EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LOS ANGELES
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NYE @ The Kress!

Call (323) 785-5000 or click the title link to purchase tickets! Need more info on The Kress? Click here
Ciao! Kandyce♥

Gyenari- New to Culver City's Restaurant Row!

Gyenari, (pronounced jin-ar-ee) joined Culver City’s restaurant row as the newest culinary resident, offering guests sophisticated Korean BBQ cuisine and innovative California-inspired creations. Set within a chic, contemporary space, Gyenari is a destination for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, tempting locals and visitors alike with an accessible menu of high-quality meat, organic, vegan, and vegetarian selections, as well as inventive cocktails. Location? Logistics? 9540 Culver Blvd. in Culver City. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 5-10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m.-midnight. Happy Hour is available Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. And, most importantly....Valet parking is available. Want more? Click here. ~Candice

Soweto Gospel Choir

Check out the Soweto Gospel Choir to keep the holiday spirit going at the Walt Disney Concert Hall located at 111 S. Grande Avenue in Los Angeles tomorrow at 8pm. Admission is $24-$71. This awe-inspiring ensemble from South Africa brings a program of traditional African and gospel music, plus Christmas classics infused with their spiritual message. Call (323) 850-2000 or click the title link for more info. Ciao! Kan♥

New to L.A. Market: West Adams Affordable Home!!

Listed by Curbed, L.A., looking over this home at 2159 West 29th Place that's listed for $335,000, there are plenty of things to like: the back yard, the porch, a good-looking fireplace, and those kitchen windows. On the downside, that kitchen may need some help. Here's what the listing says: "Gorgeous Craftsman Style home located in desirable West Adams District. Property features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths + Den which could be used as 4th bedroom. Recent upgrades include: New Kitchen Cabinets, Granite Counter top, Newer roof, Newer windows, New Interior and Exterior paint, Ceramic flooring & walls in bathroom and New carpet." Here's the one question mark: This property sold in March of this year for $464,000. And it's not a foreclosure or short sale, according to the listing agent. Hmmm, click here to check it out anyway. ~Candice :)

The Flu Shot @ West

Now here's a fitting drink for the season. Hotel Angeleno's penthouse restaurant, West, is reminding people that it's that time of the year again: The Flu Shot, created by bar manager James Politis, is a refreshing dose of citrus and fruity flavors (Ketel One Citroen Vodka, lemon juice, Chambord black raspberry liquor and a sugar rim) to get the taste buds tingling and ward off that inevitable winter cold. I'll be there this weekend for my shot. Hotel Angeleno is located at 170 N Church Ln where Sunset Blvd meets the 405.
Ciao!
Kan ♥

7 POUNDS Movie Premiere Mann Village, Westwood

Yet another fabulous movie premiere at the Mann Village theater in Westwood, last night. Within days of its highly anticipated debut in US theaters, the "7 Pounds" cast; Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy (swoon) and other A-listers; Gabby Union and Sanaa Lathan (guess they're bff's now), Isaiah Washington, Kevin James, Taye Diggs, Tyrese, Chaka Khan and others all strolled, posed, primped and named-dropped designers on the xmas red carpet. "7 Pounds" follows suicidal IRS agent's attempt to redeem himself by changing the lives of seven strangers, which doesn't turn up to be what he expects. Still vague? Hit the theaters this weekend and get your tickets early. Check the flicks here. ~Can

Get Warmed Up at The Peninsula

Seeing as though it's 47 degrees, I think we all need a little something to warm us up. And when a simple cocoa just can't do the trick and you need something with a little more kick, head to The Peninsula for the amaretto hot chocolate. It's spiked with sweet almond-flavored liqueur and the nuttiness pairs deliciously with the velvety chocolate. Both a cocoa and a cocktail, it's the perfect drink to cozy up with on a cold Los Angeles day. For the under-21 crowd, they also offer traditional and peppermint hot chocolate, garnished with mint and a candy cane. The Peninsula is located at 9882 S Santa Monica Blvd in Beverly Hills. Enjoy one of their fabulous suites while you're there.
♥KandyKane

Trader Joe's : Westwood

UCLA students and Westwood and Brentwood cruisers have a spanking new Trader Joe's , at 1000 Glendon Avenue in Westwood Village, open daily from 9am-9pm. Check it out! ~Candice

101 Freeway Shooting, Bentley Riddled with Bullets...

Police are still trying to determine who shot a man driving a Bentley this morning on the northbound 101 Freeway, leaving the victim in critical condition and jamming traffic during the morning commute and beyond. All lanes of the northbound 101 Freeway and the Interstate 5 and Interstate 10 connectors were reopened by 11:43 a.m. after being closed for nearly eight hours while authorities conducted an investigation. Police found the driver slumped over his steering wheel with gunshot wounds about 3:30 a.m. near the Aliso Street exit. There were multiple bullet holes in the passenger door and window of the Bentley. Police said the shots probably were fired from another car. Detectives found several bullet casings along the freeway, near the Mission Road exit. There were no known witnesses to the shooting, but motorists did stop to aid the driver after he struck the median, thinking he was a drunk driver. No weapon, illicit drugs or other illegal items were found in the car, and detectives were trying to determine whether the shooting was related to drugs, gangs or road rage. If you have any information on this tragedy, please contact the Downtown Los Angeles Police Dept. See article here. ~Can

Farmer's Markets

Since a lot of us are on a healthy kick these days, let's keep the farmer's market alive! You can get the freshest fruits and vegetables, baked goods, cheeses, and other delectable goodies at Los Angeles County Farmers Markets. All Certified Farmers Markets (CFM’s) are “the real thing,” where genuine farmers sell their crops directly to the public.
But food isn’t the only great thing at a Farmers Market! Many markets sell unique work by local artisans, host kid activities, and provide entertainment. For a quick lunch or a leisurely shopping stroll, visit a Farmers Markets today! Farmers Markets by Day of the Week: • MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
My favorite? El Segundo Farmers Market on Grand and Eucalyptus every Thursday 3PM - 7PM. See ya there!

Ciao! Kan♥

No More PET LOVE @ Beverly Center

For 15 years, Pet Love has been a fixture in the busy Beverly Center mall, its brightly lighted interior showcasing furry puppies for sale behind glass-walled kennels. But for the last six months, the sixth-floor pet store has been targeted by the Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal rescue and welfare organization that is waging a campaign to get Los Angeles pet shops to stop selling animals born in what the group calls inhumane puppy mills, LA Times reports.
On Tuesday, it appeared that pressure from the group was forcing Pet Love to leave the upscale mall. At a news conference near the mall Tuesday, Best Friends official Elizabeth Oreck said that the Beverly Center would terminate the lease of Pet Love at the end of January.
Best Friends officials charge that Pet Love's puppies come from puppy mills -- factory-like settings where animals are bred too frequently, are poorly cared for, and are allowed to grow sick. Most animal welfare groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, contend that the vast majority of pet stores get their dogs from puppy mills.
Wow, for more on this educational campaign, click here.
In the meantime, I wonder what will happen to the existing puppies in the store....hopefully they will find homes for the holidays.
Can :(

Kezha Hatier Jewelry Trunk Show and Cocktail Reception

December 10, 2008 from 10:00 am-8:00 pm 10:00 am-4:00 pm Press Preview and Trunk Show 4:00 pm-8:00 pm Cocktail Reception at Happy L.A. located at 542 1/2 Palisades Drive in Pacific Palisades (310) 454-3080 Admission is free! Meet the designer, Kezha Hatier, and get the first look at her latest collection. Enjoy cocktails and be the first to shop the new Spring 2009 pieces. Visit Happy L.A. online. Ciao! Kan♥

Aint Nothing Like That Southern Charm

South is becoming the hottest spot in Santa Monica. It's perfect for an early dinner with the family or a late night cocktail and appetizer with friends. Sip on a voodoo brew and chat with strangers at the long wood bar or on the large outdoor patio overlooking Wilshire Boulevard, or for a more intimate setting, reserve one of the private rooms. Enjoy the latest sporting events on flat screens while the DJ plays pop and Southern Rock. Though it's much more about the scene than the food, the menu is not to be looked over, with crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, fried okra, barbecued chicken, and creamy mac-and-cheese. Specialty drinks, which are very potent and should be ordered in a Mason jar for added Southern flair, include a classic mint julep, Lynchburg lemonade and South's own voodoo brew, which is served in a fish bowl and comes with multiple straws.
Happy hour takes place from 3pm to 8pm every day and features $3 drafts, $5 well drinks, $10 pitchers and half off selected appetizers. After 9pm, it's 21 and over. To avoid waiting in a long line, arrive before 10pm on weekends.
Check out South's calendar to learn more about weekly activities such as Southern Style Karaoke, Bingo, Trivia and BBQ Night. While there's no dress code, this is definitely a hook-up scene. Dress to impress. (The owners are even hot!) SOUTH is located at 3001 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica. Click the title link or call (310) 584-7731 for more info.
Click here for a Free Appetizer!!! Don't say we never gave you anything ;)
♥ Kan

rush to...RUSH Street, Culver City

Okay, so maybe not rush because I never run to be honest. But walk swiftly to Rush Street’s bar and lounge in the heart of Downtown Culver City’s nightlife. Rush Street faces Washington Blvd and can be recognized by its signature extensive outdoor patio and rustic Chicago-esque feel. So, because the only thing I love more than L.A. are the people in it, I’ll give you the pros AND cons of dragging your party of 5 down there. With a pretty hot dj and the city’s only rooftop patio, you can groove indoor and outdoor. Also, the Upstairs has its own bar and private back room available for events and private parties. More? There is also a stripper pole for random play attached to the floor of the lounge area of the Upstairs (amateur strippers need not apply). And for the clencher…, there is absolutely and I mean absolutely NOOOO parking issues. Now if you’re anything like me, this alone would have sold me. Aren’t you tired of playing Russian roulette with your car- parking it in overpriced Hollywood or Downtown parking lots just to get a piece of the night life and maybe even a chocolate martini?? Aren’t you just as cynical as me and wished you had a small video camera in your car hoping that you’ll catch valet slipping and stealing change from your ash tray? Park like a normal person at one of the plethora of meters that has free parking after 6pm (no district permit required). Need I continue? Downtown Culver City is also a virtually untapped resource (besides the teeny-boppers from the near by Coldstones…) I must warn you, there is one and only one CON. Culver City PD!!!!! These jokers ARE NOT and I mean ARE NOT to be fooled with. They are as timely as a shopaholic is to Black Friday. They show up promptly at 1am and wait for foolish people who think public intoxication is not to be taken seriously. Lunch plans? My choice? Try the grilled steak salad, it takes a simple salad to a new heights. Rush Street 9546 Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232 Happy Hour M-F 4:30p-7pm. ☺ Love, Can

Lindsay Lohan at the Grove!

MEET DESIGNER LINDSAY LOHAN AT NORDSTROM AT THE GROVE Monday, December 8th, 6pm - 8pm. Receive a complimentary ticket to meet designer Lindsay Lohan with your 6126 leggings purchase of $150 or more at Nordstrom at The Grove located on Savvy on 2. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Women's Cancer Research Institute by 6126. Photo identification may be needed at the time of check-in. Limited space available. Check-in will begin at 5pm. For more information contact Nordstrom at 323.900.1360 or Concierge Services at 323.900.8080 or click the title link. Ciao! Kan♥

W HOLLYWOOD Hotel & Residences!

Listed by our apartment therapy enthusiasts, many people aspire to have their bedrooms feel like a hotel room, (at least the bed!) Well now, if you happen to have the right amount of moola$, you can own one! The W hotel chain (my fav, by the way) have recently launched their W Hollywood Hotel & Residences website. You can currently submit your information to be the first to own. It will be their 5th hotel/residence property, and will be located at Hollywood & Vine, with approximately 305 rooms and 143 condo/residences. If you own one of these condos, you'll have access to the hotels facilities, including room-service, housekeeping, and concierge services. Oooh la la.
Covered by Curbed Los Angeles, the W Hollywood Hotel & Residences celebrated the completion of vertical construction with a topping out ceremony, an event that brought out politicians including Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and City Councilman Eric Garcetti, both of whom mentioned the transportation element (it's above the Red Line) to this mega-development at Hollywood and Vine. I assume Hollywood was getting nervous with lots of traffic heading downtown....hmmm.

~Can.

Yummy Takumi

At this downtown Los Angeles sushi spot, the fish is always fresh and the rolls are bountiful. Takumi Restaurant boasts a wide selection of reasonably priced handrolls and various Japanese appetizers with the quality and service of any upscale sushi bar. The new downtown Sushi spot is open and the specials makes Takumi Restaurant a great choice for a business lunch or after work get-together. This black-white-and-red restaurant offers passers-by a hip dining space with red window panels, zebra wood chairs, dark wood floors and modern paintings. They serve upscale Japanese fare with clever twists, including thick yellowtail carpaccio with jalapeno peppers, a tuna margarita served in a large martini glass with spicy avocado cream and deep fried spicy tuna tempura. The grilled salmon teriyaki is wonderful, and the sake list features an array of options. The lunch box is a great deal for $12.50, and features assorted tempura, premium sashimi, grilled mackerel and chicken teriyaki. Park across the street behind the Pinkberry: $3 flat rate weekdays after 6pm, and $3 all day on Saturday and Sunday. Takumi is open daily from 11am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm. Takumi is located at 333 E 2nd St in Little Tokyo. Call (213) 626-1793 or click the title link for more info. ♥ Kan

L.A. Live "Light of the Angels" Holiday Show!

L.A. Live, the $2.5 billion entertainment complex rising next to Staples Center, is home to the Nokia Theatre, the GRAMMY Museum, Club Nokia, Conga Room, Lucky Strike, ESPN Zone, New Zealand Natural Ice Cream, The Farm of Beverly Hills, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, Lawry's Carvery, Yard House and Rock'N Fish. Coming in 2009 are Katsuya, Rosa Mexicana, Trader Vic's, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill and Regal Cinemas.
Detailed by our downtown bloggers, the L.A. Live complex is abuzz this week, with restaurant openings, a GRAMMY nomination show, the unveiling of the GRAMMY Museum and the holiday show kickoff. The rumor around South Park is that Britney Spears will be on hand to kick off "Light of the Angels," L.A. Live's holiday multi-media show, on Thursday, 12/4/8. Each hour on the hour from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. during the Christmas season, "Light of the Angels" plays its seven-minute program, harnessing the power of more than 1 million lights to create a spectacle of light and music in the L.A. Live courtyard. UPDATE: The press release for tonight's event says a "SURPRISE CELEBRITY SUPERSTAR" will be appearing, along with USC football coach Pete Carroll, Adam Carolla and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Hmm, wondering if this surprise guest is Britney Spears? Spears' rumored appearance would make perfect sense. The singer is getting set to kick off a tour produced by AEG Live, the giant company's live entertainment arm. That tour kicks off in March of 2009. Yaay!
Bundle up to bear the freezing (ok not freezing) Cali weather, I'll be in the earmuffs!
~Candice

Party Tonight at Les Deux!

Les Deux is located at 1638 North Las Palmas Ave in LA. For table reservations, call (323) 462-7674. ♥ Kan

Custo Barcelona Opens at the Grove

CUSTO BARCELONA NOW OPEN AT THE GROVE!
Custo Barcelona is now open at The Grove in Los Angeles. Shop for innovative, bold looks for men and women. Located on Bow Street, next to The Whisper Restaurant and Lounge.
For more information about this new and exciting store, contact Custo Barcelona at 323.932.1971 or Concierge Services at The Grove at 323.900.8080.
P.S. I looove, love this store!
~Candice

FlyPoet Spoken Word & Music Showcase

First and foremost, $5 Martini's before 8pm !

Be moved and entertained by some of the best spokenword Poets, amazing live music, and incredible performance art, Wed, 12/3/8@ 8pm sharp. Featuring, Miki Howard, Amanda Dumas, Ainsley Burrows, Oveous Maximus, Thea Monyee and Norton Wisdom. Obviously this is not your neighborhood open mic, prepare to be entertained.

Tickets $15, Savoy Entertainment Center
214 S. La Brea Ave. Inglewood, CA
~Candice

Dancing With The Stars...The Tour!

Dancing with the Stars, ABC’s #1-rated reality-competition program is hitting the road this winter and bringing an entirely new cast of celebrities and professional dancers to 37 cities throughout North America. The fourth Dancing with the Stars tour features an entirely new ensemble of the most popular and exciting competitors from the hit ABC show, including celebrities Lance Bass, Toni Braxton and Maurice Greene from Season 7, as well as Marlee Matlin from Season 6. Joining the celebrities on tour will be dancers Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Mark Ballas and Derek Hough, Kym Johnson, Lacey Schwimmer, Edyta Sliwinska, Karina Smirnoff and Fabien Sanchez. The two-hour show features a larger-than-life recreation of the TV show’s actual stage and set design – complete with intimate, cabaret-style VIP table seating on the floor – that puts fans in the center of the action. In addition, the cast will be accompanied by an unstoppable ten-piece live band, performing all of the much-loved hits featured on the TV show as well as popular hits to accompany the new production numbers - produced exclusively for the tour. The production will also feature two huge High Definition video screens showcasing never-before-seen rehearsal footage, exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews and outtakes, as well as many surprise extras. DWTS The Tour hits L.A. on December 27, 2008 at 7:30 PM at Staples Center (1111 S. Figueroa St. in Downtown Los Angeles) Admission is as follows: TABLES: $225.00 LOWER LEVEL LOGE: $49.50 - $125.00 LOWER LEVEL PREMIER: $65.00 UPPER CONCOURSE: $49.50 Click the title link to get your tickets. Act soon. These tickets will go quickly! ♥ Kan

The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!!

"The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night" takes place this Wednesday, Dec. 3, at NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE (777 Chick Hearn Court in downtown L.A.) from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Doors open at 4:00 PM and close at 5:30 PM sharp. The show will be broadcast on CBS from 9 – 10 p.m. Ticket prices vary. The one-hour special, which will also celebrate the grand opening of The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE, will feature performances by past GRAMMY winners and nominees including Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Foo Fighters, B.B. King, John Mayer, and Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift will co-host with GRAMMY winner LL Cool J. Setting the stage for the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards, the special also marks the first time nominations for the GRAMMYs will be announced live on primetime television. Following the one-hour live telecast, guests will experience a one-hour exclusive concert by one of the evening’s performers. All proceeds will benefit The GRAMMY Museum. Call (877) 234-8425 or click the title link for more info. Ciao
Kan♥