NEWS AND NOTES

NEWS NOTES

Los Angeles Ballet: The Nutcracker 2019

IT’S SHOWTIME

The Nutcracker returns with performances across the city.

REED HUTCHINSON/LOS ANGELES BALLET B ack from last year’s virtual pivot, the Los Angeles Ballet returns to its around-the-city circuit of The Nutcracker. A prerecorded Tchaikovsky score accompanies dancers at Glendale’s Alex Theatre, Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, and UCLA’s Royce Hall starting December 4. Or catch a performance with live music from the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra during four performances at the Dolby Theatre, December 23–26. losangelesballet.org —JENNIFER ASHTON RYAN Additional Nutcracker performances around the city:

Long Beach Ballet at the Terrace Theater

December 17–19 Full orchestra, special e ects, family oriented. longbeachnut -cracker.com

Westside Ballet at the Broad Stage

November 27–28, December 4–5 Accompanied by the Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra. westsideballet.com

Red Chair Children’s Production Company at the Alex Theatre

December 3 A shorter, familyfriendly performance put on by a cast of children ages 7 to 18. redchairproductions.org

BEST FRIEND CLUB

> Not your typical veterinary clinic, Modern Animal is designed to appeal to both pets and people —think La Colombe cold brew in the fridge and an inviting waiting room you won’t mind actually waiting in. The new Pasadena clinic, located in Playhouse Village, provides pet care for the 21st century with a unique membership model ($100/pet per year and no exam fees, ever) and mobile app that o ers 24/7 telemedicine, which means you can get top-notch care for your pet without leaving your couch—whether you’re booking an inperson visit, requesting a prescription refi ll, or connecting with a licensed technician. with a licensed technician.

Modern Animal’s in-person services range from general primary and preventive veterinary care to specialized fi elds including surgery, diagnostics, and dentistry. No matter what and dentistry. No matter what concerns you have about Fido concerns you have about Fido or your feline—behavioral, or your feline—behavioral, physical, or emotional— physical, or emotional— owners can rest easy owners can rest easy knowing their precious knowing their precious pet will be in good hands. pet will be in good hands. modernanimal.com

—SARA SMOLA

DISPENSING PHILANTHROPY

> Colorado Boulevard’s upscale recreational cannabis dispensary Essence recently celebrated its six-month “canna-versary” with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a philanthropic pledge of $800,000 to support local community organizations and betterment programs, including the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, Journey House, Homes 4 Families, and Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.

For the canna-curious, Essence o ers a wide range of carefully curated premium products, including more than 50 strains of fl ower and pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, concentrates, and topicals. Whether you’re new to the lifestyle or a cannabis connoisseur, the Essence team is on hand to ensure customers have access to quality products that meets their needs, from improving sleep to relieving anxiety or muscle pain. essencedispensary.com —S.S.

HOT IDEA

> After a frustratingly frigid and snowy camping experience made lighting a fi re nearly impossible, Mike Beyrodt set out to design a fast and easy-to-use fi re starter that could get a blaze going despite frozen or wet wood and without the use of matches or lighters. With Pull Start Fire you can be roasting chestnuts by the fi re in seconds. Just pull the eco-friendly ignition pack’s string for a roaring fl ame. The starter burns for 30 minutes and is considered safe for camp fare like s’mores, marshmallows, and hotdogs. Waterproof and windproof, the starter is ideal for any camper, hiker, or even backyard entertainer. $20/3 pack; pullstartfi re.com —S.S.

SUITE LIFE

> A luxury terminal serving commercial A luxury terminal serving commercial fl ights at LAX, The Private Suite eliminates the stress of traveling while redefi ning the pre- and post-fl ight experiences with its new shared social space, The Salon at PS. Designed for the discerning traveler who wants to skip the chaos and crowds, The Salon is a luxe 21+ lounge for solo travelers or small groups that o ers access to coveted PS perks like expedited TSA screening, on-site customs and immigration processing, and direct-toaircraft transportation across the airfi eld before takeo , as well as an array of amenities, including a seasonally rotating menu of California/Mediterranean–inspired made-to-order plates, elegant bar serving handcrafted cocktails, and spacious outdoor garden. A delayed fl ight has never been more welcome. $695/person; reserveps.com —S.S.

DRIVING FORCE

> With school back in session, carpooling can be a lifesaver, and it’s never been easier thanks to Kango, an app-based ridesharing service for preschool to high school–age kids in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. Whether your child needs a ride to school every day or to get to soccer practice after school on Mondays, Kango’s prescreened drivers will get your kids where they need to go.

Parents can keep tabs on their little ones in transit through the Kango app, which allows you to track the location of the driver, send them a message, or call them directly. With safety as the No. 1 priority, all drivers must pass the Kango Safety Check, which includes a background and DMV check, fi ngerprinting, and vehicle inspection, as well as an in-person training session. Kango also o ers supportive services such as childcare, grocery delivery, and tutoring. Rides from $24; kangoapp.co

Caboco Lagosta

QUICK BITES

It’s a celebratory time of year so cocktails, indulging, and home cooking—along with a few healthy options—are on everyone’s list. BY CAROLE DIXON

WAVERLY BOOKSHOP CAFÉ AND

COOKING SCHOOl on Fair Oaks is a new spot for classes for kids, an eat-in café with a patio for breakfast and lunch, and bookstore for unique gifts. Owner and cooking school veteran Sandy Olivas and her 17-yearold daughter, Brooklyn, also have ower-arranging classes for the holiday dinner table and Wholesome Sunday Suppers led by holistic cooking instructor and author Carrie Bon tto. Natural wine and craft beer can now be found at THE GRANT, a new cocktail bar in Glassell Park on Eagle Rock Blvd. This sophisticated spot is the brainchild of local hospitality veterans Michael Lippman and Joshua Weinstein, who also co-own Echo Park’s Bar Bandini. FIVE 55 is an upscale sports bar at the new Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles in Monterey Park featuring handcrafted cocktails, truf e mac and cheese, chicken wings, and Wagyu beef hot dogs. U STREET PIZZA in Old Pasadena just launched a cocktail menu (along with beer and wine) for the rst time in collaboration with Mary Bartlett of Future Gin.

More coffee and carbs are on the way. THE BOY & THE BEAR, a Columbian coffee shop in the South Bay, is opening an outpost on Green Street, and BAGEL + SLICE BY OLIO and Blaze Pizza owner-chef is the latest comfort-carb spot in Highland Park.

For Armenian artisanal products and locally baked treats, be sure to visit

ARTSAKH GARDENS FARMERS MARKET in Glendale before it wraps up at the end of 2021.

Sarah and Aaron Melendrez (formerly of Frogtown favorite Salazar), launched a farm-to-market deli in Whittier called UPTOWN PROVISIONS. Expect chef-driven sandwiches with prime rib and brisket, plus an Israeli couscous and roasted Moroccan carrot salad.

Thanks in part to restaurateur Bill Chait (Bestia), São Paulo’s Rodrigo Oliveira is latest Michelin-recognized chef to land in the DTLA Arts District with Brazilian-themed CABOCO in the old Church & State spot. Finally, a place for proper caipirinha cocktails with cachaça, crispy pork belly bites, tapioca fries, and traditional moqueca de caju veggie stew in a lively environment with black-and-white murals designed by Alexis Readinger of Preen.

While you’re downtown, grab a slice or meatball sub in the Halo food court at New York import DANNY BOY’S FAMOUS ORIGINAL, conceived by Daniel Holzman of The Meatball Shop, who used to work at Le Bernardin with Eric Ripert.

In Hollywood, another East Coast import, THE GODFREY HOTEL, is the latest rooftop spot for cocktails with a view, but the downstairs restaurant ALK (About Last Knife) has a bounty of vegan options on the menu amid an art deco air.

While it’s not entirely plant-based, GOOP KITCHEN is expanding its health-focused brand from Santa Monica to a new location in Studio City. Finally, no holiday is complete without cake— and pie. Newly opened SUSIECAKES on South Lake will offer seasonal specials for the holidays, including pecan, apple, and pumpkin pies in November, and a chocolate candy cane cake and Hanukkah-themed cakes for December.