OCTOBER 9TH, 2024

Good vibes presented by Curations

WEDNESDAY’S VIBES

ALMOST

FRIDAY

• 👋 WE GOT THIS: Happy Wednesday Morning, CuratedLA Family! We are almost there, almost at Friday. I know that everyone is crushing it with wins. I also have a feeling one of us is about to ask out a crush on that date. And that’s a big win. And here are some good vibes, and places, to where we can take our dates (and friends). All that + more, below! Have a wonderful Wednesday, LA. I will see you all on Friday. - Wyatt

CURATIONS

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HOV LANES

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EATS

HEADLINES

• 🛒 SMART CART: Instacart has introduced advanced technology to help streamline grocery shopping with Caper Cart (this is going to be horrible for my ADHD). Caper Cart features a touchscreen that provides real-time navigation through the store, helping folks locate items on their lists and highlighting discounts on nearby products. Using sensors and a built-in scale, the cart automatically tallies items as folks shop, and grocery lists can be imported by scanning a QR code. The cart also includes gamified features, offering extra savings with product quests. The technology is currently available in select stores, mainly Bristol Farms (we have locations here in WeHo, Hollywood + Santa Monica), and Kroger, which do not have a presence in LA.

• 🥤 PEPSI BUYS: PepsiCo is making moves again with its first food acquisition in five years, scooping up Mexican American brand Siete Foods for $1.2bn. Known for its grain-free tortillas and snack staples like tortilla chips and salsas, Siete has become a favorite at major retailers like Whole Foods and Target. This deal aligns with Pepsi’s strategy to diversify into healthier food options, following acquisitions like PopCorners and Bare Snacks. With the deal set to close by mid-2025, Pepsi is betting big on Siete’s appeal to health-conscious and multicultural consumers.

OPENINGS

• 🍜 HIGHLAND PARK: Mala Class, a tiny yet vibrant Sichuan eatery in Highland Park, is making a splash with its modern, vegan-friendly take on spicy Chinese classics. Chef Michael Yang’s dan dan noodles—tossed tableside with sesame sauce and optional pork—are a standout, while the mapo tofu, made with leeks, has quickly become a fan favorite. Crave-worthy sides like mushroom fries and pepper-rubbed tofu round out a small but mighty menu. Open since June 2024, this fast-casual spot is already a go-to for locals looking to explore Sichuan flavors with a contemporary twist​.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🐔 HOLLYWOOD: Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy! has officially landed in Hollywood, bringing its signature chicken tenders and sauce-laden sandwiches to Hollywood Boulevard at Arrive Hollywood. Known for crispy, hand-pounded tenders brined in lemon juice, pickle brine, and buttermilk, Chicken Guy! delivers all the juicy, crunchy goodness you’d expect, plus over twenty house-made sauces for dunking. Whether you go for the classic tenders or a loaded sandwich like the Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ, this spot is a Flavortown experience through and through. It’s fast-casual at its finest, and the Hollywood location stays open late, perfect for satisfying post-tourist-trek cravings.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🥗 WOODLAND HILLS: Pokitomik recently opened in Woodland Hills on Ventura Boulevard. Pokitomik is known for their vibrant poke bowls packed with fresh fish, tofu options, and all-natural ingredients, this spot is a haven for sushi lovers craving something healthy and affordable. Swing by for boba drinks, shaved ice, and customizable bowls that bring the island vibes straight to your plate. Located in the Warner Plaza, it’s quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite for anyone in the Valley looking for a quick, delicious bite​.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🍜 SUNSET PLAZA: A fresh Thai twist has landed at Sunset Plaza with the grand opening of I’m Thai Brunch and Dinner. This Thai inspired cafe might just spice up your day with flavorful brunches and dinner options that fuse traditional Thai dishes with a modern flair. Expect a menu brimming with vibrant curries, spicy papaya salads, and signature dishes like their crispy chicken rice bowls, making it an ideal spot for weekend brunch or a laid-back dinner with friends.

  • Website + Instagram

• 🍝 FAIRFAX: Madela Pizza & Pasta has officially opened its doors on Beverly Blvd, offering Faifax a fresh spin on kosher pizza and pasta. Inspired by the culinary vision of Chef Tal Gol, the restaurant brings a fusion of Mediterranean, Italian, and Middle Eastern flavors to its menu. Signature dishes include the Pink Sauce Cherry Pasta, blending garlic, basil, and a spicy kick, and pizzas like the Fungi, featuring truffle cream sauce and caramelized onions. With daily fresh dough and secret sauces crafted in-house, Madela delivers gourmet vibes without the pretension.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🌮 CHINATOWN: Tacos LA 26 has taken their legendary street taco game to the next level with a new brick-and-mortar location at 759 North Hill Street in Chinatown. Known for serving some of the best suadero and buche tacos from their iconic food truck, this late-night taco spot is a new must-visit for taco lovers. The restaurant continues its tradition of affordable, flavor-packed tacos, and they’re celebrating the grand opening with irresistible deals like $1 Taco Mania events. Perfect for grabbing a quick, authentic bite after hours, Tacos LA 26 is already heating up the LA taco scene​.

  • Website + Instagram

• 🍳 PASADENA: Pasadena just got a new go-to spot for all-day breakfast with the opening of Skillets Grill on E Holly Street. This fresh American eatery offers hearty options like their signature skillets, gourmet burgers, and fan-favorite chicken and waffles. Whether you're craving a classic omelette or indulging in their house-made pancakes, they’ve got you covered from morning to night. And if you’re in the mood for a bagel, their on-site partner Manhattan Bread & Bagel brings fresh bakes daily. Open daily from 7:00am to 9:00pm, it's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a cozy dinner in the heart of Old Pasadena.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

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EVENTS

TODAY

THURSDAY

FIVE FUTURES

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ACTIVITIES

• 🎈 ARTS DISTRICT: OPENS OCTOBER 30TH: Get ready, LA! The critically acclaimed Balloon Museum is landing in the Arts District on October 30th, and it's bringing its mesmerizing ‘Let’s Fly’ exhibition to Ace Mission Studios. Featuring 21 international artists like Filthy Luker and Sasha Frolova, this immersive showcase will have you exploring a gravity-defying world of contemporary art, inflatables, and vibrant LEDs. Plus, don’t miss the debut of Christopher Schardt's dazzling Mariposa, fresh from Burning Man 2023. Tickets start at $36 for California residents—secure yours now and prepare to be blown away! 💌 

• 🛼 SANTA MONICA: TODAY, 6:00PM - 10:00PM: Santa Monica’s pop-up skating rink Roll is skating into its final days! The rink wraps up this upcoming Monday, but not before one last hurrah today with a special ‘Second Wednesdays’ event. Expect a Live DJ, skate performances, and a costume contest to keep the vibes high. Admission is just $15 and includes skate rentals, running from 6:00pm, 10:00pm. Grab your skates and hit the rink one last time before it’s gone.

• 🦴 NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM: NOW - OCTOBER 31ST: Boney Island is back at the Natural History Museum's Nature Gardens, offering a spooky spectacle from Wednesday to Friday! Expect glowing installations, eerie skeletons, shadow puppetry, and live artistic performances, all mixed with real fossils from the museum’s collection. This year also brings local food trucks and 21+ bar service to the Halloween fun. Running on select days throughout October, tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids.

• 🚢 LONG BEACH: NOW - NOVEMBER 2ND: After a four-year break, Dark Harbor has returned to the Queen Mary, bringing its spine-chilling thrills back to life. Dive into haunted mazes, meet terrifying characters, and explore eerie speakeasies hidden around the attractions. With live entertainment, ghostly experiences, and sinister eats, it's a Halloween experience you won’t forget. Tickets start at $39.99, and the haunting runs on select nights through November 2nd, including today to Sunday.

• 🍿 DOWNTOWN LA: TOMORROW, 6:00PM: Get your spooky season started right with Hocus Pocus tomorrow at The BLOC, where they’ve teamed up with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema for an outdoor movie series. Check-in starts at 6:00pm, with the classic witchy flick kicking off at 6:30pm. Grab a blanket, settle in on the lawn, and enjoy the magic under the stars. 💌 

• 🧠 LACMA: TOMORROW, 6:30PM: Unwind at LACMA tomorrow evening with art and meditation led by educator Alicia Vogl Sáenz. The program features a slow art-looking exercise centered on We Live in Painting: The Nature of Painting in Mesoamerican Art, followed by a peaceful group meditation. No prior experience is needed, and all guidance will be provided. The event starts at 6:30pm and is free to attend with an RSVP. Perfect for art lovers looking to relax and reflect. 💸 

• 🍺 KOREATOWN: TOMORROW, 6:00PM - 2:00AM: The spooky season kicks into gear at The Normandie Club in Koreatown as the Black Lagoon pop-up bar arrives for a hauntingly good time. For the final three weeks of October, expect eerie decor and deliciously dark cocktails in this immersive Halloween experience. No reservations needed—just show up, grab a drink + enjoy the vibes. 21+ only. 🙈 

• 🎄 HOLLYWOOD: DEC. 18TH - JAN. 5TH: Gilmore Girls fans, rejoice! Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is bringing back Holidays Made Here, transforming its Midwest Street into Stars Hollow, Connecticut. You can snap pics at iconic spots like Luke’s Diner and the Stars Hollow gazebo, sip Scotty P’s Big Mug Coffee, and munch on Pop-Tarts and pastries. With fun activities like trivia, cookie decorating, and costume contests, it’s the perfect prelude to the show's 25th anniversary in 2025. Plus, don’t miss the Friendsgiving celebration in November! Holiday magic meets TV nostalgia—what more could we want? 💌 

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COMMUNITY

• ♻️ SANTA MONICA: Ballona Creek’s two-year trash-busting mission just wrapped up, capturing a staggering 250,000 pounds of waste—preventing it from polluting Santa Monica Bay’s beaches. Led by LA County Public Works and Dutch nonprofit The Ocean Cleanup, the solar-powered ‘Trash Interceptor 007’ collected over 2,700 pounds of recyclable plastic alone. With the device proving its worth, LA County is eyeing a permanent rollout, with upgrades in the works to tackle future storm seasons. It’s a major win for local beaches and a step forward in combating river pollution globally.

• 😎 FORECAST: Expect some classic SoCal weather vibes this week: inland temps staying warm with a slight cool-down, but still above average by a few degrees. The coast will see the usual October fog rolling in during the night and mornings, but heads up if you're driving through those dense patches. As we move towards the weekend, coastal areas will cool down a bit more noticeably, especially on Saturday. Inland folks, you'll feel it too by Sunday, with temps dipping slightly below the norm. All in all, clear skies dominate the forecast - just keep your jacket handy if you're hitting the beach early. ℹ️ 

• 🚌 TICKETS & FINES: Los Angeles’ new pilot program is stepping up the enforcement of bus-only lanes with some serious fines: $293 for the first offense, climbing to $406 for repeated late payments. The pilot program was approved yesterday. About one hundred cameras will be installed on Metro buses along major routes like La Brea's Line 212 and Wilshire's Line 720 to catch violators. Warnings will be issued during the first sixty days, with citations rolling out early next year. The program, expected to generate $5.4m annually, aims to cut congestion and improve bus service efficiency.

• 🍎 BEST TEACHERS: Three exceptional L.A. County educators have been named among the 2025 California Teachers of the Year! Honorees include Matthew Winheim, a middle school STEM aviation teacher in Palmdale; Nicholas Westfall, a P.E. teacher at Hamilton High; and Arby Jean Wolkov, who teaches American Sign Language at Taft Charter High. Winheim will represent California in the National Teacher of the Year competition next spring.

• 🚒 BRIDGE FIRE: In response to the devastating Bridge Fire that scorched over 54,000 acres in the Angeles National Forest, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors has directed the Office of Emergency Management to establish task forces to assist recovery efforts. These task forces will focus on economic recovery, watershed hazards, health services, debris removal, and rebuilding efforts. With the threat of flooding and mudslides looming due to the loss of vegetation, the county is also mobilizing emergency repairs and outreach programs to support residents with housing, health, and financial aid.

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DEVELOPMENT

• 💎 BEVERLY HILLS: The Pavilions on Olympic Blvd. in Beverly Hills could soon be history, making way for a sleek new eight-story mixed-use project. According to renderings shared by Ottinger Architects, the site will host 110 apartments, with 20% designated as affordable housing. The ground floor will feature a new 16,000-square-foot grocery store, blending convenience with upscale living. Amenities like rooftop decks, a gym, and co-working spaces aim to foster an urban, active lifestyle. If approved, this Builder’s Remedy project by the Aflalo Family Trust will anchor a growing residential hub at Olympic and Beverly.

• 🏡 GLENDALE: A new mixed-use development is set to rise near Glendale's Metrolink station at 345 W. Cerritos Ave. The six-story project from Allegro Capital Partners aims to bring 41 apartments (including three affordable units) above 2,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. Designed by Urban Design Specialists, the building features a contemporary look with brick veneer, a rooftop deck, and outdoor seating along Gardena Ave. This proposal comes as Glendale revamps zoning to encourage more housing near transit hubs, making it a timely addition to the city's urban growth plans.

• 🎡 SANTA MONICA: Cypress Equity Investments is pushing forward with plans for a new eight-story development on Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica. The project, designed by AC Martin, features 260 apartments (with 26 set aside for very low-income renters), 11,000 square feet of retail space, and a 320-car subterranean garage. Renderings show a contemporary podium-style building with courtyards and rooftop amenities. This is just one of several CEI projects transforming the Wilshire corridor, adding more housing options along one of the city’s busiest commercial streets.

• 🏥 NORTH HOLLYWOOD: North Hollywood is getting a serious health boost. L.A. County just broke ground on a new $92m, 50,000 sq. ft. health center set to replace the old public health clinic across from the North Hollywood Recreation Center. Slated to open in 2026, the sleek three-story facility will offer a one-stop-shop for medical, mental health, and wellness services. Expect exam rooms, a lab, community gardens, a demo kitchen, and more. Supervisor Kathryn Barger calls it a win for the community, combining care with modern design to create a holistic healing hub.

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BUSINESS

• 🚕 TESLA’S ROBOTAXI: Tesla is set to unveil its highly anticipated Robotaxi tomorrow at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank. The event, dubbed ‘We, Robot,’ kicks off at 5:00pm and has both investors and fans eager for concrete details. After multiple delays, everyone’s hoping for more than just tech hype as clear timelines for the Robotaxi’s launch are key. There’s also buzz about potential surprises, including partnerships with Uber or a move into autonomous food delivery.

• 🎬️ SONY CEO: Tony Vinciquerra is stepping down as CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, effective January 2nd. Ravi Ahuja, the company's current president and COO, will take over the role. Vinciquerra will stay on as non-executive chair through 2025, guiding the company in an advisory capacity. Under his leadership, Sony Pictures saw a remarkable turnaround, with five consecutive years of profit growth and key strategic moves like the acquisition of Crunchyroll. Ahuja, a veteran of Disney and Fox, is set to steer Sony Pictures through its next chapter, with a focus on expanding the studio's legacy.

• 👩 HPA: The Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) is making history with the appointment of Kari Grubin as its first female president, effective January 1st. Grubin, an expert in post-production services and technology, will take over from Seth Hallen, who has led the organization for nine years. Grubin’s long-standing involvement with HPA includes co-founding Women in Post and launching initiatives like HPA All, aimed at increasing diversity in the industry. As she steps into this leadership role, she’s focused on guiding the organization through the next phase of innovation and industry transformation.

• 🦷 ORAL HEALTH STARTUP: Culver City’s Feno just raised $6m in seed funding to reinvent teeth-brushing, making it faster, smarter, and a lot more effective. Feno’s U-shaped brush cleans your teeth in twenty seconds flat, using custom molds based on a selfie (yes, really). The app-connected brush tracks your habits and even alerts you if you need a doctor. With backing from LA-based investors like Bold Capital and Upfront Ventures, this might just be the next must-have tech for health-conscious Angelenos.

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ENTERTAINMENT

• 🪙 BITCOIN CREATOR: A new HBO documentary is shaking up the crypto world by naming Canadian developer Peter Todd as the elusive Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of bitcoin. Filmmaker Cullen Hoback pieces together old and new clues, confronting Todd with evidence, to which Todd replies, ‘Well, yeah, I'm Satoshi Nakamoto.’ However, Todd has since denied being Satoshi, often using the phrase as a stand-in for supporting the mysterious creator’s desire for privacy. Despite Todd’s deep involvement in the bitcoin community, many industry insiders, including key figures like Jameson Lopp, remain skeptical, suggesting the Satoshi mystery might stay unsolved.

• 📽️ CHRISTOPHER NOLAN: Christopher Nolan is gearing up for his next big project. Following the massive success of Oppenheimer, Nolan is returning to Universal with plans for a July 17, 2026, release, likely to be shown in IMAX. While plot details are still under wraps (as usual for Nolan), Matt Damon is in talks to star, marking their third collaboration after Interstellar and Oppenheimer. Shooting is expected to begin in early 2025, and with Damon leading the charge, you can bet that an A-list ensemble will soon follow.

• 🎸 COLDPLAY ANNOUNCES TOUR: Coldplay is bringing their ‘Music of the Spheres World Tour’ back to the U.S. for a nine-city stadium run in 2025. LA is not in the mix, but Vegas made it. The tour kicks off in May and runs through July, hitting major stops like Las Vegas, Denver, Toronto, and Miami. Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 11th.

• 📈 HIGH POTENTIAL: ABC’s freshman hit High Potential is living up to its name in the ratings. The procedural, starring Kaitlin Olson, is pulling in over 10m viewers per episode across all platforms, with streaming driving the bulk of that. Its second episode grew from 3.67m live viewers to a whopping 10.72m after a week of streaming and DVRs. Among adults 18-49, the numbers exploded—its initial 0.31 rating surged sevenfold to 2.2 with delayed viewing. Streaming is the real MVP here, accounting for more than 70% of those coveted younger viewers.

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SPORTS

• 🧢 PADRES 6, DODGERS 5: Fernando Tatis Jr. brought the fireworks in San Diego’s 6-5 thriller against the Dodgers, smashing a towering two-run shot in a six-run second inning to give the Padres a 2-1 NLDS lead. Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández fought back for L.A., with Hernández blasting a grand slam to close the gap. Mookie Betts snapped out of his playoff slump with a solo homer, but his early trot to the dugout sparked a brief confusion—luckily, teammates waved him to keep going. With Game 4 at Petco Park, the Padres are one win away from sending the Dodgers packing again. Tension's high; rally towels ready. Go Dodgers.

• ⚡️ CHARGERS BUY-IN: Tom Gores, best known as a part owner of the Detroit Pistons, is making a major move closer to home, purchasing a 27% stake in the Los Angeles Chargers. The deal, which resolves a family dispute within the Spanos family, is expected to be approved by the NFL next month. Gores, with a net worth of $8.8bn, is among LA's wealthiest and could see his fortune grow further with the Chargers' rising value, now estimated at $5.1bn.

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CU FRIDAY, LA!

🤙 You got this. You so got this.

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