CrossFit SandBox

CrossFit SandBox
925 Wilshire Bvd
Santa Monica, 90401

Type: Indoor, Classes
Category: Exercise
Company: If you like to workout, check it out!
Tip: Bring water, wear sneakers, and get ready to sweat

Review:
As a self-professed hater of plyometrics, I've been known to avoid any exercise regime that even comes close to including pull-ups, burpees, or planks. But then again, I'm also aware of the importance of mixing it up - so, when a friend sent me an invite to his recently opened box (term for a crossfit studio) I thought I'd stop in and try it out.

Huge and clean, to start, which is rare for any kind of gym. Mats and bars on one end, bell-ball weights and rowing machines and stepping stools on the others. At first it looks like it has the potential for torture, but as the whiteboard and clock come in to focus, you'll slowly realize that you are your own competition. I know, what?

Well, each WOD (workout of the day) is written up on a whiteboard and sits next to a stop clock. The class begins with a group warm up, a lesson or two about technique, and then gets to the meat and end by a series of a handful of exercises (the one I did was burpees, squats, kettle lifts, and pull ups). We did this seven times each and for seven rounds. Sure, everyone is going as fast as they can, but the goal is to get a time - and then try to beat it the next time.

Everyone at the SandBox was extremely welcoming, patient, and friendly. I highly recommend giving it a try, and coming from the mouth and muscles of someone who hates short bursts of strenuous movement, it must be worth the salt. Check it out!

Magic and Wine

Generous tastes, abundant nibbles

David Minkin's Magic and Wine
Beau Rivage

26025 PCH  

Malibu, CA 90265

Type: Indoors
Category: Happy Hour, Date
Company: Friends and dates 21+, believers (and disbelievers!) Cost: $85/pp
Where: The Beau Rivage in Malibu- locations in Santa Monica coming this summer!
Tickets

Review:

I’d like to thank international champion of magic, David Minkin, for creating the coolest and classiest way to combine the best of childhood with the perks of adulthood in his reoccurring SoCal event called Evening of Enchantment.

Hosted at Beau Rivage on the Malibu coast, Evening of Enchantment is two hours long and as promised, is 50% adult and 50% magical amazement. Kicking off at 4:30pm on the upstairs patio, a spread of appetizers served buffet style (chicken skewers, bruschetta, prosciutto-wrapped melon, wontons, spinach-filo triangles) is kept stocked and fresh while you grab a seat and await the wine.

In the span of an hour, you’ll taste five wines from a David-selected California winery. The tastes are generous in flavor and pour, and by the time you are ushered down in to the wine basement (lined with chairs) you are warm, happy, and ready for the show.

If there’s one word you’ll overuse during the show, it’s "wow." No, you won’t be able to figure any of it out and no, he won’t tell you – it’s magic, after all. Coins and cards and water from the ceiling, you’ll be on the edge of your seat the entire time and no matter how close you get – it’s still, as your inside child might say, “the best show ever.”

Wine Expo

Welcome!

Wine Expo
2933 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Follow Wine Expo on Facebook


Type: Wine Bar
Category: Tapas
Company: Date, Friends, Visitors of the 21+ variety
Quickie: If you love wine and like food trucks, this is your kind of bar
OTC Tip: For small parties and group tasting rates contact Roberto to reserve the back room


Review:
Who knew that the gateway to a happy stomach, happy pockets, and a slamming happy hour was marked with a neon green sign and a loitering food truck? The thing is, you’ve probably known about the Wine Expo (full-service wine, beer, and liquor store) for years (it’s 19!) and it’s even more likely that you’ve driven by it more often than that. But did you know that it opened a tasting room a year and a half ago? And since Wine Expo is a) local and b) totes a daily calendar of drinks and food and fun, we are now best friends. After a quick chat with the infamous Roberto (the general manager) here is why you’ll have another +1 on Facebook, as well:

You will like the Wine Expo if: You're new in town and need a watering hole, or you're a local and tired of being a regular at Busby's or South. Maybe your age is outgrowing your love for dive bars, or perhaps you want to introduce your significant other to wine tasting. Of course, you could also just be in need of a bottle of wine or a few cases of beer for a party and want a few customized suggestions.

Roberto Says: The typical age range is 25-40, and the clientele is mostly female. Great for anyone looking for a happy medium between drinking in Vegas and wine schmoozing in Napa (Clearly, women are happy here and therefore men will be too!)

Calendar

Monday & Thursday: Try 20 wines for $20

Tues: Happy Hour 5-7pm or try 10 beers for $15

Wednesday, Friday-Sunday: Happy Hour 5-7pm

Food Trucks: Wednesday-Saturday

Roberto Says: Check out the menu online for the weekly updates on drink offerings and food trucks

Price: More expensive than drinking bud light on your lawn, but cheaper than going to the other wine bars in the area. For example, $11-$30 per wine tasting (three pours plus a splash of proseco to start) and the mild cheese plate (three hefty servings of cheese, crackers, bread, grapes, and jam) $11.

Food/Drink: No kitchen, but the bar offers cold picnics of cheese, crostini, meats, fruits and olives. Perfectly paired and sized for the wine and beer flights.

Roberto Says: The rotation of food trucks offer a variety of gourmet items that you are welcome to bring in to the bar!

Feel: One-half straight-up liquor store and one-half wine bar – the prices and location keep everyone jovial without unleashing drunken mayhem on to the sidewalk. Great for the people watching that you want from a bar, and the constant hilarity you expect from the traffic of a liquor store with an at-home feel whether you are in a suit, heels, or jeans and slip flops.

Wild Card:

When I was there a couple dressed for a black tie affair arrived on a motorcycle and purchased a 6 pack of beer and a $100 bottle of wine. But who’s looking.

Now, no matter how many drinks or crostini you’ve had, you know you are at a remarkable establishment when Robert makes sure your glass is never dry and everyone leaves saying they’ll be back soon.

LACMA

Climbable courtyard installation

LACMA
5905 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Follow LACMA on Facebook

Type: Indoors, Outdoors
Category: Entertainment, Art, Food, Drink
Company: Everyone. Seriously.
Cost: $15 for adults ($20 for special exhibits), Seniors and Students $10, 17 and under free

Quickie: Aside from the art, LACMA has kid-friendly art pieces (re: touchable) and young-adult allures (re: an outside bar) which pretty much guarantees you can convince anyone to visit at least once.

OTC Tip: Admission is free for everyone on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and certain Holidays

Ray's and Stark Bar

The Do's:
1. Order tickets online (especially for special exhibits) and save yourself the stress of finding out day-of that your planned visit has been sold out
2. Have a drink and snack at Ray's and Stark Bar (conveniently located in the inner LACMA courtyard) - note: the drinks are stiff and the burger looks like a potential Rustic Canyon rival...
3. If you prefer sustenance on the cheaper side there is a resident line of reputed food trucks on the opposite bank of Wilshire

The Dont's:
1. Go tired or hungry or without a "plan" - LACMA is huge and the more direction you have the better your experience
2. Forget cash - unless you want to troll the surrounding neighborhoods in search for parking, you will want to park in one of the cash-for-parking lots (ranges from $7-$15)

3. Deny yourself a chance to play on one of the fixed outdoor toys! Art is fun.

 I recommend you jump right on

The Getty: 21+ Style

The Getty
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Follow the Getty on Facebook

Type: Indoors, Outdoors
Category: Entertainment, Art
Company: Friends, Date, Family
Cost: $15.00 for parking. Museum admission is free!

Quickie: Go during the day for the gardens and the view. Stay at night for the wine and beer - who knew!

OTC Tip: Check out the event calendar for lectures, tours, walks, and "Saturday Nights at The Getty"

Review:
I know, I know - The Getty? One of the most stereotypical "things to do in LA"? Yawn.
But sometimes you just can't escape it. Maybe you have friends visiting from out of town, or perhaps your parents think you need to be more mature and cultured. Don't worry - we've got your back. Here is how you can do the Getty so you aren't just dragging your feet from exhibit to exhibit.

1. Check out the gardens and the view. These never get old.
2. Wine & beer & snacks - sold at the cafe. Note that there isn't a "bag check" or frisking station at any point, so you could probably bring your own bottle of wine or beer. But do keep it classy.
3. Saturdays Off the 405: Once a month, the museum stays open late with music, booze, and food (think night at the museum, 21+ style).
4. And if you want to spend every Saturday night at the Getty, Saturday Nights at The Getty offers musical or theatrical performances (free parking after 5pm).

I highly recommend grabbing a map, touring a few exhibitions/collections/installations, taking a stance outside for some photos with the views, strolling through the gardens, then planting yourself at the outdoor cafe with a glass (or bottle) of wine. Not your parents typical museum tour, eh? I thought not.

Hollywood Babble-On

Hollywood Babble-On

Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at City Walk

1000 Universal Studios Blvd. #222
Universal City, CA 91608

Follow Hollywood Babble-On on Facebook

Type: Indoors

Category: Comedy, Group

Company: Anyone with a great sense of humor

Cost: $20

Quickie: Essentially a 2-person comedy show with Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman every Saturday night at 10pm (for the most part).  One of the funniest things you'll see live.  Ever.  

OTC Tip: Seats are first come first serve, so if you want to be on the first floor, hop in line at least 45 mins early.  But there really isn't a bad seat in the club.

Review: Kevin Smith is the director/writer of (what I consider classics) Clerks, Mallrats, Dogma, and a handful of others (I don't hold Jersey Girl against him).  Ralph Garman is best known in LA as the Showbiz Beat guy from KROQ's Kevin and Bean morning show.Together they are Hollywood Babble-On, an hilarious (and always offensive) comedy team. The show is distributed weekly as a Podcast on Kevin Smith's vast SModcast network and follows Hollywood-related news...somewhat.

OTC Tip: Yes, the show is funny, but might rub some people the wrong way.  I suggest checking the backlog of episodes on iTunes or via their website so you don't end up offending any prude/sheltered friends.

Each show loosely follows the same format: The hosts read emails sent in by readers who are attending the show (Shout-Outs), then read interesting emails from fans across the world, followed by news reports of celebrities who recently passed away.  Next is a bit on celebs who have done a good deed recently, and then they dive right in to the weekly news.  Each show ends with jokes on how big Liam Neeson's cock is.  (Seriously, there's even a fan-made site where people can submit their own jokes). And that's the jist of the show.  Although the hosts know the topics they'll talk about, most of the show ends up improvised.  It lasts around 90 minutes, and I guarantee you will spend all of it crying with laughter. 

View from the third floor

OTC Tip: I'm fully aware this sounds like a regular comedy show, but it's not.  Listen to 20 mins of any of the old episodes and you will be hooked.  I listen to each week's podcast while driving to work and literally laugh out loud by myself.  I usually only do that for my own jokes.  And as awesome as the podcast is, the live show is even better. 

The brilliance of the show is the combination of Kevin and Ralph.  Kevin is more laid back and, well, jolly (not a diss on his weight, I swear), while Ralph is the angry one.  This MIGHT have something to do with the fact that Kevin is high as a kite the entire time while Ralph is knocking back Jack and Cokes with reckless abandon, but that only makes the show better.  Ralph is a master of impressions, lending his vast collection of voices to the various shout-outs and news stories.  With no filter for who they offend (they routinely refer to Chelsea Handler as a "talentless c***"), the show will keep you in stitches the entire time. 

Shows are usually on Saturday, with the occasional Friday show.  From time to time they have a guest host, and are planning on taking the show on the road for a few weeks, so make sure you listen to recent episodes to know what is coming up.  For $20, its a great value. 

YogaHop

YogaHop
1612 Montana Ave, 2nd floor
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Follow YogaHop on Facebook

Type: Indoor
Category: Fitness and Recreation, Group Classes
Company: A-traditional yogis who like hip-hop, rock, and pop
Cost: 5 Classes $90, 10 Classes $150, 20 Classes $260, Unlimited
 
Quickie: If you are OK with possibly finding yourself
doing The Plow to "Bottoms Up" (Trey Songz), then this is the yoga studio for you. Self-described as "flowing yoga," YogaHop will take you through the typical Power yoga series while swapping the usual meditational soundtrack for - well - music that will make you want to dance.

OTC Tip: Bring your mat, water, and a compass - Yogahop's store front is behind Pinkberry on Montana (and up a staircase).

Two rooms: West and East

This morning I did Downward-Facing Dog to Juvenile's "Back That Ass Up." Now, if the idea of fixating in Warrior Two to 50 Cent makes you cringe - this probably isn't the place for you. But here's the thing: sometimes, I think we yogis take ourselves too seriously. Sure, I'm all for the meditation, mindfulness, and "letting go of my thoughts" - but a few times every month I honestly wouldn't mind silently rocking out while breathing in to Crescent Moon - and YogaHop is just the place for that.

OTC Tip: Check out the schedule here

As you can imagine, the class went by really quickly. The best comparison is the difference between running with and without music - YogaHop offers that extra bit of distraction we all crave when working out. Granted, it's much more awkward if you start singing along when your favorite song comes on - but then again, being sweaty and contorted in braided positions inches away from your neighbor is always treading on shamelessness - so - why not add the cherry. 

OTC Tip: YogaHop is pretty popular. The classes tend to sell out, so make sure you reserve online and go a few minutes early.

The best part is the location of YogaHop - which is right on Montana, across from Sweet Lady Jane and other coffee shops/eateries so you can make a morning/evening of it and eat after your class!

RealRyder Cycling Studio

Does your indoor bike lean like this?

RealRyder Cycling Studio
11677 San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Follow RealRyder on Facebook

Type: Indoors
Category: Recreation and Fitness, Group
Company: Everyone
Cost: $18/class, $80/6 classes, $140/12 classes, $240/25 classes

Quickie: Imagine your cushy spin class, then bring it back to the road a notch. While you still won't be moving forward, that's about the only action you'll be spared - these bikes sway back and forth, which provides all the benefits of being on a real bike (like engaging your core muscles) without having to fear cars barreling around you.

OTC Tip: First class is free! Bring your clip-in shoes and water. Little towels are provided.

Review:
They say that some of the best companies are not those that have re-invented the wheel, but those that that have taken the wheel and made it better (or in the case of RealRyder, made the typical stationary bike - well - loose).

Apparently, RealRyder is the name of the bike - the studio is just a franchized facility. As noted, the RealRyder is a bike for indoor cycling that appears to take the best from the world of normal fixed bikes (stable and easy for beginners) and mix it with the best aspects of riding a real road bike (you have to constantly use your core and other muscles to stay off the pavement). In addition, you have the perks associated with a gym class - a (cheer) leader, motivational music, and central air.

Naturally, I had to try it. This morning was my class - and I have to admit, unlike the evenings following my usual spin classes at Kinetic - I'm sore. My abs, my legs, and my arms. I feel as though I took a spin class followed by a pilates class - and then topped it off with a power yoga class. I'd go back, for sure - especially since the schedule boasts classes like Cardio + Core (spinning followed by a floor ab workout). All-inclusive workouts? Yes, please.

The Do's:
1. Ask questions before you start the class. I imagine there are a number of "lean" techniques and other various tips that would eliminate the minutes I spent guesstimating the bike's reactions to my various movements.
2. "Race" your neighboring classmates - you'll get more of a workout when you dig in to your competitive side.
3. Have fun - if you get your bike to sway wildly, it feels somewhat like you are on that 25-cent kiddie ride outside the grocery store.You know, the one you don't fit in anymore.

The Don'ts:
1. Be shy - even if you're a seasoned cyclist, not all bikes are the same. Example: the gears on the RealRyder bikes are controlled by a red knob. It's worth asking if you can't figure it out (same goes for the seat and handle bar settings).
2. Forget to thank your instructor! They just coached you through a hilly and intense "course" - and with a huge smile.

As I've heard before, my instructor (Tim) bid us off with a good morning with a prayer - "May this be the hardest thing you do all day."

Amen.

The Grammy Museum: Homegrown

Andy Grammer rocking the Clive Davis Theater

The Grammy Museum Presents Homegrown
800 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90015
The Grammy Museum on Facebook

Type: Indoors
Category: Entertainment, Music
Company: Everyone!
Cost: Tickets

Quickie: Spotlighting artists from varying genres working in the LA area, Homegrown is a great example of the Grammy Museum’s mission. In addition to nightly events, the Grammy Museum is open for regular admission, toting dynamic and multi-media tributes that pay homage to the process, technology, history and success of past and present musicians.

OTC Tip: Check out the Grammy Museum's program calendar for upcoming events. Before the show, go early and grab a bite to eat in one of the LA Live restaurants (we loved the bbq pizza at ESPN Zone)

Review:

They say timing is everything – and then there’s when talent, passion, and Los Angeles collide. If you want to know what such a boom sounds like meet Andy Grammer, who, fittingly, was the musician to open the summer series Homegrown at the Grammy Museum last Tuesday.

The interview-concert format of Homegrown is a perfect way to experience your favorite performer, since the Q&A forum gives us fans the chance to get at what we really want to know - which in the case of Andy Grammer,  is who, how, and what went down within the year that took Andy from busking and beatboxing for rent in Santa Monica to the Andy Grammer we see on stage (signed to S-Curve records), with miss Taylor Swift writing his lyrics on her arm, an MTVO award, and an upcoming summer tour with Natasha Bedingfield and Kate Voegele. 

OTC Tip: The next installment in the Homegrown series is The Airborne Toxic Event on 6/22.

The Grammy Museum is the ideal venue to host Homegrown. The Clive Davis Theater provides the clearest acoustics I've ever heard, and somehow makes the 200-seat capacity (even when full) feel like a private party of twenty.

Kicking off at 7:30pm sharp, the showcase introduced Andy Grammer, then the host Scott Goldman (VP of the Grammy Foundation) got quickly to work. I was pleasantly surprised at the length of the Q&A - I had assumed it would last maybe a quarter of an hour. But a good twenty-five minutes in it dawned upon me that we were in for a real treat, as the questions from the audience (and Andy's responses) were refreshingly candid - did you know that Andy sometimes thinks that writing songs feels like trying to create the newest "it" item for the Burger King menu? (he's currently testing the angle of the "BKFish"). Immediately following the open interview, Andy played us a few of the songs from his album that debuts on June 14th - and I have to say, I can't wait to hit "replay."

OTC Tip: The current display at the Grammy Museum is Bob Marley, Messenger.

After the show, we waited in line for the typical "meet and greet" hug and photo with Andy. Luckily, the line snaked around the 2nd level of the museum, so we took the chance to check out the gift shop and visit the exhibit dedicated to Bob Marley. If you go, definitely spend some time viewing the Marley family's cool and special collection of pictures and heirlooms.

As we left the Grammy Museum, we found ourselves somewhat convinced that there was magic in the air. Not only did we find ourselves vowing to return to LA Live for future events, but we also realized that although we had a bit more insight in to the journey of one of our favorite artists, we were still unsure exactly how it all happened.

Looking back on the video I took of the event, while we may never know what a year holds, last Tuesday Andy did hint at one of the trending shout-outs I've begun to recognize in his interviews: his manager, a Mr. Ben Singer.

Finally - a clue at the initial daedal duo. It’s no wonder, then, when Singer - who must be the one with the ear, moxie, and belief- backs Andy Grammer, who has the lungs to fill a room with the heart of the world – that there’s  the energy to bring an entire concert hall (and soon, everyone else) to a standing ovation.

Grammy Museum Calendar: Danny Elfman (6/8), Ben Harper (6/21), The Airborne Toxic Event (6/22)

The Market at Santa Monica Place

Welcome to The Market!

The Market
Dining Deck, Level 3
395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Follow The Market on Facebook

Type: Indoor Market
Category: Meal or Snack between 10-9 (Mon-Thurs), 10-10 (Fri-Sat), 11-8 (Sun)
Company: Everyone!
Quickie: This is Santa Monica's version of SF's Ferry Building Market Place and Brentwood's Country Mart. Picture Main Street's Sunday Farmers' Market minus the dirt and pony rides, then add permanency and a bar or two all inside a lofty warehouse-ish structure.

OTC Tip: Go for any meal of the day, but understand that you won't be able to leave without gelato (N'Ice Cream), an ice cream sandwich (Beachy Cream), or a cookie-and-milk combo purchase (The Cookie Guru).

Beachy Cream!

The Do's                                                              
1. Go now and check it out. Take time to walk around and enjoy samples.
2. Try (then buy) every single flavor of gelato at N'Ice Cream.
3. Seek Cast Iron Gourmet and buy her Couch Mix and the Pimento or Bacon Chutney.
4. Buy bread at Rockenwagner and a plate of slice-to-order meat and cheese at Norcino Salumeria Cheese Bar.
5. Get a cookie and glass of milk (soy, caramel, plain, or chocolate) to-go from The Cookie Guru

Cast Iron Gourmet's COUCH MIX!

The Don'ts
1. Just sample - don't be that person.
2. Judge if a vendor isn't serving their full menu yet. Be patient.
3. Forget that these shops are the hearts of their proud owners; chat them up and you'll leave with an arsenal of recipes and great local "who knew?" tidbits (best way to eat bacon chutney: with cheese).
4. Leave without posing in front of either the "Life Is Uncertain Eat Dessert First" or the "You Should Always Play With Your Food" signs.

The point here is that life is too short to not a) eat well nor b) enjoy doing it. Luckily, the Market is the place to do just that!

iFly Indoor Skydiving

iFly Hollywood Indoor Skydiving
100 Universal City Plz

CA 91608
Follow iFly Hollywood on Facebook

Type: Outdoors/Indoors (yes, both)
Category: Entertainment, Thrills
Company: Friends, Dates, Fans of (ugly) jumpsuits
Cost: $59.95 for 2 flights; $99.95 for 4 flights or 2 double-length (recommended)

Quickie: Recreate the amazing sensation of skydiving in a controlled wind tunnel. Be prepared to wipe a giant grin off of your face at the end.   

OTC Tip: Wear comfy clothes – the jumpsuit fits over everything you have on, so bulky clothes are not a good idea.

Review: Having already jumped out of a plane, I was a little skeptical regarding indoor skydiving. I mean, most of the thrill comes from the actual falling, right? How can I essentially stay in place and still feel a rush? Luckily, my ignorance once again was called into question, and I got to experience a great flight.

iFly operates two locations in CA, one in Hollywood and the other in the SF Bay Area. (They also have 23 total locations throughout the US.) I have been to both CA facilities and noticed no real difference. Much like skydiving, each flyer dons a wingsuit, helmet, and goggles before stepping into the queue. Flyers cycle in and out of the tunnel quickly, so I never felt like I had to wait. I booked the 4 flight package, but got to bundle it down to 2 longer flights. If you can, I definitely recommend this scenario – it allowed me to stabilize and then have more time to practice technique.  And that in turn, gave me a cheek-hurting smile that wouldn't go away for hours.  

Upon entering the tunnel I was immediately shocked by how much force the fan had below me (yea, I know, it’s a wind tunnel made to fly in, I’m an idiot for not expecting to be smacked in the face with wind). The instructor paced the edge of the tunnel and stepped in to help me initially stabilize.  The actual act of adjusting my body in order to move around was easier than I expected; I’ll give some credit to having gone skydiving before, but the instructors were great with giving me minor tweaks throughout. The highlight was having the instructor step in at the end, grab my hands, and spin me up to the top and back down.  It was a major thrill; I only wish I was good enough to do that the entire time.  Once I settled in and got my positioning right, I was free to (attempt) to gracefully move around the tunnel and wave at passersby. Wait, I did mention that the iFly Hollywood tunnel is outdoors, right? Yep, you get an audience while your cheeks are pushed back like a dog enjoying an open car window. I actually enjoyed the crowd outside; it made the flight feel that much more real.  At the end of everyone's flights, the instructor decided it was time to show off, and proceeded to knock out a very impressive set of spins, flips, and combinations.  To finish his set, he performed an amazing backflip in which he landed perfectly at the door.  It was the best advertisement for coming back and improving my skills. 

The act of flying through the sky is hard to recreate, big fan or not. Without the relative motion of falling that accompanies skydiving, comparisons are hard. But that’s a positive – iFly is it’s own adventure completely. Instead of trying to be a substitute for jumping out of a plane, iFly has taken the idea and made it unique. Sure, professional skydivers can benefit by practicing complicated formations, but the general public, out looking for a quick thrill, will walk away a changed person. The feeling of flying while essentially not moving is uncanny, and should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list.  If I had anything negative to say, the price is a little high, especially relative to a legit tandem skydive, but after feeling weightless, I would go again (and have).

The Annenberg Space For Photography

Exhibit: Extreme Exposure, Michael Nichols

The Annenberg Space For Photography
2000 Avenue of the Stars #10
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Follow TASFP on Facebook

Type: Indoors
Category: Rainy Day, Day after Sunburn
Company: Everyone
Cost: Free! Parking ranges from $1.00-$3.50 depending on the day/time

Quickie: It only takes about an hour to walk through the entire exhibit AND watch the show - so even the most impatient adults/children/boyfriends will be able to handle this "museum" (shhh) - and absolutely love it.

OTC Tip: Save this activity for a rainy day when you want something a little more engaging and enlightening than the movies or the mall.

Review:

They say the best things in life are free, which means in the LA exchange rate you have to pay a buck or two (in this case, for parking). Don't feel bad if the free lunch that just walked up to your plate nags at your curiosity (what's your angle, Annenberg?), especially since you will find yourself so impressed with the (FREE) experience that you won't be able to stop telling everyone you know to go and see for themselves.

Sparing you the Google search, Annenberg was a well-known tycoon, ambassador, and philanthropist. Over his lifetime, Annenberg gave away an estimated half his worth (a number that straddles a handful of billions) to various causes ranging from university groups and orchestras, to community beach houses and museums.

While this explains most of the circumstantial existence, it doesn't quite uncover Annenberg's motivation (I'm sure there are entire books and college psych lectures on this very topic): but don’t waste your mind or energy on thoughts of money and semantics - all you need to know about the Annenberg Space for Photography is that admission is free, it’s open most of the time (unless between shows) and it's one of the most thought/feeling provoking things you can do in LA - so - soak it up.

Extreme Exposure, Donna & Stephen James O'Meara

Rotating every 4-6 months, The Annenberg Space for Photography showcases themed digital and print photography displays accompanied by video reels of the works via "state of the art" visual technology. This "museum," if you will, is literally dedicated toward the betterment of the Los Angelean people by aiming to instigate the "spark" that encourages visitors to believe that they can "be the change they see in the world" (Gandhi).

When I visited back in March, the exhibit was "Extreme Exposure," a highlight of five "extreme photographers" known for braving the most impossible elements to "capture the shot" (example: Clyde Butcher has had malaria 25 times, and Paul Nicklen scuba dives in -40 degree F waters). Despite being of the feather that likes to "get in and get out" of museums, I found myself so enthralled by the quality and magnitude of each photograph, not only did I spend considerable time in front of each photograph reading its description and photographer back-story, but I also sat through the entire video (and I never "just sit").

The next show debuts this weekend (5/21), and even though it sounds stereotypical LA (as it's called "Beauty CULTure"), feel comforted that the collection is much more Warholian in perspective than ENews groupie. Based on the website previews, while images of airbrushed models and plump botoxed lips dominate the screen, I guarantee that the theme of beauty, culture, and impression will trump any initial notion of feeling lost in Elle magazine.

I know, I know - why, you ask, would you want to spend an hour inside this weekend when you could be outside in the lovely Southern California sun? Well, think of it this way - when you get home all sunburned like poached lobster on Saturday and need something to do on Sunday that gets you out of the house and doesn't involve exposure to UV rays - take an hour and check it out.

Bryan Kest's Power Yoga

Secret door to the SM East location

Bryan Kest's Power Yoga
SMPY West - 1410 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
SMPY East - 522 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Follow Bryan Kest's Power Yoga on Facebook

Type: Indoors, Group Class
Category: Fitness and Recreation
Company: Solo, Friends, Visitors, Date?
Cost: Pay-By-Donation - ($15/class recommended)

Quick-Rec: Evening classes are packed - so go 15 minutes early and be prepared to find a classmate's foot/arm/sweat in your face. Bring beer for the notorious SM parking lot "exit-wait" because sometimes, you'd just rather spend that 30 minutes drinking on the roof top than sitting in your car in line to pay. Just kidding (not). 

OTC Tip: I prefer SMPY East because it has a one full wall of windows (re: air flow). Note that the entrance is an unmarked door. Instructors - I like Bryan, Vytas, Anaswara, and Jerome. 

Review:

So you say you aren't flexible? You have poor balance? Maybe you think it's too expensive, or you don't want to "commit" to a gym or a monthly pass. Perhaps you "can't fit it in to your schedule."

Oh, stop. Everyone has one excuse or another why they believe yoga just "isn't for them" - and Bryan Kest has effectively eliminated the viability of every single one.

Based in Santa Monica, Kest has established two studios in the heart of the 3rd street promenade area. Not only does this mean there is ample parking (metered and structured) but that there are TWO schedules with times starting with a 7am and going all the way until even a 10:30pm! Classes are an hour and a half, and "pay by donation" which means even the poorest can opt for the "contribute what you can" route and still enjoy a $15 class.

Ok, fine, so Bryan's yoga can't take you from a tight-lump to an acrobatic-gumby in a day, but what he will do is talk you through every pose in one of the most soothing and therapeutic voices I've come across in years. One of my favorite aspects is that Bryan will continuously encourage you to "take everything you are thinking about, observe it, and let it go." He reasons that "the mind is like the ocean, so you can't stop it" and "whatever it is you brought in with you, let it go. You don't need it here."

I also like that most classes are "all levels," which means that even I (a robust beginner) can be comforted by close proximity to other newbie-stiffs, but also at the same time be absolutely mesmerized in to believing it's possible to fold in half and stand on my head because hey - that girl over there has been doing it for a full minute!

Strengthening, stretching, and motivational support without having to take time off of work or commit to a certain number of classes? Hello, LA. This place is made for you!

Artisanal LA

Great idea, Chris! Everyone - I'm always open to suggestions!

(I know it's not quite fair to talk about a seasonal event, but I think it's OK if my focus here is spent telling you about the things I tried at said event that you can find/try/order online anytime you please! Also, if you're juicing to go, stalk the event on twitter and bookmark it in your calendar for Fall 2011!)

Artisanal LA
Santa Monica Place (3rd Level Dining Deck)
395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Follow Artisanal LA on TWITTER or FACEBOOK

Type: Seasonal Event
Company: Hipster-Foodie Friends, Dates
Cost: $10/person pre-sale, $15 at the door
Quick-Rec: Go hungry/thirsty with patience...I know, a tough dichotomy
OTC Tip: Try everything once, then go back and buy anything you can't leave without.

This past weekend while half of everyone I know spent their time checking in on facebook at Coachella, I went to Artisanal LA. Much more my scene, no matter how you slice/hear it. Basically the farmers' market indoors with a few demos and panels scheduled here and there (think: butchering, beer making, beekeeping), over two days ALA showcased "nearly 100 local, artisanal & handmade vendors." Yep, think: tastings, food, and more...tastings and food. Sure, there were soaps and clothes and non-edible things to check out for purchase - but let's be real. The closest I got to a non-edible was the photo booth and the beer panel.

Over the two hours we were there, we tasted everything from home-made bbq sauce, habanero jam, and meatballs to cupcake pops, bacon trail-mix, and coconut-water sorbet. Of the many other dips, sauces, meats, organic candies, and confections - there were a few that stood out, but I believe you should know about this one in particular:

Cast Iron Gourmet
Rashida Purifoy (chef/owner)
Follow Cast Iron Gourmet on FACEBOOK and TWITTER

Basically, the entire company is a dedicated ode to bacon. Chef/owner Rashida Purifoy specializes in what we've all known from the first bite: "There's just something about bacon..." - which means she makes "small batch bacon and bacon-inspired goodies." So, as expected, when I came upon her table I experienced a moment that felt something like seeing, for the first time, the embodiment of my heart and stomach's co-dream, finally realized.

I tried everything she had available, short of dipping my finger in to one of the jars of bacon fat. Particularly delightful was the "Couch Mix" which is your everyday, handmade trail mix (fruits, nuts, chocolate) but WITH CARAMELIZED BACON CHUNKS. Yep, I told Rashida that I loved her.

Also notable was the Bacon Bourbon Chutney and the Bacon Mayo Pimento Cheese Spread. For crackers or bread or...to eat straight out of the jar with a spoon? No big deal, just delicious and amazing.

Anyways, keep your eyes open for this Cast Iron Gourmet - and if you don't see her soon, make it a day and go find her!