Best Of LA: Week Of November 17
Stored with rich history and a deep rooted rivalry, the USC / UCLA football game returns this week, as the Trojans go head to head with the Bruins this Saturday. For the rest of the week, exciting activities await. A brand-new Passports to Wine series, a restaurant opening, a new season of the Metropolitan Opera, and a new exhibition at the Getty Center get started this week. If you can't get enough Christmas & holiday cheer, beat the crowds and take your kids to visit Santa before the Thanksgiving season comes to an end as well.
Santa HQ
Lakewood Center Mall
500 Lakewood Center Mall
Lakewood, CA 90712
(562) 531-6707
Los Cerritos Center
239 Los Cerritos Center
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 402-7467
www.Santa-HQ.com
Before the busy holiday season takes center stage, whisk the whole family off to visit Santa at Lakewood Center and Los Cerritos Center's Santa HQ, designed and presented by HGTV. This modern Santa visit includes being scanned at the Naughty O' Nice Meter, using ELF-RAY vision to explore Santa's Observatory, a festive musical light show, and of course meeting with Mr. Claus himself. Make a reservation in advance to save time in line! Ho, Ho Ho!
Passport to Wine
Chaya Venice
110 Navy St.
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 396-1179
www.thechaya.com
For a truly exciting evening, head to Chaya Venice tonight as they celebrate their inaugural Passports to Wine series. For just $10, guests can enjoy unlimited wine and sake tastings from 12 different regions around the globe; light bites will also be served! As an added bonus, guests will receive their own Chaya passport book, with wine facts from each region. "Passport" stamps offer credits throughout the year that add up to free dining and beverage credits!
World War I: War of Images, Images of War
The Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-7300
www.getty.edu/wwi
Now through April 2015, visit the Getty Center's location off of Sepulveda Blvd. to explore the World War I: War of Images, Images of War exhibit that includes an examination of the cultural politics over the first modern war fought over the cultural dominance and direction of Europe, as well as the firsthand accounts of the war, created through the images and creations of modern artists. The featured art not only displays some of the visual propaganda used by combatant nations, but it also explores how artists used their mediums to cope with the horrors of war. It's a truly fascinating exhibit and not something you want to miss!
14th Anniversary At Sushi Roku
Sushi Roku Pasadena
33 Miller Alley
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 683-3000
www.sushiroku.com
In celebration of their 14th anniversary, Pasadena staple Sushi Roku will celebrate it's achievement with a throwback party featuring their fourteen most iconic dishes, as well as half-off lunch and dinner items for guests. Today and tomorrow, enjoy favorites such as Baked Cod "Saikyo-Yaki" in sweet miso, Yellowtail and Diced Chilies on Crispy Rice, Salmon Tempura Roll with asparagus and avocado & yuzu ponzu, and Pan-Fried Spicy Jumbo Shrimp with homemade potato chips, among others.
Restaurant Opening: Project Taco
6325 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 424-7564
www.ProjectTaco.com
With a location in Hermosa Beach, Project Taco opens its first Los Angeles location on Wilshire at Crescent Heights Boulevard. Here you'll find a wide variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options including gourmet cuisine, fresh & healthy ingredients, unique flavors, and curated beer and wine selections. Taco options include the Wilshire Pot Roast, Blueberry BBQ, Thai Peanut Chicken, and the 31st Street Breakfast Taco.
Metropolitan Opera in HD
James Bridges Theater
UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television
235 Charles E. Young Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90095
(310) 827-0889
www.latw.org
Tonight begins the first installment of the Metropolitan Opera in HD, screened from coast to coast thanks to L.A. Theatre Works on the UCLA James Bridges Theater stage. At the James Bridges Theater, enjoy the world-famous Metropolitan Opera's production of Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro, with tickets to this classy event starting at just $10 for students.
Celebrate National Gingerbread Day!
Bo Nuage
8010 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(310) 880-2065
www.bonuage.com
Today is National Gingerbread Day, so head on over to Bo Nuage on Melrose for one of their delicious Gingerbread flavored Parisian cloud cakes. Available only through the end of the year, they are only $6 and will help get you in the spirit of the holidays. After all, what's better than eating anything gingerbread flavored this time of year?
USC vs. UCLA Football Game
Rose Bowl
1001 Rose Bowl Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 577-3100
www.rosebowlstadium.com
Don't miss local rivals USC and UCLA as they go head to head in this exciting, cross-town football rivalry that could significantly impact the standings and placement of both teams. Can't get tickets? Watch the game at Messhall Kitchen in Los Feliz where you can help select the city's favorite team by picking the Trojans (by ordering a Red Rush - bourbon, honey, lemon, and raspberries) or the Bruins (by ordering a Bee's Knees - gin, honey, lemon, and blueberries).
Stouts N Staches Fest
Hotel Erwin & surrounding area
1697 Pacific Ave.
Venice Beach, CA 90291
www.stoutsnstaches.com
As part of the Movember craze, local bars and restaurants and members of the community will come together in Venice Beach to celebrate the monthly event and to raise awareness. Start your Stouts N Staches festival at Hotel Erwin with live music, a beer garden, free MO trims, photo booths, and whiskey tastings, and continue the fun at participating Venice Beach bars and restaurants throughout the afternoon. All attendees must flash their stash (real or artificial) to participate in the event; the best moustaches can win a special Hotel Erwin prize package. Proceeds from the event will help raise money for men's health through the Movember Foundation.
CHILL
The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Hwy.
Long Beach, CA 90802
(877) 342-0738
www.queenmary.com
The forecast for Long Beach includes a deep freeze that is scheduled to last through Christmas as CHILL takes over at the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Guests can cozy up with provided parkas as they enjoy the 14,000 square foot Ice Kingdom Igloo that houses massive hand-carved, colorful ice sculptures that celebrate the holiday season like no other. Don't miss the ice slides, tubing, outdoor ice skating, holiday village, carolers, and visits with Santa.
