What to do this weekend: Rocky Horror Anniversary Show

In honor of the 35th year anniversary of the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the Million Dollar Theater in Downtown Los Angeles will host a special screening of the film with guest Barry Bostwick and an international shadowcast of performers on Saturday, September 25, 2010.

If you are from LA, im sure you have seen (OR

atleast heard of) the troupe that performs at the Nuart Theater in West LA every Saturday night at midnight since December 1987!!  I'm sure this anniversary event will be an even more spectacular version of this rowdy show, full of the typical audience participation, costumes and props.

The screening will take place in one of the most gorgeous theaters in LA, built in 1918 by Sid Grauman. The theater gets it's namesake because it cost 1 million dollars (an astounding price at the time) to build.

Tickets for the special screening event are $20 in advance online at  http://beticketing.com/rhps35  and $25 the day of show at The Million Dollar Theater.  VIP tickets in the front rows are also available online for $40 ($45 at the door) and include free prop kits.  The film is Rated R (under 17 not admitted without a guardian).  For more information on the venue, please call 213-617-3600 or visit www.milliondollartheater.com. 


Sins O’ The Flesh Presents:

A Special 35th Anniversary Screening of Gender-Bending Cult Rock Opera

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

At the Historic Million Dollar Theater in Downtown LA

• Guest Barry Bostwick • Full Pre-Show • Live Shadowcast Performance •

Saturday, September 25, 2010
10 pm Pre-show
11 pm Screening

Restaurant Profile: Cafe Laurent in Culver City

Cafe Laurent serves up delicious French cuisine in its quaint Culver City location.  Sunday brunch features live jazz on the patio and breakfast served all day (with no lunch).  The breakfast menu has items like fluffy omlettes, gorgeous waffles, divine quiches and MUST try potato Gratin Dauphinois.

The food is so rich and tasty that even with more 'European' portions you will leave very satisfied!  With its very reasonable prices and short to no waiting on seating, this neighborhood gem is a must try!

Cafe Laurent

4243 Overland Ave

Culver City, CA 90230

 (310) 558-8622

Restaurant Profile: A.O.C. Los Angeles

The casual yet refined atmosphere is the setting for this wine bar/restaurant.  The restaurant, A.O.C. is named after the French wine designation, "Appellation d'Origine Controlee," and is focused on their extensive wine list (by the glass/carafe or bottle) and gourmet Mediterranean style small plates.  The bacon wrapped dates are worth the trip alone- though everything on the menu is unique and delicious.
Their small plates make it easy to share and taste many items on the menu. So enjoy them all with a flight of wine!

A.O.C.

8022 W. 3rd Street

Los Angeles

323-653-6359

Unique LA Independant Design + Gift Show

The 2nd Annual UNIQUE LA Spring Show hits April 24-25!

The largest independent design show in the country, attendees get the rare chance to meet and shop directly from over 300 hand-selected designers and artists. The exciting two-day shopping event makes it easy for you to buy local and support LA’s economy and discover great design and deals!  Find out more info and buy tickets for $10: HERE

Admission gets you:

• Unlimited re-entry for both days and access to giveaways all weekend long

• Access to the exclusive Amoeba Records PopUp Marketplace!
• Free workshops with crafty handmade activities

• Your very own collectible shopping bag, exclusive-to-the-show and designed by local designer Keith Scharwath (Nike, Beautiful Losers)

• Free drinks (IZZE, Honest Tea, water, beer, wine and more!)

• New! Family/Kids play and seating area

LA Bar Scene: The Surly Goat

Like all bars and clubs in LA, one goes out and another goes in.  The space, formerly 'Seven,' as of this month is now 'The Surly Goat.'  And after multiple trips to this beer specializing bar, I think it is here to stay.  The bar has 27 great beers on tap that will rotate different selections plus 100 bottles, all for very reasonable prices.  For those intimidated by the large list- they also have a Beer 101 chalk board with a glossary of beer terms to help you make your selection. 

With its modern twist on the traditional pub, complete with stuffed animal heads, the Surly Goat has a very urban cool vibe.  The two level bar is spacious with a patio. And although there is no kitchen, a danger-dog vendor sits on the patio grilling up bacon wrapped hot dogs.

Know Before you Go: There is a parking lot next door to the bar ($6) Street parking can be difficult to find especially on weekends.
Patrons are welcome to bring in take out (Baby Blues BBQ is next door) and eat on the patio outside.

The Surly Goat

7929 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 650-4628 

Restaurant Profile: Wurstküche in Downtown LA

Wurstküche, meaning sausage kitchen in German, resides deep in downtown Los Angeles.  Seeing tons of people waiting in line for their already famous sausages, in a somewhat desolate area of downtown, only adds to its appeal.  If you are picturing a cheesy German brewery, like I did, you couldn't be more wrong.

Ambiance: After you wait in line to order your food, you walk through a hall into a giant loft space to claim your seats.  Unfortunately this is the tricky part. Although the space is large,  there are tons of people there too!  However while you wait for a table and your food you can enjoy the full bar inside (with tons of beers on tap!) and a DJ playing music.

The food: With delicious, yet safe choices like Sun Dried Tomato & Mozzarella - smoked chicken & turkey, or SantaFe Jack Cheese & Jalapeño Peppers - smoked turkey. They also have the exotic sausages like Rattlesnake & Rabbit with Jalapeño Peppers or Alligator & Pork, Smoked Andouille Sausage.  So try something daring or play it safe. They even have vegetarian options!  Get your sausage with an order of fries and make sure you try the whole grain mustard sitting at the table.

Wurstküche

800 E. 3rd St

LA, CA 90013

213-687-4444

Hours: Sunday 12pm-Midnight

Mon-Sat 11am- Midnight

Dermalogica Spa Giveaway!!

1022 Montana Ave

Santa Monica, CA 90403

(310) 260-8682 

Dermalogica.com

The Dermalogica Spa is nestled on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica.  It's in one of the cutest areas of LA, full of shops and restaurants. And when I realized it was sitting right next door to Father's Office - I liked it immediately.  When you walk inside, you enter an all white concept space full of  professional products and spa equipment.

Before you get a facial at Dermalogica, a skin therapist will take an initial look at your skin, which they call "Face Mapping" and very quickly come together with the perfect plan of action.  The staff is super friendly and very helpful at improving your skin quality.  They will tell you what products they suggest you use without being pushy.  And I must say, after using their moisturizer and face wash for the past week I do notice a difference in my skin. Their facials are an hour long and cost $85 which is quite reasonable considering other Spa's prices.

But for those of us that don't want to spend the money or the time at the spa- Dermalogica also has an awesome treatment called a 'Microzone.'  They have 7 different Microzone treatments which last 20 minutes and cost 25 dollars.  I had the 'flash exfoliation/resurface, smooth and brighten' microzone.  Afterwords my skin felt heavenly! It was such a great treat for my skin during the fall/winter.  And since it was such an awesome experience we want our readers to enjoy it as well!

Win a FREE microZone® treatment at Dermalogica on Montana in Santa Monica! Bothersome breakout? Tired eyes? Dull skin? This quick skin fix gets you in, gets skin repaired and gets you out the door in a snap!  Expert skin therapists and amazing products will provide the solution on the spot in just 20 minutes with treatments like flash exfoliation (great for shaping up before events), extractions and even eye revitalization (perfect after long travels). That means no changing out of your clothes, no fuss and big results!  We’ll even show you step-by-step how to identify your concerns and treat them effectively at home to maintain results.  

***If you don't happen to win, stop by Dermalogica on Montana any time for a FREE Face Mapping®, which includes diagnosis, treatment, recovery and prevention. A licensed Dermalogica skin therapist analyzes your skin from forehead to collarbone, identifying potential problems, unique needs, and how to treat them professionally. 

This giveaway has now ended. Congratulations Javishay and J. Christine Huh!

We are going to have TWO winners!! To enter the contest: please leave a comment on this post telling us how you heard about the Culturistas

Make sure to add a valid email address in your comment so we can contact you if you're the winner. Comments must be posted by 6 pm PST on Friday November 13th to be eligible to win. The winner will be announced on November 14th. Two lucky winner will be chosen at random. Open to readers in the LA area. Good luck!!

Cirque Du Soleil 's Kooza- PLAYING NOW!

For most, the name Cirque Du Soleil conjures up images of extraordinary performances, death defying stunts, and great entertainment. I am happy to report, KOOZA is no exception.  This show goes back to its roots as a big top circus, returning to circus traditions of acrobatic performance and the art of clowning.  But it is just as breathtaking and original as any Cirque Du Soleil show you have ever seen.  From expert jugglers and tight rope walkers to frighteningly fabulous contortionists, the show is beautiful, engaging and exciting.

Cirque is at it's best with Kooza when transporting the audience into their imaginary world.  From the moment you walk into the Big Top at the Santa Monica Pier, cast members talk amongst each other and interact with the audience, giving you a mini show to watch before the performance starts.  The hysterical cast members, "The King" and his sidekick clowns deliver many laughs as they include the audience in their gags.

Two of my favorite acts were a two-man acrobatic act on the "Wheel of Death" (pictured left) and an incredible contortionist trio.  The acts were flawlessly choreographed and executed.  In the 'Wheel of Death' act, the two men power the wheels themselves while they jump, flip, fall weightlessly and hold on to each wheel from death-defying heights.  The audience watches with baited breath as it looks like the men could fall to the ground at any moment.  But of course, they don't.  Similarly the contortionist trio has the most incredible act.  The three seamlessly balance on each other to create incredible shapes with the human form.  They contort their bodies in ways unimaginable to the viewer.  (Pictured below)

Cirque Du Soliel is really in a category of its own.  The performances are always incredible, from the sets and costumes to the music and acrobatics, Kooza really is a must see show!  It is fun for the whole family OR would make a fabulous date night :)  Go early and get dinner by the beach!  For all you Angelinos, Kooza is playing at the Santa Monica Pier until November 29th when it will move to Irvine. Shows are 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $60 to $135 for adults. Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.   

Buy your tickets: Here

Photo Credits: Cirquedusoleil.com

Weekend Update: Pasadena Wine Festival October 3-4

The Pasadena Wine festival is this weekend: Sat and Sun at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (310 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007, (626) 821-4623). The event consists of many of the Culturistas favorite things: Wine, food, live music and gorgeous scenery! There are tons of participating wineries this year (check out the list below) as well as the areas most renowned musical artists—playing jazz, funk, blues and salsa. Sounds like an awesome, Culturista-worthy, event!

Tickets: $55, $85 and $125. Get a one-day pass for $55- good for general wine tasting and food exhibit sampling. For $85, you get a two-day pass that includes all of the above, as well as an invitation to the Pasadena Wine Festival Kick-Off Party. Or the Preferred Pass for $125 per person that gets you admission both days, access to the VIP hospitality tent, and an invitation to all pre-festival wine-tasting events. You can purchase tickets to the event: Buy Tickets

Some Participating Wineries:

• Oyster Bay, NZ
• Carmel Road, CA
• Chateau St Jean, Sonoma
• Cambria, CA
• Burgans Albarino, Spain
• Banfi, Italy & South America
• Gloria Ferrer, Still & Sparkling
• Frank Family Red Truck Wines
• Transat Trade French Imports
• Robert Mondavi Winery
• Prestige, Italy

October 3 & 4, 2009

4:30 pm -10 pm at the Los Angeles County Arboretum

http://pasadenawinefestival.com/

LA Greek Festival 2009

One of the Culturista's favorite things to do is to discover and learn from other cultures. And if you are in LA this weekend- you can taste the delicacies, watch traditional dances and even party with some Grecians! There is an awesome schedule of events including cooking classes, dance and theater shows, concerts and parties. Check out the full schedule here: LA Greek Festival Schedule.

Friday night (5pm-11pm): Admission is free!
Saturday (1pm-11pm): $5 Admission
Sunday (12pm-10pm): $5 Admission

For food lovers and chefs the L.A. Greek fest offers 18 pages of traditional Greek recipes on their site! I'll definitely be making these at home :) The festival is at Saint Sophia Cathedral at Pico and Normandy. The large grounds are going to have a theater, a cafe, a sports bar, wine tasting, beer garden, a children's arcade and so much more. Oh and Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are the guest hosts again this year! Free and secure parking will be available nearby and shuttle service will be offered continuously to satellite lots.

Saint Sophia Cathedral
1324 S. Normandie Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90006

LA County Fair 2009- $1 Admission!

The LA County Fair starts this weekend, Saturday September 5th. And it runs until October 4th. But if you go this weekend before 1pm admission is only 1 dollar! If you decide to go after 1pm admission is $17. There are tons of fun things to do at the fair, something for everyone. There are concerts every night from groups like Lynard Skynard, Good Charlotte, Donna Summer, War, Ciara and the Beach Boys. General admission is free with entrance to the fair or you can buy reserved seating.

Concert this Saturday:

Al Green

Very Special Guest Star The Spinners
Saturday, Sept. 5
7:30 p.m.

There are over 70 thrilling rides, 40 games and all the delicious (albeit greasy) fair food you can eat. Apparently there will even be deep fried White Castle burgers....sounds pretty nasty, yet intriguing...

There are monster truck races, children's playhouses, a petting zoo, beer and wine tasting, and horse racing. Plus tons more... Get more information at the LA County Fair website.

Restaurant Profile: Spitz

Spitz is a quasi-fast food restaurant with two locations in LA, Eagle Rock and Little Tokyo. They serve "Doner Kebob" which is street food commonly found in Europe, originating in Turkey. Their sandwiches are made up of either Chicken, a combo of Lamb and Beef or Falafel. The meats are slow roasted and then shaved off to put into wraps or sandwiches. The restaurant has been attracting hungry people since 2005 when owners Bryce Rademan and Robert Wicklund opened their first location in Eagle Rock.


For a modest 9-10 dollars, you get a Doner Kebob sandwich, a drink and one of their yummy sides. The sweet potato fries and the pita strips are both GREAT choices! They also have salad options as well as a Doner Plate option. And while you technically get your food quickly and it is inexpensive- the food at Spitz is great quality- so it is far from "fast food."

They have happy hour specials from 3pm-7pm everyday of the week! $4 Sangria, $1 Pita Strips with Hummus $3 draft beer! They also have a student discount- so bring your ids!

Spitz in Eagle Rock
(323) 982-8869
2506 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041

Spitz in Little Tokyo
(323) 613-0101
371 E. 2nd St
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Restaurant Profile: Joe's

Joe's is a comfortable yet elegant restaurant in Venice that serves up delicious gourmet cuisine. It sits on Abbot Kinney Road which is a great beach-y area to walk around and enjoy the surrounding shops. Therefore you can't expect the restaurant to be too formal, judging by the inhabitants of the Venice community. This fact makes Joe's even more charming. The restaurant is far from pretentious but yet serves the same type of delicious and innovative food. Executive chef and owner, Joe Miller, even goes around to the tables to say hi and greet guests. Great touch.

Now lets get to the good part: The food!! Although the menu is small it seems that every dish is a winner. I was able to try the tuna tartar (fresh and mouthwatering!), the burrata appetizer (very creamy mozzarella and heirloom tomatoes), and the mushroom ravioli (exqusite!). The prime sirloin steak was also delicious (served on a bed of mashed potatoes and cripsy artichoke). The Jidori chicken was so tender and very subtle in its flavor.

Tips:
Parking is scarce so i'd probably splurge on the $5 dollar valet.
Make sure to get a table on the terrace/back garden
Skip dessert and take a walk on Abbot Kinney for ice cream.
Corkage is $20 per bottle but it still could be worth it to bring your own

Joe's

1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 399-5811

www.joesrestaurant.com

The Frederick Weisman Museum: Los Angeles

[Photo: Sun-room of the Weisman house]

The Frederick Weisman museum in Los Angeles houses over 400 works of art, all by artists of the 20th century. However you will be surprised to know this museum isn't an ordinary museum in a building full of white walls- it is a house. A mansion in Hombly Hills to be exact. In fact it is the house Fred Weisman and his wife lived in. Even more interestingly is that they lived with these artworks exactly as they are shown today.

The house is open free to the public but only by appointment and guided tour. Inside the very 1980's mansion you will see art from the likes of Max Ernst, Andy Warhol (they have 10 Marilyn Monroe faces!!!), de Kooning, Rothko, Lichtenstein, Giacometti, Rauchenberg, Miro, Kandinsky etc etc. And don't be alarmed if you see oddly realistic sculptures of people throughout the tour. Possibly the weirdest encounter is the older lady in the foyer. If you didn't know any better, you'd think she was a straggler from the last tour. They are THAT realistic. Even weirder is that the Weismans collected so many of them and LIVED with them in their house that way.

[Photo: Andy Warhol's Marilyn Monroe]

This tour is a MUST see for any art lover. Instead of viewing art in the strict confines of a museum you get the chance to interact with artworks. And even more, you get to see how people lived with their art in such a personal way.

When you sign up to go on the tour they will fax you over pertinent information- such as the map and also a form you need to fill out and fax back. You are also not allowed to arrive any earlier than 5 minutes prior to your tour, since it is a house with limited parking.

Foundation Tour Hours
Days : Monday through Friday
Time : From 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

Advanced reservations are required.
Tel: (310) 277-5321
Fax: (310) 277-5075
Email: tours@weismanfoundation.org
Weismanfoundation.org

Summer fun @ the Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood bowl in Los Angeles is a great place to visit in the summer. The weather is gorgeous (though it usually is here), the sun sets later, and picnicking is the thing to do.

This summer the line up is fabulous and eclectic. From Death Cab for Cutie and Incubus to Liza Minelli, Poncho Sanchez and John Williams, all Los Angelinos will find a concert they'd enjoy. Starting tomorrow (through to the fourth), there will be a special US Birthday bash performance, complete with fireworks and special guest John Fogerty, the guitar and voice of Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Know Before you Go:
Bring a picnic (including wine)!! You can get food and drinks at the Hollywood bowl, but you will save tons of money if you bring your own.

Take the Shuttle! You can park at the Hollywood bowl for 14-30 dollars. But the shuttle costs $4 per person round trip (and you can buy those tix in advance on Ticketmaster when you get your concert tickets). Check out the shuttle schedule and pick up areas: HERE

If you sit in a box- it is super convienient to picnic WHILE you watch, but the acoustics are amazing at the Hollywood bowl, so even if you are sitting all the way in the back it will be a great show!

Tickets range from 8 to 125 dollars, check out the schedule of events and buy tickets here:
Schedule of Events, Buy Tickets

Sample/Liquidation Sales: LA June 18th-20th

Runway Atlanta Liquidation Sale: June 18th and 19th (2009)

7600 Melrose Ave
LA, CA 90046

Fabulous Fashionista Sample Sale: Saturday June 20, 2009

10am to 5pm

2009 Israeli Film Festival: Los Angeles

Feeling in need of some culture? Check out the Israeli Film Festival which started on June 3rd in LA and goes through the 18th. The festival is premiering over 30 feature films, documentaries and student shorts. Waltz with Bashir is one of the many great films showing, which we told you all about in February.

Today's [June 9th] films:

The Beetle	5:00pm	Fine Arts Theatre	-	Buy Tickets »
The Green Dumpster Mystery	5:00pm	Fine Arts Theatre	-	Buy Tickets »
The Idealist	5:15pm	Laemmle's Fallbrook	-	Buy Tickets »
Zrubavel	7:30pm	Fine Arts Theatre	-	Buy Tickets »
Bruriah	7:30pm	Laemmle's Fallbrook	-	Buy Tickets »
The Mystery of Aris San	9:45pm	Laemmle's Fallbrook	-	Buy Tickets »
Out of the Blue	10:00pm	Fine Arts Theatre	-	Buy Tickets »

Wednesday's [June 10th] films:

Desert Bride	5:00pm	Fine Arts Theatre	-	Buy Tickets »
Lady Kul El Arab	5:00pm	Laemmle's Fallbrook	-	Buy Tickets »
Ruth	5:00pm	Laemmle's Fallbrook	-	Buy Tickets »
Rebirth (part 1)	7:00pm	Laemmle's Fallbrook	-	Buy Tickets »
Srugim	7:30pm	Fine Arts Theatre	-	Buy Tickets »
The Seven Days	10:00pm	Fine Arts Theatre	-	Buy Tickets »
Adam Resurrected	10:15pm	Laemmle's Fallbrook	-	Buy Tickets »

See the rest of the Israeli Film Festival schedule here: Iraelfilmfestival.com

The Beach Issue: LOS ANGELES EDITION

Summer is basically here- the weather is gorgeous and sunny- so what better way to spend your weekend than at the beach! Here is a list of some of the Culturistas' favorite LA beaches!

Venice Beach-- probably the most interesting beach of LA--- attracting artists, tourists, bohemian types and quirky characters. If you want to take a bike ride, a walk, or just people watch, this is the place to go! Things to see:
Venice Art Walls: The Venice Public Art Walls are located on the sand in the heart of Venice Beach. Basically anyone can paint/graffiti on the walls if you have a permit.
Muscle Beach: The outdoor workout area made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger and other bodybuilders.
Venice Canals: The canals were built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney. There are 6 remaining canal bridges left- and make a serene and relaxing walk- You can walk along them in the area bordered by Washington, South Venice Blvd., Pacific Ave. and Ocean Ave.

Dockweiler Beach--Dockweiler is the only beach in LA where you can have a bonfire! So if you are looking for a fun summer night at the beach- this could be the place. Check it out at: 12001 Vista del Mar
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293

Paradise Cove-- Probably the prettiest beach in LA- Paradise Cove has been used for filming shows like the OC and Baywatch. The beach is located north of Malibu just off Highway 1. There is also the "Beach Cafe" located right on the beach--perfect if you get hungry.

Try Ethiopian Food!

Ethiopian food is a wonderful ethnic alternative to your average American fare. Instead of burgers and fries, try beef tibbs and a veggie combo. Ethiopians make delicious vegetarian dishes if you are looking for veggie options! But they also have tons of meat dishes for diners craving meat. They serve all dishes with generous portions of their bread- called injera. It is a thin crepe like flat bread that the every dish is served on. To eat the dishes pieces of injera are torn off and used to scoop up mouthful. It has a slightly sour flavor and looks and feels a lot like a sponge. And its surprisingly addicting!!

Try the honey wine or Ethiopian beer for added authenticity. And dont worry about getting there a little early because the food takes a while to prepare!

For a great Ethiopian feast in LA try:

Merkato

1036 1/2 S Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90019

(323) 935-1775

Meals by Genet
1053 S Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 938-9304

Total São Paulo: A Guide to the Unexpected

From hidden bars serving up $2.50 caipirinhas and tiny boutiques, to the best clubs and vintage markets, Total São Paulo: A Guide to the Unexpected is a must-have travel resource for discerning creative types traveling to one of the world’s most up-and-coming cities. Written by Phuong-Cac Nguyen, an American journalist who has been reporting and breathing São Paulo’s pop culture/lifestyle beat for years, this beautifully designed 176-page paperback guidebook packs in places off the beaten track in 10 essential neighborhoods. Sprinkled among the candid, gorgeously shot photographs are also 11 easy-to-read, illustrated maps and 17 interviews with São Paulo VIPs who give the inside scoop on the metropolis’ best spots.

This truly is an awesome book--and a must read for anyone planning to travel to Brazil. It is full of fun and exciting places to go--including the hidden gems of São Paulo! And the guide is also such an easy and fun read- with maps, large photos, interviews and blurbs all throughout the book.

There is a book signing and release party next Saturday, May 9th! Check out the details below:

Saturday, May 9, 2009
3:00 - 7:00pm

Los Angeles book signing with author Phuong-Cac Nguyen & launch party for
Total São Paulo: A Guide to the Unexpected

Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art
1257 N. La Brea Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90038
323-969-0600 - www.carmichaelgallery.com

Join the author for complimentary caipirinhas provided by Leblon Cachaça, music and other surprises while enjoying the art of talented Brazilian artist Thais Beltrame.