JANUARY 28TH, 2025

Good vibes presented by Designli

TUESDAY’S VIBES

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FROM THE SKY

HI CUTIE! 👋 Good Vibes Going Up on a Tuesday:

• Happy Tuesday, CuratedLA Family! Sunday’s rain was the perfect excuse to lean into comfort—whether it was Netflix, a good book, or Bon Iver on repeat. As we ease into the week, here’s a curated dose of inspiration and guides to carry you through Tuesday to Thursday. Plus, weekend plans? We’ve got you covered—links are just a scroll away.

• We’ll be back next Tuesday, and as media rhythms shift into gear post-wildfires, you can look forward to our traditional publication next Friday, followed by a Tuesday/Friday schedule. BUT - there is a very good chance of an exciting new schedule on the horizon…

• Got a brand you want in front of our community? Check out our Q1 2025 Media Kit. Questions or ideas? Reach me at [email protected], or reply directly to this email (subscribers always welcome to drop a line).

ON THIS DAY ⏪️ Los Angeles History

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DESIGNLI

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HOV LANES

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EATS

HEADLINES

JAMES BEARD 💯 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalists Announced:

• The James Beard Foundation has unveiled its 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists, and Southern California is well-represented in the prestigious culinary lineup. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the awards highlight excellence across dining experiences, with a renewed focus on beverages, introducing categories like Best New Bar and Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service. Local standout Gilberto Cetina of Holbox in Los Angeles is nominated for Outstanding Chef, while Pasjoli in Santa Monica earns a nod for Outstanding Restaurant. Meanwhile, L.A. favorites like Bridgetown Roti and Thunderbolt are recognized in the Best New Restaurant and Outstanding Bar categories, respectively. The Best Chef: California list is packed with SoCal talent, including Evan Algorri of Etra, Danielle Duran Zecca of Amiga Amore, and Jon Yao of Kato. Winners will be announced on June 16th in Chicago, but for now, it’s a moment to celebrate the region’s thriving food scene. 💌 

SANTA MONICA 🍔 Gott’s Roadside to Open in Santa Monica Next Year:

• Gott’s Roadside, the beloved Napa Valley eatery known for its American roadside fare, is expanding to Santa Monica in 2026. This new 6,600-square-foot location, situated near the beach and Third Street Promenade, will offer both indoor dining and a spacious 2,200-square-foot outdoor patio. The expansion follows the announcement of another Southern California location set for the Original Farmers Market in 2025. Gott's menu includes burgers, tacos, salads, organic shakes, and a selection of beer and wine, cementing its reputation for quality and variety.

WINTER DINE LA 🍽️ Fifteen Days of Culinary Exploration:

• Dine LA Restaurant Week returns continues until February 7th, inviting food lovers to explore nearly 400 restaurants across 82 neighborhoods and 30 global cuisines. From Michelin-recognized gems like Koreatown’s Danbi to modern Mexican flavors at Casita in Sherman Oaks, the event highlights LA’s diverse dining scene with prix-fixe menus ranging from $15 to $65+. Organized by LA Tourism, the program not only showcases the city’s culinary excellence but also supports wildfire relief efforts. Plus, one lucky diner will win a $500 American Express gift card—details at DineLA.com.

CUPID’S DUTCH 💘 Ike’s Flirty Valentine’s Day Treat:

• Ike’s Sandwiches brings love to the menu with its Cupid Dutch, a playful pink twist on its signature Dutch Crunch bread, now available until February 28th. Paired with a limited lineup of fourteen love-inspired sandwiches—like the spicy ‘Your Favorite Ho’ and the sweetly mysterious ‘The Last Kiss’—Cupid Dutch is perfect for indulging in romance. Whether you’re sharing or savoring solo, sandwiches are $10.14 on Valentine’s Day, and Cupid Dutch bread is available in six-packs for $9.99. Orders can be placed online or in-store, with more details at ikessandwich.com or @ikessandwiches. 💌 

OPENINGS

SANTA MONICA 🍕 Sampa’s, Brazilian Pizza:

• Sampa’s, a small chain of Brazilian-themed pizzerias, has opened its third location on Wilshire Blvd, the former site of Dagwoods. Known for its unique take on pizza with Brazilian toppings and thin crust made with high-quality Caputo flour, the eatery offers a blend of American, Italian, and Brazilian influences. The Santa Monica location features Parisian-style cafe seating, dark wood decor, and an expanded menu including inventive dessert pizzas like Nutella and strawberry or churros pizza. Sampa’s also operates as a coffee shop, serving Brazilian coffee starting at 8:30am. With a focus on fresh ingredients and a distinct mix of flavors, Sampa’s aims to bring a taste of São Paulo to the Westside.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

BEVERLY HILLS 🇮🇹 Marea, Coastal Italian Luxury:

• Marea, the famed New York Italian seafood restaurant, has made its West Coast debut in Beverly Hills on North Camden Drive, joining the Golden Triangle’s roster of upscale dining destinations. Known for its crudo, pasta, and signature Dover sole, Marea brings a touch of effortless luxury with its wood-paneled dining room, glowing onyx bar, and dishes like lobster over burrata and red wine-braised octopus fusilli. With Michelin-worthy desserts and an opulent dining experience, it’s poised to be one of LA’s most talked-about openings of 2025.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

INGLEWOOD 🇲🇽 Fiesta Martin, Mexican Fare:

• Fiesta Martin Mexican Restaurant is expanding its footprint with a new Inglewood location on S Van Ness Ave, taking over the former Big Red Seafood Market space - steps away from SoFi Stadium, Kia Forum + YouTube Theatre. While an opening date is still under wraps, the spot is expected to debut after the brand’s Hollywood Park spinoff, Martin’s Cocina y Cantina, launches in early 2025. Known for its vibrant menu of enchiladas, crispy tacos, and crowd-pleasers like guacamole and queso fundido, Fiesta Martin also serves up giant margaritas, happy hour specials, and a welcoming vibe perfect for family dinners or date nights.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

PASADENA 🍜 Woon Kitchen, Chinese:

• Beloved for its homestyle Chinese dishes, Woon Kitchen has expanded from its original Historic Filipinotown location to a new spot on E Washington Blvd in Pasadena. The family-run restaurant, known for Mama Fong's original recipes, offers favorites like chewy stir-fried noodles, braised pork belly with pickled mustard greens over rice, and ube ice cream-stuffed fried bao. The Pasadena location features a larger, more ornate space adorned with colorful wallpaper depicting imperial palaces and lush landscapes, providing an inviting atmosphere for both new and returning patrons. Open daily from 5:00pm to 10:00pm, Woon Kitchen continues to serve its comforting menu, now in a setting that reflects its rich culinary heritage.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

SILVER LAKE 🍷 Korean Wine Bar:

• Silver Lake welcomes its newest gem, Gong Gan, a Korean-inspired café and wine bar nestled on W Sunset Boulevard. Gong Gan recently had their soft opening this past weekend. Operating hours are currently Monday and Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, with plans to expand as they settle into the community. Gong Gan offers a cozy and inspiring atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for intimate events. As day turns to evening, patrons can unwind at the wine bar, featuring a curated selection of wines. Whether you're drawn by the promise to ‘Fulfill your emptiness’ or the allure of a space where ‘all things are possible,’ Gong Gan invites you to experience a harmonious blend of art, design, and exceptional beverages.

  • Instagram

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EVENTS

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FIVE FUTURES

GUIDES

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ACTIVITIES

KATY PERRY 💃 Presale Begins Today:

• Katy Perry’s massive global Lifetimes Tour makes its way to Southern California this summer, with back-to-back performances in Anaheim (July 13th at Honda Center) and Inglewood (July 15th at Kia Forum). Touring in support of her latest dance-pop album 143, Perry will deliver a hit-filled show featuring her extensive catalog. With shows already sold out across four continents, the demand for tickets is high. Presales begin today, with general sales opening this Friday at 10:00am.

DOWNTOWN LA ❤️‍🩹 Fire Relief at The Bellwether:

• The Bellwether hosts the 7th edition of LA Gives Back, uniting Los Angeles’ top promoters and labels for a night dedicated to supporting fire victims, first responders, and animals affected by devastating wildfires. Produced by IHEARTCOMIX, the event features a powerhouse lineup, including Brownies & Lemonade, Emo Nite, Ninja Tune, and more, across two stages. Past lineups have spotlighted ZEDD, Diplo, and Flying Lotus, with the series raising over $250,000 for local charities. Tickets are available now, with 100% of proceeds benefiting fire relief efforts. Doors open at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm.

EAGLE ROCK 🎞️ Vidiots x NEON, Free Movie Screenings Until Friday:

• Vidiots and NEON continue their collaboration offering free movie screenings at Vidiots' Eagle Theatre this week. The upcoming lineup includes Disney’s animated Robin Hood (Today, 2:00pm), Clue (Tomorrow, 7:30pm), Hollywood Shuffle (Thursday, 7:30pm), and L.A. Story on 35mm (Friday, 7:00pm). Admission is first-come, first-served; arrive early to secure your seat. For more details and to reserve tickets, visit Vidiots' website.

VENICE 🍹 Dry January Takes Over Venice:

• This Thursday, Little Lunch Venice (50 Brooks Ave) hosts a vibrant Dry January in Venice event from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, bringing the community together for an alcohol-free evening. Organized by Bar Nuda, the event features pizza by HiFi Pizza Pi, music by Adam Weiss, wellness activities with The Gratitude Group, baked treats from Pip’s Bakery, an apothecary booth, live poetry, floral arrangements, and crafting workshops. Sponsored by brands like Best Day Brewing and Optimist, the free-to-enter gathering encourages donations, with proceeds supporting fire victims. Enjoy the fun without the alcohol—100% sober and pet-free (service animals welcome).

CULVER CITY ❤️ Sunday, February 9th - Build Love Brick by Brick:

• Celebrate Valentine's Day with a creative twist at the LEGO® Store in Westfield Century City on Sunday, February 9th from 12:00pm - 2:00pm. Join fellow enthusiasts in constructing a special LEGO Valentine's Day Heart to take home, either as a heartfelt gift or a personal keepsake. This complimentary event is open to the public, but supplies are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants aged six and above are welcome, with a limit of one build per guest. For more details, visit the official LEGO event page.

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COMMUNITY

STAY IN LA 🎞️ Movement Rallies for Post-Wildfire Film Incentives:

• Hollywood heavyweights like LeVar Burton, Alison Brie, and Bitsie Tulloch, alongside nearly twelve thousand LA residents, are urging new incentives to revive filming in Los Angeles after devastating wildfires. Spearheaded by grassroots coalition CA United and the Union Solidarity Coalition, the campaign proposes uncapping tax incentives, reducing permit fees, and addressing insurance barriers to attract productions back to LA County. With TV and film production dropping by over 30% in recent years, advocates emphasize the urgent need for local investment to rebuild livelihoods and sustain LA’s creative workforce.

FORECAST ☔️ Frosty Mornings and Cool Days:

• Southern California remains under a cooler weather pattern this week as a broad upper-level trough keeps temperatures below normal. Frost and freeze advisories are in effect for many coastal valleys, including the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of Calabasas and Agoura Hills, with early morning lows dipping into the 30s. While mostly dry conditions are expected, there’s a slight chance of showers in the foothills and mountains today. The weekend brings a warming trend, with daytime highs climbing into the 70s as ridging aloft develops. Looking ahead, there’s a slim chance of a rainmaker next week as troughing off the California coast takes shape.

LA COUNTY 💼 Jobs Reach Record High, But Unemployment Lingers:

• Los Angeles County's nonfarm payrolls hit a near-record 4.66m jobs in December, with employers adding eleven thousand positions, driven by growth in courier, retail, and entertainment sectors. However, the county’s unemployment rate remained at 6%, well above the national average of 4.1%. Over 2024, job growth slowed to 1%, led by health care/social assistance with 30,700 new roles, while manufacturing saw a significant decline. City-specific unemployment varied, with Lomita boasting the lowest rate at 2.3% and Calabasas the highest at 8.1%. Revised employment data expected in March may shift these figures further.

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DEVELOPMENT

WEST HOLLYWOOD 🏡 Tallest Building Moves Forward:

• Plans for a 34-story tower on La Brea Avenue, potentially the tallest building in West Hollywood, are progressing with a draft environmental study now public. Proposed by CIM Group, the project includes 514 apartments—128 designated as affordable and workforce housing—above 30,000 square feet of retail and a 674-car garage. Designed by Large Architecture, the 377-foot structure features terrace decks, outdoor gardens, and modern finishes like wood-finish metal and frosted glass, with billboards integrated into its exterior. Pending approvals, construction is slated to begin in October 2025 and finish by mid-2028, adding to CIM's transformative developments along the West Hollywood–Los Angeles border.

UNIVERSAL CITY 🏨 Hilton Universal City Expands with New Tower:

• The Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City is set to expand with an eighteen-story tower featuring 395 guest rooms, approved unanimously by the L.A. City Council. Anticipating the 2028 Olympics, the project includes zoning changes, on-site alcohol sales, and live entertainment permissions. Sun Hill Properties, the hotel's operator, began planning in 2017 to address growing tourism demands. The addition, adjacent to the existing 24-story tower, will include a spa, restaurants, pools, and meeting spaces, creating 696,609 square feet of total floor area. Supported by local unions, the development promises jobs for residents, veterans, and apprentices.

CULVER CITY 🏡 Largest Affordable Housing Development in a Decade:

• Culver City has greenlit plans for Jubilo Village, a 95-unit affordable housing project on Sepulveda Boulevard in partnership with the Community Corporation of Santa Monica. Backed by $22.96m in grant funding from California’s Homekey+ program, the development will include 43 Permanent Supportive Housing units for homeless individuals, fifty general affordable units, and two for property management. Amenities like a community room, children’s play area, and supportive services provided by Upward Bound House will enhance the living experience. Set to be the city’s largest 100% affordable housing project since 2013, it also features a mixed-use element with Culver Palms United Methodist Church, which owns the property.

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BUSINESS

YOUTUBE 📺️ YouTube Leads Streaming Service Surge With Record TV Share:

• YouTube claimed an 11.1% share of TV usage last month, setting a new record, according to Nielsen’s The Gauge report. This marked a 7% rise from November, outpacing Netflix’s 8.5%, which matched its platform best. NFL holiday games played a key role, with Thanksgiving and Christmas telecasts dominating viewership. Overall, streaming hit a milestone, capturing 43.4% of total TV time, a 9% month-over-month increase, as major platforms like Prime Video and Max also saw significant growth. Holiday-driven viewing trends highlighted streaming's expanding dominance in TV consumption.

INSTAGRAM 📸 Instagram’s Big Play for TikTok Creators:

• Instagram is seizing TikTok’s absence from app stores with aggressive cash incentives for creators to prioritize Reels. Bonuses reportedly range from $10,000 to $50,000 monthly, requiring creators to post on Instagram before other platforms. Meta’s newly launched Breakthrough Bonus program offers TikTok creators up to $5,000 over three months to grow their presence on Instagram and Facebook. While Meta has experimented with similar payouts in the past, they’ve often been short-lived.

MARINA DEL REY 🏎️ New Hub for Automotive and Marine Upgrades:

• Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has launched its thirteenth California location on Lincoln Blvd in Marina del Rey, catering to the area’s vibrant boating and automotive scene. Managed by Zaw Pine Naing, the center provides services like window tinting, paint protection, audio enhancements, and security systems. With Marina del Rey being home to the nation’s largest man-made recreational harbor, this expansion strategically targets local demand. CEO Charles J. Bonfiglio emphasized Naing’s leadership in representing the brand. Appointments can be booked at 424-467-1199 or through their website.

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ENTERTAINMENT

HBO MAX 💮 Trailer Drop for Season 3, The White Lotus:

• HBO’s The White Lotus is back on February 16th, taking its dark satire to a luxurious Thai resort. A newly released trailer teases an unsettling mix of opulence and intrigue, with characters seeking transformation but uncovering hidden truths. The star-studded cast includes Walton Goggins, Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell, and Lalisa Manobal, among others. Creator Mike White promises a ‘supersized’ season that’s ‘longer, bigger, crazier.’ This season explores themes of escapism and self-discovery, proving once again that paradise often comes with a price.

GRAMMYS 🎵 Supporting LA Wildfire Relief:

• This year’s Grammy week in Los Angeles has been reimagined to focus on aiding victims of the devastating wildfires in the region. Major events like the Black Music Collective gathering and Grammy advocacy brunch have been canceled, while remaining activities, including MusiCares’ gala and Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy event, now incorporate fundraising efforts. The awards show itself, still set for Sunday at Crypto.com Arena, aims to balance music celebration with impactful relief efforts, raising awareness and donations for those affected. With two million already distributed through the LA Fire Relief Effort, the Recording Academy hopes to provide both immediate aid and lasting support to the community.

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SPORTS

SURFING 🏄‍♂️ World Surfing League Expands Global Reach:

• ESPN + World Surf League (WSL) are taking surfing to new shores with an expanded 2025 rights agreement. Starting Monday with the Lexus Pipe Pro, all twelve Championship Tour events and the Lexus US Open of Surfing will stream live on ESPN+ in the U.S. and Disney+ in Latin America and the Caribbean, excluding select regions. The WSL highlight show, Inside Pro Surfing, also returns to ESPN2 and on-demand platforms. This collaboration builds on a successful 2024 season, bringing surfing to broader audiences and showcasing top athletes like Olympic Gold Medalist Caroline Marks. 💌 

LA SPARKS 🏀 Kelsey Plum Joins the Sparks: A Game-Changer for LA:

• In a headline-grabbing three-team trade, Kelsey Plum, a two-time champion and three-time All-Star, is bringing her scoring and leadership to the Los Angeles Sparks. Leaving behind a stellar run with the Las Vegas Aces, Plum joins a Sparks team eager to rebuild alongside rising star Cameron Brink. The trade, which also sends Jewell Loyd to the Aces and Li Yueru to the Seattle Storm, reshapes the WNBA’s competitive landscape. Sparks fans now have their sights set on a title run, while the league braces for more seismic shifts in free agency.

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SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY!

🤙 See you next Tuesday, CuratedLA!
Can’t wait to be back on a regular schedule with you all.

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