Had such a wonderful time at Burgers and Beer; thanks to Brittany B. and Yelp! Wish I could've been…read moreas lucky as Darlene F. and had attended all the events, but this was a great one! Parking was easy, weather was perfect, and there was tons of food and drink! Jim G. and I sampled burgers (both mini and 1/3 portions of larger burgers) from fabulous restaurants all over town. There was also a decent amount of wine to be had, although for my tastes, Justin Winery was the only one I was interested in. There were tons of breweries/beers represented as well. Both Singha and Peroni were giving out full beers! That was much appreciated! Yummy cupcakes, cake, and chocolate to round out the evening. I was excited to meet Kathy Griffin and to do some painting on the Blue Moon mural. having never painted before, I found it very fun. Overall, it was an excellent Friday. Although the tickets are expensive, I would consider purchasing them next year (although more free ones would definitely be better!)

Los Angeles Times / Food & Wine: THE TASTE: 2 Blissful Days in Beverly Hills…read more I spent 2 blissful days in Beverly Hills enjoying this event (courtesy of Melissa S. of Essential Chocolate Desserts ;). Day 1, Saturday, Sept 3rd Secrets from the Kitchen & Cellar: Food and wine from some of the best restaurants and wine purveyors in Beverly Hills. There were 2 main pavilions, with over 40 restaurants/exhibitors; so it was not humanly possible to sample EVERYthing...but I gave it my best shot! ;) Several of my favorite spots were there: Café Rodeo/Luxe Hotel Café, Chaya Brasserie, Locanda del Lago, McCormick & Schmick's, Mr. Chow, Napa Valley Grille, Palomino, and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Favorite drinks: Mionetto Prosecco, 4 Copas Organic Tequilla margaritas, Cutie's Juice (100% tangerine), and Chopin's Vodka Rye Martini Bloody Marys served in their V.I.P. lounge. Dessert: No room for much of that, but did savor a bit of Green & Black's Organic chocolate (cherry; hazelnut), and a lime sorbetto in the Peroni Lounge. Day 2, Sunday, Sept 4th Fashion Bites Brunch: Ohhh...a banquet lined both sides of Rodeo Drive between S. Santa Monica and Wilshire Blvds. Café tables were also there for our dining comfort. Some like it less hot, and sought refuge in the Ciroc Vodka Lounge. Tres decadent! The food trend(s): Pork belly and Quail eggs; they were EVERYwhere! The Napa Valley Grille's pork belly was my favorite, flavorwise; but, for texture, would pick the PB from The London. But EVERYthing from Lobster/Brie sliders on brioche, frittatas, mushroom w/truffle oil bisque, Kobe beef, gazpacho, to Jamaican curries -- All luscious! Favorite beverages: Mionetto Prosecco w/Elixir Floral Infusion 'shots' (English Lavendar and Damascan Rose tied, but also enjoyed Antillean Hibiscus and Andean Fire Orchid); Adult Chocolate Milk was good; and was intrigued by the Chocolate Shop's Chocolate Red Wine. This time, saved room for dessert from Pure Cheesecakes and Sprinkle's Cupcakes. Plus enjoyed mini currant scones w/fresh lemon curd, chocolate brioche French toast, Waffles de Liege, and strawberry-stuffed French toast (though, technically, these are NOT desserts), and candy courtesy of Mickey Fine (plus, got a coupon for a free milk shake at their soda fountain). Can't WAIT for The Taste/LA 2012!

The Beverly Hills Art show is one of our favorite happenings. The show is held twice a year…read more It is a juried show and has the best of everything. What's nice is we can always look forward to seeing new artists at this show. Another bonus is that the artist is always present to answer questions and talk about their art. If you are hungry, there are many food trucks in the center of the art show. There are approximately five blocks worth of artist to view. It's a great show. There is free street parking. The Beverly Hills police will ignore the two hour limit parking on the days of the art show. Please respect the neighborhood as it is a residential area.

A stroll or walk-run through Beverly Gardens Park is relatively routine when visiting Los Angeles…read more Still, we've often planned to visit our relatives around the time of the semi-annual (Spring and Fall) Beverly Hills Art Show to view this showcase of painting, mixed media, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry, drawing, and printmaking from local and artists around the nation. Also, part of our plan is to enjoy lunch from one or two of their gourmet food trucks at their Wine and Beer Garden after viewing the artwork for a nice picnic lunch. The free admission, weekend-long art show encompasses four city blocks in Beverly Gardens Park along Santa Monica Boulevard and goes on rain or shine. According to the information desk and map of artists, this Spring's event showcased over 300 artists. The original works range from traditional to very contemporary pieces and are represented by the creative artist in person. We enjoy talking with friendly artists willing to share their inspiration(s) or background to their work. Because we haven't purchased large art pieces and we live out-of-State, we can't say whether or not the artist will assist in wrapping or shipping the artwork to your home. Most times, we've bought either jewelry or small art pieces that we can either pack in our suitcase or carry on board with us during our return flight to Hawai'i. There are multiple City parking structures located one or two blocks south of the show site, or if you're lucky, you might be able to find free street parking north of the show. 2023 marks this art show's 50th Anniversary, and appeared to be more festive than in years past. We look forward to returning and browsing the art show in the Fall.

*** Beautiful day @ the LaBrea Pits.***…read more "Brasilian Day in LA" Festival was held here today from Noon to 5p, 12Sept'09. I met friends, we sat on a blanket under a tented area, listened to live music from five different performers/bands, ate foods from a variety of Brasilian restaurants and caterers, danced on a portable black&white checkered floor, and my boy even played in an inflatable castle with a slide as well. It was festive; food was good; fun for all. There were also promotional tents around. e.g. Delta Airlines to begin nonstop service from LAX to Sao Paulo this December 2009. *** Yes, I think I know where to go Xmas. ***

Another cool event we went to recently! We just happened to be in the Miracle Mile area, going to…read moreLACMA and noticed this festival. Fun, vivid, full of life like Brazil! So, we stopped by on the way to LACMA and on our route back to check it out, hang out, enjoy some food and drinks. Not a lot of sampling going on, but there were many vendors - food, clothes, soccer items, a beer garden, food trucks and a stage with bands, dancers, carnaval atmosphere. Cool and fun! We got crepes on the stick, mine had ham and cheese, my husband got one with chocolate inside. Very good. We also tried their Guarana soda! Pretty cool. Fun event! We're happy we happened to be in the area. Too bad they stop the fun at 6 PM. Bit early, right?

Horrible communication, interested only in profiteering -- they have absolutely no desire to…read moreconnect with the Filmmakers or follow through on the things they say, even when your work is accepted. If it didn't have "Beverly Hills" in the name, this Festival would be rightfully abandoned. Avoid, avoid, avoid.

I think the films they have could've been better. They could use some diversity, but maybe next…read moreyear it will be better. But all the best to you guys.

*** 32nd Ann'l Show, 12Jun'10, H/Wood Bowl ***…read more Each year for over three decades, Hugh Hefner and his enterprise have promoted this festival. Last nite I finally gotta chance to see a show. I did not go to see the longtime greats perform (i.e. George Benson, Chick Corea, Manhattan Transfer) but rather I went to see newcomers (Jazz Mafia, Naturally 7 & Trombone Shorty). It was excellent ... Naturally 7 stole the show! "Naturally 7" is a seven man group who sings a cappella and creates their own instrumental background sounds vocally as well, awesome. Now if you asked me what songs were sung or the names of every group that had performed last nite, I wouldn't be able to tell you. Why?! The party in the Bowl was just that happening; dancin', singin', eatin', drinkin', and celebratin'. We were seated in the section "R2" and everyone around our seats were so festive and friendly that we left feeling as if I had known them all for years. All types of ppl, all walks of life, from everywhere. They shared homemade sangria, wine, cocktails, ceviche, Italian meats, breads, pastas, cheeses, hummus, fruit salads, salsa, chips, you name it. And there was also that pungent scent of herbal liberation all around. Yup, they passed the joint. (0_o) R2 was in fierce party mode, whoa! (o_0) Lest not forget the party starters & crowd pleasers. They tossed some of the strongest jellyshots that I have ever tasted into the crowd, and mardi gras beads, and beach balls, and tees. What a party? *** That was just Sat. Sun is the BIG party, fyi. ***

The consensus among Jazz fans is that the Playboy Jazz Festival is in serious need on an…read moreintervention. This year's two day festival was an indication of what happens when people who don't know you plan your birthday celebration. The intent was there but the execution was off... The Saturday line up was ok with some good acts- they were not all Jazz but they were good. Sunday however was a mess. There so many Jazz experts and musicians in Los Angeles like The Jazz Cat. Or the Phil Harmonic could recruit some of the Talent from the Central Ave. Jazz Festival. There are lots of resources and a huge opportunity to build this into a world class event, One our City and her residents can be proud of. Come on LA PhilHarmonic you can and should do better!

Pulled up to The Grove thinking I'd just get some holiday vibes and maybe a coffee. Ended up caught…read morein a full Hallmark fever dream with snow falling on palm trees and toddlers dressed like elves doing TikToks. Shit was surreal. But also? Kinda perfect. Lights everywhere. I mean everywhere. Felt like the tree was giving Rockefeller Center but LA version... less snow boots, more Balenciaga hoodies and oat milk lattes. The snowfall hits at 6 and 8pm and yeah, it's fake, but you forget it's fake when you see everyone staring up like it's their first snow. Even the most jaded Angelenos had their phones out. I went on a weeknight which helped dodge the stroller traffic jam. Security was chill. Parking was war as usual but that's The Grove. Don't pull up thinking it's gonna be quick. This is a whole evening. The kind where your phone dies from photos and your wallet cries from the pop-ups. They really go full Disney Channel Original Movie. Somewhere between High School Musical finale and Happiest Season energy. It's giving... Troy and Gabriella finally kissed and the snow machine hit right on cue. You don't come here for peace. You come here for the feeling. For the chaos wrapped in tinsel. For the nostalgia. For that one perfect snow selfie that makes December feel like something again.

During the holidays, The Grove turns into a magical winter wonderland. It's always an amazing place…read morebut becomes a legit tourist and locals destination during November and December each year. I'm a bit biased in my love for The Grove already, but I really do love it a bit more during the holidays. They have so many events, pop ups, special sales and the decorations are on point! It gets INCREDIBLY busy though so try to avoid peak times. The traffic truly gets bananas during busy times in November and December. The season kicks off with their special Tree Lighting ceremony, a drone show and even ends with fireworks. The tree is a massive 100' tall and this past season Lance Bass was our master of ceremonies! He brought his boy band homie Nick Carter, Rick Caruso the master of the Grove was there, Dasha, Loud Luxury, Kevin Woo and Liamani. They air the celebration on TV, as well. I think the most exciting part of the Winter Wonderland at The Grove is the snowfall! Where else in Los Angeles can you see beautiful snow cascading down!? It happens at 6 and 8pm every day from late November through December 31st, at least in the 2025 holidays that was the schedule. I rolled through at least 10x during December to experience the holiday spirit there! I absolutely love it. It is NOT just for tourists, locals love it.

In terms of bang-for-the-buck, Sunset Strip Music Festival seems like a pretty good deal. It's $50…read moreper day, for 2 days. If you risk your life and go on Craigslist, like I did, you can get tickets for cheaper. On top of that, there was a promotion giving free uber rides to and from the event (we took advantage of that). Most of the music acts aren't huge, but a lot of the lesser-known names they brought in this year were very good! A rapper named Slim, and a band called Nightmare and the Cat were two good discoveries. I was originally drawn to this because Jane's Addiction and Empire of the Sun were headlining. There is a good amount of dust, so I would bring respiratory protection. There is also a lounge where you can sit and rest by one of the main stages that is a good place to rest your feet. We met a Hells Angel there and took a pic with him. The food at the food trucks is surprisingly good, especially at one called Me So Hungry - I would check it out! Also, feel free to dress a little crazy, you'll see some colorfully dressed people here. Overall, if you live in LA, I would check this festival out. I'll be going again.

As an event, you get 4 stars. If it were 2010 you'd get 5. As for this year's (2014) music…read morelineup, you get 1 star. So, I bumped it up a half point from the average for a 3 star rating. I was feeling generous. Went to Day 2 of the SSMF 2014, the headliner was Empire of the Sun. Not interested, but I've been wanting to go to this festival for years and I was either out of town or had nobody to go with. This year my friend wanted to go but he was only interested in seeing Day 2. I thought about going alone, but didn't want to feel like a complete loser, even though Jane's Addiction was the only band the whole weekend I even had the slightest interest in seeing. I wish I could go back in time to 2010 when Slash, Lemmy, Miles Kennedy, Semi Precious Weapons, Neon Trees, etc. played, or even the Marilyn Manson year, or last year's Joan Jett inspired year. But of course I had to go the year it was basically a hipster hell hole mixed with hip hop, which is basically my biggest nightmare, besides getting attacked by an overly made up clown, much like the one from Stephen King's 'It' only with giant talons as toe nails instead of clown shoes. Other than the music, it's a fun day to be outside in the awesome LA weather at one big block party. There are food stands and trucks and all the alcohol your liver never really knew it wanted. Something's got to give when your iPod holds your interest more than the band lineup of SSMF 2014. There are so few real rock n' roll venues and events left and I wish the Sunset Strip would stick to what it's good at, rock n' roll. There are plenty of EDM, hip-hop, hipster, etc. events. The Sunset Strip should be forever rock n' roll, no need to branch out, I feel like the attendance of this year's festival should be proof enough that a true rock n' roll lineup works better. Plus the fact that they scheduled it on the same weekend as the iHeart music event in Vegas makes me wonder what they were thinking...stop trying to 'be with the times and trends' and stick to what you know. It's like an Italian restaurant putting tacos on the menu, just doesn't work...

The hubs and I had a really fun time at this event today! There was a variety of food and drinks to…read morebe had. While we did face a few lines, nothing was outrageous. In addition, there were plenty of areas to sit and lounge. The entertainment included a 20 piece live big band made it all the more fun. An event we definitely want to return to next year.

Best time ever! For just $100 I ate and drank probably $300 worth of great food from world renown…read morechefs and famous wineries and liquor companies. There was live entertainment, a DJ and a silent auction. It's for a nonprofit charity so it made me feel good to go and have fun while benefiting underprivileged kids in LA. Organized really well. Will definitely go again.