Original Farmers Market

Freebie: Tuesday’s Best

Stories 14 Sep 2011
Never mind that summer's pretty much over. Here in LA, it's always in season to be outdoors. And the Original Farmers Market hopes to entice you with "Tuesday's Best," a casual culinary series Tuesday nights in September and October featuring free food sampling, chef-led cooking demos, retail specials and live music.
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Just say yes to California wine!

Sip & Swirl: California Wine Month

Top Lists 10 Sep 2011
Did you know that September is California Wine Month? As the producer of more than 90 percent of all wine made in the United States, California is one of the first places that comes to mind when we think about wine. ("Sideways" and "Bottle Shock," anyone?) Which means it's time to try some of our state's fine vintages. Here are a few places around the LA area that are celebrating California Wine Month with special deals.
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Cleo brussels sprouts - Photo by Mar Yvette

$17.17 Sundays @ Cleo

Stories 9 Sep 2011
Ready for Brussels sprouts that'll change your life?? Brussels sprouts that are so crispy and chewy and oily and salty you can't eat just one? Yeah, thought so. Cleo, that shwank restaurant inside the Redbury Hotel, is where you can get said sprouts every Sunday in September--along with a handful of other best-of dishes--for just $17.17!
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The Misfit's fried chicken - Photo by Mar Yvette

Ask Mar: Gluten-Free Santa Monica

Top Lists 8 Sep 2011
As someone who’s always out and about, I’m constantly asked to name my favorite restaurants, the hottest new place to get a drink or some secret spot to impress a visiting guest. Hence, the "Ask Mar" series where I share these Q&A's with the rest of ya'll to hopefully help you out, too. Today I had a colleague contact me, looking for gluten-free restaurants near the Santa Monica Pier. Here's what I had to say ...
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Photo courtesy of MADD Walk

MADD: The Mother of All Walks

Stories 8 Sep 2011
Get your walk on for a great cause then grub down on free hot dogs from firemen while listening to a cop band? Yes, yes and yes! It seems like it's been ages since I've heard about MADD, but Mothers Against Drunk Driving is still making serious strides in raising awareness about the horrible reality of accidents caused by those who drink and then get behind the wheel.
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The Abbey - Christmas in September

Free Food & Drinks at the Abbey!

Stories 8 Sep 2011
Question: What do hunky Santas, gay go-go elves and Children's Hospital have in common? Answer: The Abbey's annual Christmas in September celebration. Going on Monday, September 19 at 8pm, the 6th Annual event is your chance to both give and receive. Simply take an unwrapped toy and you'll get FREE drinks & food! Happy holidaze!
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Basement Tavern

Burlesque Mondays on Main St

Stories 7 Sep 2011
Need to add a little shimmy to your Monday night? Basement Tavern's got you covered with semi-covered burlesque babes, specially priced booze and femme-fronted band Behind the Six. Every Monday night from 9pm to midnight, the subterranean speakeasy is when you can enjoy the sultry sounds and sights of a bygone era while getting your paws on $10 specialty cocktails.
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Magnolia's stylishly tasty FNO cupcakes

Fashion’s Night Out in Los Angeles

Top Lists 5 Sep 2011
Fashion's Night Out is a global event aimed to promote shopping and help spur business ... with a stylish twist, of course. For one night only on Thursday, September 8, stores in cities from Manhattan to Milan and London to Los Angeles stay open late and host special events to get people spending while having a good time. Read on for some noteworthy Fashion's Night Out Los Angeles events going on from 6pm to 10pm, unless otherwise noted.
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Watch Peter Mac as Judy Garland on the Weekend Roundup

Becoming Judy in WeHo

Stories 4 Sep 2011
Somewhere over the gay-bow! Whether or not you're a friend of Dorothy, you can spend the night with Judy Garland in a new performance on Friday, September 9 and Saturday, September 10. Famed tribute artist Peter Mac takes us on his childhood journey through homophobia and brings to life the music of the legendary diva whom he says helped get him over the rainbow.
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Pit bull pwesh - Photo by Mar Yvette

My Favorite Event of the Year!

Stories 2 Sep 2011
In a perfect world, every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog. The annual Create Karma fundraiser is my favorite event of the year because that's when lots of fellow dog lovers get together and raise money for Karma Rescue, which saves at-risk dogs from the high-kill shelters around LA. Expect food, fun, lots of wine and woofs! Get your tickets now for the September 10th event!
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Photo courtesy of Phlight

Ask Mar: Where to Eat in Whittier

Top Lists 27 Aug 2011
As someone who's always out and about, I’m constantly asked to name my favorite restaurants, the hottest of-the-moment spot or what places an out-of-town friend should not miss. I was recently asked about where to eat in Whittier, a city that's somewhat familiar to me since many of my family members live there. Below are a few of my expanded answers.
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AnQi's roasted crab dish

Got Crabs? Tuesdays @ AnQi

Stories 26 Aug 2011
If you're in the mood for crab, hit up AnQi at South Coast Plaza for the Tuesday night roasted crab special. Every week, matriarch and chef, Helene “Mama” An, leaves Crustacean Beverly Hills (her original SoCal family-owned restaurant) to bring dozens of Dungeness crabs to be served at AnQi. Best of all, the savory crabs are served with Mama's famous garlic noodles.
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Emanuel Andren elderberry - Photo by Mar Yvette

Q&A: Candy Man Emanuel Andren

Stories 26 Aug 2011
Call it crazy. Call it couture. Just don’t call it boring. Emanuel Andren Gastronomy AB Chocolates have arrived in the US and they aim to be the world's most luxurious chocolates. (And at $29 a pop, they better be.) Naturally, I couldn’t pass up the chance to meet Emanuel Andren and taste these pricey pralines myself. I met up with the candy man to get the sweet scoop and indulge in a crash-course tasting of elderberry, sea buckthorn, Västerbotten cheese with cloudberry marmalade and um, cigar.
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The Park's Finest chicken

Labor Day Backyard Boogie

Stories 24 Aug 2011
Summer might be coming to an end but the fun is just getting started. On Sunday, September 4, Beer Belly is joining forces with The Park's Finest for a Backyard Boogie that's putting an Asian twist on two favorite American pastimes: BBQ and beer! Expect lots of 'cue with Filipino flava and plenty of beer pairings.
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Kit Rich & the girls working out

10 Free Things to Do in LA

Top Lists 24 Aug 2011
There's no such thing as a free lunch. But there is such a thing as a free workout, free concerts and lots of other free things to do in Los Angeles, especially during the summer. From a weekend workout with an A-list trainer to fun outdoor music shows, here are 10 places to get out and have fun without spending any money.
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Photo courtesy of SumoByamba.com

Shake, Battle & Rolls: Sumo in So Cal!

Stories 23 Aug 2011
Blame it on those vintage Baby Huey cartoons I watched as a kid, but I just can't help but have an affinity for sumo wrestlers. And if you share my fondness for the ancient Japanese tradition of overgrown men in diaper-like getups wrestling one another, now's your chance to see all the sweaty larger-than-life action up close and personal.
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Desigual Undie Party

Freebie: It’s An Undie Party!

Stories 23 Aug 2011
Ever wanted to run into a store semi-naked and walk out with a totally free outfit? That's never been my fantasy, but the crazy folks at Spanish clothing brand Desigual (of course they're from Europe) are betting that it's a dream come true for some of you. On Tuesday, August 30, the first 100 people who arrive at Desigual’s new Third Street Promenade store--wearing just their underwear--will walk out in a FREE two-piece outfit.
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OC Foodie Fest

Back for Seconds: OC Foodie Fest

Stories 23 Aug 2011
It's baaack! After a successful first run with a crowd of more than 8,500 people, OC Foodie Fest is returning with an even bigger venue that promises a better selection and more entertainment than last year. Going on Saturday, August 27, at Angel Stadium, the festival will have 100 different food trucks, live band and DJ performances, shopping booths, a farmers' market, car show, kid’s entertainment area and beer garden.
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Beer Belly's beer flight

Beer Belly: Craft for Crap Party

Stories 22 Aug 2011
Budweiser. Coors. Pabst. Olde English. Schlitz. If you're still clinging on to your BFF's from freshman year (or know someone who is), it's time for an intervention. Beer Belly's "Craft for Crap" event is here to help. On Sunday, August 28, simply take in whatever bottle or can of crap beer to the new K-town bar, and in exchange you'll get a fine brew from featured So Cal brewery Cismontane for just ONE PENNY. Bottoms up!
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MoKo hamachi - Photo by Mar Yvette

Bao Wow Wow: MoKo Hits LA

Stories 19 Aug 2011
UPDATE: Sadly, due to health issues concerning chef Gary Robins, MoKo has closed. It will reopen as Gyenari 2 (G2) on September 1, offering a "less expensive and more accessible option" with "all-you-can eat-Korean BBQ and a lively happy hour." READ ON FOR THE ORIGINAL REVIEW of this short-lived yet highly impressive restaurant ...
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