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DOWNTOWN WEEKLY

VOL 13 NO 09 - NOVEMBER 21ST - NOVEMBER 28TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM

DTLA

Masterminds FLIPPING the SWITCH with

kevani inc. DTLA ife L n i s g n i Th r Fine

CIRCA

BRAVO FOR BRERA

HOW FACTORY KITCHEN GROUP IS RECREATING LITTLE ITALY IN THE ARTS DISTRICT

2 THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF DOWNTOWN WEEKLY

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ON THE COVER KEVIN BARTANIAN dtla finer things in life: circa...page 3 FInD DTLA WEEKLY - FULL PAGE MAP...4 GET2DTLA - event calendar........5 boketto cold brew........7 DTLA MASTERMINDS: KEVANI INC.....8 bravo for brera.....10 TO BE OR NOT TO BE? DTLA THEATER GUIDE.....15

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FINANCE DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHY MARS SANDOVAL

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COUNCIL DISTRICT 14 COUNCIL DISTRICT 9 THE MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES & THE CITY OF LA ARTS DISTRICT CHINATOWN CIVIC DISTRICT BUNKER HILL EXPO/USC HISTORIC CORE LITTLE TOKYO FASHION DISTRICT FINANCIAL DISTRICT SKID ROW SOUTH PARK WAREHOUSE DISTRICT THEGRAWN ARTWALK NEWS LOFTWAY METRO LOS ANGELES CAL ARTS REDCAT KAPOORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AKBAR Robeks DTLA DISTRICT 7 THE BARTHOLOMEW METHOD DISTRO PARTNERS BOKETTO COLD BREW

KERI FREEMAN

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CHRISTOPHER FLOCH MELINA MELGOZA GREGORY PEKAR BRANDIE ROGERS PHILIP ALEXANDER JONATHAN VOGEL

EVENTS CATHY GLOVER

photography MARS SANDOVAL

design and layout HANFU JAZZ

social media ART HUNTER

comics GREG GOULD

DOWNTOWN WEEKLY LA All rights reserved. Downtown Weekly is a news, event and content marketing resource. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without express written permission from the publisher. DOWNTOWN WEEKLY LA, in support of local residents, businesses, workers and visitors of Downtown Los Angeles, publishes DOWNTOWN WEEKLY LA. Readers are recommended to make appropriate inquiries before wagering any sum in relation to any ad, article or feature published herein. DOWNTOWN WEEKLY LA will not be liable to any person for loss or damage incurred or suffered as a result of his/her accepting, offering to accept or following any invitation or advice contained in any ad, article or feature published herein.

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6 DTLA OPEN HOUSE: CIRCA LA by Melina Melgoza

merging from the constant innovative and ever-changing city landscape that is downtown LA, the new Circa LA’s complex is an unrivaled living space. What used to be a parking lot has now become a spectacular residential oasis.

irca Los Angeles is one of DTLA’s collection of new luxury apartments. Its designer residences and penthouses are lavish, spacious, and certainly the place to live, if you can afford it. Prices to live at Circa range from around $27k/627sqft one-bedroom to $23k/3800 sqft penthouse.

VOL 13 NO 09 - NOVEMBER 21 - NOVEMBER 28TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM

PHOTO COURTESY CIRCA LA Circa L.A. does not skimp on sophistication, luxury, and impressiveness. Neutral colors encompass the entirety of the building, tall windows and skylights ensure that anyone waking up in this oasis can catch a glimpse to the outside world.

Circa L.A. has big plans for the future. As of now, Circa L.A. will serve as luxurious apartment living. But, it is definitely But, why not splurg? in the plans for these opulent residences Neighboring L.A. Live, and growing South to turn into for-sale condos, perhaps just Park community hubs, the location of this in time for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angecomplex is unbeatable if you like living in les. a busy city center that offers a wide-range While there are two skyrise towers that of activities to engage in. make up the east and west wings of the Imagine waking up to rays of sun, surcomplex, the leasing agent said that the rounded by the most breathtaking skymost breathtaking views are in the west rises of Los Angeles, tucked away in what wing of the complex, especially due to the feels like your own residential paradise. construction happening next door. This A private tour with a very informative leas- construction has been halted due to deing agent at Circa L.A. is all you need to layed funding from Chinese investors, due feel convinced that this is the place to live. to recent government trade policies. TAKE THE TOUR! Built in 2018, this space has 648 units in two 35 story wings, east and west. Unique features include breathtaking views , quiet cycling studios with on-demand yoga classes, gorgeous indoor and outdoor lounges and bars, outdoor fireplaces, and believe it or not, its very own dog park on the 8th floor. Dog Lovers Welcome We all know part of being an Angeleno means being a dog lover. If having its own dog park doesn’t convince you to live at Circa Los Angeles, certainly the private poolside cabanas with widescreen TVs inside, will.

The consequence for Circa L.A. is that some of the views from the luxurious residences are bright yellow cranes, but that does not worry Circa L.A. because they have a lot of phenomenal innovations coming to their doorstep. Circa L.A. is excited to announce Mastro’s Steakhouse opening up as the lower level of the complex. Not only will this add to the already opulent feel of Circa L.A., it will also provide the residents a mouthwatering and lavish meal only an elevator ride away. According to the leasing agent, there are plenty more innovations and additions coming to Circa L.A., but for contractual purposes that information will be available as soon as it becomes official. Be on the lookout! CIRCALA.COM

GET 2 DTLA EVENT PICKS

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THIS WEEKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top Event Picks

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4 SQUARE ONE: OUR WARMEST WELCOME

square one

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sibling rival stanton dtla south park

SOUTH PARK

housands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. -Buddha

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DTLA Espresso Self By Gregory Pekar

DTLA ESPRESSO SELF

oketto Cold Brew is redefining boundaries with their innovative new coffee bar serving one special blend of cold brew coffee and a variety of cold brew artisanal teas. Located just north of 8th on Broadway, entering the coffee bar we notice its centerpiece, Boketto Cold Brew’s ingenious 4 wheeled Nitro Bike outfitted with Nitro Kegs and a double tap.

7 21 - NOVEMBER 28TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM 7 VOL 13 NO 09 - NOVEMBER

BOKETTO COLD BREW

brings new age of coffee to dtla

p until the grand opening of the coffee bar this past summer, the only way to enjoy Boketto Cold Brew was when the Nitro Bike was parked at coffee conventions, fairs, non profit benefits and private functions of all occasions. Go NITRO! This isn’t just an iced coffee. Cold brew companies use a basic drip bean in the process of steeping coffee grounds in water at cool temperatures for 18 to 24 hours. Boketto takes this a “steep” further by using a curated blend of beans, and infusing their cold brew with nitrogen which gives the coffee a rich creamy head, similar to that of a draft beer while enhancing the flavor and the benefits.

Splash forward a few thousand centuries we now discover the saintly blends of the coffee bar owners Ben Westley and Chris Prenza.

first taste in the morning wake-up or the essential LA overdrive afternoon pick-me-up.” Ben was right. Without sweetener, the Boketto Cold Brew was crisp and robust with a thinner texture who’s slight foam seemingly convinced the tongue there had already been added cream and sugar. The pick me up was fantastic.

The wooden interior coffee bar keeps jars of tea varieties on its counter top. Behind this barista station is a wall previewing a row of assorted taps. Colorful artwork and furnishings span the shops walls and fill its corners as local artisans find space on the shelfs to sell their wares. Curious about what other processes Modern jazz plays in a distance as not to Boketto was using we inquired about drown out the city’s buzz. the filtration process. Ben told us how the gas from the niNew Age of Coffee trogen creates micro pockets of gas “Well,” answered Ben, with the air of The evolution of the consumption of coffee in the body of the coffee. a Coca Cola executive guarding his or as it was expressed in the ancient Propatented recipe, “we can’t tell you to-Central Semitic root “q-h-h” meaning “We charge the keg before tapping it our secret but, our filtration process “dark”, extends back to the beginning of with Nitro. In other words we blast is 100% different than anyone else’s human history. Though the consumption the keg with nitrogen so that the nitro which results in a smoother, thinner, of coffee over the ages has gone through gas mixes with the particles of the mouth feel of our actual cold brew many stages, no one knows its true oricoffee creating micro bubbles inside liquid.” gins. One legend attributes the discovery the keg.” Says Ben.“ of coffee to a Sheikh Omar who was once With every sip of the luscious foamy exiled from Mocha in Yemen only to return “Nitro filled kegs are becoming a head of Boketto’s Nitro blend came an inwith the fragrant brown liquid to be made great way to keep the power flowing toxicating buzz of clear-minded wake up, a saint. and ensure that your Nitro Cold Brew pulsing through our veins. CONT...pg14 is retained in a pristine state for your

8 DTLA MASTERMINDS - KEVIN BARTANIAN OF KEVANI INC

VOL 13 NO 09 - NOV 21 - NOV 28TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM

DTLA

masterminds flipping the

switch with kevin bartanian of kevani inc What is KEVANI?

KEVANI is an out-of-home (OOH) sales organization, and we promote national and local brands through innovative outdoor advertising destinations. What do you mean by advertising “destinations”? We refer to them as “destinations” because our inventory, which includes massive-scale displays, pushes the boundaries of traditional outdoor advertising through visual and artistic innovation. These displays turn heads and demand attention—essentially, they create memorable landmarks, or “destinations.” In fact, our team represents the media on the highest grossing billboards in Los Angeles—most of which are located right here in DTLA.

PHOTO BY MARS SANDOVAL

We have exclusive agreements with developers, owners, and media companies, essentially making us stewards for these landmarks. Our goal is to deliver value to both the community at large, and the brands we represent. This means we’re very deliberate about who we partner with.

When did you begin working in DTLA? I started working here in early 2010. My office was on Central Ave. near the CoAre you a billboard company? ca-Cola bottling plant. It was before the We are Outdoor Advertising fanatics, but construction boom, but you could feel big don’t consider ourselves a “billboard” com- changes were on the horizon, and I empany. Simply put, we are an out-of-home braced the culture right away. Our office media sales organization that represents was near a piñata factory, of all things. large-scale, high-end media assets in the form of these state-of-the-art displays.

Marriott DTLA - StandardVision As it turns out, they make for lovely novelty gifts. I remember regularly purchasing piñatas, and bringing them to client meetings. Great icebreaker.

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the man behind the future of outdoor advertising How do you secure large media contracts with brands like Google, Burberry, LVMH or Nike and bring them to DTLA? Although we have relationships with Media Specialists, CMOs & CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, and our displays are iconic and best in class, that’s not the whole story. We have a hard working team that’s committed to excellence, and a level of service that’s truly unheard of in the outdoor advertising world. Every employee is empowered to do whatever it takes to make our clients happy. Beyond that, advertisers want to be where their customers are. As urbanization grows, the out-of-home medium is becoming an effective and lucrative solution to reach mass audiences. That kind of impact, coupled with evolving technology that targets specific audiences with relevant messaging, is very attractive to these brands. What makes a great company? Great companies do many things well, but ultimately it’s about having the ability to find and retain customers. The customers you serve want three things: 1) They want a service (product) that has no defect, with a smooth buying process 2) They want you to anticipate their needs 3) They want to deal with people who genuinely care about the customer experience. Do these things better than your competitors, and you’ll grow and retain your customer base.

CIRCA – StandardVision

The Towers ® Los Angeles

What word or phrase would you use to describe DTLA? Unexpected. For example, the character of the alleyways. DTLA has some of the best alleyways in Los Angeles. Some of my favorites are Mercury Ct., St. Vincent Ct., Harlem Place and Indian Alley. While originally designed as capillaries of the city’s circulation system, they’ve become so much more. They’ve given birth to street art by providing a canvas. Some alleys are even re-purposed as gathering spaces, creating urban rooms.

Ninth + Broadway What’s your favorite restaurant in DTLA? Very tough to choose. My favorite ambiance is JOEY at The Bloc—love the mood. My favorite tacos are at Sonoratown on 8th Street. My favorite steakhouse is La Boucherie at the Wilshire Grand. For date nights, our preferred spot is Bestia, in the Arts District. KEVANI.COM

10 DTLA APPETITE: BRAVO FOR BRERA by KERI FREEMAN

VOL 13 NO 09 - NOVEMBER 21 - NOVEMBER 28TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM

BRAVO FOR BRERA!

The Polpo Octopus

hef Angelo Auriana and Matteo Ferdinandi speak of their hometown along the Po River Valley in Northern Italy with the same sense of pride they do for their 3 successful Italian Restaurants located here in Downtown Los Angeles.

rts District may not be at all in resemblance to the pristine rolling hills or seaside cliffs of Italy nor are it’s plain grey streets going to remind one of the wondrous canals of Venice but it does have its highlights. The Arts District, connected to one of DTLA’s industrial labyrinths, not so long ago forgotten and hidden by rust, overgrown bush and graffiti, has become quite a destination. And although the ties that bind Arts District to Italy may not be seen, thanks to Factory Kitchen Group they can be eaten. Chef Angelo Auriana and partner Matteo Ferdinandi own and operate Factory Kitchen, Brera Ristorante and Sixth + Mill with their restaurants grouped within one of Arts District’s newly habitable, industrial landscapes; all within walking distance, all 3 deliciously meant to pay homage to the ancient cities of their homeland from the sea to the mountains.

Open 5 pm to 10 pm weekdays and 5 pm to close on weekends, Brera is the largest of the 3 venues and host two of the three locations with Sixth + Mill annexed. The observation of LA’s industrial past is strikingly evident when arriving at Brera which is housed in an olden day, brick-laden warehouse standing at the mouth of the incomplete 6th Street bridge. Nostalgia carries the imagination back to the era when iron, sparks and heavy machinery once defined a man’s workday here on the outskirts of the city. That’s until the robust aromas and witty repartee from inside bring you back to the here and now with the clear understanding you’re about to enter one of Downtown’s most revered dining spaces.

DTLA FINER THINGS IN LIFE by KERI FREEMAN

VOL 13 NO 09 - NOVEMBER 21 - NOVEMBER 28TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM 11

HOW FACTORY KITCHEN GROUP IS RECREATING LITTLE ITALY IN THE ARTS DISTRICT

igh above the Dinner restaurant is an is Served! But, the pleasure in talking with Italian industrial aged Angelo Auriana while enjoying fine skylight of broad Chef wine and scrumptious dishes knowing frosted-glass mosaics he’s elevating DTLA and setting the bar separating the sun, moon when it comes to Italian food here is all ours. and the stars from the During a starter of Fiori di Zucca (lightly battered stuffed zucchini blossoms filled restaurant’s handcraftcheese), accented by a glass of highly ed interior decors; a long with esteemed Barolo wine, one server brings a bar, dark metal beams highly decorated plate while the Chef calls our attention to its description… “This is a and hardwood flooring seal”… We think we hear him say. and wooden tables with We are astonished and ask again to be certain. The Chef’s thick Italian accent comfy leather seating.

hrough the windows of the open kitchen, flames from Brera’s woodfire oven and due diligence of the kitchen staff are on full display. Woodfire cooking dates back to the ancient times of Pompeii where uncovered stone ovens from the fated city are still being used to this day. While on a rotisserie, poultry rotates to golden brown perfection. Separate wood fires allow the smokiness of choice meats to deviate. The fiery caves work just as well for the steady feed and extraction of pizza pies taken to the southern dining hall where sister restaurant Sixth + Mill resides. Dishes coming from Brera’s kitchen offer the closest flavors to Italy imaginable featuring locally sourced and fine imported ingredients that have successfully gone through Brera’s particular process of culinary transformation. Out of the restaurants in Downtown you’ll frequent this year, Brera’s service is the absolute best you’ll find intentionally meant to intensify an already pleasurable experience. Guests sit comfortably and confident knowing their meal and service will be amongst the most impeccable DTLA has to offer. Attentive servers leave no glass unfilled and work in unison to provide the highest levels of hospitality for all guests. General Manager Jeff Smith is the latest and most ambitious member of the Brera family who takes pleasure in presenting the town with Brera’s series of signature dishes.

reminds us of his origins. It’s only when he repeats the title into a more focused ear, does it reveal the dish to be “Sea Eel” not Seal.

We eat it. It’s delicious.

Spiraling upwards towards the ceiling, wrapping itself around stalks of scallions, it’s so scrumptious we slow our chewing movements and take in smaller bites in attempts to savor the flavor for as long as we can. The POLPO octopus dish comes next. It’s lone curled tentacle is soft, subtle, charr-roasted over flames and shares a plate with light green parsley potatoes and raffia olives. Then, more wine followed shortly by the TAGLIATELLE lobster pasta’s compelling display of cocoa pasta, lobster, langoustine, mussels and tomato. After just a few more bites we get the feeling we’re dining amongst the Gods. Neptune, god of the sea must be pleased. Seasonal recipes with a splash of history to honor the ancestors and traditions passed down from the generations is what you’ll experience at Brera. Masters of BISTECCA (aged rib eye), CARRE di MAIALE (pork chops), Risotto (rice), and AGNELLO (lamb chops), all your favorite Italian meat dishes and sides are found here. Coupled with artistic flair, Chef Angelo’s presentations; so bright and alluring they could rival the majestic paintings of Leonardo Da Vinci. Come for a visit, we know this won’t be your last supper at Brera. CONT...pg14

12 DOING THE MOST TOURIST GUIDE

bunker hill

BUNKER HILL is DTLA's leader for world renowned theatrical performance art. Visit Bunker Hill for high ranking views of the LA Basin from the city's finest museums, penthouse apartments, skyscrapers and elevated walkways.

The ABSOLUTE MOST

south park

VOL 13 NO 09 - NOVEMBER 21 - NOVEMBER 28TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM

financial district

china town

Sure, the FINANCIAL SOUTH PARK is the new With its independence DISTRICT may sound like CHINATOWN has strengthentertainment capital it's all work and no play, of the world with a yearened its romantic and but within its mix of hisly calendar of concerts, familiar relationship with toric landmarks, sky top expos, sports and award Downtown Los Angeles bars, financial moguls, ceremonies. Eateries and demonstrating it is as genand award winning Happy nightclubs abound, the tle as it is honest with its area is almost completely Hours; prepare yourself to many gifts for DTLA. encircled by 4 star hotels. mix business with pleasure.

The ABSOLUTE MOST

OUE-SKYSPACE STAPLES CENTER THINK: California's Tallest LA LIVE Observation Deck, THINK: Sports Arena, Private Events, 5 Star Concerts, Movie Theater, Restaurants, 71 Stories Bowling Alley, 5 Star Sky Slide Hotels, Rooftop Pools

courts district

Order in the Courts, dine in or take out...The story of the COURTS DISTRICT begins with the origins of LA and ends with a gambit of public art, dozens of amazing food courts and a 360 degree observation deck at

The ABSOLUTE MOST

WILSHIRE GRAND THINK: Panoramic View, Sushi with a view Poolside Bar, Rooftop Disco 5 Star Restaurants Hotel Rooms

CHINATOWN CENTRAL PLAZA Dive Bars, Dim Sum Hanging Peking Ducks, Lanterns, Two Dragons, Culture Festivals

UNION STATION THINK: 1939, Subway, Maps, Public Piano, Art Exhibits, Brewery, Transportation Hub, Train Stations, Private Events

The MOST:

The ALMOST

ANGEL'S FLIGHT LOS ANGELES LA LIBRARY THINK: Historic Landmark CONVENTION CENTER THINK: Tranquility, Historic Sinai and Olivet, Twin Rail THINK: Expos, Trade Building, Field Trips, Garden Cars, $1 Fare, One Way, Shows, Travelers, Fountains, Books, Research Beaux Arts Style Networking, AirPort Resurrection, Illuminati

MUSIC CENTER PLAZA OCEANWIDE PLAZA THE BLOC GRAND MAKEOVER THINK: Panoramic THINK: Movie Theater, THINK $30M in renovations Views, $1Bill Project, Sky Shopping Mall, Fine Dining, scheduled to open Labor Pool, Dog Parks, ExquiMetro Station, Outdoor Day, Rios Clementi Hale, site Dining, Boutique Concerts, Hotel Stays, ComOutdoor Performances, Hotel, Cabanas munal Hub, Creative Office Al Fresco Dining STALLED Tower, Art Installations

FAR EAST PLAZA Think: Red Lanterns, Vintage Architecture, Shopping Mall, Restaurants, Foodie Heaven

CITY HALL THINK: City Council Committee Meetings, City Planning, Ceremonies, The Mayor, Beacon, Projected Light Displays

The ALMOST

YEAR OF THE RAT THINK: New Beginnings, Wisdom, Intelligence, Determination, Intensity, and a new year of cultural festivals

POLYPHONOPTIC TOWER THINK: Kinetic Music Sculpture, Music, Lights Synchronization, Water, Flooding , Faulty to Fixed.

DOING THE MOST: TOURIST GUIDE

little tokyo

arts district

VOL 13 NO 09 - NOVEMBER 21 - NOVEMBER 28TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM 13

historic core

DTLAs most creative, inThe HISTORIC CORE is LITTLE TOKYO dustrial loft-style, escape revitalized with new bike has the largest Japanese to the ARTS DISTRICT for lanes, parklettes, commuAmerican population in America. The perfect mix a blend of tranquility, or- nity gardens, concerts and ganic eats, famed murals, tremendous nightclub/bar of residents, restaurants, fine art and BEER; hostscene of the Spring Street nightlife, cultural events, Strip, which also host the and hundreds of shops, Lit- ing the most concentrated tle Tokyo sees more than its region of micro breweries in most intoxicating self-guidall of LA. ed art tour in the country. fair share of tourism.

warehouse fashion district district

The FASHION DISTRICT WAREHOUSE DISTRICT, is a stitched oasis of fabric historically known for and fashion shops, where wholesale, shipping, rail yards and exploding facto- designer wares and wholesalers, market weeks and ries; in modern times this district boast 50 blocks of fashion shows, tailor shops potential welcoming a new and accessories, textiles, mix of retail/office centers new eateries and hungry shoppers collide. and eclectic food sources.

The ABSOLUTE MOST

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM THINK: Sculpture, Paintings, Exhibits, Japanese American Experience Issei Artifacts

TWO BIT CIRCUS THINK: Carnival Games, Snacks, Escape Rooms, Virtual Reality, Stage Shows, Video Arcade, Full Bar

GRAND CENTRAL MARKET THINK: Historic Landmark Viva! Vendors, Live Performances, Food Trucks, Crepes, Huge Crowds

THE ROW THINK: 1.3M sq ft, MultiUse Complex, Shopping, Retail Shops, Restaurants, Concerts, Creative Office Space

CALIFORNIA MARKET CENTER THINK: Designer Showcases, Market Week, Trade Shows, Textiles and Accessories

The MOST:

The ALMOST

JAPANESE PLAZA THINK: Anime, Ramen, Fahion, Toys, Photo Portal, Mochi, Taiko, Cultural Festivals, Koinobori

The ALMOST

METRO REGIONAL CONNECTOR THINK: All of Downtown's Districts Connected to transefer to Blue, Expo, Red and Purple Lines bypassing Union Station

ANGLE CITY BREWERY DOWNTOWN ART WALK THINK: IPA, Beer Tasting, THINK: Creativity, NightLocal Entertainment, Mini time, Celebration, galleries, Artists, Entertainment, Festivals, Indie Art Shows Exhibits, Bar Crawl

BRINGING 6TH STREET VIADUCT BACK BROADWAY THINK: New Bridge, RibTHINK: Street Car, Parade bon of Light, $482M project, Michael Maltan, Under Route, Festivals, Wedding Bridge Park, LA River, Bike Boutiques, Historic Theaters, Parklettes, Nightlife, Path Department Stores

SKID ROW THINK: Homelessness, Rehabilitation, Non Profits, Art & Music Events, Community Gatherings

SANTEE ALLEY THINK: Bargains, SwapMeet, Bizarre, Fruit Stands, Clothing & Accessories, Sunglasses

The ALMOST

SOHO HOUSE THINK: Membership Club, Gallery, Basement Bar, Spa and Salon, Hotel Rooms, Film Screenings, Fine Dining, Rooftop Observation Deck

WALL STREET FLORIST MARKET THINK: 15 Stories, Brooks and Scarra 300 Apartment Units, Farmers Market, Wholesale Flowers

14 ADVERTISE WITH DOWNTOWN WEEKLY

VOL 13 NO 09 - NOVEMBER 21 - NOVEMBER 28TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM

Oh, that Pasta! a.k.a... Angel’s Food.

Tender wheat pasta of every sort can be found at Brera. Notable mentions include the RED WINE SPAGHETTI with Gorgonzola and thyme, duck and Rapini ravioli, and Mafalfine with Mary’s goose egg and Parmigiano-Reggiano, all made well enough to pass any marriage test. There’s an Italian wives tale… Back in the olden days, if a woman couldn’t make a good pasta she’d stay single for life. Needless to say, Brera’s family in the form of steady diners is bountiful. Each hearty dish awaits its partnership with selections written upon Brera’s wine list. Cocktails are beautifully handcrafted with Happy Hour specials and special events to boast them throughout the year. Brera’s east wall is almost entirely industrial windows. It allows guests to track the sunlight as it slowly gives way to the dimming lights of the main dining hall. There’s also a variety of classic teas to further ease one into the Arts District’s play on nighttime serene. Chef Angelo believes the word “Authentic” gets lost in translation when others copy or cut corners saying “Obviously being Italian, there is only one way, the right way! If you make something similar or if you copycat or try to cut corners the results will never be the same.” For Downtown, the authentic tastes of Brera Ristorante may be the closest we come without a passport and a plane ticket to the colorful cliffs and winding roads of the Italian Rivera.

Come one, come all!

There’s a full section for private gatherings separated by squared industrial window pains, smoky glass doors, and the new bricks and beams as redesigned during the locations 2-year build-out. The two also discuss plans for the holidays expressing their anticipation for some upcoming events while noting the outside patio and plenty of valet parking. Chef Angelo believes in the energy of the city as it awakens during its own renaissance ready to generate the same electricity found in other major cities around the world. It’s with this concept Brera creators have been able to capture the romance of Italy and mirror it in what was once an industrial wasteland. And it works. Between Brera, Factory Kitchen and Sixth and Mill, DTLA’s Little Italy is born. breraristorante.com

BOKETTO COLD BREW continued

oketto works with an award winning local roaster to come up with a unique blend of beans that is lighter on the pallet yet with a full kick of caffeine. Understanding that much of the coffee consumed is at home or in the office Boketto Cold Brew has several different options for home and office delivery. Convenient delivery services make getting the best cold brew in town brought directly to your home or office doorstep simple. And Remember the Nitro Bike? You can actually rent it for office parties, weddings and fundraisers or subscribe to Boketto and have 51oz reusable pouches of fresh cold brew delivered to your home monthly, saving loads of $ for the daily cold brew drinker! Downtown Weekly suggest the corporate offices of DTLA experience the 5 gallon “kegerators” for bottomless glasses of Boketto Cold Brew! Throwing a party? Boketto teas can be spiked at home! Some beverages suggestions include: Hibiscus-based Piña Colada, Georgia Peach bourbon tea, Cold Brew Cream De Mint, and a Cold Brew Martini. An added bonus to a Boketto cocktail hour is knowing that every artisan tea cocktail is made with fresh, organic, hand blended ingredients some even offering a full day’s worth of Vitamin C. From Saint Omar of Yemen’s outsider brew to Ben and Chris’ java induced visions, it seems like it’s time for a DTLA Nitro Keg party to ring in this New Age upon us. bokettocoldbrew.com

To Be Or Not To Be? DTLA Theater Guide

VOL 13 NO 09 - NOVEMBER 21 - NOVEMBER 28TH / DTLAWEEKLY.COM 15

Mike Birbiglia’s “The New One” Now Playing at the Ahmanson Theater

TO BE OR NOT TO BE?

DTLA THEATER GUIDE 24TH STREET THEATER 1117 West 24th Street, LA, CA 90007

Coming soon... 24th Street Theater is now preparing for 2019/2020 production season

DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION 135 N. Grand Ave, LA, CA 90012 COMING SOON... NOW“EL PLAYING GATO” “THE MAY MAGIC FLUTE” 4 - MAY 19

EAST WEST PLAYERS

120 Judge John Aiso LA, CA 90012 COMING SOON... “SUGAR PLUM FAIRY”

LOS ANGELES THEATER CENTER

BOB BAKER’S MARIONETTE THEATER 1345 West 1st, Highland Park, LA, CA 90026 NOW PLAYING “WELCOME WAGON REVIEW”

WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL 111 S. Grand Ave, LA, CA 90012

COMING SOON.. “THE CINEMATIC ORCHESTRA”

AHMANSON THEATER

135 N. Grand Ave, LA, CA 90012 COMING SOON... ON STAGEDAYS” NOW... “HAPPY “MIKE BIRBIGLIA’S: “THE MAY 15 - JUNE 30 NEW ONE”

ROBEY THEATER

514 S. Spring Street, LA, CA 90013

COMING SOON... “LA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE, DIOS INANTZIN”

COMING SOON “THE WRONG KIND OF PEOPLE”

CAL ARTS REDCAT

MARK TAPER FORUM

631 W. 2nd Street, LA, CA 90012 ON STAGE NOW ON STAGE3 NOW... “Between Worlds” “DORIAN WOOD: XAVELA MAY 6 LUX AETERNA”

135 N. Grand Ave, LA, CA 90012

NOW PLAYING “AUGUST WILSON’S JOURNEY”