I hate mall parking garages. They’re so claustrophobic and trafficky, made even worse during the holidays by angry, angry last-minute holiday shoppers. (Relax, people, it’s Christmas!) So last night as I battled with said holiday shoppers in a crowded Target parking lot for one measly spot to open up, I thought about how fortunate I am to have the super-secret alternative parking spaces that I do for my fave malls during this holiday season. I’ll share ‘em with you but keep in mind that I have no problem with walking as I gladly give up proximity for ease of entrance/exit. And those of you who plan to do a lot of shopping may not want to carry a bunch of bags and boxes for long distances. Most of these are street parking with meters (and the occasional non-metered spots) but if you go after 6pm or on Sunday, in most cases you get to park for free, just mind the parking signs. Also they’re located far away enough from the malls where you can avoid most of the traffic.
Monthly Archives: December 2006
My Xmas Present to You: Stress-Free Mall Parking
Cocktail Review: Holy Water at Saints & Sinners
When I first sampled Saints & Sinners’ cocktail list during their launch party, I skipped over their Holy Water cocktail ($10), a lethal martini made up of both premium gin (Tanqueray) and vodka (Ketel One, I think). Back then, I was still into the sweet drinks and that just sounded unappetizing. But the other night when I revisited that cocktail list, Holy Water was the only thing that appealed to me. I think I was just in a mood for an actual martini.
The bartender raised an eyebrow and shook his head while he served it up. “My wife won’t let me drink those,” he said. “Why not?” I asked. “Because then she’d have to deal with me.” Hmm, sounds like trouble.
It looked innocent enough sitting in its martini glass with two big green olives resting at the bottom. But when I took that first sip, I knew that I’d be praying the next morning…for the throbbing hangover to go away. Now that’s a drink. After the first three sips, I felt the telltale signs of a buzz coming on. That was quick! The other night when I had drinks at the Cheesecake Factory in Brentwood, even after three mixed drinks I felt nothing. (I knowww, it was the Cheesecake Factory.) Here, this one drink did the job of four.
Of course I couldn’t consume the whole cocktail in its concentrated form so I poured some ice water in there to make it bearable. Only then could I finish it.
If you want to anesthetize a wound or warm up during these especially chilly nights, try out this unholy martini. It’ll get the job done.
10899 Venice Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90034
(310) 842-8066
Cross Street: Kelton Avenue
New Year’s Eve 2007: Chaos, Crowds and Carmen
This year, no crazy New Year’s Eve parties for me. Nope this time I decided an intimate NYE affair at my place was the way I wanted to start off 2007. But I know there are a lot of Angelenos out there who want the chaos and huge crowds to make their NYE memorable. For those of you who do want to get all dressed up and pay a hefty price to get in a hot party, may I suggest the following grand fetes?
Gift Idea: Truck & SUV 2007 Calendar
For no reason in particular, check out this Great Truck and SUV Shots ’07 Wall Calendar ($15.99). OK, I lied. That’s me on the cover and also in the November shot, doing my impression of a paparazzi-plagued It Girl. Heh. So yeah, that’s not my car or my dog (although Little Tino isn’t as annoying or pretentious as he looks). And don’t worry, the other months are just of vehicles.
But wouldn’t this be the perfect holiday gift for that truck/SUV fan you know, like your mechanic, your Escalade-driving brother-in-law or that neighbor who likes parking his Tacoma on his lawn?
Go Blue! Denim Sale Weekend
Stock up on your fave L.A. staple or dare to Christmas shop for your fashionista friends at the two denim sales going on this weekend. They’re huuuge. The first one is the Holiday Designer Denim Sale at Smashbox Studios in Culver City where you have 4,000 pairs of skinny jeans, bootcuts, etc. to choose from. A percentage of the proceeds will go to Project Nightlight. Prices are 65% off retail. This doesn’t seem to be a sample sale like the other one on Sunday at the Convention Center. Credit cards and cash only. No apparent fee to get in.
EVENT: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 from 10AM to 8PM
8549 Higuera Street
Culver City, California 90232
The Warehouse Sale at the Los Angeles Convention Center on the other hand is an invite-only sample denim sale for men and women that charges $3 at the door without an RSVP, but you can respondez s’il vous plait here before the event. There is a VIP sale the day before on the 16th for you fancy folk who want to get a jump on the goods. You just have to pay $15 here or $25 at the door the day of. Credit cards and cash only.
EVENT: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 from 10AM to 4PM
Los Angeles Convention Center
South Hall J
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, California 90015
Xmas at Sea: Long Beach Parade of 1,000 Lights
Forget the DWP Griffith Festival of Lights. Why not double your holiday pleasure with 1,000 Christmas lights reflecting off the waters at Long Beach’s Shoreline Village? The Long Beach Parade of 1,000 Lights is celebrating its 23rd year of decorated boats showing off their luminescent finery in Queensway Bay. This year’s theme, “Christmas South of the Border” sounds like it’ll turn out some extra colorful creations. Hopefully. Grab some waterfront seats at Tequila Jack’s and throw back some tequila shots to get into the spirit of things.
You can also enjoy the show at Shoreline Park around the Lighthouse. The event itself is free but you’ll have to pay for parking at the Shoreline Village, the Aquarium of the Pacific or snag a metered parking spot.
EVENT: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 at 6:30PM
429 Shoreline Village Dr # P
Long Beach, California 90802
(562) 435-2668
Spaceland on Ice: Rocking Around the Skating Rink
Every winter Pershing Square is transformed into the “Rockefeller Center of the West,” except this little slice of an ice rink in Downtown L.A. is not as big or as popular. And as much as I wanted to like Downtown on Ice in my quest for wintry holiday fun in Southern California, I found it boring, crowded and not fun at all.
But, look! Silver Lake’s indie rock nightclub, Spaceland, is taking over the rink once a week. Every Thursday through January 11, the club sponsors A-list indie bands who will play free concerts for the masses that show up to iceskate or those who just want to pull up a lawn chair and enjoy the show. I choose the latter.
Tomorrow night check out the Submarines and Great Northern at the rink. To see who else will be playing Pershing, look up the park’s schedule.
After a two-hour concert in the elements (brrrr! 52 degrees!), you might want to saunter on down to the Golden Gopher on 8th Street for a nice warming cup of whiskey. Yum.
EVENT: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 from 8-10PM
532 S. Olive Street
Los Angeles, California 90013
(213) 847-4970
Admission for iceskating: $6 per hour; skate rental $2
