Aaand we’re back!

Great news – 365 Days is back from a (very) long haitus! My family and I have had tons of adventures since the last update and there are some great posts coming down the pipeline to you all. As always, if you end up visiting any the places featured here, we’d love to see your pics and get your feedback in the comments! Thanks for stopping by.

Day 35: The Los Angeles River!

L.A. River

http://www.lariverrecreation.org/LA_River_Recreation/home.html

What? A recreational river in Los Angeles? Yes folks, open from May 27th through September 2nd you can play, fish and kayak in the Los Angeles River. Something I have not seen in my lifetime as an Angeleno! I am seriously looking forward to packing up the family and visiting to see what it feels like to play in a body of water that doesn’t have waves…

Day 34: Joan’s on Third

Joan's on Third

http://www.joansonthird.com/

It was Sunday morning and my husband and I just picked up our daughter from a sleepover across town. We thought we’d stop at Larchmont, but the farmer’s market was going on and we didn’t feel like dealing with the crowd.  It was lunchtime and I remembered that my husband has never been to Joan’s on Third.  I don’t know how such a thing is possible given that he is in the food service industry, but off we went…

We were heading up to order and I noticed that she had a large LeCreuset like pot full of fried chicken, and hey it was Superbowl Sunday…  I had been jonesing for some good fried chicken for months, ever since I read an article that Jonathon Gold posted (I don’t think he mentions Joan’s but she should definitely be included).  Cut to the chase, it was delicious!  Large pieces of perfectly cooked chicken, not too salty, no soggy breading, not too greasy and not dry!  I ordered two wings and a thigh for my husband, but when I saw the size of the wings, I cancelled the thigh and it was more than enough! My daughter had the Eggs Benedict and they were perfectly cooked as well.   Feeling a bit guilty, I made sure to order some salad to go with our meal, a simple butter lettuce with goat cheese and dried cranberries, dressed with just enough tangy deliciousness to coat the leaves but not cause the lettuce to sag.

This is a perfect stop to collect goodies for a Hollywood Bowl picnic or just grab a quick bite.  I absolutely love this place, the only thing that could make it better would be to open one closer to my home.  Please Joan, open another place the Westside!

Day 33: Ciclavia!

http://www.ciclavia.org/

Ciclavia to the Sea

What, no driving in Los Angeles?  Ditch that SUV, or for you Westsiders; your Prius, for your bike, skates or just plain walking shoes.  Ciclavia returns April 21st, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. and will transform Venice Blvd. from downtown L.A. to the Sea.  Bring your kids, dogs and smiles…

Day 32: Superbowl Sunday in LA

This year how about something different? Instead of crowds of people in your house breaking things and spilling their refreshments. Rather than cooking and preparing all that food, some of which will go to waste. How about taking the party out this year? For those of us that want to hit the town for the big game here are a few options.  We found this incredible write up on Marpop, take a look:

Super Bowl Sunday in LA

Super Bowl Sunday in LA

Football’s biggest game of the year is here. And you know what that means: Party time! Forget staying at home with a bag of chips and six pack of beer. There are dozens of places all over LA to watch the Super Bowl on February 3. Whether you want a raucous restaurant with cheap drinks, a hidden bar by the beach or some tasty vegan action, here’s a list of where to watch the Super Bowl in Los Angeles and beyond. I’ll be updating this list regularly, so check back to find even more places where you can celebrate Game Day!

The Parish – Downtown LA
www.theparishla.com
Starting at 3pm on Super Bowl Sunday, this cool foodie destination is where you can watch the game on the restaurant’s 80-inch flatscreen while enjoying some of the best food in LA ranging from buttermilk fried chicken to the Gridiron Special ($40) that comes with 20 stout-glazed chicken wings, a growler (half gallon jug) of ESP Noble Ale, housemaid pork rinds and fried olives.

Tony’s Darts Away – Burbank
www.tonysda.com
Did somebody say Vegan Super Bowl?? Yes, folks. This little bar in the Valley is perfect for those who don’t know what to do with that friend who likes watching the pigskin tossed but doesn’t want to actually eat the pig. Guests can enjoy All-You-Can-Drink Beer for $20, complimentary light bar snacks and specials like vegan nachos, vegan BBQ sandwiches with pulled jackfruit, slaw & pickles, TDA’s signature Brussels sprouts made with agave, sriracha and toasted cumin seeds. You can also reserve a table by emailing alex@tonys.la 

Mohawk Bend – Echo Park
www.mohawk.la
Listen up, sports fans! Mohawk Bend is offering All-You-Can-Drink Beer AND All-You-Can-Eat Pizza during the game for $30. Six pizzas will be on rotation throughout the game (three vegan and three non-vegan options) and all the brews on tap that you can handle. You can reserve tables with the best views of the screens by emailing reservations@mohawk.la

The Mixing Room at JW Marriott L.A. LIVE – Downtown LA
www.lalivemarriott.com/themixingroom
The “Big Game Tailgate” invites football fans to go the whole nine yards with a $25 all-you-can-eat buffet, plus drink specials from kick-off to final whistle. Enjoy tailgate grub with a twist like smoked baby back ribs & half chicken while watching the game on 50-inch HD screens, both indoors and out on the patio. There’ll even be a post-game DJ to help you celebrate or commiserate with your fellow sports fans.

Duplex on Third – Mid City Los Angeles
www.duplexonthird.com
This fabulously spacious newcomer on West Third is bringing in extra big-screen televisions for Super Bowl Sunday, plus offering specialty cocktails and a tailgating menu with all sorts of tasty eats including Italian sausage hoagies, lobster rolls, short rib sliders, fish tacos and homemade pretzels with pale ale white cheddar sauce and spicy mustard.

Golden Road Brewery – Glendale
www.goldenroad.la
Beer and the Big Game, it’s the perfect pair. And you can celebrate with both at the pub at Golden Road Brewery, which is offering all-you-can-drink Golden Road Beer for $25 during the game. Light snacks will also be provided free of charge. Score!

Hanging at the Pub @ Golden Road Brewery


Calle Tacos – Hollywood

www.calletacos.com
If you’re having your own at-home Super Bowl party but don’t want to do the same old burger and hot dog routine, check out Calle Tacos. This permanently-parked food truck on Hollywood Boulevard has an entire catering menu dedicated to the Big Game with all sorts of packages (tacos, taquitos, burritos, quesadillas, salad and more) that ring in at less than $10 per person.

Tom Bergin’s Tavern – Mid-City Los Angeles     
www.tombergins.com
For the big game, Tom Bergin’s Tavern is serving up a “Go for Two” special with $2 Miller High Life draft and $2 housemade pretzels with mustard. The “Two Minute Drill” special will offer the fish & chips and cottage pie for $2 during the two minutes following a successful two-point conversion. And for those hungry for a hearty breakfast, brunch will be available until 4pm.

Public Kitchen & Bar – Hollywood
www.thompsonhotels/publickitchenbar
The restaurant is hosting a Super Bowl party in the lobby of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel with the game projected on a 15-foot screen, cool cocktails and loads of snacks from the eclectic American menu including a Bucket of Beck’s Sapphire and 12 wings for $39.

The Market on Holly – Pasadena
www.themarketonholly.com
The gourmet food and specialty store is offering a special Super Bowl To-Go menu. From spicy hot buffalo wings to onion dip and Jim’s famous cheese balls, this is a one-stop shop for a no-muss, no-fuss party. Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance. To order call 626. 844.8811.

Street – Hollywood-ish
www.eatatstreet.com
If you want to veg out this Super Bowl Sunday you might want to order Street’s all-vegan to-go menu for Super Bowl Sunday. Dishes include the spicy black bean vegan burger, three-bean vegan chili dogs, 7-layer dip, tomaillo avocado salsa with tortilla chips and vegan jalapeno poppers with ranch dip. Call 323.203.0500 to place your order at least two days in advance.

Bru Haus  – Brentwood-ish
www.bruhauspub.com
This local hangout along Wilshire Boulevard is all about the Big Game on Sunday with plenty of food and drink specials starting at noon. Try the chicken schnitzel or Bru burger that tastes so good with a side of fries and beetchup (yes, as in homemade beet ketchup). Tables fill up fast at this place, so reserving a table is highly recommended. Call 310.473.2337.

Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers

Nick & Stef’s – Downtown LA
www.patinagroup.com/nickstef
This downtown steakhouse is once again celebrating Super Bowl Sunday from 2:30pm to 8:30pm with a $39 Endless Tailgate buffet featuring sliders, hot wings, chili, oven-fired pizza and more + $5 well drinks and $15 pitchers of beer. And don’t forget the projection, big-screen TVs and giveaways each quarter. FYI, if you’re a DTLA resident all you gotta do is show your ID to get 15% off your bill.

Clancy’s Bar & Grill – Anaheim
www.clancysclubhouse.com
If you’re the kind of football fan who postpones bathroom breaks for fear of missing a single pass or possible touchdown, it’s time to say hello to your new best friend: Clancy’s Bar & Grill. This sporty spot has 36 plasma TVs including a few in the bathroom, so you won’t miss a minute of the action. The Super Bowl Sunday party starts at 1:30pm with 50+ menu items under $10, drink specials and of course, those infamous hot wings. Reservations recommended by calling 714.750.7500.

Sharkeez – Multiple locations in OC & South Bay
www.sharkeez.net
This crazy sports bar chain in the South Bay and OC is an obvious choice to watch the big game considering it’s a total party zone with dozens upon dozens of HD TVs with surround sound. Sharkeez Super Sunday celebration starts at 12pm with 64-oz beer pitchers starting at $13, flaming fajitas, and free Super Raffles with more than $5,000 in prizes.

Rush Street – Culver City
www.rushstreetculvercity.com
If you want to join the “biggest Super Bowl party on the Westside,” check out this two-story bar in Culver City that’s showing the big game on 15 flat screens and serving up brunch, lunch and dinner specials all day and team-themed drink deals. Doors open at 10am with pre-game coverage starting at noon. No cover charge but seating fills up fast, so call 310.837.9546.

The Churchill – Mid-City Los Angeles
www.the-churchill.com
This popular gastropub along West Third Street is the perfect spot to catch the big game with friends. With a total of six TVs upstairs and downstairs, you can watch the Super Bowl action while enjoying all beers on tap for $4 and gourmet pub grub like chipotle cider glazed wings, hand cut fries, duck fat popcorn, pork meatballs, vegan burgers and, of course, those delicious pizzas.

The Churchill burger - Photo by Michael Jackson

Saint Rocke – Hermosa Beach
www.saintrocke.com
This South Bay bar and music venue is hosting its annual Super Bowl Sunday party starting at 2:30pm broadcasting all the action on their brand-new 20-foot projector screen and 60-inch TVs.  Expect drink specials, tailgate trivia and the Boozy Bee competition (aka drunk spelling bee) for a chance to win a FREE trip to Hawaii! No cover charge, but call  310.372.0035 for reservations.

Napa Valley Grille – Westwood
www.napavalleygrille.com
Did someone say 25-cent chicken wings?! In addition to those sweet chili-glazed wings, this huge Westwood Village restaurant will have big screens located throughout the spacious bar area and outdoor patio tuned in to the game on Sunday, February 3. There will be plenty of other dining deals during the game and $2 Pabst Blue Ribbons all day long

Orochon – Burbank
www.orochon-ramen.com
Forget burgers and pizza. How about doing Super Bowl Sunday with oodles of noodles? Orochon Ramen in Burbank is broadcasting the big game with lots of yummy food (sushi and chicken teriyaki, too), beer, wine, and yes, free parking in the rear.

Mendocino Farms – West Hollywood, Marina Del Rey, DTLA, 3rd & Fairfax
www.mendocinofarms.com
If you want to watch the game at home but don’t want to pig out on greasy food, Mendocino Farms is a great option. The gourmet sandwich shop offers plenty of filling, fresh fare like steak BLTS and vegan BLTs, “not-so-fried-chicken” sandwiches and other customize-able platters as long as you order 24 hours in advance. Prices start at $65 for 5-7 people. Delivery is also an option within the immediate area, so call ahead of time to coordinate.

Magnolia Bakery – Mid-City Los Angeles
www.magnoliabakery.com
No matter which team you’re rooting for, you can sweeten your Super Bowl party with Magnolia Bakery’s classic cupcakes in vanilla or chocolate, decorated in your team’s colors and topped with Super Bowl XLVII decorations. Cupcakes are $3.50 each and are available in store, just make sure to place orders early.

Day 31: East Meets West: Iconic Central Park and Santa Monica Pier Team Up

Pure genius!  For fun and for free, Central Park and the Santa Monica Pier are coming together…

Whether your personal brand of summer concert nostalgia evokes wide-open green-spaces or idyllic sandy beaches, the key ingredients in the U.S.’s two largest cities are “make it big, make it fun, make it free.” In a rare harmonizing of coastal rivalry, New York’s Central Park and Los Angeles’ Santa Monica Pier are teaming up to raise the bar on large-scale community programming (this means your summer just got a little more kick-ass).

The City Parks Foundation is in its 28th year of producing Central Park’s SummerStage, while the Santa Monica Pier Corp’s Twilight Concert Series heads into its 29th.  And while these coastal institutions hold keys to the most incredible public spaces and music traditions, both are also nonprofits, bound by limited budgets (read: no ticket revenues). So in a recent moment of ‘duh, genius,’ a partnership was formed to combine the might of the two premier outdoor Summer fests. “It’s a win-win if we can go after artists together, and get them in front of both huge and influential audiences.  The same is true for partners and sponsors,” said James Burke, City Parks Foundation’s director of Arts & Cultural Programs.

2013-01-23-ShowcaseAud.jpgBooking agents and producers exchange at the summer music showcase

The new alliance was kicked off last week with a showcase at the Highline Ballroom in Chelsea’s meat-packing district.  The audience, mostly talent agents, artist managers and producers, was treated to a preview of the upcoming season with the return of funk icon Shuggie Otis, DJ Kool Herc, and a string of up-and-comers including Brooklyn’s People Get Ready, Ofei, and Joshua Nelson.

The partnership is part of a larger brand overhaul of the Santa Monica Pier to ready itself for Los Angeles’ new EXPO line which, in two years, will connect Los Angeles’ downtown with Santa Monica’s Pier and beaches. The upgrades include new branding, new food and retail, and most notably a cadre of expert Programming Curators developing an annual programming calendar across different categories, including FILM INDEPENDENT (film), the founder of The Echo and promoter of the Hollywood Bowl (music), CARS + Machine Project (arts), Joel Brand (active lifestyle) and Heal the Bay (educational programming). 

So whether you prefer to catch a show stretched out on a grassy lawn surrounded by a metropolitan skyline, or with sand between your toes as waves crash softly in the background, keep your eye on the Park and Pier, this is the year for big, fun and free.

Day 30: Pacific Standard Time and Public Arts Festival

 

Spine of the Earth, 1980, Lita Albuquerque. Ephemeral installation at El Mirage Dry Lake Bed, CA Photo: Lita Albuquerque © Lita Albuquerque Studio, 1980

 www.PacificStandardTimeFestival.org

Pacific Standard Time: Celebrating art in L.A. 1945-1980 and the Public Arts Festival are collaborating from January 19-29, 2012.  This eleven day festival lineup promises to be a contrast of visual works staged in public venues and underground works in less grand spaces.  Many events will feature L.A.’s music and theater.  Personally, I’m thinking about checking out Punk Rock at MOCA…