Still a Great Value at the 2016 Cerritos Taste of the Region & Business Expo

The 2016 Cerritos Taste of the Region & Business Expo returned to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts this past Wednesday night. Open to all ages, this food fest, colloquially known as the Taste of Cerritos, allows all attendees to sample food, drinks, and dessert from various restaurants from the Cerritos region. Participating restaurants and caterers, which contained more corporate businesses than local businesses, hailed from neighboring cities such as Artesia, Norwalk, and Whittier. At first, this sounds less likely of a taste of the region if attendees mostly sample food from restaurants found nationwide. However, this event focuses on all businesses in the area, corporate or not.

Taste of the Region stands out from the pack with its great value, despite raising the admission fee in 2014. Unlike many other tasting events that either cost over $40 or cost low but limit how much food attendees may receive, the Taste of the Region costs a mere $10 to enter, then allows attendees to eat & drink all they want until the participating businesses run out of food or drinks. Early arrivals can consider this “$10 All You Can Eat” considering the businesses bring their best food at the beginning, then start to run out after an hour or two. By about two hours into the tasting, over half of the booths had run out of food, so this becomes an early bird case. Also, starting at 4:30pm on a Wednesday makes for a strange time to host such an event.

For the price to enter this annual tasting event & expo, you cannot go wrong unless you arrive late. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements from Cerritos every year around September, as they will run this again next year. It appears that with each year, they shift more towards the business expo while shifting away from the restaurants. Make sure you attend the Taste of the Region next year, as they may scrap the tasting altogether, god forbid, and focus solely on the business expo!

Turning Up The Heat at the 7th Annual Orange County Brew Ha Ha Craft Beer Festival

When one claims the best of anything, people quickly speculate that claim as hogwash. For example, if a product claims to work ten times better than the leading brand, then why does that product not lead the market? Do the testimonials prove anything else, or do the testimonials get bought? The 7th Annual Orange County Brew Ha Ha returned to Oak Canyon Park in Silverado this past Saturday, living up to its proclamation as “Southern California’s BEST Beer Festival!” Featuring over 90 breweries, a dozen food vendors, FREE sodas, live music, games, and more, I assure you that no other beer fest in the history of Orange County lives up to the proportions of the crew behind the Brew Ha Ha series of events.

The massive venue area contributes the most to the success of the OC Brew Ha Ha. Despite the incredulously long VIP line, guests began entering five minutes prior to the fest’s start time. Fortunately, all volunteers and brewery staff knew not to pour until the time began. Upon entering, one can quickly feel overwhelmed trying to figure out where to find what. Oak Canyon Park has much to explore, and OC Brew Ha Ha did not even use the entire park area! (due to grass renovations, one entire side of the park did not get used)

With a vast venue, plenty of vendors, a variety of beer & food, entertainment, and more, time flies by for any guest at OC Brew Ha Ha. The average consumer cannot possibly experience everything within the allotted four hours. Like a typical weekend vacation, guests would require more than a few days to experience it all. Luckily, the Brew Ha Ha team organizes multiple events throughout the year, including some events that do not fall under the same naming convention, such as Ye Scallywag, Cali Uncorked, and the newly announced Driftwood Festival (tickets NOW available – use promo code BEER). In addition, the team will bring back their signature beer fest in December under the moniker OC Brew Ho Ho, so if you need your beer fix, keep this in mind when December rolls around. No other beer fest in Orange County can top OC Brew Ha Ha, because it triumphs over all.

Upcoming Events: September 26 – October 2, 2016

San Diego Restaurant Week
September 25 – October 2
Various Restaurants, San Diego County
http://www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com/

For eight full days, various restaurants all over San Diego County will participate in this special week, where they will offer special prix-fixe meals that highlight their unique cuisine. Use this chance to explore and discover new restaurants in the area!

2016 Taste of Pomona Valley
4:30 pm – 8:30 pm, September 26
Mountain Meadows Golf Course, Pomona
http://pomonachamber.org/event/taste-pomona-valley/

Sample food from dozens of Pomona restaurants tonight in the Pomona Valley. Admission costs $55, and allows unlimited food samples while supplies last.

2016 Taste of Arcadia
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, September 26
Los Angeles County Arboretum, Arcadia
http://arcadiacachamber.org/events/taste-of-arcadia/

The annual Taste of Arcadia returns TONIGHT, so for those planning to go, buy the $50 presale tickets now, as you cannot purchase tickets at the door. More than 40 food vendors will serve samples, while over 30 other vendors will keep guests occupied between eats.

Madball: Live in Southern California
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 26, Brick By Brick, Linda Vista, San Diego http://brickbybrick.ticketfly.com/event/1285123-madball-special-guests-san-diego/
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 27, Alex’s Bar, Long Beach http://www.alexsbar.com/event/1249345-madball-long-beach/
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 28, Union Nightclub, Los Angeles http://www.unionclubla.com/event/1295661-madball-los-angeles/
http://madballhc.com/

East coast hardcore band Madball currently tours across the country, and that tour will swing through Southern California this week. Ticket prices to these shows vary, so click on a show’s link for pricing details. No one under 21 may enter any of these shows.

Monkey & GOGO13 @ Out Of The Park Pizza
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 26
Out Of The Park Pizza, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/173680816401677/

Get your skanking on at this free and all-ages show tonight in Anaheim.

2016 Cerritos Taste of the Region & Business Expo
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm, September 28
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos
http://www.cerritostaste.com/

This “Taste of Cerritos” makes its annual return this Wednesday to the same location, the Cerritos Performing Arts Center. Unlike other food fests in LA & OC, this event does not cost as much – attendees pay $10, then receive unlimited tastes once they enter. Over 30 restaurants will serve food samples, meaning attendees will certainly get a bang for their buck. Also, guests do not have to pay for parking here.

2 Towns Ciderhouse Pint Nite
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 28
Great Society Cider & Mead, Long Beach
http://www.greatsocietycider.com/event/2-towns-pint-night-save-date/

This Wednesday night, Long Beach’s Great Society Cider & Mead will have a bunch of ciders from 2 Towns on tap for you to try. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, and enjoy a cold one or two.

Los Angeles Fashion Week
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, September 29, October 2
5:30 pm – 10:30 pm, September 30 – October 1
Hollywood Athletic Club, Hollywood
http://lafw.net/

The latest in fashion goes public this week in Los Angeles. Check the website for a list of all fashion events all over Los Angeles going on this week.

End of Summer Barbecue Spectacular
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 29
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
http://www.fullertonarboretum.com/Culinary-Series/

Enjoy fresh barbecue cuisine and learn about grilling too at this barbecue class this Thursday night in Fullerton. Registration costs $90 per person, and includes a full grilling class and complete dinner.

2nd Annual San Gabriel Dumpling & Beer Fest
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 29
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, San Gabriel
http://www.sangabrielcity.com/dumplingandbeerfest

The San Gabriel Valley puts their spin on Oktoberfest with this dumpling & beer fest this Thursday night in San Gabriel. Free to attend for all ages, this festival will feature numerous dumpling vendors, other food vendors, live entertainment, a craft beer garden, and more. A wristband for unlimited beer sampling costs $20 for 16 beer pours or $30 for unlimited beers while supplies last. All food comes at cost, so bring plenty of cash for that.

Ventura Harvest Festival
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 30 – October 2
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura
http://harvestfestival.com/

Shop thousands of handmade American arts & crafts in hundreds of booths over the weekend. Find beautiful jewelry, clothing, specialty foods, photography, hand-turned wood, ceramics, and more. Admission costs $9 for Adults, $7 for Seniors, $4 for Youth, and 12 & under get in free.

Stair Climb for Los Angeles
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, September 30
YMCA, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.ymcala.org/stairclimb

On this day, the city will shut down Hope Street as thousands attempt to race up the stairs of the US Bank tower in Downtown Los Angeles. This all-day fest also includes food trucks, live music, a beer garden, rock-climbing walls, and more. Even if you cannot participate in the climb, the actual festival requires no fee to enter.

Bootlegger’s Brewery Pumpkin Release Party
11:00 am – 12:00 am, September 30
Bootlegger’s Brewery, Fullerton
http://www.bootleggersbrewery.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/541357092741318/

This Friday, Bootlegger’s Brewery in Fullerton will have a lot of pumpkin beers available for you to taste. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, and enjoy a cold one or two.

Wet Hop Simcoe Pale – Day One
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 30
El Segundo Brewing, El Segundo
http://elsegundobrewing.com/

Get a taste of extremely fresh hops this Friday from El Segundo Brewing. Simply show up, and enjoy a fresh pale ale right there at the tasting room, or take a bottle or more home.

Hamilton Family Brewery’s Oktoberfest
2:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 30 – October 2
Hamilton Family Brewery, Rancho Cucamonga
http://www.hamiltonfamilybrewery.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/196958947383432/

Rancho Cucamonga’s Hamilton Family Brewery will celebrate Oktoberfest this weekend with lots of beer plus a souvenir glass. Buy the Oktoberfest mug, and you can get $1 off refills all weekend.

43rd La Mesa Oktoberfest
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 30
10:00 am – 10:00 pm, October 1
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 2
La Mesa Village, La Mesa
http://www.cityoflamesa.com/1420/La-Mesa-Oktoberfest

Enjoy a family-fun Oktoberfest celebration this weekend in La Mesa. Free to attend for all ages, this Oktoberfest celebration will have all the usual Oktoberfest festivities such as dance, music, sausages, pretzels, beer, and more. In addition, visitors will find hundreds of vendors, arts & crafts, games, and more activities for all ages.

59th Annual Tustin Tiller Days
4:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 30
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 1
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, October 2
Columbus Tustin Park, Tustin
http://www.tustintillerdays.org/

Bring the family out to this all-ages city fair this weekend. Free to attend, this fair has everything that a family can enjoy, from the rides and games for kids, to the entertainment and vendors for adults. Remember to check out all the fair food, drinks, and dessert too, since buying food here supports local organizations and businesses. Guests can find free street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Pacific Beachfest Beer Cup
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, September 30
Pacific Beach Shore Club, San Diego
http://www.beachfestbeercup.com/

Homebrews and microbreweries collide at this beer tasting event this Friday night in Pacific Beach. The $25 admission grants you access to taste the homebrews, as well as sample beers from all the participating breweries while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

2016 Orange County Lebanese Cultural Festival
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 30
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 1
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 2
St. John Maron Church, Orange
http://www.oclebanesefestival.com/

Check out this FREE and all-ages Lebanese cultural festival taking place this weekend in Orange.

3rd Annual Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival
6:30 pm – 11:00 pm, September 30
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 1-2
Newport Beach Civic Center, Newport Beach
http://newportwineandfood.com/

Lots of activity will take place in the culinary world this weekend in Newport Beach. On Friday night, a VIP party will take place with a cocktail reception and a three-course food & wine pairing dinner. On Saturday and Sunday, attendees of the festival gain access to unlimited food tastings, cooking demos, cocktail mixing demos, live music, a silent auction, and more. Admission prices significantly vary based on the mode of attendance, with single-day admission costing $175 and a weekend pass costing $295.

Wine & Cake Pairing
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 30
Public Beer & Wine Shop, Downtown Long Beach
http://publicbeerwineshop.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/174464426323592/

This Friday night, Downtown Long Beach’s Public Beer & Wine Shop will have special cakes for sale to pair with select wines. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, buy some cake, and pair it with some succulent wines.

Agent Orange: Live in Santa Ana
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 30
Underground DTSA, Santa Ana
http://www.facebook.com/events/1636128846704315/

Get your weekly dose of punk rock at this all-ages show this Friday night in Downtown Santa Ana. The cover for this show costs $15.

American Jihad: Live in Lakewood
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, September 30
Regal Inn, Lakewood
http://www.facebook.com/events/286367975088357/

Release some inner aggression at this hardcore punk show in Lakewood this Friday night. The cover for this show costs $7. No one under 21 may enter.

2016 Grape Day Festival + Wine & Craft Beer Tasting Pavilion
7:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 1
Grape Day Park, Escondido
http://visitescondido.com/1777/grape-day-5k-parade-and-festival/

Bring out the family to this all-day celebration at the park. In the morning, a 5K race will take place around the park. At 9:30am, a local parade will run through Downtown Escondido. From then until the end of the celebration, a fair will take place at Grape Day Park, free to the public to attend. In addition, a wine & craft beer tasting pavilion will take place from 11am to 3pm. Sample wine from local wineries and beer from local breweries while enjoying live entertainment and other activities. Admission costs $20 presale and $25 at the door, and include a souvenir glass. No one under 21 may attend.

19th Annual Pacific Beachfest
8:00 am – 7:00 pm, October 1
Crystal Pier, Pacific Beach, San Diego
http://pacificbeachfest.org/

Enjoy a full day of outdoor activities at this free and all-ages beach festival in Pacific Beach. Visitors will find sports, tournaments, activities, live entertainment, arts & crafts, games, food, drinks, and more.

2016 Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 1-2
Fairplex, Pomona
http://www.offroadexpo.com/pomona-ca

Check out all things off-roading this weekend at the Fairplex in Pomona, complete with hundreds of vendors, dozens of industry professionals, and acres of off-road. Adult admission costs $20, or $15 if you purchase it at O’Reilly Auto Parts. Children enter for $6. Bring cash for parking, which usually costs $10 per vehicle.

Activate Uptown: Long Beach
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 1
Artesia & Myrtle, Long Beach
http://gohumansocal.org/Pages/Events/ActivateUptown.aspx

This Saturday afternoon, a free and all-ages open streets event will take place in the north side of Long Beach. Plenty of booths and activities will line the surrounding streets, including a live music stage.

2nd Annual Maker Faire San Diego
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 1-2
Balboa Park, San Diego
http://sdmakerfaire.org/

Celebrate local makers, artists, designers, and more at this two-day fair taking place in Balboa Park this weekend in San Diego. Attendees will experience handmade goods such as gadgets, sculptures, art, food, apparel, accessories, merchandise, and more. Admission costs $20 for adults or $12 for children.

44th Annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 1-2
Live Oak Park South Field, Manhattan Beach
http://www.mbfair.org/

This free fair for all ages makes its annual return this weekend, featuring games, arts & crafts, food, beer & wine gardens, live entertainment, and more. The city will provide free parking and shuttle transportation at the Northrop Grumman Building at 15092 Aviation Blvd near the intersection of Aviation Blvd and Marine Street in Manhattan Beach.

2nd Annual SlutWalk
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 1
Pershing Square, Los Angeles
http://amberroseslutwalk.com/

Assume the role of an activist for an afternoon this Saturday in Downtown Los Angeles. Participation costs $17, but use promo code THANKYOUFLIRT to register for free.

10th Annual International Chocolate Salon
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 1
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://www.lachocolatesalon.com/

Chocolate lovers will want to attend the International Chocolate Salon this Saturday afternoon in Pasadena for an all-you-can-eat chocolate bonanza. Admission costs $20 presale or $25 at the door, while children can get in for $10.

Tater Tots & Beer Festival
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 1
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
http://tatertotfestival.com/events/orange-county-ca/

Snack on gourmet tots and craft beers this Saturday at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Two 3-hour sessions will take place: 11am-2pm and 3pm-6pm. Each session costs $40 to attend or $75 for VIP, and provides access to unlimited food samples while supplies last, and a beer stamp card good for one beer from each participating brewery. VIP admission receives a goodie bag plus access to a VIP lounge. Parking costs $8 per vehicle. No one under 21 may attend.

EAT Show 2016
11:00 am – 9:00 pm, October 1
The Reef, Los Angeles
http://theeatshow.com/

Over 50 Los Angeles restaurants will set up at The Reef this Saturday to sample their food for you. General admission costs $50 and gets you in to either of two 3-hour sessions: 12pm-3pm or 6pm-9pm. Upgrade to VIP admission for $90 to enter an hour earlier (11am or 5pm, respectively) and receive a goodie bag as well. No one under 21 may attend.

2nd Annual San Fernando Chile Festival
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, October 1-2
San Fernando Rd & Brand Blvd, San Fernando
http://www.chilefestival.org/

A free and all-ages street fair will take place in San Fernando this weekend. Visitors will find food, entertainment, vendors, games, rides, and more.

3rd Annual Artesia International Street Fair & Diversity Festival
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, October 1
Pioneer & 183rd, Artesia
http://www.cityofartesia.us/index.aspx?NID=282

At this free and all-ages street fair this Saturday, visitors will find food, music, dance, live entertainment, arts & crafts, games, rides, vendors, and more.

Eagle Rock Brewery’s Oktoberfest
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, October 1
Eagle Rock Brewery, Eagle Rock
http://www.eaglerockbrewery.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/193985921013775/

Participate in some good ol’ Oktoberfest activities this Saturday afternoon in Eagle Rock. While free to attend, no one under 21 may enter.

Mad Decent Block Party 2016
1:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 1
Los Angeles Center Studios, Los Angeles
http://maddecentblockparty.com/

A dance party concert comes to Los Angeles this Saturday. Tickets cost $56.50 each. No one under 18 may attend.

2nd Anniversary ALToberfest Party
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, October 1
No Clue Craft Brewery, Rancho Cucamonga
http://www.nocluebrew.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1742535672678480/

Rancho Cucamonga’s No Clue Craft Brewery celebrates their second anniversary this weekend with an anniversary ale, lots of other beers, and German festivities. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, have some fun, and pay for beers as you go.

2nd Annual Los Angeles Paella & Wine Festival
2:00 pm – 7:00 pm, October 1
La Plaza de Culturas y Artes, Los Angeles
http://paellawinefest.com/

Enjoy paella and lots of wine and spirits this Saturday near Downtown Los Angeles. General admission costs $52.50 presale or $85 at the gate, and includes unlimited food and drink samples. VIP admission costs $120, and also includes access to a VIP area with some exclusive food and drinks.

Off The Hook: Santa Monica Seafood Festival
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, October 1
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
http://offthehookseafoodfest.com/

Enjoy lots of seafood, drinks, live music, games, and more fun this Saturday evening on the Santa Monica Pier. General admission costs $60, while VIP admission costs $90 and includes access to a VIP area with exclusive food and drinks. No one under 21 may attend.

Anaheim Brewery’s Oktoberfest #1
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 1
Anaheim Brewery, Anaheim
http://www.anaheimbrew.com/

Anaheim Brewery will celebrate Oktoberfest with two Saturdays full of Oktoberfest activities, such as live music, freshly-prepared sausages on-site, German-style beers, and more. No admission required – simply show up, paid for beers as you go, and have fun.

Anime Expo’s Christmas-Halloween Party & Open House
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, October 1
Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, Santa Ana
http://www.anime-expo.org/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1168307923215870/

The official Anime Expo will have a free and all-ages mixer in Orange County this Saturday evening. They will have costumes, games, food, and more.

8th Annual Taste of Italy
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 1
Italian American Museum, Los Angeles
http://italianhall.org/taste-of-italy-los-angeles/

Sample the best of Italian in Los Angeles at this tasting gala this Saturday evening in Downtown Los Angeles. Samples food & drinks from dozens of restaurants & wineries, enjoy the live entertainment, and more. General admission tickets cost $60, while children 12 and under get in for $25.

4th Annual Promenade Beer & Wine Festival
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, October 1
The Promenade, Downtown Long Beach
http://downtownlongbeach.org/Latest-News-Detail/BreweriesnWineries-Galore-4th-Annual-Promenade-Beer-Wine-Festival-to-Descend-onto-DTLB

Following last year’s success, Downtown Long Beach brings back their beer & wine festival this weekend, complete with lots of drinks, local food, and live music. For $40 presale or $50 at the gate, guests will receive unlimited 3oz beer or wine tastings, 10 food tastings, and a souvenir glass. No one under 21 may enter.

The Descendents: Live in Hollywood
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, October 1
Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood
http://www.thehollywoodpalladium.com/events/descendents/

Legendary punk rock band The Descendents will headline an all-ages show in Hollywood this Saturday night. Tickets start at $67.

Rock Out @ DiPiazzas
8:00 pm – 12:00 am, October 1
DiPiazzas, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/170179466748386/

Get weird this Saturday night at DiPiazzas in Long Beach. The cover for this all-ages rock show costs $10.

Luicidal: Live in Laguna Niguel
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, October 1
The Karman Bar, Laguna Niguel
http://www.facebook.com/events/146390829134325/

Check out some great local punk rock bands this Saturday night in Laguna Niguel. The cover for this show costs $10. No one under 21 may enter.

21st Annual Encinitas Oktoberfest
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, October 2
Mountain Vista Drive, Encinitas
http://encinitasoktoberfest.com/

At this FREE and all-ages event this Sunday, the six-block marketplace on Mountain Vista Drive in Encinitas will feature Bavarian dancers, bands, hundreds of vendors, authentic German food & beverages, a family fun zone, and a ceremonial parade at 12pm.

The Big Draw LA: 7th Annual Make Your Mark in the Park
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, October 2
Grand Park, Downtown Los Angeles
http://thebigdrawla.org/

A free and all-ages drawing event will take place in Downtown LA this Sunday afternoon. They will have live music and drawing tools for anyone who visits.

Roxanne’s Lounge’s 3rd Annual Oktoberfest
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, October 2
Roxanne’s Lounge, Long Beach
http://www.roxanneslounge.com/oktoberfest

Roxanne’s Lounge in Long Beach will celebrate their own Oktoberfest this Sunday. Admission starts at $5 and gets you in to all the usual Oktoberfest activities, games, contests, music, entertainment, and more. Other admission packages range from $10 to $25 and include other goodies such as a glass and beer pours. No one under 21 may attend.

3rd Annual Eastside Food Fest
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, October 2
Mack Sennett Studios, Silverlake
http://eastsidefoodfest.com/

Indulge in eats, sips, and treats from numerous restaurants around the heart of Los Angeles this Sunday evening in Silverlake. General admission costs $65 presale or $75 at the door, and starts at 5pm. VIP admission costs $95 presale or $105 at the door, and starts at 4pm. All attendees receive unlimited samples of everything while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

I Harley Had Any Energy Left by The End of the 2016 Long Beach Comic Con

Which came first: the chicken or the egg? Since the beginning of time, civilization has always asked what came first. While the public can typically attribute tangible items with an origin, everything else requires documentation to pinpoint an origin, unless generally accepted. For example, the gourmet food truck trend started in early 2009 with Kogi BBQ, which everyone will say started it all. When you look at expos for comic books, all fans will tell you that the San Diego one started it all. But with the San Diego Comic Con selling out in seconds every year, what else can fans do? Sure they can shell out the cash for super inflated after-market passes, but why not travel up the coast two hours to Long Beach? After all, Long Beach plays home to the semiannual Long Beach Comic Con, which costs less to attend and has not ever sold out.

The 2016 Long Beach Comic Con returned to the Long Beach Convention Center this past weekend to a massive crowd easily in the thousands. For as large a turnout that appeared, this expo consumed two of the convention center’s halls to hold that many fans. Taking place in both Halls B & C, hundreds of local comic book writers and artists traveled here to exhibit their merchandise, art, books, toys, and more. In addition to the expo on the show floor, various workshops and seminars took place in the nearby meeting rooms for those who registered ahead of time. Diehard fans will recognize the various celebrities sitting in for meet & greet and autograph sessions. For a large space, it took some time to walk through every single aisle to gaze at all the work on display.

Even to those not interested in comics, everyone should attend a comic expo/con just to see everyone dressing up in costume. At any expo involving comics, video games, anime, manga, and more, any attendee cannot avoid seeing another guest participating in the inevitable cosplay for the duration of the event. Cosplay has turned into a staple for any sort of expo in this industry, and the fans proudly donned their best gear for this expo. Watch in amazement the best of the best of this year’s Long Beach Comic Con.

Earlier I had mentioned that this event occurs semiannually. Just like earlier this year, the comic con took place across two days, while the Spring event operates as the Long Beach Comic Expo. The next expo will take place in the middle of February next year back at the Long Beach Convention Center. Although existing under a different name, the same organizer runs both events, so you can expect largely the same things at the Spring expo. You can check out what else they have in store on their Facebook page and Twitter feed. Until then, keep an eye out for other similar expos, such as Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo in late October, BlizzCon in early November, and Anime Los Angeles in late January. You have plenty of time to work up that unique and amazing DIY costume that everyone will want to take a picture of.

Trudging Through the Streets of Downtown Santa Ana at Savor Santa Ana

Last Friday night, Santa Ana got their very own strolling tasting event that allows visitors to sample the tastes of Downtown Santa Ana called Savor Santa Ana. Folks who have attended any Belmont Shore Stroll & Savor already know the drill. This all-ages event allowed visitors to sample eats from various restaurants throughout Downtown Santa Ana during a leisurely stroll at night. $10 bought a strip of five tickets, and each ticket redeemed one food item from participating food stops. The main clusters of food stops revolved around the 4th Street promenade and the Broadway side. As a strolling event, visitors had to walk from place to place, which quickly cluttered the streets around the area. Each ticket basically cost $2, and most of the food stops provided only bite-sized samples, so one could see this as a low-value event. However, for people not very well versed in the restaurants of Downtown Santa Ana, this event aims to shed light on the diverse food options here, and not just Mexican food.

See what else goes on in Downtown Santa Ana by liking them on Facebook and following them on Twitter.

Preview: The 7th Annual Orange County Brew Ha Ha Craft Beer Festival

The Orange County Brew Ha Ha returns for its seventh iteration this Saturday at Oak Canyon Park in Silverado. Benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, this craft beer festival will feature over 90 different breweries, over 200 different beers, many food trucks, seminars from beer experts, live entertainment, and more. General admission costs $45 and begins at 1pm, while VIP admission costs $60 and begins at 12pm. All beers will cease pouring at 4pm, leaving the final hour to sober up and find food.

• REMEMBER to bring PHOTO ID! Amazingly, many guests think they can enter without showing it to the front security.
• Look up directions before arriving – cell phones receive no signal as you approach the park.
• Basic toll-free directions: Get to the 55 freeway, exit Chapman Avenue, then drive east until you reach the lake, where a sign should point out when to turn left into the park.
• Bring cash for parking in case they charge for parking. Because of the park’s location, I do not recommend riding a bike or walking, although you may get dropped off.
• Food come at a separate cost, so anyone wanting to eat should arrive with extra cash. Click here for a list of attending restaurants and food trucks.
• If you see that it has no signal, just turn off your cell phone during the fest. Smartphones can enter Airplane Mode instead.
• Though the park contains many trees, consider applying sunscreen, and have extra sunscreen available. Security will not confiscate sunscreen from you.
• For prolonged drinking, start with lighter beers and work your way to stronger beers. Click here for a list of attending breweries.
• Try to hold on to your beer glass – guests receive no replacement for lost or broken glasses.
• All beers stop pouring at 4pm. An extra grace hour will allow guests time to sober up and find food before leaving.
• Oak Canyon Park only has two exits: one back towards Orange, the other through the mountains leading of Rancho Santa Margarita. Police WILL patrol both roads leaving the park!

Check out these pictures from last year’s OC Brew Ha Ha:

Upcoming Events: September 19-25, 2016

International Talk Like A Pirate Day
September 19
Everywhere
http://www.talklikeapirate.com/

As the name suggests, feel free to talk like a pirate all day today. Just avoid getting in trouble for it. Yarr~

25th Annual Taste of Old Pasadena
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, September 20
Old Town Pasadena
http://www.pfar.org/pfar-charitable-foundation/taste-of-old-pasadena/

The Taste of Old Pasadena returns tomorrow to Old Town Pasadena. Over 30 diverse restaurants will sample their food & drinks for just $30 per person. Maps and signs will guide all attendees to find the food.

Taste of Laguna & Business Expo 2016
4:30 pm – 9:00 pm, September 21
Tivoli Too, Laguna Beach
http://www.lagunabeachchamber.org/taste-of-laguna

Gather in Laguna Beach this Wednesday night for a mixer of food and local businesses. General admission costs $60 and starts at 5:30, while VIP admission costs $80, starts at 4:30, and includes one parking spot. No one under 21 may attend.

Women’s Beer Forum: Pilsners
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 21
Eagle Rock Brewery, Eagle Rock
http://www.eaglerockbrewery.com/womens-beer-forum/

$14 gets you a flight of four pilsners from various breweries. Judging by historical posts about this event, it appears that men may not participate in this.

Stupid Flanders 10-Year Anniversary Show
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 21
Out Of The Park Pizza, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/1008437325920466/

Enjoy a free and all-ages ska show in Anaheim this Wednesday night.

Tongva After Dark: The Wonder Room
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, September 21
Tongva Park, Santa Monica
http://tongvapark.smgov.net/events-calendar/2016/9/21/tongva-after-dark-wonder-room

Free to attend for all ages, a cultural dance show will take place in Santa Monica this Wednesday evening.

43rd Annual Los Angeles Korean Festival
3:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 22
10:00 am – 11:00 pm, September 23-25
Seoul International Park, Koreatown
http://www.lakoreanfestival.org/en/index.php

Immerse yourself in Korean culture at this four-day Korean festival in Koreatown this weekend. Free to attend for all ages, this festival will have food, drinks, treats, music, entertainment, rides, games, arts & crafts, merchandise, vendors, and much more.

Taste of the Port
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 22
Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, San Diego
http://www.sandiegomagazine.com/San-Diego-Magazine/April-2016/Taste-of-the-Port-2016/

Enjoy sustainable food and drinks from restaurants on the bay this Thursday night in San Diego. Admission costs $50 and gets you unlimited food and drink samples while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Feast of San Gennaro
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, September 23-25
Hollywood & Highland, West Hollywood
http://feastofla.org/

Hosted by Adam Carolla and Jimmy Kimmel, the Feast of San Gennaro makes its annual return this weekend just south of Hollywood & Highland. This street festival celebrates Italian culture in America, and will feature Italian food, desserts, drinks, music, entertainment, and more. Admission costs $5, while parking will vary.

Get Shamrocked Irish Festival 2016
4:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 23
11:00 am – 11:00 pm, September 24
Town Square Park, Murrieta
http://www.getshamrocked.com/

Revel in Irish culture all this weekend in Murrieta, with Irish music, food, live entertainment, and more. This all-ages festival will bring Irish culture to town, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all. General admission costs $20 for Friday, $30 for Saturday, or $40 for a weekend pass. As an outdoors event, guests should stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and take any other precaution for lasting long in hot weather. No one under 21 may attend.

Pasadena Greek Fest
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 23
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 24-25
St. Anthony Greek Church, Pasadena
http://pasadenagreekfest.org/

$4 admission gets you into this all-ages Greek festival, which includes food, drinks, desserts, music, dancers, games, rides, and more.

Music Tastes Good
5:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 23
12:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 24
11:30 am – 10:00 pm, September 25
Downtown Long Beach
http://mtglb.co/

An all-ages concert will take over the streets of Downtown Long Beach all this weekend. Admission costs $25 for Friday, $75 for Saturday, and $35 for Sunday. As with any long concert, make sure you can endure remaining outdoors for a long period of time, and have plenty of cash for food and drinks.

5th Annual Los Angeles Podcast Festival
5:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 23
12:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 24-25
Sofitel, West Hollywood
http://www.lapodfest.com/

Meet the top names in podcasting, entertainment, comedy, and technology this weekend in West Hollywood. Tickets start at $49. Although all-ages, anyone under 18 must attend with a paid adult.

22nd Annual San Diego Festival of Beer
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 23
Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, San Diego
http://www.sdbeerfest.org/

Get beer wasted with thousands of other people at this beer festival this Friday night in San Diego. The $50 admission grants you unlimited beer tasters from over 60 breweries pouring a total of over 120 different beers. The first 1,500 guests through the gate receive a souvenir cup to take home. No one under 21 may attend.

8th Annual Surf City Surf Dog Weekend
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September 23
11:00 am – 1:00 pm, September 24
8:00 am – 3:30 pm, September 25
Huntington Dog Beach, Huntington Beach
http://surfdogevents.com/surf-city-surf-dog/

Catch a weekend of surfing and dogs this weekend in Huntington Beach. On Friday, visit the Rainwater Gallery for an opening reception. On Saturday, participate in various dog activities in Newport Beach. The expo lasts until Sunday, when the Surfing Dog contest also takes place. Events vary in price, so check the website for a price for each individual event.

21st Annual Redondo Beach Lobster Fest
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 23
12:00 am – 11:00 pm, September 24
12:00 am – 8:00 pm, September 25
Seaside Lagoon, Redondo Beach
http://lobsterfestival.com/

Redondo Beach has a Lobster Fest going on this weekend, which will have lots of fresh lobster for guests to eat. In addition, guests can enjoy dancing, games, rides, music, arts & crafts, and more. The $15 admission includes parking and entry into the fest, while all food comes separate, so anyone wanting to eat will have to bring extra cash. Purchase presale tickets online to save $2, or search their website for additional meal packages, such as surf & turf and more.

2nd Annual Catalina Wine Mixer
7:30 pm – 12:00 am, September 23
6:30 pm – 12:30 am, September 24
12:30 pm – 10:30 pm, September 25
Descanso Beach Club, Avalon
http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/event/catalinawinemixer

A wine & music festival will take place on Catalina Island all this weekend. Various events will take place, all of which have different admission prices, starting at $69. No one under 21 may attend.

Punk Rock Night @ The World Famous Doll Hut
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 23
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/1033035433481687/

Get your weekly dose of punk rock at the Doll Hut in Anaheim this Friday night. The cover for this show costs $5. No one under 21 may enter.

Game of Thrones Burlesque
9:00 pm – 11:00 pm, September 23
Harvelle’s, Downtown Long Beach
http://www.dirtylittlesecretsburlesque.com/

Root for some raunchy themed burlesque this Friday night in Downtown Long Beach. Tickets to this burlesque show cost $10, or $25 for reserved seating. No one under 21 may enter. A nearby parking structure allows parking for free for up to two hours.

2nd Annual Los Angeles Moon Festival Cocktail Feast
9:00 pm – 12:00 am, September 23
Alexandria Ballrooms, Downtown Los Angeles
http://luckyrice.com/event/la-moon-festival-cocktail-feast/

Sip on cocktails and other libations all night in Downtown Los Angeles. General admission costs $50 and starts at 10pm, while VIP admission costs $88 and starts at 9pm. No one under 21 may attend.

17th Annual Cruisin’ For A Cure Car Show
6:00 am – 4:30 pm, September 24
OC Fair & Events Center, Costa Mesa
http://www.cruisinforacure.com/

This all-ages charity car show returns to the OC Fair this Saturday morning. Admission costs $15, and includes free prostate testing for men. Parking costs $7 for general and $10 for preferred parking.

Long Beach Heart Walk
8:00 am – 12:00 pm, September 24
Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach
http://www.heartwalkla.org/

Raise money to walk around Long Beach during this charity walk this Saturday morning.

22nd Annual Pacific Islander Festival of San Diego
8:00 am – 4:00 pm, September 24-25
Ski Beach, Mission Bay Park, San Diego
http://www.pifasandiego.com/

Check out this free and all-ages Pacific Islander festival this weekend in San Diego. Visitors will find food, treats, arts & crafts, games, merchandise, music, dancing, and more. Please have cash available for either parking or the shuttle service.

The Inspired Market – Yorba Linda
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, September 24
RM Nixon Park, Yorba Linda
http://theinspiredmarket.com/

This free and all-ages arts & crafts fair takes place on the last Saturdays of each month in Yorba Linda. Swing on by and check out the various vendors here selling accessories, apparel, and more.

Nerdbot-Con 2016
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, September 24
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://www.nerdbot.com/nerdbot-con

$16 gets you in to this all-ages pop culture expo complete with dozens of vendors, artists, cosplayers, music, games, activities, and more.

Tour de Fat – San Diego
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, September 24
Golden Hill Park, San Diego
http://www.newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat/san-diego

Go on a bike ride around South Park in San Diego this Saturday, and indulge in some beer too if you feel like it. The bike ride costs nothing to participate in, but you can spend some money for extra goodies to take home.

15th Annual Irvine Global Village Festival
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 24
Bill Barber Park, Irvine
http://www.irvinefestival.org/

This international cultural festival occurs this Saturday in Irvine at Bill Barber Park. Free to park and enter for all ages, this multicultural fest features international cuisine, live entertainment, a kids village with crafts & activities, cultural & religious exhibits, and an international marketplace.

A Current Affair: Pop-Up Vintage Marketplace
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 24-25
Cooper Design Space, Downtown Los Angeles
http://itsacurrentaffair.com/

Check out over 40 vendors selling vintage apparel and accessories this Saturday in Downtown Los Angeles. Regular admission costs $12 and starts at 12pm, while early entry for 10am costs $20.

Little Tokyo Book Festival
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, September 24
Aratani Theatre, Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.jaccc.org/ltbf

A free and all-ages literary event will take place in Little Tokyo this Saturday afternoon.

35th Annual Adams Avenue Street Fair
10:00 am – 10:00 pm, September 24
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, September 25
Adams Avenue between 32nd & 35th Street, Normal Heights, San Diego
http://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/Adams-Avenue-Street-Fair.html

This FREE and all-ages music festival takes place over two days this weekend on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights, between the 805 and 15 freeways. Ten blocks will close to traffic to make way for over 90 music acts on seven stages and over 350 vendor booths. Guests should take public transportation to Adams Avenue, as traffic will remain heavily congested all weekend, and parking will not exist in high numbers here.

Bikini Bike Wash
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, September 24
Huntington Beach Harley Davidson, Westminster
http://www.hbharley.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1770251076582017/

Got a Harley that needs a wash? Bring it down to HB Harley Davidson this Saturday and let some bikini girls wash it for you for free (plus tips).

7th Annual Orange County Brew Ha Ha Craft Beer Festival
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, September 24
Oak Canyon Park, Silverado
http://ocbrewfest.com/

The OC Brew Ha Ha returns for its seventh annual iteration this Saturday at Oak Canyon Park in the hills of Silverado. Benefiting the Local 3631 Firefighters Union, this craft beer festival will feature over 100 different breweries, over 200 different beers, many food trucks, seminars from beer experts, live entertainment, and more. General admission costs $45 presale, $55 at the door, and begins at 1pm, while VIP admission costs $60 presale, $70 at the door, and begins at 12pm. All beers will cease pouring at 4pm, leaving the final hour to sober up and find food.

Speaking of transportation, ensure that you look up the location prior. Cell phone signals do not reach Oak Canyon Park, so once you arrive, expect to turn off your phone to conserve battery. Oak Canyon Park only has two ways to exit, both of which always have police stationed to catch drunk drivers. The toll-free method to arriving involves taking the 55 freeway, exiting Chapman Avenue, and driving east until you reach the park.

Oktober Fiesta 2016
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 24
Last Name Brewing, Upland
http://lastnamebrewing.com/

$12 gets you in to this Oktoberfest celebration with a souvenir Das Boot glass plus one full beer pour into that glass. Have extra cash available for more beer and/or food from mobile food vendors.

5th Annual Celebrity Red CARpet Safety Event
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, September 24
Commissary at Sony Pictures Studios, Culver City
http://www.celebrityredcarpetevent.com/

Celebrities teach you about car safety and keeping children safe at this charity event this Saturday afternoon in Culver City. Basic admission costs $15 and comes with nothing, while admission with safety gear starts at $255.

7th Annual BAM Fest: Beer, Art, Music
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, September 24
18th Street Arts Center, Santa Monica
http://18thstreet.org/bam

The legendary BAM Festival returns this Saturday. BAM stands for Beer, Art, and Music – exactly what this fest celebrates. In addition, guests will find wine samples, food trucks, live DJ’s, dancing, and more. Tickets cost $45 presale or $50 at the door and comes with a souvenir glass and unlimited beer pours. Guests can find free street parking in the neighborhood on the other side of the freeway by crossing over on 17th Street.

11th Annual Shoreline Village Pirate Festival
1:00 pm – 7:00 pm, September 24
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, September 25
Shoreline Village, Long Beach
http://www.shorelinevillage.com/

Come mingle with pirates and enjoy sword fighting, pirate bands, treasure (scavenger) hunt, bullwhip tricks, costume contests, kids activities, and more for free! Please adhere to the parking rules here.

Hop Heads & Dreads Festival
2:00 pm – 7:30 pm, September 24
Harrah’s Resort, Valley Center
http://www.harrahssocal.com/events/hop-heads-dreads/

A beer and reggae festival will take place out in Valley Center this Saturday afternoon. $65 gets you in to this festival with unlimited beer samples (while supplies last), a souvenir tasting cup, and a souvenir t-shirt. Bring extra cash for the food trucks present if you plan to eat there. No one under 21 may attend.

14th Annual Tarfest Music & Art Festival
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, September 24
La Brea Tar Pits, Los Angeles
http://www.tarfest.com/

This music & art festival returns this Saturday to the La Brea Tar Pits in West LA. Free to attend and open to all ages, guests will experience live music, live painting, beer & wine garden, food trucks, and more.

2016 Fullerton Uncorked
5:00 pm – 8:30 pm, September 24
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
http://www.fullertonuncorked.com/

At this food & wine tasting, find food samples from local restaurants, dozens of wine & craft beer tastings, live music, raffle prizes, and more. Tickets to this event cost $70 presale or $75 at the door, and include unlimited food and drinks while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Sweaty Ball Bag Reunion Show
6:00 pm – 1:00 am, September 24
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/1791590684402132/

A handful of local punk rock bands will perform a FREE show in Anaheim this Saturday night. No one under 21 may enter.

San Diego Restaurant Week
September 25 – October 2
Various Restaurants, San Diego County
http://www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com/

For eight full days, various restaurants all over San Diego County will participate in this special week, where they will offer special prix-fixe meals that highlight their unique cuisine. Use this chance to explore and discover new restaurants in the area!

18th Annual Wiggle Waggle Walk
8:00 am – 1:00 pm, September 25
Brookside Park, Pasadena
http://www.wigglewagglewalk.org/

Join hundreds of dog lovers as they all walk with their dogs this Sunday morning in Pasadena. Walk along with your dog, or join a team and walk together. After the walk, stick around for a pet expo, complete with vendors, pet adoptions, pet services, food, drinks, arts & crafts, and more.

13th Annual Orange County Children’s Book Festival
9:30 am – 4:30 pm, September 25
Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa
http://kidsbookfestival.com/

This FREE all-ages fair caters to families as it presents thousands of children’s book available to read or buy. The fair will also host multiple stages complete with family-friendly entertainment.

32nd Annual Abbot Kinney Festival
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, September 25
Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice
http://abbotkinney.org/

This free all-ages street fair showcases the best of local businesses in food, drinks, merchandise, apparel, accessories, art, crafts, local music, and more. Abbot Kinney will close to traffic to allow the thousands of visitors to freely roam the streets and explore all the vendors.

Bottle Share @ Monrovia Homebrew Shop
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, September 25
Monrovia Homebrew Shop, Monrovia
http://www.monroviahomebrewshop.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1980398912186775/

Share a beer or two at this free bottle share in Monrovia this Sunday afternoon. Guests should bring a 22oz bomber or two 12oz bottles to share with others.

DTLA Brewery Crawl
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, September 25
Any of the seven participating breweries, Downtown Los Angeles
http://labeerhop.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1594754274161836/

Downtown LA now stands seven breweries strong, and you can check all of them out conveniently this Sunday afternoon for FREE. A free shuttle service will operate between the seven breweries during the event time, allowing you to sample beers at one stop, then boarding back onto the shuttle to get to your next stop while avoiding having to drive to the next stop.

They Raised the Price AND Reduced the Space at the 2016 Unique LA Fall Market

The 2016 Unique LA Fall Market returned to the California Market Center in Downtown Los Angeles this past weekend. As one of the largest independent designer shows in the nation, dozens of artists, crafters, designers, cooks, bakers, mixologists, and more gathered to exhibit and sell their wares to attendees. Unique LA emphasizes creativity in the United States, as every vendor hails from the United States and makes their products here. Among the many art, apparel, and accessories vendors, some specialty vendors existed, such as cutlery or tupperware.

This past weekend’s Unique LA Market saw greater change from many of the previous markets. While the event still took place at the California Market Center, it did not take place on the top floor. This time, it took place on the tenth floor, and only one side of it. Usually, Unique LA covers the entire area of the top floor, extending from both sides of the elevators. Taking place on only one side this time meant significantly less space, which equates less vendors than normal. In addition, I had always paid $10 to enter, but this time it cost $15 to enter and did not include the souvenir tote bag. I always buy something whenever I attend a Unique Market, usually a t-shirt, other clothing item, or snacks to take home. None of the vendors stood out to me this time, so I walked away from this event empty-handed.

As one of the nation’s largest gatherings that caters to local independent artists and crafters, Unique grants an outlet to young entrepreneurs in a tough free market dominated by large corporations. It does appear that Unique has lost its sheen in Los Angeles, as many of the past vendors have slowly stopped attending Unique LA. Can Unique LA make a comeback? Stay on the trail of Unique LA via e-mail, Facebook, or Twitter to find out when the next show returns.

Getting Chocolate Wasted at the Los Angeles Ice Cream Takedown

Colloquially referred to as “God’s gift to man’s stomach,” Ice Cream represents the epitomé of comfort dessert. A simple dessert, nearly everyone has grown up to appreciate ice cream as a dessert that appeals to nearly anybody. This past Sunday, Los Angeles got a taste of an ice cream haven at the Los Angeles ICe Cream Takedown at the Bootleg Theater in Westlake. Local home cooks and chefs entered their prized ice cream concoctions into this competition & all-ages food fest, hoping to take home the coveted prize of the best ice cream. Hungry attendees paid only $15 for this all-you-can-eat ice cream gorge-out.

The Ice Cream Takedown took place in the back theater section of the venue, complete with theater-style seating and a large open floor to set up the tables. Tables lined the outer edges of the floor, forming an upside-down U facing the seats. Signs with numbers 1-6 hung from each table half, running from the left corner all the way to the right, representing six total entrants, with the left side reserved for professional ice cream businesses that represented the judges for the other ice cream. Clutter never occurred, as because of the all-you-can-eat nature, the attendees split their time perfectly between eating and browsing. As for drinks, the venue has a bar in the front concert room of the building, where attendees could get soft drinks, beer, or wine.

Most of the entrants utilized some ingredient or technique that set them apart from the rest. No entrant made simple traditional ice cream – each ice cream had something to make it glorified. With only six participants, attendees could sample as much as they could handle.

1. Waldorf ice cream, influenced by the Waldorf salad
2. Snickerdoodle ice cream
3. Japanese-style ice cream with yuzu and candied lemon peel
4. Cocktail ice cream with real bourbon
5. Vanilla praline ice cream
6. Chocolate cashew ice cream

The Takedowns holds these competitions in other places than just Southern California! They go cross-country and hold takedowns for not only different types of foods, but for anything that can merit a competition. For example, the next takedown will occur in two weeks in Brooklyn and will focus on LOBSTER. Make sure you LIKE The Takedowns in Facebook to receive information about their upcoming events, as they may stop by a place near you!

A Salute to Greatness at the 27th Annual Belmont Shore Car Show

The 27th Annual Belmont Shore Car Show took over 2nd Street and its side streets this past Sunday. Every year from 9am to 3pm on the Sunday following Labor Day, hundreds of cars go on display at this FREE and all-ages car show, along with many food and car-themed vendors on 2nd Street. From classic to modern, spectators could exhibit all sorts of vehicles. The entire stretch of 2nd Street in Belmont Shore closes to through-traffic to allow visitors to freely roam the streets and gaze at all the cars on exhibit. During this time, all local businesses remain open for business, and typically see increased volume due to the influx of visitors. Instead of attempting to describe all the cars, perhaps these photos could tell a better story, and maybe even entice you to return next year.