Unmissable: Los Angeles’ Culinary and Cultural Extravaganza This Weekend!

Los Angeles, a city known for its vibrant culture and diverse culinary scene, offers an array of activities and dining options this weekend. From expertly crafted teas to nostalgic concerts, there’s something for everyone in the City of Angels.

Must-Try Restaurants This Weekend

For those seeking new culinary adventures, here are four restaurants to consider:

*Steep Tea: Located in Chinatown, Steep Tea is a modern teahouse that opened in 2019. It offers a selection of teas from China, both hot and iced, along with small bites like chicken rice egg tarts. The teahouse also doubles as a home goods shop, selling teaware such as ceramic cups and brewing kits. For a more immersive experience, Steep offers a tea ceremony. On a nice day, the courtyard outside is the perfect spot to sip iced tea and catch some rays. Address: 970 N. Broadway #112, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Carmela Ice Cream: Nestled in cozy Northeast LA, Carmela Ice Cream is renowned for its creamy, artisanal ice cream. It’s a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Thien Tam Vegetarian Restaurant: With the growing popularity of plant-based diets, Thien Tam Vegetarian Restaurant in El Monte is an excellent choice. Opened by Bonnie Quach in 2009, the restaurant offers flavorful Vietnamese cuisine without animal protein. Highlights include Hainan chicken made with wheat gluten and bun rieu, a bright noodle soup with rice noodles, tomatoes, and herbs. Address: 10345 Garvey Avenue, El Monte, CA 91733.

Bee Taqueria: Located in West Adams, Bee Taqueria is an outdoor restaurant that features lion murals, string lights, and white picnic tables. Chef Alex Carrasco’s exciting taco lineup includes chile morita-spiked beets, chicken tinga, and cochinita pibil-style tacos. Bee Taqueria is also known for its taco omakase, the first of its kind in Los Angeles. Reservations are required for the tastings. Address: 5754 W. Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016.

Cultural Events and Activities

This weekend, Los Angeles offers a plethora of cultural events and activities:

Disney ’80s-’90s Celebration in Concert: Relive the magic of Disney’s iconic animated films from the ’80s and ’90s at the Hollywood Bowl. The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, joined by special guest singers, will perform hits from films such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, and more. The concert starts at 8 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.

RuPaul’s DragCon: Celebrate the vibrant world of drag at the L.A. Convention Center on Friday and Saturday. Expect panel events, shopping, performances, and face time with stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Single-day tickets range from $25 to $150.

Summer Concerts at The Broad: The Broad hosts two nights of outdoor concerts at the East West Bank Plaza on Friday and Saturday. Tickets include access to the exhibition Mickalene Thomas: All About Love during the after-hours event. General admission costs $50, while VIP tickets are $75.

Dance DTLA at The Music Center: This Friday, enjoy an evening of Colombian Cumbia at The Music Center. Instructors will teach guests the steps, and the event runs from 7 to 11 p.m. It is free to attend.

Unique Experiences

For those looking for unique experiences, consider the following:

Shakespeare in the Park: The Independent Shakespeare Co. brings the summer of Bard to Griffith Park with performances of As You Like It. The shows run from July 10 to September 1, Wednesday through Sunday. The main show starts at 7 p.m., with a pre-show immersive prologue at 6 p.m. It is free to attend, but donations are encouraged.

Forest Bathing at the Arboretum: Experience the magic of the woods with a guided, moonlit forest walk at the Arboretum, inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku. The meditative walk starts before sunset and wraps up with herbal tea under the full moon.

Wrex Coast Tour ’24: Whether you’re a soccer fan or a follower of the documentary series Welcome to Wrexham*, head to UCLA’s Drake Stadium for matches featuring Wrexham AFC Women. They play against SoCal FC on July 19 and Tigres Femenil Under-19s on July 21.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles is a city that never ceases to amaze with its diverse offerings. For occasional travelers, we recommend exploring the city’s rich culinary scene and attending one of the many cultural events. A visit to Steep Tea in Chinatown or enjoying a taco omakase at Bee Taqueria can provide a unique and memorable experience.

For expert travelers, consider diving deeper into the city’s hidden gems. Attend a Shakespeare performance in Griffith Park or participate in a forest bathing session at the Arboretum for a truly unique experience. These activities offer a deeper connection to the city’s cultural and natural beauty.

In conclusion, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Los Angeles has something to offer everyone. Take the time to explore, savor, and enjoy the myriad experiences this vibrant city has to offer.