When: Saturday, May 5, 2007
Where: The Highlands, 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
Music: DJ Rectangle
Cost: Cover is usually $20/person
Additional Info: Come celebrate Cinco De Mayo at The Highlands, located on the 4th Floor of the Hollywood & Highland Entertainment Complex. You must be 21 to enter and you should dress to impress. For guest list and bottle service, call 323-461-9800.
Opening to the public in December of 1996, the J. Paul Getty Museum houses an impressive collection of Western art dating back to the Middle Ages. Combined with remarkable architecture, lush gardens, and a spectacular view of the city, the Getty Museum provides a truly unique experience
Originally located in Malibu since 1974, the Getty Museum was moved to its current location in Brentwood; meanwhile, the Malibu location was renamed to Getty Villa. The current collection at the Getty Center includes European paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculpture and decorative arts, and European and American photographs.
Getting There
The Getty Center is easy to find and it’s really hard to miss once you get close. If you take the 405, you’ll want to take the Getty Center Dr exit. If the 405 is congested, and it normally is, you can exit onto Sepulveda Blvd which runs parallel to the freeway. Once you park your car, you’ll have to take a short shuttle/tram ride up to the Museum.
Cost
Admission to the Getty Center is free and no reservations are required. The only cost you’ll incur is $8 for parking.
One of the best places to go bike riding in Los Angeles is along the South Bay Bicycle Trail. The paved bike trail is 22 miles in length and spans from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance County Beach. You will run into a few sections where you will have to take the city streets, but they are pretty short in length. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own bike; you’ll have the opportunity to one from a plethora of shops along the way.
If you’re looking for other places to go bike riding in your area, check out the following page: Local Bike Riding Spots
When: Friday, May 4, 2006 from 10pm to 2am
Where: The Arsenal, 12012 Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Music: DJ Triumph
Cost: Free
Additional Info: The Arsenal is a fun neighborhood lounge/bar in West Los Angeles. There is no dress code and you must be 21 to enter. They offer valet parking but you can probably find a spot along Pico Blvd or a side street.
After undergoing a huge renovation, the Griffith Observatory reopened in late 2006. Located on the southern slope of Mt Hollywood, the Observatory first opened its doors to the public back in 1935; it was only the third Planetarium in the United States at the time. Since then, the Observatory has hosted tens of millions of visitors and has appeared in dozens of films - most notably, James Dean’s Rebel Without A Cause.
Closing for a long overdue renovation back in 2002 (67 years in the making), the Griffith Observatory reopened in November 2006. Four years and nearly $93 million dollars later, the Observatory was completely revamped and is now better than ever. Here are some of the changes/additions made:
Appearance: All elements of the building were completely renovated and restored to their original appearance.
Technology: The Observatory was fitted with state-of-the-art technology - including a new dome, star projector, digital laser projectors, and a sound system.
Size: Around 40,000 square feet of public space was added to the existing structure, including a multi-level exhibit, a new 200-seat theater, bookstore, and cafe.
Exhibits: The new program includes 60 brand new exhibits.
If you haven’t been to the Observatory for a while, well at least since the renovation began, you’ll notice that getting there has become a little more difficult.
Making Reservations / Purchasing Tickets:
With the overwhelming number of visitors coming to see the newly renovated Observatory, you will have to the make reservations on a timed-entry basis. You can make your reservation in one of three ways:
Make reservation online through the observatory website: Reservations
You can make your reservation over the phone with an operator by calling 1-888-695-0888. Lines are open from 8am to 6pm and you will need to provide them with your credit card information.
You can make your reservation in person at the Griffith Observatory Satellite Parking Lot (we’ll be discussing parking next).
Getting To The Observatory
You can no longer drive up to the Observatory so you'll have to park in a designated area and take a shuttle up there. Here are the locations:
You can enter the structure from either Orange Ave or Highland Blvd and the cost of parking is $2 for up to 4 hours (this cost is not included in the admission). All shuttles to the Observatory leave from the Orange Court – the far west side of the complex on Level 2.
Griffith Observatory Satellite Parking Lot
The lot is located just south of the Los Angeles Zoo in eastern Griffith Park. The address is 4800 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90027.
Cost
Admission to the Griffith Observatory has always been free, but in order to cover the cost of the new reservation and shuttle system, a small fee will be charged temporarily.
General Admission: $8
Children (5-12): $4
Children (4 years and under): Free
Seniors: $4
When: Thursday, May 3, 2007
Where: Day After Nightclub, 6757 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Music: DJ Mystere & DJ Wrex
Cost: Cover is usually $20/person
Additional Info: You must be 21 and over to enter and you should dress to impress. For guest list and bottle service, email upscaleentertainment [at] gmail.com.
On a Friday or Saturday night, Il Tramezzino is a great place to visit for a late night snack. If you’re tired of always eating the same thing after getting out of the bar or club, and you’re still ok to get behind the wheel, head over to Il Tramezzino for some great food and desserts. They have two locations in Los Angeles, one in Beverly Hills and another in Studio City, but the one in Beverly Hills is open till 4:00am on Friday and Saturday.
If you’re in the mood for something a little spicy and don’t mind the carbs, try the Penne Arrabiata. It’s a very simple dish; short tube pasta covered with a spicy sauce made from tomatoes, hot chilies, and garlic. If you don’t want to go the pasta route, I suggest going for one of their Panini Sandwiches; the most popular Sandwich is the Chicken Special (the first one on the menu). If you still have room for desert, try the chocolate croissant. A generous amount of Nutella chocolate is spread on the croissant and then grilled Panini style. You can also add bananas, strawberries, and other seasonal fruits as well.
If you visit the Beverly Hills location on a Friday or Saturday evening, you’ll notice that it looks a little like a nightclub outside. That’s because they employ a couple of bouncers, line you up against the wall (with a portable heater nearby), and even have a purple velvet rope. Don’t be shocked…it’s not a club. Just tell them how many people are in your party and it shouldn’t take too long.
It’s a little annoying having to wait behind a velvet rope to get a sandwich, but it’s worth it. If you’re really impatient (like me), take something to-go and walk across the street; there are some steps where you can sit down and enjoy your food. Just make sure to clean up after you’re done…there are tons of shiny trash bins all over the place (after all, it’s Beverly Hills).
When: Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Where: Citizen Smith, 1600 N Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
Additional Info: You’ll probably have a little trouble getting in without bottle service or if you’re not with a group of women. Dress to impress…so guys, leave the sneakers and hats at home. To make reservations, call 323-461-5001.
On a side note, Citizen Smith also serves some great comfort food…including a mouth watering Mac & Cheese dish. So if you don’t plan on attending for the nightlife, swing by some time for the food.
Citizen Smith
1600 N Cahuenga Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
Directions
Nestled along Sunset Blvd in the Pacific Palisades, Lake Shrine is an oasis from the busy and sometimes hectic lives we lead. Located only ¼ mile from PCH, you have probably driven past it countless times without even knowing it was there.
Each year, thousands of people head out to Lake Shrine to enjoy its beauty and serenity. Only ten-acres in size, the lake is home to Swans, Ducks, Koi, and a variety of plant life. On the lakes periphery, there a number of spots and benches where you can just sit down and take in the scenery. It’s a perfect place to enjoy with that special someone, or just a quiet place to reflect on things.
The admission and parking at Lake Shrine is free.
Located directly across the street from the Westside Pavilion along Pico Blvd, Apple Pan has been serving Los Angeles for decades. In fact, many will remember it as the Peach Pit in the first season of Beverly Hills 90210.
As you walk inside Apple Pan, the first thing you'll probably notice is that the u-shaped counter is completely full. You will also notice people standing along the walls waiting for a seat to open up. There is no seating system or wait list so just look around and be aware of who was there before you. Don’t be discouraged if there are a lot of people waiting, the service is really efficient and you will probably have a seat in 10 minutes or less.
The Service
Don't expect 5 star service when visiting Apple Pan - you won't get it. What you can expect is to be in and out of there as quickly as possible. As soon as you sit down you will be asked to order and your drinks will arrive about 30 seconds later. You’ll get your burger shortly after and then your check. It’s not warm and fuzzy, but it works.
The Food
The menu features 2 types of burgers, the Steak and Hickory. They also serve Tuna and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, but don’t come to Apple Pan for that. Regardless of which burger you choose, you won’t be disappointed…they are simply fantastic. The patty is thick and juicy, the lettuce is crisp, and the cheese is melted just right. If you have room after you finish eating, I highly recommend that you try the Apple Pie a la mode. Baked on the premises, the pies arrive warm, crisp, and oozing with filling.
The Cost
The cost of a burger at Apple Pan is on the pricey side. Expect to pay around $7 for a burger with cheese. Add fries and a drink to that, and you’ll easily hit the $12 mark.
As far as I’m concerned, Apple Pan serves the best hamburger in Los Angeles. Sure IN N’ OUT is great, especially for the price, but when you bite into a burger at Apple Pan…you’ll know the difference.
