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Tag Archive: Unique LA

July 29, 2011

This Weekend: Tiki Time at 1886, Unique LA Summer, Bluegrass Pig Roast

It’s already August? Where’d the summer go? Better get the last days of the season in by enjoying them the following ways.

Friday, July 29

New Summer Cocktail Menu at 1886
Nothing says summer like tropical drinks and Marcos Tello and the 1886 crew know it. Their new 16-drink summer cocktail menu debuts this week and features tiki favorites like the Zombie, QB Cooler and Pina Colada as well as twists on classics like Cherry Daiquri and Pisco Punch. But I can’t wait to try the Media Park Swizzle with Bols Genever, sherry, ginger, Falernum syrup and lime. And the Vintage Caprice, a cocktail aged in a bourbon cask, sounds like a must-have.

1886 Bar, 1250 S Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena (map). (626) 441-3136.

Saturday, July 30

1st Annual Unique LA Summer Show
Finally one of the funnest shopping events in town comes to the Westside! Browse the wares of 250 local designers, enjoy free Hendrick’s cocktails (woot!) and Bear Flag wine and do some free crafting at the DIY Craft Corner. For sustenance, take your pick of popular food trucks like the Grilled Cheese Truck, Great Balls on Tires and Glow Fish Truck.

Saturday-Sunday, 11am-6pm. $10. Santa Monica Airport Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica (map).

Sunday, July 31

Sunday Afternoon Pig Roast & Farmers Market at Craft Los Angeles
In honor of the Santa Monica Farmers Market’s 30th anniversary, Craft Los Angeles is throwing a Pig Roast, Beer and Bluegrass event featuring whole roast pigs, family style sides and desserts by chef John Keenan and pastry chef Shannon Swindle as well as local beer and wine. Live bluegrass music and an auction will keep things festive and a BBQ sauce competition.

2-8pm. $150. Craft Los Angeles, 10100 Constellation Boulevard, Century City (map). (310) 279-4180.

Monday, August 1

Monday Night Movies, Martinis and Manicures at Station Hollywood: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Who didn’t want to be Ferris? Having the best sick day in history and getting away with it. Well, celebrate everyone’s favorite juvenile delinquent with small plates, cocktails and free Bliss Spa manis while screening the John Hughes classic. Station Hollywood’s new weekly movie night takes place on its outdoor lounge with fire pits and a 35-foot-high movie screen. Next weekend the movie will be Reservoir Dogs, which also happens to be “Bourbon Night.” No ressies required.

8pm. Station Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood (map).

Categories: Beauty & Fashion, Cocktails, Dining, Lists, Los Angeles, Movies, Nightlife, Shopping & Sales

A Few of My Favorite Things From Unique LA & Artisanal LA

Bedford Falls Headwear by Caroline on Crack

Realize your inner Mae West.

This weekend was a double whammy of shopping events with Artisanal LA and Unique LA and even though I was supposed to be shopping for others there, I couldn’t help but covet a bunch of stuff for myself. Here are just a few of my favorite discoveries. And even though you may have missed the sales, not to fret, you can still buy these goodies online at their respective vendors. Happy holiday shopping!

Bedford Falls Headwear ($20-$70): When I saw all these lovely vintage-looking headbands with plumes and sparkle on display at the Unique LA booth, my inner Clara Bow squealed. So many beautiful handmade “fascinators” that I didn’t know which one to pick. Stuck between the choice of two — one dark red that would have been perfect for holiday parties and the other with a leather patch and a bit more showy tuft of feathers that would work well for a fancy night out at La Descarga — I just went with both which were about $15 each at the show. On the Web site, each fascinator is named after It girls from the past like Veronica Lake and Josephine Baker.

Beatrice Holiday handlebar bag

Beatrice Holiday Bike Handlebar Purse ($54-$84): A stylish alternative to the usual bike basket. Each handcrafted bag is made out of vintage fabrics and is equipped with a strap so it can transition from your bike to your shoulder. Not big enough to hold groceries but the perfect size for toting your cell phone, wallet, keys and sunglasses.

Kauzbots ($24.99) are probably the only robots you can cuddle with. These stuffed toy robots are awfully cute and they even have a little heart in their back pocket that will most certainly belong to you. But the best part is that each robot represents a good cause, meaning that 10% of its proceeds go to a specific cause. There’s hot pink Kaprice for breast cancer, orange Karissa for world hunger/poverty and gray Kalvin for homelessness. Their available at stores like Fred Segal and Aahs but you can also purchase them on the Kauzbots Web site.

Graze Organic Reusable Sandwich, Snack and Lunch Bags ($24-$38): What’s cool about these bags is that you can just throw them in your washing machine after each use. Perfect for your favorite environmentalist. The newly launched totes usually run $29.95 but were $28 at the holiday pop-up.

The Weekend Store Vintage Map Necklace

Weekend Store Los Angeles Vintage Map ($28): Cute way to celebrate your favorite city. At the Unique LA booth, I didn’t see any L.A. necklaces, just this Venice one, but looks like you can order them online at the store’s site.

Talking Carl T-shirt ($20): OMG, I LOVE the Talking Carl app on my iPhone. He’s so adorable and bratty, mimicking everything you say in that high-pitched voice. So I was elated when I came across this T-shirt at the Three Apparel booth. Three Apparel is a local t-shirt shop which features original artwork on its tees. Well, except for the Talking Carl one which TC’s maker, Yann Le Coroller, had asked Three Apparel to create a tee for.

Cast Iron Gourmet’s Couch Mix ($11, 2 for $20) is the couch potato’s trail mix created by chef/owner of Cast Iron Gourmet, Rashida Purifoy. A brilliant amalgamation of caramelized bacon, dried fruit, chocolate and nuts, Rashida had originally created it for her crew of friends to munch on over Sunday afternoon football.

Cast Iron Gourmet's Couch Mix

At the moment, the mix isn’t available for purchase online, unfortunately. But Cast Iron Gourmet will do a pop-up at Eagle Rock Brewery January 1, where she said she’ll most definitely have some for sale. Or you can always make do with the tasty bourbon bacon chutney which is sooo delicious with the bacon mayo pimento cheese spread — both available online. YUM!

Kim White Equestrian Belt in Pewter ($110): Dammit, I should have bought this when I saw it at Unique LA. There, it was $55, which I guess is the wholesale price. Argh! Made with leather with a metallic finish, it’s so unique and stylish.

Sugarbird Sweets & Teas Gift Basket: Came across this adorable tea gift basket which contained sugar snowflakes, madeleines, tea and homemade marshmallows. The basket at the Artisanal LA booth was about $39 but you could put your own together via the Sugarbird Web site which even sells a wire basket ($5) so you could together your own.

Categories: Featured, Gift Ideas, Los Angeles, Shopping & Sales

5 Comments

December 9, 2010

This Weekend: Ludo vs. Greeny Food Fight, 2-for-1 Pop-Up Stores, Chocoholic Buffet

Pig out, get sloshed and shop shop shop. December is when we indulge in all our vices to the nth degree. And I’ve got some to-dos that will help you do just that. By the way, I won’t be doing Carson Daly’s “AMP Mornings” show for the entire month of December. Apparently they’re going to play more music for the holidays. But hope to be back for 2011!

Friday, December 10

Holiday Mingling Soiree at Spanish Kitchen
A night of free wine — red, white and sparkling — plus Mexican appetizers for only $9 (through Goldstar)! Sounds like a fun, cheap way to spend a Friday night. Of course if you’re still thirsty/hungry there will be food items and other wines available for purchase.

7pm. $15 ($9 on Goldstar). Spanish Kitchen, 826 North La Cienega Boulevard, West Hollywood (map).

Oliverio�s Choco-Sutra Premium Chocolate Buffet Debuts
OK, this sounds like too much chocolate even for me but maybe someone out there is a huuuge chocoholic. If that’s the case, you should check out Oliverio’s new chocolate buffet, where, every Friday and Saturday night they’ll set out a spread of chocolatey goodness including the likes of triple chocolate truffle pizzettas and a white chocolate martini. Date night, anyone?

Kicks off on Friday. $28/person, $50/couple. Oliverio, 9400 West Olympic Boulevard, Beverly Hills (map)

Saturday, December 11

Unique LA’s 3rd Annual Holiday Show and Artisanal LA Holiday Pop-Up Sale
Get all your holiday shopping out of the way this weekend at these two great shopping events which feature over 300 local artisans and their unique wares. Bonus is that you can also use your Artisanal LA wristband for entry into Unique LA! And the holiday pop-up will be extra festive with hot roasted chestnuts and a photo opp with dear St. Nick himself.

Unique LA: 11am-6pm. California Market Center Penthouse, 110 East 9th Street, Los Angeles (map). Artisanal LA: Saturday-Sunday, 11a-6p. $6. Cooper Design Space, 860 South Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles (map).

Marvel vs Capcom 3 Food Fight
Watch the ultimate food truck battle between Chef Greenspan of The Foundry on Melrose and his fried chicken nemesis Chef Ludo Lefebvre! The food fighters will compete to create the tastiest food inspired by Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Eat, drink, dance and even play the new Marvel vs. Capcom 3 video game. Score guest passes on the LA Street Food FB page LA Street Food and Twitter @lastreetfoodapp.

11am-3pm. Kim Sing Theatre, 722 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles (map).

Two Point Oh! LA 1st Annual Snowball
This holiday party features an open bar sponsored by Chambord, a beauty lounge where you can get your hair did and your make-up touched up and a fun Winter Wonderland photobooth. But I’m really liking the sound of that gift bag filled with $300 worth of stuff.

8pm. $20-$30. Penthouse ballroom, 610 S. Main Street, Los Angeles (map).

Categories: Dining, Lists, Los Angeles, Shopping & Sales, Sweets

This Weekend: $1 Cocktails, Beer Class, Poketo Party

SO many fun things to do this weekend. I hope it doesn’t rain!

Friday, April 23

$1 Cocktails at Bigfoot Lodge West
One of my fave Westside bars is debuting two new cocktails on its happy hour menu and we all benefit. From 8 to 10pm, the new drinks — Moscow Mule and the Honeycomb — will be specially priced at only $1 each! Only thing that makes me go “Wuuut?” is that their Moscow Mule is made with rum but it’s only a buck so why complain?

8-10pm. Bigfoot Lodge West, 10939 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). (310) 287-2200.

Thirsty Crow Bar’s Grand Opening
Last night I had a chance to check out this wonderful, new bar which happens to be owned by the same cool folks who own Bigfoot West, Bigfoot Lodge and Saints & Sinners. And if you consider yourself a serious bourbon fan, you’ve gotta check it out. And yes, the skunk butts are thankfully gone, now replaced by some antique-y lights. Order up a Sazerac or a Manhattan. Or even a Pappy Van Winkle with an ice ball. And then grab a cozy table in the back room.

Thirsty Crow, 2939 W. Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). (323) 661-6007.

Saturday, April 24

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Before Kindle and the iPad, there were books. Remember them? Well, now’s your chance to stroll down Memory Lane and peruse novels, short stories collections, cookbooks. Smell them, get a paper cut and perhaps converse with actual booksellers. You can also check out author panels and seminars while there.

Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm. UCLA, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles (map).

2nd Annual Unique LA Spring Show
Shop 300 hand-selected designers and artists and their wares. You’ll find unique clothing, housewares, artwork, gourmet edibles, etc. at this huuge two-day shopping event. It’s only $10 to get in and then it’s unlimited re-entry for the weekend. Admission also includes free drinks, hosted bar with Unique cocktails and a tote bag.

Saturday and Sunday, 11am-6pm. $10. California Market Center’s Penthouse, 110 E. 9th Street, Los Angeles (map).

1st 8th Annual Grilled Cheese Invitational
Yes, Mom’s comfort food has got its own event in L.A. that’s the favorite of every Angeleno foodie. Tillamook Cheese is the official cheese sponsor of this much anticipated cooking contest and will be handing out tons of sample of its cheese as well as grilled cheese sandwiches. And even the cute Loaf Love Tour mini bus will be on hand. Attendees will get to witness the amateur and pro grilling competitions, partake of a beer garden as well as feast on the food sold by the multiple food vendors.

12-6pm. $10 online, $15 at event. Los Angeles Center Studios, 1201 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles (map).

Beer Class With the Beer Chicks at Rustic Canyon
Before I make you fall in love with this event, know that I’m not sure if tickets are still available. Yesterday Beer Chick Christina Perozzi said there were only 4 tickets left. Anyhoo, at this very informative, tasty school, you’ll get to go on a Beer Journey exploring the styles and flavors of craft beer. You can only buy tickets for this event online; they won’t be sold at the event.

12-2pm. Tickets online: $40. Rustic Canyon Wine Bar & Seasonal Kitchen, 1119 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica (map).

2nd Annual Santa Barbara Wine Fest
Taste over 150 wines from 48 Central Coast wineries, all handpicked by the Wine House buyers. Small production lots, single vineyard labels and more. That will be over $5,000 worth of Santa Barbara Wine you’re tasting for just $55 a ticket. And if you purchase any of the wines the day of the event you get $10 off!

2-4pm. $55 general, $68 VIP with early admission and parking. The Olympic Collection Banquet and Conference Center, 11301 Olympic Blvd. #204, Los Angeles (map).

Opening Reception Party for Poketo x Kitsune Noir presents �Los Angeles, I�m Yours�
Browse the living art market at the Space 15Twenty Gallery while enjoying Scoops ice cream and a DJ set by Aquarium Drunkard at this opening reception. Participating artists will include actor/musician Jason Schwartzman, film director Neil LaBute and over 30 L.A. artists. The market will run til May 15.

7-10pm. Space 15Twenty Gallery, 1520 N. Cahuenga Avenue, Los Angeles (map).

Categories: Beauty & Fashion, Dining, Lists, Los Angeles, Shopping & Sales