Welcome to March, y’all.
Wondering how to fill your calendar this month? Consider a late-night coffee date in K-Town, a trip to the Pantages Theater in Hollywood, or start exploring your green thumb with some pre-spring gardening.
We were joined by L.A. Times columnist and longtime Angeleno Frank Shyong, who documents diasporas, culture and politics in the city. He's also a food enthusiast with great restaurant and street vendor recommendations; check out his Insta.
We love L.A. But there’s a lot to choose from when it comes to happenings. Every month, Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido and I share a slice of our L.A. for our segment “Social Calendar.”
We hope you’re inspired to do something new or revisit a place! Enjoy.
While we’re on the food topic here, Frank notes there are two different ways we should think about food: eating vs. dining. Eating is needed substance without the fancy — a simple sandwich from the corner store or a street taco. And when you dine, you expect an experience that’s somewhat elevated.
Frank confesses there’s a lot more “eating” in his life nowadays. One reason is he spent too much money eating in nice restaurants when he was in his 20s. The other reason is because its fun. What I like about food is “how it connected me to interesting stories, interesting experiences,” he says.
And so, almost naturally, his pitch for your social calendar is all about eating and hitting up a late-night café in Koreatown.
L.A. may not be the first place you think of when it comes to late-night spots. Non-club establishments that are open past midnight are rare because work and nightlife culture is transforming, he says. But what about the night owls! (I agree with Frank.)
Some of these K-Town spots are open until 2 a.m. and serve bites and coffee. These are great settings for a late-night hangout, a sobering night recap or just a study/work session. Here are the cafés Frank highlighted that bring good vibes:
I recently went to a showing of The Wiz at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood and I wish I had gone sooner. There are two factors here: the musical and the venue.
The Wiz a production that has been around since the early 70s, brings a modern twist to The Wizard of Oz with an all-Black cast. Dorothy is played by Nichelle Lewis, singer Deborah Cox does a great Glinda and Wayne Brady is the wizard. The drama, dancing, music, costumes all shine brightly on stage and it all took me back to warm, fuzzy childhood memories. The last show is March 3, but Chicago is coming to town next.
Fun fact: the art deco Pantages Theater used to be a movie theater, so that’s why you might find the seating or acoustics… interesting. Just getting to that busy Hollywood corridor can be daunting, but once you’re parked (or off public transportation) it’s a spectacular building to be in.
I suggest you get there early, grab a coffee or drink on Hollywood Boulevard, take a stroll down the block and check out some stores like Amoeba Records or the whimsical Funko Pop store. And don’t forget to take some cute pics in front of the Pantages marquee.
It’s been raining lately, and it makes many of us pout. But the water has helped Antonia plot her garden in her backyard.
I love Antonia’s pick because it’s something you can do (mostly) anywhere — whether you’re a renter or a homeowner. Start exploring your green thumb on a budget.
Gardening can be an expensive hobby so Antonia has learned some DIY tactics to help:
Let us know what’s on your social calendar and drop us a note. We’d love to read your suggestions on the podcast: howtola@scpr.org
