Best Of LA - Week Of January 5
The first full week of 2015 is upon us, Los Angeles, and whether you are pining for the good-old-days of last year, or ready to embrace a better and brighter 2015, this week boasts plenty of fun and exciting opportunities to get you off on the right track. The holidays might be over, but two national holidays hit the spotlight this week: National Tempura Day and National Singles Day. Feeling a bit sad over the post-holiday hangover? Consider a trip to Disneyland for a festive and vibrant winter-themed wonderland.
Restaurant Opening: Preux & Proper
840 S. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 896-0090
www.preuxandproper.com
Taking inspiration from the city of New Orleans, Preux and Proper, from the creative minds of Joshua Kopel and Mark Egland, opened its doors in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle. Preux (brave, gallant, courageous), the restaurant's "Southern Gentleman," features an open air frozen daiquiri bar, happy hour specials, and casual dining opportunities while Proper (truly what something is regarded to be, genuine), the restaurant's "Southern Belle," boasts bistro seating, an oyster bar, and NOLA-inspired cuisine by Chef Mike Ruiz.
"Grand Hotel"
LACMA
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 857-6000
www.lacma.org
The iconic 1932 black and white film,"Grand Hotel," starring Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, and Joan Crawford, among others, will be screened today at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The film, which follows the love and tragedies of guests at a Berlin hotel, will be screened in conjunction with the LACMA's ongoing Tuesday Matinee film series, this month celebrating the work of costume designer Adrian as part of the Academy's Hollywood Costume exhibition. The general public can purchase tickets for the screening for just $4.
Celebrate National Tempura Day
Sushi Roku
8445 W 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 655-6767
www.innovativedining.com
In spite of any New Year's Resolutions you might have made, consider taking a well-deserved break from the health food and weight loss regime to celebrate one of 2015's first official holidays: National Tempura Day. Tempura, the popular dish served in most Japanese style restaurants, features seafood or vegetables that have been dipped into a batter and deep fried to golden brown. Sushi Roku, located in downtown Los Angeles, features a variety of tempura dishes to satisfy the discerning palate including their Katana Roll, made with Spicy Tuna and Shrimp Tempura Topped with Tuna and Yellowtail, or the Makoto Roll, Yellowtail and Shrimp Tempura wrapped with Seared Tuna and Spicy Creamy Sauce.
Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk
Art Walk Lounge
634 S. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
www.downtownartwalk.org
The first Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk of the new year brings on a fresh focus: photography, a medium embraced heavily by our current culture. Visit the Art Walk Lounge to mingle with artists Sia Aryai and Dan Gonzales for a special collaborative project, "shared creative experience." The Downtown Art Gallery & Mart will feature a variety of artists, merchants, and vendors all coming together toshowcase their work and products. Don't miss Carol Cirillo Stanley's exciting new exhibit "Urban Oasis" featuring a blend of watercolor and photography.
Disneyland
1313 Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 781-4636
www.disneyland.com
Beginning this week, "Frozen Fun" celebrates the magic, wonder, and world-wide popularity of the Walt Disney Pictures blockbuster film, "Frozen." Meet and greets with Anna and Elsa have a new home in Disney California Adventure at "Anna & Elsa's Royal Welcome;" guests visiting the sisters in Hollywood Land can also enjoy a sing along to the "Frozen" soundtrack, real snow to play in (and slide down!), "Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party," and a meeting with Olaf himself. The virtual queue to meet Anna and Elsa keeps the whole family happy as they enjoy the rest of the live entertainment and festivities, including learning how to draw your favorite "Frozen" characters, while securing their place in line.
Slider Eating Competition
Dog Haus Biergarten
98 E. Green Street
Pasadena, CA 91105
www.doghaus.com
To kick off Pasadena's Cheeseburger week, Dog Haus is hosting their second annual Slider Eating Competition, the culminating event after numerous qualifying rounds earlier last year around the southland. Competition day features a DJ, local craft beer sampling, and the chance for guests to cheer on their favorite competitor. Ten opponents will go head to head as they see who can eat the most sliders in ten minutes. The winner receives Dog Haus swag, a $250 Dog Haus gift certificate, and $250 cash.
National Singles Day
The Horn West Hollywood
8933 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 933-6678
www.nationalsinglesday.us
In honor of the 124.6 million single folks across the United States, National Singles Day was created in 2014 as a day to acknowledge and celebrate single friends, family members, co-workers, and fellow citizens. Now the majority of our national population at 50.2%, singles will be celebrated by a block rally and main event, all open to the public for both singles and couples alike. The event will feature guest speakers, music, dancing, awards, and give-aways, plus all-day food and drink specials at local participating merchants.
