MAY 8TH, 2024

WEDNESDAY

WEDNESDAY VIBES

Eats | Events | Activities
Community | Development
Biz | Entertainment | Sports

🚀 HAPPY WEDNESDAY, GOOD LOOKIN’

• ☀️ CALENDAR: More events have been added to the calendar and will continue to be updated accordingly. It looks good, and thank you all again for your patience on this! I want to get it right and not ‘half-tail’ it. I’m also playing around with the idea of adding links to the bottom of every section, as seen within today’s newsletter. Between the HOV Lane + Table of Contents, I believe CuratedLA can be both an easy + in-depth read, however we want it to be.

• 🚨 FRIDAY UPDATE: No Friday newsletter, May 10th, as planned. I decided to get outside on this nice weekend and explore. See you all on Monday!

TRENDING 

THE HOV LANE

EATS

LOCAL HEADLINES

• 💯 MICHELIN GUIDE: The Michelin Guide’s midseason new discoveries list has exclusively featured five Southern California restaurants, with three here in Los Angeles County. Among the highlighted are:

  • 🇮🇹 Cedro Italian Restaurant in Thousand Oaks, known for its authentic Italian fare and handmade pasta;

  • 🐠 Elf Cafe in Echo Park, offering a Mediterranean menu with a twist;

  • 🌯 Lola Gaspar in Santa Ana, serving a quality-focused selection of tacos and quekas;

  • 🌏️ Lustig in Culver City, presenting Austrian-inspired dishes with global influences and;

  • 🧆 Manohar’s Delhi Palace in La Puente, famed for its mild yet flavorful Punjabi cuisine.

  As these establishments bask in the glow of Michelin’s spotlight, the culinary community eagerly anticipates whether this recognition will translate into coveted Michelin stars or Bib Gourmand honors later this year.

• 🌸 MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH: Mother’s Day Brunch in Los Angeles transforms this special day for Mom into a culinary celebration. From the European charm of Gucci Osteria’s patio to the urban vibe of Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, each venue presents a unique twist on brunch classics and will be sure to make a special day for Mom.

• 🏎️ INSTACART X UBER EATS: Instacart and Uber are teaming up to offer Uber Eats restaurant delivery to Instacart customers across the United States. Soon, Instacart users will be able to order from hundreds of thousands of restaurants directly through the Instacart app. The new Restaurants tab will provide an intuitive interface for selecting nearby eateries, browsing menus, placing orders, and tracking deliveries in real-time. Additionally, Instacart+ members will enjoy $0 delivery fees on both grocery and restaurant orders over $35. This partnership aims to make food delivery seamless and convenient, benefiting consumers, restaurants, and couriers alike.

OPENINGS

• 🍣 BEVERLY HILLS: After a brief hiatus, the beloved Argentinian eatery Negroni has made a grand return, now gracing Beverly Hills with its presence at the refreshed 419 N. Canon Drive location. Shedding its previous somber decor for a vibrant and welcoming ambiance, the new Negroni invites patrons to indulge in its refined menu. While retaining its signature dishes like the succulent cheeseburgers, al dente pasta, and the decadent beef carpaccio adorned with black truffle, the menu has been smartly curated to spotlight these favorites. Complementing the culinary delights is an extensive selection of Negroni cocktails and other beverages, perfect for savoring in the chic lounge or the sun-kissed patio. Open daily from noon until 10:00pm., Negroni promises a taste of Argentina in the heart of Beverly Hills. | 📸@negronibeverlyhills | 💻️ Official Website | View Menu Online

• 🍗 DINAH’S KITCHEN: Dinah’s Family Restaurant, a beloved local spot since 1959 and famously featured in cult films like The Big Lebowski and Little Miss Sunshine, relocated Monday to 4130 S. Sepulveda in Culver City, and is now operating under their new name Dinah’s Kitchen. Despite the change, Dinah’s Kitchen will continue to serve its signature fried chicken and apple pancakes.
  | 📸 @dinahskitchen.la

• 🦪 MOTHER OF PEARL: Mother of Pearl just opened, marking the final opening of completion for Moxy and AC Hotel’s Level 8. Mother of Pearl’s plush couches accommodate up to forty guests, along with an additional eight seats at the bar. The menu is concise yet enticing, featuring shared plates and appetizers such as sand dab sliders, oysters served with uni and saffron granita, yellowtail dip, chilled somen noodles, and squid ink spaghetti with lobster meatballs. For raw bar enthusiasts, offerings include Maine lobster, king crab legs, Pacific oysters, Mexican white shrimp, Baja abalone, and caviar. Guests can also indulge in a group platter that combines a variety of menu items, including caviar. | 📸@motherofpearl.dtla | 💻️ Official Website | 📜 View Menu Online

BIG BRANDS

• 🍩 KRISPY KREME X MOTHER’S DAY: Celebrate Mother’s Day with a touch of sweetness from Krispy Kreme’s Minis for Mom Collection, available for a limited time across the nation. This delightful assortment features three new mini doughnut flavors: the Mini Strawberry Iced Heart Doughnut, dipped in strawberry icing with a white heart sprinkle; the Mini Iced Rose Doughnut, a teal-iced treat with a buttercreme rose; and the Mini Chocolate Cookie Crumble Doughnut made with Oreo, a chocolate-iced sensation topped with Oreo crumbles and colorful sprinkles. Alongside these novelties, each sixteen-count box also includes four classic Mini Original Glazed doughnuts. Perfect for sharing with moms, grandmothers, and motherly figures, these mini treats are a sweet way to show appreciation and love. Available in-store, or for pickup and delivery through Krispy Kreme’s app and website, the Minis for Mom Collection is a convenient and charming gift to enhance our Mother’s Day festivities.

• 🍪 GLUTEN-FREE CHIPS AHOY! Chips Ahoy! is set to delight cookie lovers and the gluten-sensitive community with its first-ever certified gluten-free chocolate chip cookie, arriving on shelves this month. The introduction of the Chips Ahoy! Gluten Free cookie is a landmark event for the beloved brand, providing a delicious gluten-free option that doesn’t sacrifice the classic taste. After extensive development and meticulous refinement of the recipe, the innovation team has crafted a cookie with exceptional texture and flavor. Building on the momentum of their improved original recipe and the successful Oreo Gluten Free Chocolate Sandwich cookies, Chips Ahoy! now extends its reach to those avoiding gluten. Keep an eye out for the distinctive gluten-free label on packages as they become available this month nationwide and here locally in Los Angeles.

• 🥞 DENNY’S DEALS: Denny’s is once again delighting diners with the return of its All Day Diner Deals, offering a variety of hearty meals starting at just $5.99. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack in between, there’s something for everyone. The value menu features unlimited buttermilk pancakes, a country-fried steak dinner complete with sides and bread, and the Everyday Value Slam with customizable options. Burger lovers can enjoy a Quarter Pound Cheeseburger with fries, while the Scrambled Eggs & Cheddar Breakfast offers a satisfying combination of eggs, cheese, bacon, sausage, and pancakes. For those with a bigger appetite, the Super Slam packs in pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, and hash browns, ensuring no one leaves hungry.

NOW STREAMING

NOW STREAMING ON
APPLE TV+

THE UNBELIEVABLE STORY OF ONE OF HOLLYWOOD’S BIGGEST SCAMS

The Hollywood Con Queen explores the shocking story of a mysterious figure who impersonated powerful female executives in Hollywood to lure victims with the promise of life-changing career opportunities.

The ‘Con Queen’s victims exhaust their personal finances in pursuit of a big break, while being exploited in a perverse psychological game spanning the globe.

The scam eventually draws the attention of veteran investigative journalist Scott Johnson of The Hollywood Reporter and dedicated private investigator Nicole Kotsianas, who set out to find the truth, only to discover a story more strange than they could have imagined.

All episodes of the documentary series are now streaming on Apple TV+.

EVENTS

Submit your event 

TRENDING

BIG LIST OF EVENTS

ACTIVITIES

• 🎨 CANVA CREATE: Actress Mindy Kaling and best-selling author Adam Grant have been added as keynote speakers to Canva’s upcoming event, Canva Create, which takes place May 23rd at Hollywood Park. Canva Create will feature additional keynotes from Canva’s co-founders as they unveil the latest groundbreaking updates to Canva, backed by a stellar lineup of over fifty speakers from top-tier brands who will also share their expertise across eighteen thought-provoking panels and sessions. Creators of all types can attend the event in-person at Hollywood Park or enjoy the comfort of watching and learning virtually.

• 👮 MARK VASQUEZ MEMORIAL BLOOD DRIVE: The Manhattan Beach Police Officers’ Association, in partnership with the American Red Cross and the family of Manhattan Beach Police Officer Mark Vasquez, presents the 13th Annual Mark Vasquez Memorial Event Blood Drive on May 22nd. Over the last 13 years, every May, Vasquez’s wife, and their two daughters, along with friends and colleagues, gather to remember his larger-than-life personality and commitment to serving his community by holding an annual blood drive in his memory. The drive has collected more than 400 units of blood products since 2011. “In the spirit of Mark’s commitment to the community, every year since his passing our family is honored to give back to those in need of blood transfusions,” said Lee Sibbald, Vasquez’s wife. “In memory of our Superman, we're giving blood and asking the community to join us.” Join the Manhattan Beach Police Officers’ Association, the family of Vasquez and the American Red Cross to honor this hometown hero and donate blood at the upcoming blood drive. 

• 🧢 SUNSET RUN: The 2024 Dodgers Foundation Sunset Run has been set this year for September 28th. Nearly thirty-thousand fans and participants will be in attendance for the ultimate Los Angeles Dodgers fan experience. Highlights include a 2024 Dodgers Tech Shirt, a finisher medal, a limited edition run bobblehead, a race bib with chip timing, access to the cool-down lap around Dodger Stadium Warning Track, and much more.

• 🌹 REMINDER FOR CRENSHAW: How Do You Grow a Rose from Concrete? will take place next Thursday, May 9th at the Crenshaw High School Performing Arts center. This is the first event in a series with Destination Crenshaw, our city’s upcoming Black public art project that explores Black history, Black art, and Black success while uniting the City of Crenshaw. Destination Crenshaw will be the largest Black public art project in the United States, and quite possibly the world. Thursday’s panel discussion will feature architect Gabrielle Bullock and Los Angeles City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson who will be joined by Destination Crenshaw’s Senior Art Advisor V. Joy Simmons on the Zócalo Stage to discuss Destination Crenshaw’s genesis and design in anticipation of the project’s imminent completion. The event is free for both in-person and virtual attendance.

• 🏈 WALKUNITEDLA: WalkUnitedLA is a family-friendly walk/run hosted by United Way of Greater Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Rams this Saturday, May 11th at SoFi Stadium. WalkUnitedLA is teaming up with community partners, businesses and thousands of walkers and runners to power the fight to end cycles of poverty and build communities of prosperity. Steve Avila, Ernest Jones, Kobie Turner, and Kyren Williams are this year’s honorary chairs and will celebrate alongside 2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year and Super Bowl LVI Champion Andrew Whitworth! Plus, the 2024 rookie class will be there to cheer you on as you cross the finish line.

COMMUNITY

• 🔒️ METRO LOCKERS: Metro is celebrating the new Bike Locker program for daily rentals with their grand opening today. The event takes place from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Wilshire/Western Metro Station (3775 Wilshire Blvd, 90005). Today’s festivities will include exciting giveaways, including a raffle for an ebike! 

• 💻️ INTERNET PLANS FOR LOW-INCOME: The County is set to launch a new high-speed broadband service, targeting low-income neighborhoods in South LA, East LA, and Boyle Heights. With monthly plans starting at just $25, the service aims to bridge the digital divide, offering speeds up to two gigabits per second. Spearheaded by a Utah-based company, WeLink, the initiative will provide unlimited data without contractual obligations, catering to households below 200% of the federal poverty line or those receiving government benefits. The county’s ambitious project, facilitated through Community Broadband Networks, is expected to commence construction this summer, with services potentially rolling out by fall.

• 🚰 CALIFORNIA’S WATER RECHARGE: We can celebrate our first groundwater supply increase in four years, following a series of historic winter storms that we’ve seen recently. The state’s Department of Water Resources reported a significant 4.1 million acre-feet of managed groundwater recharge and an 8.7 million acre-feet rise in storage, equivalent to the capacity of Northern California’s Shasta Lake.

• 📞 ASK BEVERLY HILLS: The City of Beverly Hills has launched askBH, a program that provides the community with one-point-of-contact information for non-emergency assistance for city services, programs, and events. This program will allow for community members to request information and services, report issues + concerns, and receive updates when their requests have been resolved. askBH also allows those to register for camps, classes, reserve park amenties, report potholes, streetlight issues, Cranky Karens (jk), and much more.

DEVELOPMENT

• 🐺 MEOW WOLF IS COMING TO LA: Meow Wolf, renowned for its fully immersive environments, secret passages, and vibrant neon decor, is set to open its sixth permanent exhibition in Los Angeles in 2026. Described as a maximalist fantasy, the LA location draws inspiration from the city’s filmmaking history, incorporating elements like cinematic mythos, mysterious eggs, and Hollywood glitz. While the exact venue remains undisclosed, speculation points to a vacant complex in West Los Angeles.

• 🏡 DOWNTOWN BURBANK: Burbank’s downtown core is undergoing a transformation, becoming a sought-after mixed-use environment with the addition of nearly 1,000 housing units and hotels. A multifamily mixed-used project, LaTerra Development, will feature 573 housing units, adjacent to a Metrolink station, along with a 307-room hotel. The development includes two-way bike lanes, a transit plaza with an elevator and stairs connecting Downtown Burbank, the site, and the Metrolink station. A direct pedestrian connection will grant property residents access to restaurants, shopping, and amenities in Downtown Burbank. LaTerra plans to open this project in January 2025. What Now Los Angeles has an exclusive with more worthy information and interviews from those involved with this exciting project.

• 🚇️ SAN FERNANDO VALLEY BUS/BIKE LANES: Metro’s G (Orange) Line busway/bikeway improvements have undergone modifications. Originally extensive plans included a mile-plus-long grade separation bridge, rail-type gate arms, station upgrades, and bikeway enhancements. Due to budget constraints, hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of project scope was cut. Thirty-five crossing gate intersections were reduced to 14 in the East Valley. The proposed extended elevated structure for Sepulveda and Van Nuys Stations will now be two shorter structures. Bike/walk path improvements were scaled back. Construction is expected to start in Summer 2024, benefiting G Line riders and Valley commuters. Streetblogs LA has additional updates for the Roscoe Bus Lines + Laurel Canyon Bike Lanes for those commuters.

• 🌳 NORTH OF GRIFFITH PARK: The L.A. Department of Water and Power aims to transform the Tom LaBonge Headworks Water Complex into a park, blending passive recreation areas and landscaping with its own operational needs. The proposed Headworks Restoration Park, located just north of Griffith Park, would occupy the eastern side, while the western reservoir would feature an eight-acre garden, tree groves, and walkways. Olin, the design firm, is leading the project, which also includes LADWP facilities like a water quality laboratory and a wastewater recycling center. Construction is slated to begin in late 2024, with completion expected by 2028.

BUSINESS

• 🍀 UPDATE ON PATRICK’S ROADHOUSE: A little over two weeks ago, CuratedLA highlighted Patrick’s Roadhouse and how the restaurant’s team is facing obstacles keeping their PCH eatery up-and-running. Well, good news: KTLA has reported that the restaurant’s GoFundMe has raised over $60,000. Though Patrick’s Roadhouse is still shy of their goal, these funds + continual media coverage, help a beloved diner and our neighbors. Thank you for the coverage of Good, KTLA + here is the GoFundMe for Patrick’s Roadhouse (and a huge thank you to anyone that has donated - I hope it comes back somehow 10x).

• ✒️ MALAKA TATTOO: Malaka Tattoo celebrated their grand opening recently in the heart of West Hollywood. The studio’s vibrant atmosphere covers 3700 square feet of artistic heaving where fifteen top-tiered tattoo artists hail from eight different countries. Malaka Tattoo offers a diverse array of styles + techniques that will cater to every ink aficionado’s taste. From traditional to contemporary, black and grey to full-color spectrums, our artists bring their unique flair and international expertise to every design. Some of Malaka Tattoo’s loyal customers include: Nico Tortorella (Younger), Guillermo Diaz (Scandal/Law & Order: Organized Crime), Travis Mills (Rapper/actor), Lester Quinones (NBA – Golden State Warriors), and guitarist Javier Reyes to name a few. Their work + art can be found on Instagram, which includes an appointment form for those dabbling in new ink ideas. 📸 @malakatattoo

• 💼 WEWORK EMERGES FROM BANKRUPTCY: WeWork, the New York-based co-working firm, has successfully emerged from bankruptcy proceedings and is actively expanding its presence in Los Angeles. The company recently finalized lease agreements for two additional locations in key areas: Charles Cohen’s Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood and LBA Realty Partners’ property on Olive Street in Downtown LA. These new offices add to the five working locations that WeWork has managed to retain in the Los Angeles-Orange County region. The company’s successful exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy was supported by significant investments, including $337 million from Yardi Systems and $112 million from existing bondholders. WeWork also has plans for a $450 million investment to strengthen its post-bankruptcy operations.

• 🏩 BEVERLY HILLS: The Burton House Beverly Hills opens its doors today. This contemporary lifestyle hotel, plays host to 186 spacious guest rooms, an Emerald Lounge, a state-of-the-art fitness center, meeting space, a serene 1,100 square foot yoga studio, and eats galore. As a special treat, Burton House Beverly Hills is offering us an introductory discount of 15% for stays through June 10th. The Burton House Beverly Hills is located on S. Beverly Drive. | 📸 @burtonhousehotel

ENTERTAINMENT

HEADLINES

• 🏰 DISNEY PROFITS WITH STREAMING: Disney’s streaming services, led by Disney+, have achieved profitability for the first time in Q2 of fiscal 2024, marking a significant milestone for the entertainment giant. Despite ESPN+ reporting a loss, the overall streaming segment’s success, coupled with a robust performance from the theme parks division, has bolstered Disney’s financial standing. The company’s direct-to-consumer platforms, including Disney+, Hulu, and Disney+ Hotstar, collectively turned a profit, with Disney+ Core alone adding over six million subscribers. | HQ: Burbank

• 📕 PENELOPE FINDS BUYER IN NETFLIX: Penelope, a pandemic-written young-adult series co-created by Mark Duplass and Mel Eslyn, has secured a distributor. Netflix acquired the U.S. rights to the show’s eight-episode first season, as announced by the duo during SeriesFest. The journey to find a distributor was described by Duplass as insane, following the series’ debut at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. With significant interest from various parties, the creators navigated uncharted territory in independently financing and distributing the show. Duplass Brothers Productions, known for their four-picture deal with Netflix, will sell both domestic and international rights to Penelope using a unique piece by piece model, allowing them to maintain creative control, including the possibility of greenlighting a second season.

SPORTS

• 🏀 CAITLIN CLARK’S BIG STAGE: Caitlin Clark’s debut WNBA game in Los Angeles is getting a grander stage. The Los Angeles Sparks recently announced that their home matchup against Clark and the Indiana Fever, originally scheduled at Walter Pyramid on the Long Beach State campus, will now take place at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles. This relocation allows for a larger audience, as Crypto.com Arena seats 19,067 for basketball games compared to Walter Pyramid’s 5,000 capacity. Two other Sparks home games are also shifting to Crypto.com Arena, providing an opportunity for more fans to support the team.

• 🏈 RAIDERS SOCAL TRAINING CAMP: The Las Vegas Raiders are considering a nostalgic return to Southern California for their pre-season training camp, training at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa as their temporary base. This move, set for discussion at Costa Mesa’s city council meeting, would not only bring the Raiders closer to their enduring fan base in the region but also mark the city’s pride in hosting an NFL team’s summer camp at a public facility. The potential one-year deal promises field enhancements, a junior camp, and more, starting mid-July. If approved, Costa Mesa would join an elite group of cities with five NFL teams’ training camps, reviving memories of the Raiders’ 12-season stint at the LA Memorial Coliseum.

• ⛳️ PGA TOUR X LIV GOLF: Next weekend’s PGA Championship at Valhalla in Louisville, Kentucky, is set to feature a star-studded lineup, including Tiger Woods and the entire top 100 world-ranked golfers, thanks to the PGA of America’s special invitations to seven LIV Golf players. This move, aimed at preserving the event’s status as the major with the strongest field, sees Patrick Reed, ranked 92nd, maintain his streak of major appearances since 2014. The tournament, returning to Valhalla from May 16th-19th, is remembered for Rory McIlroy’s 2014 victory and Tiger Woods’ 2000 playoff triumph. Notably, Joaquin Niemann and Talor Gooch, both LIV Golf winners, have also secured their spots, alongside other top 100 players and the rising Spanish star David Puig.

CU FRIDAY, LA!