Spotlight

THE HOPE THEORY

• By ARLENE WINNICK

As anyone who’s followed my reviews knows I am a magic junkie – I just can’t get enough of magic from up close sleight of hand to large scale illusions and everything in between so you can imagine my delight to see The Hope Theory performed by and starring “a master of illusions” (New York Times) Helder Guimarāes on the Geffen’s Theater calendar. 

Side note:  I’ve seen the THT creators other ‘theatrical events – Invisible Tango, The Present, and The Future – and found them equally compelling.  During the pandemic, I saw three productions of Guimarāes ’’The Present (part of the Geffen’s Stayhouse banner) helping me avoid a serious case of theatrical withdrawal!

The show takes us through Guimarāes’ personal and professional journey as a Portuguese immigrant, storyteller, and magician arriving in America at age 29 filled with dreams as he faces cultural and professional challenges. Footage of his first magic show at age five is precious and foretelling. There is much more to his magic than just tricks.  He often uses storytelling and illusions to unwrap mysteries that surround us.  And how did he perfect his art as a master magician? “Constant Research, Creation, and Practice” he replies…and reading thousands of books on the subject.

The Hope Theory is directed by producer and EGOT recipient Frank Marshall. An amateur magician since he was ten, this is Marshall’s fourth collaboration with Guimarāes.

For tickets, click here.

DISCO QUEEN

• By ARLENE WINNICK

“I LOVE THE NIGHTLIFE, I want to go where the people dance, I want some action … I want to live!’ Alicia Bridges made that song a popular hit in the hot disco era and now thanks to LouLou’s restaurant, Thursday nights’ “Disco Queen” parties, westsiders can dance the night away paying homage to the historic Paris disco nights along with LA’s strong drag show community. LouLou’s will be transformed with lavish decorations, disco balls, over-the-top talent, notable drag queens and a resident DJ spinning iconic songs bringing back the excitement and magic of the 1970s disco scene.

LouLou co-owner Erik Chol stresses, “This drag-disco party is so important for many reasons.  “(We’re) going back to the 70s disco spirit when nobody (cared) if you were gay, straight, black, white, rich or poor.  We want to bring a positive energy to create a unique festive and unforgettable experience.  It’s so crucial to our (SM) community to know they have a place to be themselves and to dance to great music in a spectacular setting. And a spectacular setting it is. LouLous is a French Meditteranean rooftop restaurant and lounge with ocean and sunset views that transport you to the French Riviera. It’s time for Angelenos to party! So, grab you friends, put on your most outrageous party clothes, and have a night of music, dance, good food, lavish drinks… and let the disco magic begin.

For more details, click here.

SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDEN’S BLOOM!

• By KENNE HOFFMAN

Nestled on the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula lies one of Los Angeles’ many hidden gems. The South Coast Botanic Garden began in 1961 as a sanitary landfill reclamation project and has blossomed into over 2,500 thriving plants and wildlife species residing on the 87-acre horticultural and wildlife habitat.

The South Coast Botanic Garden Invites you to Awaken your senses with “Bloom!” the new exhibit opening April 1 featuring 5 installments showcasing Mother Nature in her spring finest. The Gardens planted over 21,000 bulbs in preparation for the floral extravaganza that is “Bloom!”. Upon arrival you will receive a map to explore the 5 different installations in addition to other areas the spring blooms are flourishing. Among the 5 featured displays is the Courtyard (a tricky place to get plants to thrive), it has been transformed in a way that is sure to awaken your senses. Next the Amphitheater lawn features 21,000 bulbs that will, like many of the guests, return year after year. You may want to return often throughout the Spring blooming season as plantings have ensured awakenings of new plants until late June. Don’t miss the rose garden which is expected to peak in May which is a perfect time to return as “Soar” is set to return once again. For the fourth year, you can once again immerse yourself among hundreds of tropical butterflies.

Advance tickets are recommended, click here.

OSPI VENICE

• By ASHLEY HALVERSON

You know a restaurant is good when the dining room is bustling even on the gloomiest of days. You know a restaurant takes pride in their work when you can watch them make their pasta from scratch in house. And you know a restaurant is exceptional when they are a big hit on Saturday night at the first Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival. At said event, Ospi’s Chef Jackson Kalb brought his signature Spicy Rigatoni alla vodka – a pasta dish so delicious that my publisher immediately called me to have brunch because she simply had to have it again!  

Ospi’s brunch menu variety is quite impressive – so many fun choices for sweet and savory fans alike.  We opted for the savory starting with the Crispy Provolone – a generous dish of breaded provolone served with the famous vodka sauce for dipping.  The Godson sandwich arrived next layered with thinly sliced meats, cheese and the best giardiniera I have ever had. Of course, we had to get the Spicy Rigatoni! So incredibly good and truly showcases Chef Jackon’s passion for pasta. It’s no wonder that Ospi is featured on Eater’s 20 Essential Italian Restaurants in Los Angeles list. Lastly, because we couldn’t resist, we split the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes for dessert – served with a heaping dollop of whipped toasted coconut, fresh raspberries and guava syrup – heaven on a plate. 

For reservations, click here.