SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2024

MONDAY’S VIBES

GOOD VIBES

EVEN WHEN SICK

• 💊 ICE CREAM. GOOD FOR ME: Hello, CuratedLA Family! I have had a bit of a headcold/small fever the past couple of days. However, I still wanted to share good vibes that I have received, or found on the corners of the digital web. I am getting better, thanks to cold medicine and ice cream. I am hoping to publish on Wednesday with content that has been sent my way. Because good vibes never sleep (work with me, sounded better in my head).

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HOV LANES

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EATS

HEADLINES

• 🍔  PASADENA: Pasadena is throwing a beach party to honor the 100th anniversary of the cheeseburger!. On National Cheeseburger Day (this Wednesday), head to Playhouse Village Park for an evening of classic and contemporary rock 'n roll, including a nod to Jimmy Buffet’s Cheeseburger in Paradise. Local favorite Smash House Burger Co. will be serving up specialty cheeseburgers and fries to keep the vibe delicious. Hawaiian shirts are highly encouraged for this free, laid-back celebration. No RSVP needed, but they’re appreciated.

• 🦞 SANTA MONICA: After a five-year break, the Off the Hook Seafood Festival is making a splashy return to the Santa Monica Pier on Sunday, October 13th, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Celebrating National Seafood Month, the event will feature seafood tastings from top LA chefs like Govind Armstrong (The Lobster) and Raphael Lunetta (Marelle), plus live music, beer gardens, wine tastings, and more—all with ocean views. General admission starts at $75, and VIP tickets, which include early entry and exclusive perks, are $150. Proceeds benefit Heal the Bay’s mission to protect our coastline.

• 🌯 CHIPOTLE: Chipotle is stepping into the future with Autocado and the Augmented Makeline, two new cobotic innovations designed to streamline its kitchen operations. Autocado, developed with Vebu, handles the time-consuming task of cutting, coring, and peeling avocados—freeing up crew members for other duties—while the Augmented Makeline, co-created with Hyphen, automates bowl and salad prep for digital orders. Both prototypes are currently being tested in select California locations, pushing Chipotle’s tech-forward ambitions even further through its Cultivate Next venture fund. 💌 

OPENINGS

• 👑 SOUTH-CENTRAL: Potato King has made its grand entrance in LA’s food scene at 358 W 38th St! Specializing in over-the-top loaded baked potatoes, wings, and comfort food, this new spot brings a royal twist to casual dining. Their menu features regal curations like The King's Feast, a baked potato packed with crispy bacon, cheddar, and sour cream, and wings like The Lemon Pepper Prince. Whether you're in the mood for something classic or a flavor-packed feast, Potato King is serving up hearty, soul-warming meals with a touch of royalty.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🍔 BREA: Reunion Kitchen + Drink has officially opened its newest location in Brea, bringing its signature modern comfort food to Los Angeles. Located at on S. Brea Blvd, this spot is perfect for a laid-back dining experience that feels both elevated and homey. The Brea menu features Reunion’s popular offerings, like hearty steaks, burgers, and salads, all made fresh daily. With its stylish yet casual vibe, it's an ideal destination whether you're gathering with friends or enjoying a family meal.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🍣 GLENDALE: Cavi Sushi has officially opened its doors on N Brand Blvd in Glendale, offering a fresh and modern take on sushi dining. Known for its cozy yet chic atmosphere, this spot combines the elegance of Japanese culinary traditions with a vibrant, friendly vibe. Guests rave about standout dishes like lobster rolls, yellowtail collars, and green tea ice cream. Whether you're in the mood for a laid-back date night or a fun dinner with friends, Cavi Sushi delivers both quality and ambiance. Drop by to experience some of the freshest sushi in Glendale.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🧆 SHERMAN OAKS: Anahita Persian Bistro & Cafe has just landed in Sherman Oaks on Ventura Blvd, bringing a fresh, modern take on Persian cuisine. Open from the early morning until late evening, this cozy spot offers an array of delicious dishes, from traditional Persian breakfast platters to heartier fare like smashed cheeseburgers and grilled chicken Caesar salads. With a relaxed, inviting vibe and a menu that caters to everything from casual dining to takeout, Anahita is quickly becoming a local favorite for comfort food with a Persian twist.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🥖 CALABASAS: Superba Food + Bread is expanding to Calabasas. The beloved bakery and all-day café will open its fifth location in early 2025 at The Commons, replacing The Kingdom. Expect the signature fresh-baked breads and pastries alongside new dishes crafted just for this spot. Plus, their full beverage lineup includes craft cocktails, wine, and local brews. Designed by Klein Agency, the 2,500-square-foot space with a 1,500-square-foot patio will bring European café vibes and a cozy yet edgy aesthetic to the neighborhood. Calabasas just got a whole lot tastier.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🗝️ SUNSET STRIP: Puzzle, the latest luxury spot hitting the Sunset Strip, is all about exclusive fine dining with a dash of nightlife. Set to redefine indulgence, Puzzle combines elegant French-inspired cuisine with a vibrant DJ scene, offering a members-only, no-photos-allowed environment. Expect an intimate atmosphere where privacy meets high-end culinary artistry, alongside top-tier wines and cocktails. Designed for the elite, Puzzle's ultra-private dining and chic bar make it a new go-to for the discerning crowd seeking both taste and discretion​.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🌮 DTLA: Saffron & Salsa has just opened its doors, blending the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with the aromatic spices of Persian fare. Located Downtown on Wall Street, this new spot promises a culinary journey with dishes like tender kabobs served with saffron rice, hearty breakfast burritos, and even Mexican-Persian fusion bowls. Whether you're dining in or grabbing takeout, this MeXiterranean gem brings a fusion twist that’s perfect for your next foodie adventure.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🍣 KOREATOWN: Koreatown’s newest hotspot, Norikaya, from chef Akira Back and restaurateur Robert Kim, has officially opened at the corner of Sixth and Western. This upscale izakaya and hand roll bar brings a fusion of Japanese flavors with a nod to Koreatown influences. Think ahi tuna temaki, karaage with ssamjang aioli, and inventive dishes like bigeye tuna nachos served on gyoza chips. The moody, dimly-lit space—designed by Kelly Architects—features gold brush strokes across black walls, offering a sleek escape from the bustling streets outside. Kim hopes to make Norikaya a go-to for both casual bites and special occasions, with most dishes ranging from $8 to $25.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

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EVENTS

TODAY

• 🌡️ BACK ON WEDNESDAY: In lieu of today’s events as I have a bit of a head cold + fever, please checkout the two guides posted below. Assuming I am back to my typing & mental clarity, events will be back on Wednesday. Thank you!

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ACTIVITIES

• 🎞️ ANGEL CITY BREWING: TONIGHT, 8PM: Angel City Brewery is turning up the nostalgia with a Monday night screening of Selena. Grab a $3.50 Gold Line or Little Tokyo brew with their Metro Mondays deal and settle in for a free flick and free popcorn. Movie starts at 8:00pm — perfect for kicking off the week with some classic LA vibes.

• ⚡️ OXY ARTS: TUESDAY - 6PM - 8PM: This Tuesday, OXY ARTS kicks off their PST ART: Art & Science Collide exhibition with the opening reception for Invisibility: Powers and Perils, curated by Yael Lipschutz. The show spotlights artists, scientists, and activists revealing the overlooked people, histories, and planetary conditions erased from the mainstream. The reception runs from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and is free to attend! 💸 

• 🎵 THE MUSIC CENTER: TUESDAY, 6PM - 9PM: This Tuesday, The Music Center’s monthly series spotlights artist Mashinka Firunts Hakopian, blending ancestral wisdom with cutting-edge tech. In this unique event, they’ll teach an AI to predict the future using an Amerindian technique that reads coffee ground patterns. Free to attend, the evening runs from 6:00pm to 9:00pm — expect a mind-bending fusion of tradition and innovation.

• 🎸 HOLLYWOOD BOWL: WEDNESDAY, 6PM: This Wednesday, Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero light up the Hollywood Bowl with their electrifying blend of thrash metal and flamenco guitar. Catch their signature shredding starting at just $10—an epic night under the stars!

• 🐬 MANHATTAN BEACH: WEDNESDAY, 5PM: Head to the Roundhouse Aquarium in Manhattan Beach this Wednesday for Dolphin Discovery, a pop-up exhibit from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. Dive into the world of SoCal's bottlenose dolphins through sounds, videos, and interactive displays that highlight their fascinating similarities to humans. Perfect for dolphin lovers of all ages! 🎈 

• 🧘‍♀️ REDONDO BEACH: WEDNESDAY, 6PM: Unwind with ocean views at Redondo Beach Sunset Yoga, happening every Wednesday in September at the Redondo Beach Pier. Co-hosted by MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital and Cancer Support Community South Bay, this free one-hour flow starts at 6:00pm at the west end of the pier. Don’t forget your mat, towel, and water!

• 🍟 SV STUDIOS: SATURDAY + SUNDAY: McDonald’s is teaming up with Genshin Impact for a special live gaming event in LA at SV Studios (3424 N San Fernando Rd). Fans can immerse themselves in the world of Teyvat with appearances by popular creators like Dish, Tuonto, Dallas Jones, and more. You can snag a 90-minute gaming reservation through OpenTable, with slots available on Saturday from 1:20pm to 10:30pm and on Sunday from 10:30am to 7:30pm. Plus, McDonald’s is offering exclusive Genshin goodies through their app, including an Apple Pie with themed packaging featuring Kaedehara Kazuha and Beidou, and a Deluxe McCrispy meal that unlocks in-game rewards. 💌 

• 🥪 PARAMOUNT STUDIOS LOT: THIS WEEKEND: The L.A. Times Food Bowl returns with a three-day night market this weekend, offering tastings from top-tier restaurants right on Paramount Studios' iconic lot. Running Friday through Sunday, it's your chance to sample the best of LA’s food scene. Tickets start at $176.17.

• 🎞️ BEYOND FEST: SEPT. 25TH - OCT. 9TH: Beyond Fest returns to Los Angeles from September 25th to October 9th, featuring 82 films, including sixteen world premieres. The 2024 edition opens with Salem's Lot by Gary Dauberman and concludes with Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Cloud. Highlights include Nightbitch starring Amy Adams, Terrifier 3, and special anniversary screenings of Speed and Hellboy. The festival will take place across venues like the Egyptian Theatre and Aero Theatre. | Tickets are now available.

• 🕷️ NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM: NOW - NOVEMBER 24TH: Unravel the mysteries of arachnids at the Natural History Museum’s Spider Pavilion, running from September 15 to November 24. Stroll through a web-filled wonderland of orb weavers and get up close with tarantulas and jumping spiders in their enclosed habitats. Tickets are $10 (on top of museum admission) or free for members—just make sure to reserve your spot in advance!

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COMMUNITY

• 🏡 POTENTIAL RENT CAP: LA's rent control debate is about to heat up. A recent study by the Economic Roundtable found the city's rent control rules tilt in favor of landlords, suggesting rent hikes could be reined in. Tenants are pushing for a 3% cap on rent increases, while landlords argue that rising costs make it tough to maintain properties. The city’s rent stabilization formula, dating back to the '80s, is under pressure for reform, with a vote expected before 2025. Expect a fierce showdown as LA grapples with its housing crisis and rising living costs. | View Full Report.

• 🔋CALIFORNIA’S SOLAR SUCCESS: California’s solar-heavy grid has kept the lights on this summer, even through intense heat waves, thanks to a surge in battery deployment. PG&E CEO Patti Poppe highlighted the state's ability to store solar energy during the day and use it when the sun sets, preventing blackouts that were common just a few years ago. With 10 gigawatts of utility-scale batteries now online, including 3.5 gigawatts connected by PG&E, the system is powering through triple-digit temps without asking customers to conserve. It’s a key step toward California’s goal of 100% zero-carbon energy by 2045.

• 🚲️ PASADENA: Pasadena’s e-bike rebate program is back! If you're a Pasadena Water and Power customer, you can score up to $1,000 toward a new e-bike from local shops. Standard rebates start at $500, with low-income customers eligible for an extra $500 boost. The program covers Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes, but no scooters or mopeds here—just pure pedal power. The goal? Help locals ditch their cars, reduce emissions, and ride green. Apply within 180 days of purchase to claim your rebate. Full details at the PWP website.

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DEVELOPMENT

• 🚈 INTERIORS: Brightline West is bringing Vegas-style luxury to high-speed rail with new renderings of its electric trains that will zip passengers between Southern California and Las Vegas by 2028. The standout? A party car with fuchsia interiors, plush seating, and a sleek modern bar—perfect for popping champagne while cruising at 180 mph. The renderings have transit fans buzzing, with some even claiming it's a far better option than flying. Alongside the design reveal, Brightline announced a new Siemens manufacturing plant in New York, where the American-made trains will be crafted, marking a major step toward making high-speed rail in the U.S. a reality.

• 🎡 SANTA MONICA: Santa Monica’s skyline is about to get a major facelift with four high-rise developments in the works, including two towers poised to become the city’s tallest buildings. Madison Realty Capital’s latest proposals include a 33-story multifamily tower on Olympic Blvd. and a 34-story mixed-use project on Nebraska Ave., bringing over 1,500 residential units to the southeast corner of the city. These skyscrapers, standing at 334 and 365 feet respectively, will redefine the area near the 26th St/Bergamot and Expo/Bundy Metro stations, marking Santa Monica’s entry into LA's top 100 tallest buildings.

• 🏩 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS: Hilton Universal City is set to expand with a new eighteen-story tower, adding 395 guest rooms next to the existing hotel, bringing the total to 890. Designed by Ankrom Moisan, the sleek new tower will feature a rooftop pool and 460 additional parking spaces. Sun Hill Properties, the developer, has gained the City Planning Commission’s approval and is eyeing a thirty-month construction timeline pending further approvals. With LA hosting the 2028 Olympics, the expansion is part of the city's push to prep for the influx of tourists, keeping Universal Studios at the heart of the action.

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BUSINESS

• 💼 CENTURY PARK CAPITAL: Century Park Capital Partners has announced Nat Bacon as their newest Principal. With over fifteen years of experience in private equity, Nat will be instrumental in leading recapitalizations, buyout transactions, and managing portfolio investments. Prior to joining Century Park, Nat held key roles at P4G Capital and Bunker Hill Capital, bringing expertise across Industrial, Manufacturing, Business Services, and Consumer Product sectors. His addition strengthens Century Park's leadership team as they continue to support growth in middle-market companies. Nat holds a B.A. in Economics from Bucknell University. 💌 

• 🎯 TARGETING SEASONAL WORKERS: arget is gearing up for the 2024 holiday season by hiring 100,000 seasonal workers, consistent with previous years, despite economic uncertainty and inflation impacting consumer habits. While 47% of shoppers plan to maintain their 2023 spending levels, 40% expect to cut back. Salesforce forecasts a modest 2% increase in holiday sales this year. Many seasonal job seekers, especially from Gen Z and Gen X, are looking to supplement incomes, with cashier roles and customer service topping employers’ needs. Target’s hires will assist with order pickups, stocking, and supply chain support as hiring hits its peak in September.

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ENTERTAINMENT

• 💋 THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR: Michael B. Jordan is back in the director’s chair after smashing records with Creed III, and this time he’s tackling the iconic Thomas Crown Affair for Amazon MGM Studios. Jordan is set to direct and star in the film, which will be exclusively released in theaters. The movie, a remake of the 1968 classic starring Steve McQueen, follows a suave art thief who meets his match in a crafty investigator. With Drew Pearce penning the script and Outlier Society producing, this project is already buzzing, especially as Hollywood’s A-listers vie for the co-star spot.

• 🔎 GOOGLE LINKS HISTORY: Google is rolling out a new feature that adds historical depth to your search results. Thanks to a partnership with The Internet Archive, you’ll now see direct links to the Wayback Machine—letting you view older versions of web pages right from Google Search. This change gives you easy access to snapshots of how a page looked in the past, perfect for when you need context on something that’s been updated. Just click the three-dot menu next to a result and tap ‘More about this page’ to dive into the archives.

• 🎵 CHILDISH GAMBINO: Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, hit pause on his North American tour just a day before his Austin show. Citing the need to focus on his physical health, Glover told fans to hold on to their tickets—promising they’ll be valid for rescheduled dates. The tour, which was set to run through early October, will now take a breather for ‘a few weeks.’ Glover didn’t go into detail, but after crushing his Brooklyn shows, it’s clear the demanding schedule needed a time-out. Expect updates soon on when the multi-hyphenate will be back on stage.

• 🎞️ SUNDANCE: Sundance Film Festival might be shaking things up after forty years in Utah. The indie film powerhouse is eyeing three potential new homes: Boulder, Cincinnati, or a mix of Salt Lake City and Park City. Sundance Director Eugene Hernandez praised all three cities for their vibrant and inclusive vibes. But don’t pack your bags just yet—Park City will still host through 2026, with changes set for 2027. A final decision drops in early 2025. Wherever Sundance lands, it’ll be a major shift for the film world and a huge win for the lucky city.

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SPORTS

• 🏈 THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: Amazon is leveling up Thursday Night Football on Prime Video with a fresh wave of AI-powered features. From real-time play predictions to immersive recaps, these innovations are set to transform the viewing experience. The new Prime Insights feature suite, fueled by AWS, includes Defensive Vulnerability and Pressure Alert, which analyze formations and identify key moments before they unfold. Returning fan-favorites like Prime Targets and Four-Down Territory keep fans in the know, while Rapid Recap offers a two-minute highlight reel for those tuning in late. TNF just got smarter—and way more exciting!

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CU WEDNESDAY, LA!

🤙 Here’s to NyQuil!

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