Best Of LA - Week Of October 5

There's a lot to see and hear this week in Los Angeles. After you begin the week by enjoying the "Nuevo Rancho" flavors of one of the South Bay's tastiest new restaurants, it's all about the sights and sounds around town. A photographic retrospective will take you behind-the-scenes with today's top rock musicians, while a play about a reunited, dysfunctional family will leave you feeling a little bit better about your own. A SoCal premiere performance of Cinderella opens the 12th season of Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center, Jerry Seinfeld stops in at the Pantages Theater for some stand-up, and the newly formed Young Artists Symphony Orchestra wraps up the week with a free debut performance.

Check Out New Restaurant Sausal
219 Main St.
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322-2721
www.sausal.com

The South Bay has been getting a taste of "Nuevo Rancho," as chef and partner Anne Conness recently introduced Sausal to Downtown El Segundo. A perfect marriage of comfort food and bold traditional Mexican fare, Sausal embraces the unique makeup of Southern California. Named after the farmstead that once encompassed the area, the food draws heavily on smoke, slow roasting, and wood-fire techniques used by the rancheros who used to inhabit it. Scratch cocktails highlighting market-driven ingredients, prepared with housemade syrups and infusions, pair perfectly with Beef & Goat Birria, Pork Pozole over Hominy Grits, or one of many other menu items. To top off dinner with a sweet treat, diners can enjoy a Spanish Sticky Date Cake or Rancho Grilled Stone Fruit, Figs, and Grapes with bay leaf sabayon and "piggy" cookies. Starting today Sausal will be introducing lunch hours and a new lunch menu.

"Appropriate"
Mark Taper Forum
135 North Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 628-2772
www.centertheatregroup.org

Family drama is always more entertaining when it's not your own. Award-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' new comedic drama "Appropriate" is anything but, as it follows the estranged, dysfunctional Lafayette family as they return home to settle their recently deceased father's inheritance. As they cull through the clutter in the decaying Arkansas plantation, the family uncovers an album filled with disturbing photos that starts sparks flying. Past resentments, old rivalries, and family secrets send them into a tailspin that is both outrageous and entertaining. Performances continue through the end of the month.

The Darkroom Presents: An Ode To Alternative Rock
The Darkroom
7302 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 931-3800
www.facebook.com

It's opening night for The Darkroom's latest photographic musical retrospective "Cody Black- Exposed ROQ". KROQ's resident historian Cody Black will be showcasing photography featuring intimate and exclusive behind-the-scene moments from this era's top rock musicians. Photos of performances from the KROQ studios and stage include The Killers, Foo Fighters, Blink-182, and more. In celebration of opening night, a whiskey-based "Rodney on the Rocks" and tequila-based "Jane Says" will be available at preferred pricing from 8:00pm - 10:00pm. The exhibition runs through December 7th.

Mariinsky Ballet Presents "Cinderella"
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-0711
www.musiccenter.org/Cinderella

Russia's world-renowned Mariinsky Ballet opens the 12th season of Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center tonight with the Southern California premiere of Alexei Ratmansky's Cinderella. Set to Sergei Prokofiev's haunting score performed by the Mariinsky Orchestra, Ratmansky's Cinderella takes a fresh look at the classic story with vibrant choreography, feisty humor, and an unexpected 1930s twist. Tonight's performance will include a special performance by Mariinsky Ballet and American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer Diana Vishneva in the lead role of Cinderella. Arrive early to get a behind-the-scenes perspective with special DANCETALKS one hour prior to each performance. Tickets start at $34, and four other performances will take place through Sunday.

Watch Big Hero 6 on the Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-8901
www.santamonicapier.org

Front Porch Cinema is back with Friday night films under the stars. Every Friday night in the month of October, the Santa Monica Pier will be transformed into a community front porch, welcoming adults and children for a free night at the movies. Tonight's family-friendly film, Big Hero 6, is about the special and unlikely bond between a boy and his inflatable robot. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and if you don't feel like lugging in your own seat, old-timey lawn chairs will be available for rent. Films are projected onto a giant inflatable screen with high quality HD-projection and sound provided by co-producer of Eat|See|Hear.

Comedian, actor, writer, producer, and all around funnyman Jerry Seinfeld is bringing his signature stand-up routine to Hollywood for two nights only. Known for his accessible yet refined observational humor, Seinfeld has been cracking up audiences for over 30 years with his thoughts on relationships, uncomfortable situations, and everyday living. Performances will take place twice on Friday and Saturday, meaning ticket availability is limited, so act fast.

Young Artists Symphony Orchestra Launches Inaugural Season
UCLA's Royce Hall
340 Royce Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90095
(310) 593-9890
www.yasola.org

See some of Los Angeles' best musicians before they make it big, as the Young Artists Symphony Orchestra launches its inaugural season tonight. Former Concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Alexander Treger leads the orchestra in a free celebratory concert featuring Mahler's seminal Symphony No. 2 in C minor, "Resurrection." Created to champion, train, mentor, and inspire the next generation of musicians ages 16-27, YASO prepares members for professional careers in symphony orchestras and ensembles around the world. Future performances are set to include works by Wagner, Mendelssohn, and Dvořák. Tonight's concert begins at 7:00pm and is free to the public.
 

AIDS Walk Los Angeles
Enter at Melrose Ave & Santa Monica Blvd.
la.aidswalk.net

The 31st annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles takes place today in West Hollywood. The event begins with an Opening Ceremony at 10am, and will conclude with Finish Line Festivities at noon. The 10k Walk travels through the streets of West Hollywood and Los Angeles, drawing crowds of more than 25,000 people. Millions of dollars are raised each year in support of AIDS Project Los Angeles, as well as several other important LA County AIDS service organizations. Funds help provide essential support services to the tens of thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS in LA County. For participants who work up an appetite after all the walking, Bar10 is offering 50% off any one brunch items (including bottomless mimosas and carb-replenishing chicken and waffles).