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Best Of LA: Week Of January 12

Studio Barre 610 header
(credit: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalo)

This week offers a unique juxtaposition of themes: a chance to eat better and work on your New Year's Resolution to greater health, paired with a week celebrating the cheeseburger and a national holiday in honor of the never-considered-healthy pastrami sandwich. Theatrical performances include the uber "popular" and highly produced Wicked, paired with a stunning, solo performance on the lives of four Holocaust survivors. Need a laugh? Don't miss Riot L.A., the comedy festival in the streets of downtown this weekend.

Monday, January 12
Burgers Designed_The 5050 (3)
(Credit: Slaters 50/50)

Pasadena Cheeseburger Week
various locations including
Slater's 50/50 Pasadena
61 Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91103
www.pasadenarestaurantweek.com

A food week for the burger aficionado, Pasadena Cheeseburger Week kicked off yesterday and runs through January 16. Over forty Pasadena restaurants and lounges will participate in this year's event, offering up their signature burgers and unique creations made especially for the celebration. Slater's 50/50, in particular, will be featuring their famous 50/50 burger, made of 50% ground beef and 50% ground bacon, for just $10.50 in honor of the event.

Tuesday, January 13
Original_Broadway_Company (2)
(credit: Joan Marcus)

"Wicked"
Hollywood Pantages
6233 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
www.HollywoodPantages.com

Setting two separate box office records through the holiday weeks, L.A. is still in love with "Wicked." The show, which follows the lives of two girls in Oz before Dorothy "dropped in," has garnered a massive cult-following; "Popular," "For Good," and "Defying Gravity" among the most popular songs in musical theater today. The LA tour continues through March, with performances Tuesday-Sundays. Ticket prices are as low as $35,(and lottery tickets are also being offered daily) making the production more accessible than ever.

Wednesday, January 14
pastrami sandwich
(credit: Brix at The Shore)

Celebrate National Pastrami Day
Brix at The Shore
5362 E. Second St.
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562)343-5998
www.letsdobrix.com

Known for its famous, authentic NYC style Pastrami sandwiches, Brix at The Shore in Long Beach is the perfect spot to celebrate National Pastrami Day. On January 14th only, Brix at The Shore will pay homage to its mile-high pastrami sandwich, The Fuhgeddaboudit, by offering a buy one, get one free promotion. Complete your meal with a selection from their wine bar or craft beer offerings.

Thursday, January 15
Cleveland Cavaliers v Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers vs. The Cleveland Cavaliers
1111 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 742-7100
www.staplescenter.com

This Thursday, it's your chance to catch the best ticket in town as Kobe Bryant and the L.A. Lakers take on LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers for a game that is sure to excite! Starting at 7:30pm, make sure to get there early to grab some of the best stadium food around!

Friday, January 16
riot la
(credit: Zach Dobson)

Riot L.A.
253 S. Main St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
www.riotla.com

Los Angeles' premiere alternative comedy festival, Riot L.A. features a wide variety of top stand-up comedians, podcasters, panels, and shows in a weekend-long block party in downtown Los Angeles. More than 100 performers (at over 30 individual shows) will work together to make the Riot a success; ticket prices vary from show to show, although festival passes are available from just $90. Visitors to this funny fest will also enjoy "The Lot" where they can find food and beverage trucks and vendors, a beer tent, merchants, games, and the promise of "mischief."

Saturday, January 17
The Godfather
(Credit: Paramount Pictures)

Two Sides of a Costume Designer
Bing Theater
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
www.oscars.org

In an attempt to showcase the unique creative talents of costume designers who have been integral to features of completely different types, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences is running a double-feature series each Saturday leading up to the Oscars, dubbed "Two Sides of a Costume Designer." Tonight, costumer Anna Hill Johnstone will be featured for her work "East of Eden," coupled with her Oscar-nominated creations for the 1972 classic, "The Godfather." The series continues through the next three Saturdays featuring three additional costume designers and their unique contributions to at least two diverse films.

Sunday, January 18
Stephanie Satie in Silent Witnesses
(credit: Rick Friesen)

"Silent Witnesses"
Odyssey Theatre
2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90025
(310) 477-2055
www.refugeestheplay.com

In her award winning solo play, writer and performer Stephanie Satie voices four unique and extraordinary women touched in different ways by the Holocaust. Based on interviews and conversations with child survivors of the Holocaust itself, "Silent Witnesses" is an uplifting tale of human resilience. Through February 1; Sundays only.

Katie Bodell is the Blog Editor for Trekaroo, the largest family travel website in the U.S. She is also a freelance writer, a happy wife to her best friend, and a mom to three sweet California girls. See more on: Trekaroo | CheapOair | Google+ | Twitter.
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