Best Of LA - Week Of November 30
As temps in LA plunge to below 70 degrees, it's starting to feel like the holiday season is finally upon us. It's a great time for Angelenos to get out there and take in some seasonal festivities like ice skating at L.A. LIVE, a tree lighting ceremony in Culver City, a special performance of "The Nutcracker," and celebrating the beginning of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah. For those not quite ready to embrace the holidays, there's also plenty of non-holiday fun to have, with a guest bartender takeover at a West Hollywood rooftop bar, a free mask and disguise exhibit at The Fowler Museum, and the very important celebration of National Cookie Day. Whatever your mood, there's something fun for everyone this week.
E.P. & L.P. Guest Bartender Takeover
Frankie's Private Bar at E.P. & L.P.
603 N. La Cienega Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 855-9955
www.eplosangeles.com
Salute! World renowned Italian mixologists Vincenzo Marianella and Enzo Cangemi are taking over Frankie's Bar at West Hollywood Asian eating house E.P. & L.P. For one night only, the two will be whipping up Italian-inspired beverages, crafting original Campari cocktails with traditional Italian ingredients. The $10 specialty drink selections include the 50 Special (Campari, Rye, Orange Marmalade, Lemon, Lager Beer, Thyme), Reggae It Up (Appleton Estate Jamaican Rum, Cinzano1757 Campari, Walnut Bitters, Black Peppercorn), Me dijo mi Suegra (Espolon Blanco Tequila, Frangelico, Guava Nectar, Espresso, Jalapeño), and Via Roma (Gin, Cinzano Bianco, Lime, Cucumber Bitters, Truffle Salt Water). Pair your beverage with a $10 bite from the modern Asian street food-inspired menu for a truly global dining experience.
LA Kings Holiday Ice
Microsoft Square at L.A. LIVE
800 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles 90015
(877) 234-8425
www.lalive.com
Embrace the recent chill in the air and head downtown to enjoy some ice skating under the stars at the largest outdoor ice rink in Los Angeles. Centered around a 66 foot illuminated tree, the rink is the epicenter of L.A. LIVE's holiday spirit. General Admission is $17, or make a night of it and take advantage of the Supper & Skate promotion, which includes a pre-fixed menu at select L.A. LIVE restaurants, VIP front of the line access, rink admission, and skate rental ($30-$35). After dinner, take a stroll through the festively lit L.A. LIVE district, where 50 ten-foot angels and snowfall LED lights cover 150 trees. The rink is open daily until midnight through the end of December.
Disguise: Masks and Global African Art
The Fowler Museum at UCLA
308 Charles E. Young Dr. N.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 825-4361
www.fowler.ucla.edu
Now is a great time to check out the free current exhibition "Disguise: Masks and Global African Art" at The Fowler Museum. As one of the country's most respected institutions devoted to exploring the arts and cultures of Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and the Americas, The Fowler has combined forces with the Seattle Art Museum to bring together six contemporary artists from continental Africa and six contemporary artists who are Americans of African heritage, to explore the notion of disguise through an array of different mediums. Drawings, photography, videos, performances, and installations will all be on display, revealing the social, political, and cultural issues unique to traditional African masquerade. While you're there, don't miss the Treasured Textiles from the American Southwest: The Durango Collection®, featuring the distinct weaving traditions of southwestern textiles created during the nineteenth century. The museum is open Wednesday - Sunday and is free to the public.
Culver City Tree Lighting Celebration
Culver City Town Plaza
Intersection of Culver Blvd. & Van Buren Pl.
(310) 202-6060
www.downtownculvercity.com
Ring in the holiday season with Culver City's annual tree lighting ceremony tonight. Sip hot cider or cocoa, snack on cookies and other festive treats, and enjoy music from local choirs as the community gathers for this annual event. Even Santa Claus will be on hand as the beautiful 22-foot Rocky Mountain tree lights up the night sky with over 7,500 energy-efficient lights. The event begins at 6:00pm, and two hours of free parking is available in nearby structures. After the event, stop in for a drink or dinner at one of the great restaurants downtown Culver City has to offer.
Celebrate National Cookie Day
Milk Jar Cookies
5466 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 634-9800
www.milkjarcookies.com
There's no bad day to eat cookies, but today you've got a the perfect excuse as it's National Cookie Day! In honor of the day, Milk Jar Cookies will be hosting a giveaway on their Instagram (@milkjarcookies) for a six month membership to their Cookie of the Month Club. With big chewy flavors like Cinnamon Sugar, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and seasonal Peppermint Bark, this is definitely a cookie you're going to want to grab today. If the perfect chocolate chip cookie is what you're after, check out our list of the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in LA. Or if you're on the hunt for the less appreciated, but always delicious oatmeal cookie, don't miss these Best Places for Oatmeal Cookies in LA. There's really no wrong way to celebrate.
"The Nutcracker"
Bridges Auditorium at Pomona College
450 North College Way
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 482-1590
www.ipballet.org
Critically acclaimed Inland Pacific Ballet returns with another season of spectacular performances of beloved classic The Nutcracker. The company brings Tchaikovsky's iconic score to life with dazzling sets that include falling snow, an antique original Albany Flyer One Horse Open Sleigh, and a 40-foot Chinese Dragon. Donning beautiful handmade costumes, the cast of 80 dancers will tell the story of Clara, a young girl who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve, and sets out on a wondrous journey to the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets. Today's performances will be held at 2:00pm and 7:30pm, with an additional show tomorrow at 2pm.
Celebrate the Start of Hanukkah
Various Locations>
Hanukkah begins at sundown tonight, and celebrations will be taking place all over the city, including Southern California's largest Hanukkah event at Universal Studios CityWalk. Chabad of the Valley will put on the free event, which includes a concert, kosher food for sale, face painting, and of course the lighting of Southern California's largest menorah. For a more intimate gathering, Beverly Hills will have their annual Hanukkah Celebration Event at Two Rodeo Drive (N Rodeo Dr and Via Rodeo), with live music, food, and public menorah lighting. Zimmer Children's Museum will also be celebrating The Festival of Lights with a fun-filled day of light-themed activities, a special story time, and an afternoon performance by Klezmer Juice.
