actress Shanola Hampton, NBA star Jrue Holiday, and Euphoria's Algee Smith are all supporting this local nonprofit. Founded in 2020 by Sam Prater, a former college administrator who witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of student homelessness and food insecurity, Los Angeles Room & Board has rapidly expanded, now offering 190 beds across four transitional houses. Beyond just providing a roof and meals, the organization delivers a holistic suite of services, from academic and career development to financial literacy and life skills training.

DEVELOPMENT

• 🏡 FLORENCE AVENUE: A new multi-family residential project is under construction on South Main Street + Florence Avenue, featuring a four-story building with eighty-seven apartments designed by SoLa Impact and The Architects Collective. The project includes a concrete podium foundation, a U-shaped floor plan with a central courtyard, a rooftop amenity deck, and forty-four parking spaces. The design utilizes prefabricated modular units on the upper floors and incorporates Transit Oriented Communities incentives, with eighteen of the apartments set aside as affordable housing.

• 🦒 WILDLIFE CROSSING: Caltrans is making steady progress on the construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills, with fourteen girders already placed over the southbound lanes. There is still has a long way to go, with more than eighty additional girders needing to be installed. To facilitate this work, overnight lane closures continue during the workweek, with the southbound lanes closed from Chesebro Road to Liberty Canyon Road starting at 11:00pm and reopening around 5:00am Once completed, this crossing will be one of the largest of its kind in the world, stretching 210 feet over ten lanes of the 101 Freeway and providing a crucial connection for the local mountain lion population and other wildlife.

• 🎡 SANTA MONICA: The City of Santa Monica is set to launch its long-awaited Digital Wayfinding and Out-of-Home Advertising Kiosk Program, with the first official on-street placement scheduled for next week. After a competitive bidding process, BIG Outdoor was awarded the franchise in late 2022, though one of the losing bidders, IKE Smart City, initially threatened legal action. The two companies later settled their differences and announced a partnership to roll out up to fifty kiosks that could generate five million dollars annually for the City of Santa Monica. While the first test kiosk is expected to go live soon, details remain limited on features like Wi-Fi, cameras, and emergency functions, as the city aims to perfect lighting levels, refine software and content, and troubleshoot any connectivity issues before the full network is deployed across twenty-nine proposed sites in the coming months.

• 🏨 VENICE: The Redline Venice Hotel is a new beachside property in Venice that celebrates the area's rich African American history. Founded by Kamau Coleman and his business partners, the hotel features four guest accommodations, each with a distinct theme highlighting pioneering Black figures like Venice founder Abbot Kinney and his business partner Arthur Reese. The Redline pays homage to the discriminatory redlining practices of the past, as well as the iconic Red Cars trolleys that once transported people to the beach. To authentically capture this history, the team collaborated with historian Alison Rose Jefferson and the descendants of key historical figures. As the only Black-owned apartment hotel on the Venice strip, The Redline aims to shine a light on the diverse legacy of the community.

• 🚀 HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN: Belle on Bev Apartments has reached completion in Historic Filipinotown. Developed by Cityview and designed by AC Martin, the six-story building offers 243 apartment units ranging from studios to two-bedrooms, as well as 3,500 square feet of ground-floor retail space and a 292-car garage. The project utilized density bonus incentives to permit a larger structure, with twenty-one of the units set aside as very low-income affordable housing. Onsite amenities include rooftop decks, courtyards with a pool and garden, and a club room. | 💻️Official Leasing Website

• 🏨 SANTA MONICA:The iconic Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel has been rebranded and remodeled as the Regent Santa Monica Beach, a new luxury resort set to open in mid-2024 after a one-hundred-fifty million upgrade. The thirty-four-suite, 133-room property will feature spacious accommodations, a renovated beachfront pool deck, and a ten-thousand-square-foot wellness spa in partnership with Guerlain. The resort's signature restaurant, Orla, will offer Mediterranean-inspired cuisine from James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, while a café concept from Ayesha Curry's Sweet July brand will also be on-site. With an emphasis on distinguished, bespoke service and an alluring oceanfront location, the Regent Santa Monica Beach aims to usher in a new era of extraordinary experiences for both travelers and locals along the California coastline.

BUSINESS

• 🍺 PATRICK’S ROADHOUSE: Community members are rallying to save the beloved Patrick's Roadhouse with a GoFundMe. Founded by Bill Fischler in 1973, the iconic eatery with its bright green exterior and whimsical dinosaur sculptures has been a fixture on the Pacific Coast Highway, earning accolades like Best Diner in California and Best Banana Cream Pie in the USA. Despite its storied legacy, the diner was not spared the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, accumulating significant rent debt during the forced closure of its dining room. Though the restaurant managed to stay afloat through takeout orders, it was ultimately unable to meet the demands of the deferred rent when the deferral period ended. The diner officially closed its doors last Sunday. Now, the current owner, Anthony Fischler, is hoping to renegotiate a long-term lease with the landlord and has launched a $250,000 GoFundMe campaign to cover the back rent and building maintenance.

• 📺️ V CHANNELS: Mario Niccolo Messina, a former tech executive, founded V Channels Media in Beverly Hills to help young filmmakers break into the industry. Through his company, Messina provides financial and operational support to aspiring directors, allowing them to create their first projects without the burden of debt. V Channels distributes these microbudget films on platforms like YouTube, Tubi, and Pluto TV, giving emerging talents the opportunity to showcase their work to millions of viewers. With a lean startup approach and a focus on genre films, Messina has funded over one-hundred-fifty projects in the past fifteen months, empowering the next generation of storytellers to find their footing in the entertainment capital of the world.

• 🚣 ECHO PARK: Restaurateur Don Andes, the owner of Lonely Oyster and Little Joy in Echo Park, has been selected to take over the management of the Echo Park Lake Boathouse. Andes' proposal was deemed the most responsive and qualified among the submissions, and he will sign on for an initial two-year term pending the commission's final review in May. While details about Andes' plans for the boathouse are still limited, his track record with Lonely Oyster and Little Joy suggests the new venture will likely feature fresh seafood and craft cocktails. The selection of Andes to operate the boathouse comes as the city looks to revitalize the Echo Park Lake area. The commission's decision was based in part on Andes' existing presence in the neighborhood with his two other successful businesses. This new project at the boathouse represents an opportunity to build on the community's existing dining and entertainment options.

ENTERTAINMENT

HEADLINES

• 📈 CHALLENGERS’ OPENING WEEKEND: Amazon/MGM's romantic sports drama Challengers debuted at number one this weekend with an estimated $15,011,078 from 3,477 theaters, a strong $4,317 per-screen average driven largely by the star power of lead actress Zendaya. The opening is in line with projections and marks the second-highest debut for an original R-rated drama since the pandemic, behind only Don't Worry Darling. The audience skewed young (76% under 35) and female (58%), suggesting Challengers could have strong legs if it can withstand competition from upcoming releases. Internationally, the film generated nine million dollars from fifty-two markets, bringing the global total to an estimated twenty-five million dollars.

• 💃 NICOLE KIDMAN: On Saturday, acclaimed actress Nicole Kidman was celebrated with the prestigious AFI Life Achievement Award, recognizing her remarkable contributions to film and television over the past decades. The award, established in 1973 by the American Film Institute, is bestowed upon actors whose lifetime body of work has left an indelible mark on the industry. Kidman was joined by a host of her friends and co-stars, who gathered to pay tribute to her exceptional talent and versatility. Past recipients of this esteemed honor include legendary performers such as Julie Andrews, Meryl Streep, Jane Fonda, George Lucas, and Barbra Streisand, underscoring the significance of Kidman's achievement and her place among the greats of the entertainment world.

CURATEDLA EARLY SUMMER 24 PLAYLIST

SPORTS

WE GOT THIS WEEK, LA.