Monday, June 30, 2014

Where to Holiday: 4th of July Weekend

Independence Day is right around the corner, and here are a few ways to bring in the holiday, whether it’s at the beach, at a pool, at a jazz festival or a soul dance party.

Check it the #WilsonsGuide Top 10 Independence Day in LA List!


10. 4th of July Block Party @ Grand Park
The Merriment: Coining itself as downtown’s biggest rooftop fireworks display, the Grand Park Block Party will have multiple stages with live entertainment in the afternoon and fireworks at night.

The Location: Downtown

The Vibes: Outdoors, musical, big crowds, lively, dancing

Good for: All ages

When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, 1 p.m. doors open; 4 p.m. live music begins; 9 p.m. fireworks start

The $ Factor: Free

Parking Situation: Options include Pershing Square, FIGat7TH (beginning at 4 p.m., you can get the $5 PARK + PLAY). Additional parking recommendations can be found at PARKME.COM. You can also take the Metro Red and Purple lines to PERSHING SQUARE STATION or the Gold Line to UNION STATION or LITTLE TOKYO/ARTS DISTRICT STATION.

The 4-1-1: Venture off to one of downtown’s newest parks for food vendors, live music and of course, fireworks. The ALTimate Main Stage and the SOULNIC Stage will feature musical performances by acts such as Brick + Mortar, Echosmith, DJ ALA, Tailwind Turner and Derrick Wize. Also, several eateries like the Grand Central Market, a #WilsonsGuide pick, are providing discounts before and after the party if you show a valid TAP card, Metro employee ID or LA County employee ID. Check the Grand Park website for more details, which also has an extensive list of what not to bring (including alcohol, water bottles with liquid and large coolers...make sure to read that carefully before going). And if you do attend, use the hashtag #GO4THDTLA for all your social media posts.

For more information: Website



9. SOULNIC at the 4th of July Block Party @ Grand Park
The Merriment: Part of the previously mentioned Grand Park Block Party, SOULNIC is the 4th annual summertime outdoor dance music event, presented by Extra Mild sauce, highlighting soulful house, deep house, disco and everything that’s the “soulful side of EDM/House music.”

The Location: Downtown

The Vibes: Funky, energetic, dance

Good for: Anyone who loves soul music

When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, starts at 4 p.m.

The $ Factor: Free

Parking Situation: Options include Pershing Square, FIGat7TH (beginning at 4 p.m., you can get the $5 PARK + PLAY). Additional parking recommendations can be found at PARKME.COM. You can also take the Metro Red and Purple lines to PERSHING SQUARE STATION or the Gold Line to UNION STATION or LITTLE TOKYO/ARTS DISTRICT STATION.

The 4-1-1: SOULNIC is technically part of this year’s Grand Park Block Party, but it’s actually been its own separate event for the past three years, previously held at Griffith Park. With the venue change comes DJ sets by Extra Mild Sauce residents Tailwind Turner, Drack Muse and Derrick Wize, and also from a special guest, DJ ALA. Comedian Deon Cole will be the host. And of course, stick around for the fireworks!

For more information: Website



8. Redondo Beach Seaside Lagoon Independence Day Celebration @ Redondo Beach
The Merriment: Water, sport and kids activities, music and fireworks in the Redondo Beach lagoon.

The Location: Redondo Beach

The Vibes: Outdoors, beach, packed, lively

Good for: Families, especially those with young children

When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, 2 – 9:30 p.m.

The $ Factor: $15 – $22 for individual tickets; $100 - $250 for tables of seats

Parking Situation: Nearby lots, including the Redondo Beach Marina, City Hall/Library lot, the Redondo Beach Pier parking structure and the Pier Plaza parking structure (some ticket packages include parking already).

The 4-1-1: Redondo Beach is providing a variety of active, hands-on experiences, including a Big Slide Obstacle course, a Beach Sports Piano Run, free paddleboard experiences and swimming in the lagoon. Music will be diverse, with an iPod playing, a DJ, a drum circle where everyone can participate and several performances from live bands. There’s also a lot of activities to keep the kiddies occupied, from traditional arts & crafts to an educational “Sounds Like Science Show” and the eighth annual Kids’ Parade. The night culminates with fireworks over the water; seating is available in tables and on the sand for the show.

For more information: Website



7. Special Target Sundays/Celebration with Fireworks @CAAM
The Merriment: Museum exhibits, a free concert and fireworks at the California African American Museum.

The Location: South Los Angeles

The Vibes: Cultural, informational, educational

Good for: All ages

When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, 11 a.m. – evening

The $ Factor: Free

Parking Situation: $10 in the lot adjacent to Fig and 29th. Or, take the Exposition Line and exit EXPO PARK/USC STATION.

The 4-1-1: One of L.A.’s most prominent museums, CAAM will be open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Currently, there are several exhibitions on display, including: Hands On Design and The March on Washington: A Tribute, 50 Years Later. At 6 p.m., CAAM’s outdoor Plaza Stage will feature a concert, and you can stick around to see the fireworks from Exposition Park that will start at dusk.

For more information: Website



6. Jazz on the Hill @ Norman O. Houston Park
The Merriment: Several prominent jazz musicians will be giving performances throughout the afternoon at this Baldwin Hills park.

The Location: Baldwin Hills/Ladera Heights/View Park

The Vibes: Outdoors, musical, parks & recreation

Good for: All Ages

When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, noon – 5 p.m.

The $ Factor: Free

Parking Situation: Shuttles will be bringing guests to and from the park in 20 minutes intervals from the free parking lots at the nearby Park Hills Community Church. Or, you can walk from the parking lots to the park; it’s about two blocks away.

The 4-1-1: Eighth District Councilmember Bernard C. Parks and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs are hosting this mellow afternoon of live jazz music. Expected to perform are Derf Relaw, Karen Briggs with Jazz in Pink and someone I personally think is quite amazing, Barbara Morrison. As of last week, sewage construction adjacent to the park has been going on for months, so let’s hope it’s finished in time for the event.

For more information: Website


5. 12th Annual Fireworks Spectacular @ Van Ness Park
The Merriment: “Family-friendly Independence Day festivities” featuring food trucks, activities for children and a fireworks show by Pyrospectaculars.
The Location: South Los Angeles

The Vibes: Outdoors, lively, parks & recreation

Good for: All Ages

When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, noon – 10 p.m.

The $ Factor: Free

Parking Situation: There are several shuttle parking pick up and drop off locations on W. Slauson Ave., Crenshaw Blvd. and Degnan Blvd. Shuttle service will run every 15 minutes, from noon – midnight.

The 4-1-1: Eighth District Councilmember Bernard C. Parks will be rather busy this Independence Day! While he’s hosting a jazz in the park event in the Baldwin Hills area, farther east in L.A., he’s also putting on this Fireworks Extravaganza along with the City of Los Angeles at Van Ness Park. He originally started this event 12 years ago to help prevent illegal firework activity in the city. Event partners include Unity One, Inc., the Regalettes and 94.7 Wave, which will have a DJ synchronize music along to the fireworks show. Fireworks will be produced by the same company producing the fireworks show at the Rose Bowl. This is the first year that Parks’ Fireworks Spectacular will be held at Van Ness Park; the previous 11 years, it’s been at other locations, including the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

For more information: Website


4. IndepenDANCE Pool Party @ The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
The Merriment: Poolside DJ sets

The Location: Hollywood

The Vibes: Lounge, pool, outdoors

Good for: 21+

When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, noon – 8 p.m.

The $ Factor: $40

Parking Situation: Valet parking is available at the hotel; there’s also limited street parking and a nearby parking structure across the street.

The 4-1-1: If stereotypical 4th of July festivities like BBQs, the beach and fireworks aren’t really your thing, head to a #WilsonsGuide favorite, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel for a poolside function featuring rotating DJs throughout the afternoon. Headlining the party is Mark Farina and there will be other acts, including Anthony Shah, Shanto and David Bullock.

For more information: Website



3. A Stones Throw Picnic @ Grand Performances
The Merriment: An outdoor concert, voter registration and vinyl records "Beat Swap Meet" at the California Plaza.

The Location: Downtown

The Vibes: Eclectic, outdoors, musically vibrant

Good for: All ages, music-lovers

When-To-Go: Saturday, July 5, doors open at 5 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m.

The $ Factor: Free

Parking Situation: $7.50 cash-only at the Cal Plaza parking structure, beginning 90 minutes prior to the 7 p.m. show time.

The 4-1-1: Let the celebrations continue the day after 4th of July with a special appearance of Stones Throw Records Label artists Peanut Butter Wolf, Madlib, DâM-FunK, the Lions and others at the Cal Plaza’s Grand Performances. Arguably one of the most significant labels to come out of L.A., Stones Throw Records has a track record of having represented many industry game changers and trailblazers, including Madlib (a.k.a. Quasimoto), Aloe Blacc and the late J Dilla. This year marks the record label’s 10th anniversary and this special set is part of the 28th annual Grand Performances at Cal Plaza that will run until September.

For more information: Website



2. Independence Day Weekend @ Battleship Iowa
The Merriment: Three days of Independence Day festivities on a U.S. navy warship.

The Location: South Bay

The Vibes: Informational, patriotic, outdoors

Good for: All Ages

When-To-Go: Friday, July 4 – Sunday, July 6

The $ Factor: Single day tickets range from $7 – $15

Parking Situation: Park at the Port of Los Angeles lot, $2 per hour.

The 4-1-1: Experience what this holiday is really all about by going onboard a massive battleship that’s been involved in three wars—World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War—and is one of only four open museum ships stationed on the West Coast. Take a historic tour to learn about the ship’s legacy of defending the U.S., and also try your luck on the obstacle course. Food and drinks are an additional cost at the All American BBQ and Beer Garden, and there will also be live entertainment.

For more information: Website



1. AMERICAFEST @ The Rose Bowl Stadium
The Merriment: The Rose Bowl’s 88th time celebrating Independence Day.

The Location: Pasadena

The Vibes: Massive, impressive, grand, outdoors, the ultimate fireworks show of all shows.

Good for: All ages

When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, 2 – 9 p.m.

The $ Factor: $13 - $25, depending on seating location in the stadium; veterans and up to three of their guests receive complimentary admission.

Parking Situation: Parking at the stadium is available in advance for $20 and for $25 on actual event day.

The 4-1-1: The Rose Bowl has one of the largest fireworks productions in the L.A. region, produced by Pyro Spectaculars by Souza. Doors technically open at 2 p.m., but most of the action doesn’t start until later, around 7 p.m. That’s when you can expect to see motorcycle stunts and the Liverpool Legends and Ian Thomas take the stage. And, the grand finale, the fireworks show is at 9 p.m. For an additional fee of $8-$10, you can take guided tours of the stadium between 2:30 and 6:30 p.m.

For more information: Website

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Where to Eat: The 4th Annual Summer Beer Garden @ CHAYA Downtown


The Eats + Drinks: A special menu for the patio, lounge and bar areas featuring Japanese-style BBQ small plates, beers and cocktails

The Location: Downtown

The Vibes: Outdoors, cultural, festive, colorful, bustling

When-To-Go: Now until Friday, August 29, 2014, Monday – Friday, 4 p.m. – close

The $ Factor: Drinks $4-$18; Food $1-$14

The Names Behind the Scene: Executive Chef Kenjo Atsushi

The 4-1-1: CHAYA Downtown is part of a larger restaurant group consisting of locations throughout California and Japan. The group is operated by the Tsunoda family, who’s been in the restaurant business for more than 400 years.

Parking: Four hours free parking in an underground structure; $7 afterwards. Entrance off Flower St.

I’ll Be Back…: For the Tokyo Mule and the Grilled Sweet Corn!


Every summer for the past several years, CHAYA Downtown has converted its outdoor patio into a Summer Beer Garden, with bright, colorful lanterns and strings of glittering lights hanging high in the trees above, a traditional Yakitori grill festively placed in a corner (pictured below) and Japanese-inspired small plates, cocktails and beers available to enjoy.



As I had tremendously enjoyed the 2nd Annual Summer Beer Garden, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to return this year.

Arriving on CHAYA’s “Beer Garden” patio, I immediately noticed some elements have remained the same: the large pitcher of sangria welcomingly perched on the outdoor bar, two of my favorite items on the menu (more on that later)…yet there were definitely some new aspects to appreciate as well.

Take for instance, the Boozy Sno Cones. They're basically a grown-up version of a childhood favorite for many—the snow cone: ice compactly packed into a cone-shaped paper cup with flavored syrup drizzled over on top and soaked into the ice. New for this season of the Beer Garden, these Sno Cones conveniently come in an orange holder (so that you don’t have to hold it all night and your hands won’t get sticky) and a small wooden spoon (so you don’t have to lick the ice like you’re a 10-year-old kid either, unless, of course, you want to). Choose mango, sweet ginger, cherry or calpico yogurt as flavors.


Also, there are now five special cocktails created in honor of five countries (the U.S., Mexico, Spain, Brazil and Argentina) playing in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Made exclusively with the Brazilian açaí liqueur VeeV, they will be available until the series ends, on Sunday, July 13.

More new cocktails include: the Two Tone Melon “Nama,” made with Kirin beer and melon liqueur featuring two layers of different colors for an aesthetically pleasing beverage; the Bloody Maru, with bloody mary mix and soju; the Perfect Hibiki Manhattan, made with a special 12-year-old whisky and bourbon-rhubarb bitters; and my new favorite, the Tokyo Mule, a creative twist on the traditional Moscow Mule, made with two different sakes, fresh blackberries and a housemade sweet ‘n’ sour (pictured below). While bursting with rich, fruity flavors, it's still very light and refreshing, making it a fantastic seasonal beverage. 



As for food, CHAYA has added quite a few new, inventive dishes as well, with a strong emphasis on seafood. The restaurant recently introduced its Kaisen menu, consisting of seafood from local areas and also flown in from Japan. Although the Kaisen menu is technically only part of CHAYA’s dinner menu, its Oysters hailing from Baja California are available on the Summer Beer Garden menu. Served chilled, they are large and crisp, with faint hints of saltwater and a lingering sweetness. For $1 each, they're a great steal. Additional seafood dishes on the Summer Beer Garden menu are the Fish Tacos, topped with creamy guacamole, crunchy lettuce and served with a flavorful salsa, and the Baked Oyster “Sriracha Dote-yaki,” with warm oysters and scallops covered in a tangy, brown sauce, pictured below.



Another new, intriguing item that caught my attention is the Soy Glazed Chicken Tsukune. A neatly contained poached egg sits on top a round mound of chicken (similar to a chicken patty, but 1,000 times better!). 



Yet even with all of the new additions to the menu, fortunately, several staples have returned. This includes the main feature on the menu, the Kushiyaki: skewered or grilled food items that come directly from the Yakitori grill. There are five skewers to choose from and you can pick one, mix and match a few, or select all (which I recommend). They include my favorite—sweetly delicious bacon-wrapped dates—and also chicken covered in a creamy orange sauce, beef tongue, beef and glazed mushrooms.



Another one of my absolute favorites, the Grilled Sweet Corn, has also returned! It’s CHAYA’s version of the popular Mexican Elote dish, with feta cheese, a creamy jalapeno aioli and intense spices served on top of crunchy, sweet corn that’s still attached to its husk.



It’s great to see the Summer Beer Garden going strong in its fourth year, and it’s most certainly a pleasure to see how many new and returning items there are to choose from. So the next time you’re in the mood to leisurely dine on a shaded patio, with a great selection of Japanese-inspired cocktails and small plates, I recommend heading over to the Summer Beer Garden. But don’t wait too long; it’s only here for a few more months.

See you there soon!

For more information:



Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Where to Holiday: Father’s Day 2014

Whether it’s running a marathon, brunching, sending him on a mini-vacation or taking him to an auto show, make sure to give your favorite father figure lots of love on Father’s Day. Or, if you’re a daddy yourself, make sure you get to do what you want to do for the day!

I’ve compiled a list of 10 different ideas to help make this Father’s Day one that’s never forgotten, no matter the budget, time frame or location. Many #WilsonsGuide favorites—places that I’ve already recommended and written about on my blog—have made the list, and I’ve also caught word about a few other new locations that definitely are worth checking out.

So read on, and let me know where you end up going!



10. “Bourbon and BBQ” @ CHAYA Downtown
The Eats + Drinks: A four-course, prix-fixe menu and select bourbon and beer options.

The Location: Downtown

The Vibes: Upscale, casually elegant

When-To-Go: Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15, starting at 5 p.m.

The $ Factor: $27 for the prix-fixe menu; bourbon and beer pricing varies.

The 4-1-1: A past #WilsonsGuide selection, CHAYA Downtown’s prix-fixe menu will feature the Whisky Marinated Chicken “Tsukune” & Shrimp Brochette with chipotle bourbon sauce and summer squash. If you’ll be on the Westside, CHAYA Venice and CHAYA Beverly Hills are adding BBQ-inspired dishes to their regular dinner menu, including the Grilled Harissa Chili Marinated Beef Rib with grilled organic corn and the Coffee Rubbed BBQ Kentucky Pork Riblettes with South American yucca fries. Bourbon and beer specials will be available at all three CHAYA locations.
Website



9. “100 Years of Horsepower” @ The Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance
The Merriment: The ultimate automotive experience, featuring scores of luxury cars prominently displayed on Rodeo Drive.

The Location: Beverly Hills

The Vibes: Outdoors, automotive, large crowds, open to the public

When-To-Go: Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15

The $ Factor: Free

The 4-1-1: The Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance is an annual event that has taken place on Father’s Day for the past 21 years. For 2014, it’s recognizing Beverly Hills’ centennial with the theme “100 Years of Horsepower,” specifically showcasing luxury cars from the past century, including cars that have been owned by Hollywood household names like Fred Astaire and Howard Hughes, and ones that have made appearances in films like An American in Paris and TV shows like “Entourage.” From the widely recognized Wells Fargo Wagon to celebrities’ personal cars and Maserati’s new GT MC Centennial Edition Model, which will be revealed for the first time in honor of the carmaker’s 100-year anniversary, there’s plenty to see.
Website 



8. A Grill-Focused Brunch Buffet @ Napa Valley Grille
The Eats: A brunch buffet with an emphasis on grilled meats and artisan sausages, including Lamb Merguez (pictured above), Venison and Blueberry, and Wild Boar and Cranberry.

The Location: Westwood

The Vibes: Rustic, wine-centric, classic, timeless

When-To-Go: Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The $ Factor: Adults-$48 adult, Children-$19 (an additional $15 for bottomless mimosas)

The 4-1-1: Meat-lovers, rejoice. A #WilsonsGuide selection, Napa Valley Grille, will be cranking up the grill this Father’s Day, with roasted prime sirloin, bratwurst and andouille, and a variety of artisan sausages. Other brunch options include made-to-order omelets, seafood, a Spring Grilled Vegetable Salad, Steak Hash with Poached Eggs and Marinated Grilled Natural Salmon. What’s nice about this restaurant is how accommodating they are to all group sizes; it has a variety of charming nooks and crannies to dine in and also a fantastic outdoor patio to enjoy the summer weather.
Website



7. The Second Annual Father’s Day CollaBREWtive Brunch @ Tiato
The Eats + Drinks: Libations creatively made with coffee and beer along with food stations manned by some of the city’s most prominent chefs.

The Location: Santa Monica

The Vibes: Culinary forward and adventurous, outdoors

When-To-Go: Saturday, June 14, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The $ Factor: $30 for Children, $65 for GA and $90 for VIP

The 4-1-1: Firestone Walker Brewing Co. and Food GPS are presenting the ultimate day of sampling. Local breweries have paired up with coffee roasters to create unique beverages, such as "Rice & Beans," a beer inspired by coffee-infused horchata from The Bruery and Tierra Mia Coffee, and the "Bourbon and Bliss,” a bourbon barrel aged Standard Crude American Imperial Stout with espresso, made by the El Segundo Brewing Co. and LAMILL Coffee. There will be multiple food stations where chefs are offering their twists on traditional brunch items; for example, Ernesto Uchimura of Plan Check will be making the Mancake Plate—silver dollar beer pancakes with bacon, maple glazed smoked heritage pork sausage and sunny fried quail egg. You can check out all of the food and beverages options for the day in advance, on the website. A portion of event proceeds will be donated to Food Forward, an organization that gives fresh local produce to local food pantries.
6. The Santa Monica Festival @ Clover Park 
The Merriment: An annual outdoor festival for all ages to enjoy, featuring live music, performing arts performances, cooking demos and more.

The Location: Santa Monica

The Vibes: Family-friendly, festive, large, outdoors, diverse

When-To-Go: Saturday, June 14, 10:40 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The $ Factor: Free

The 4-1-1: The 23rd annual Santa Monica Festival will take place the Saturday prior to Father’s Day. Similar to previous years it will feature tons of things to do, from kid-friendly activities like a Fun Flash Mob to art-centric activities, including a Drum Circle and a bluegrass band concert. And in case you need to purchase any last-minute gifts for dads, uncles, brothers, etc., make sure to check out the festival’s onsite marketplace.
Website


5. The Three-Course Prix-Fixe Menu @ Fig & Olive, Melrose Place
The Eats: Seasonally driven, French Riviera-inspired cuisine.

The Location: West Hollywood

The Vibes: Airy, Mediterranean, light, upscale

When-To-Go: Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15; brunch (12 – 3 p.m.) and dinner (6 – 10 p.m.); dinner wine pairings available for an additional $25.

The $ Factor: Brunch-$40; Dinner-$52

The 4-1-1: Here’s another #WilsonsGuide favorite, which doesn't just appear to be a top choice for me, but is also one for President Barack Obama, President Bill Clinton and singer Julio Iglesias, as they’ve all allegedly dined here as well. For Father's Day, Fig & Olive rolling out a brunch that will include Beef Tartar; Crab Cake Eggs Benedict with Tomato Paprika Hollandaise Sauce; and Petit Filet Mignon with haricot vert, caramelized shallot and chive mashed potato. For dinner, Fig & Olive will offer a Primavera Lobster Risotto with asparagus, caramelized carrots and baby zucchini; Seared Yellowfin Tuna A La Provencale with ayala spice, heirloom potato and eggplant caviar; and a 21 Day Dry-Aged Sirloin with confit heirloom potato and red wine cremini mushroom. Also, Fig & Olive Newport Beach will offer a three-course prix-fixe brunch and dinner, with different menu options.
Website



4. Father's Day Lunch and Dinner @ Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro
The Eats + Drinks: Steaks and craft beer.

The Location: Mid-City

The Vibes: European bistro meets traditional American steakhouse

When-To-Go: Father's Day, Sunday, June 15, 10 a.m. – midnight

The $ Factor: $46

The 4-1-1: If Dad is a meat-and-potatoes guy, take him to Morels to get a Bone In New York Sirloin 20oz. with Baby Carrots, Potato Puree and Sauce Bordelaise. This cut will be paired with the Anchor Steam “California Lager” craft beer. Located at The Grove, Morels has a great outdoor patio to people-watch and experience the hustle and bustle of one of L.A.’s most sought-out shopping centers.
Website



3. A Better World Running’s Father's Day 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon and Marathon @ Woodley Park
The Merriment: Timed runs on an open course.

The Location: The Valley

The Vibes: Promoting healthy lifestyles in a fun, casual manner

When-To-Go: Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15; registration opens at 6 a.m. and races start at 7 a.m. (except for the marathon, which starts at 6:15 a.m.).

The $ Factor: $19.49 – $43.99, depending on which race you participate in. You can also run for free if you, a family member or a friend serves as a volunteer.

The 4-1-1: Help ensure that Dad lives a long and healthy life by getting some early Father’s Day morning exercise in! The organizers of the event, A Better World Running, are advertising the race as very casual and informal, with an emphasis on getting outside and having a good time running, rather than intensely competing. Register in advance or onsite the day of the races. All runners will receive medals, "goodies," snacks and water.
Website



2. The Arizona Diamondbacks vs. The Los Angeles Dodgers @ Dodger Stadium
The Merriment: A classic American pastime and an L.A. favorite: a baseball game.

The Location: The Eastside

The Vibes: Outdoors, sporting event

When-To-Go: Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15; game time 1:10 p.m.

The $ Factor: $25 and up

The 4-1-1: Why not take Dad out to a traditional pastime that millions of Americans have gone to for decades? The Dodgers have already won the majority of games of against their rival, the Diamondbacks, in this National League West matchup, so hopefully, they’ll pull another victory at this game, too. Complimentary Father’s Day Sports Day bags will be given out.
Website


1. The Father’s Day Package @ The Orlando Hotel
The Merriment: A one-night stay in a Standard King Bed Room, dinner or brunch at The Churchill and a “Gentleman’s Hair Cut and Proper Shave” at Proper Barbershop, nearby, on Third Street. 

The Location: Mid-city

The Vibes: Boutique

When-To-Go: Father’s Day weekend

The $ Factor: $339

The 4-1-1: Spoil that special man in your life rotten by letting him have a mini-vacation in the city, with a stay at this boutique hotel that’s on the corner of Orlando and Third Street, right in the middle of the bustling dining and shopping district “West 3rd Street,” and a few feet away from the Beverly Center. Surprise, surprise--The Churchill is another #WilsonsGuide restaurant that comes highly recommended, with seasonal American dishes that he'll hopefully enjoy. It's located right in The Orlando Hotel, so he won't have to go far for dinner or brunch. And, a visit to Proper Barbershop will have him looking dapper for Father's Day and beyond.
Website