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Oceanwide’s Big BID: High Stakes Drama Over the Future of Downtown’s Skyline
In 2016, Oceanwide Plaza was slated to become the crown jewel in downtown Los Angeles—a $1-billion mixed-use marvel that would bring luxury living, upscale shopping, and a Park Hyatt hotel right across from the Crypto.com Arena. With 504 condos, 184 hotel rooms, and over 150,000 square feet of commercial space, the vision was bold, grand, and seemingly unstoppable.
Fast forward to 2019, when construction came to a grinding halt due to a combination of financial difficulties and mounting legal troubles faced by its Chinese developer, Oceanwide Holdings.
Half finished over the years the project became an eyesore, a far cry from the luxurious, vibrant community it was meant to be.
Then, to much dismay, the half-built towers became a canvas for graffiti artists, with their brightly colored, stylized letters covering floor after floor.
Shortly after, base divers were seen leaping from above, both adding so much popularity that Google Maps marked the location as an official tourist attraction in 2024.
ensuring that a capable new owner takes over the project, completes the construction, and fulfills the original vision for the site.
An upcoming auction just may be the last chance to find a new owner who can salvage the situation. But who will the new owners be??? And how much will they be willing to pay? These questions have DTLA on the edge of it's seat.
Mystery Buyers Only?
A mystery-buying, stalking-horse bidder threw in an offer of $500 million in mid-August, then seemingly backed out?
With the developer having made commitments related to public infrastructure and amenities as part of the project; the city was left on the hook, vowing to spend millions on security and maintenance to be recouped once the buildings sold.
Now the tax payer had to address the graffiti and
the issues caused by the incomplete development. To mitigate these challenges and recover some of the lost momentum, the city began working closely with lenders, creditors, and potential buyers to find a resolution.
This included facilitating the auction process, where the city has a vested interest in
Although some speculated former Mayoral candidate and developer Rick Caruso was behind the mystery, the town hopeful continues to be AEG.
Haven’t they earned it?
photos courtesy oceanwide holdings
What may have seemed like just some developing buildings in the distance for unknowing tourists and DTLA residents must’ve been a towering hot mess for AEG, who had originally planned to collaborate on the site but ended up pulling out after Covid devastation and financial troubles arose.
At that time. AEG spokesman Michael Roth told local media that the company is still “enthusiastic” about the project.
With recent rumors circulating, the AEG was going to jump in and take the prize; there’s been no bid from the entertainment rulers just yet, although rules of the auction state there is still time for bidders to be invited.
Come on AEG—!
Your company has a proven track record of transforming urban spaces. From sports events to concerts, just look how well you’ve done with L.A. LIVE.
AEG isn’t just about fun and games; their resume consists of renovation and leasing of existing buildings, sale of developed land and/or parcels, land acquisitions and entitlement, design and construction of sports and entertainment districts, hotels, arenas, stadiums, and theaters, etc.
“We build it; they come.”
By AEG’s own admission… and you wouldn’t even have to travel far… Oceanwide is right outside your door.
Set for September 17, bid day promises to be a high-stakes showdown, drawing attention from real estate moguls, investors, and curious onlookers worldwide.
Made possible by the City of LA and Colliers and Hilco Real Estate, who will run the auction at 1101 South Flower Street, in person and online, making it accessible to a global audience eager to see who will emerge as the new owner of this prime downtown Los Angeles real estate.
One thing is certain: the competition is fierce, with each bidder hoping to capitalize on the opportunity to reshape a key part of downtown Los Angeles’ skyline.
Kobe Bryant “Girl Dad” Statue Draws Love from Adoring Fans World Wide
TThe newest statue honoring Kobe Bryant at Crypto.com Arena has been unveiled, celebrating his cherished relationship with his daughter and his role as a devoted “Girl Dad.”
his latest statue captures a scene from December 29, 2019, showing Kobe and Gianna Bryant at a Lakers game against the Dallas Mavericks. Kobe is depicted wearing an Eagles beanie, a Christmas gift from Gianna, along with an orange WNBA sweatshirt. The statue reflects their interaction as they watched the game together.
Both Kobe and Gianna tragically died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas on January 26, 2020. The statue, the second of three planned tributes, is placed near the 11th Street entrance of Crypto.com Arena. It celebrates Kobe’s enthusiastic involvement in coaching his daughter’s youth basketball team after his retirement.
A plaque accompanying the statue features a quote from Kobe: “Gianna is a beast. She’s better than I was at her age. She’s got it. Girls are amazing. I would have five more girls if I could. I’m a girl dad.”
The inscription is signed “Kobe Bryant, Most Valuable Girl Dad” and includes the Mambacita logo. It also describes Gianna as an “inspirational icon for girls in sports” and Kobe as a “proud supporter of women in sports.”
Designed by Karon Davis and crafted by Rotblatt Amrany Studio, the statue was revealed on August 2, 2024, a date significant for reflecting the numbers 8 and 24 worn by Kobe with the Lakers, as well as the No. 2 jersey Gianna wore at the Mamba Academy.
DTLA Brunch Club Presents… 10 GREATEST BRUNCHES in Downtown Los Angeles
Cabra, see you at the top!
Of all the greatest brunch destinations in Downtown Los Angeles, Cabra excels for its vibrant, inviting atmosphere and exquisite, innovative cuisine crafted by master celebrity chef Stephanie Izard. Not only had Izard mastered the art of Peruvian cuisine, but she’s also mastered the art of presenting a unique, unforgettable brunch experience complete with cocktails, stunning panoramic views, and the town’s tastiest empanadas.
Cabra (means goat) has climbed so high above ground level atop the Hotel Hoxton rooftop, passerby’s below would never suspect just how much fun the visitors at Cabra may be having at any given moment.
Who would suspect a sun-soaked rooftop patio with shaded tables with a full bar and world-class restaurant serving plates of Crab Causa with aji potato, red crab salad, and limey huacatay and WoodFired Skirt Steak and Eggs, with stir-fried peppers, onions, tomatoes, tots, saltado sauce, and sunny-side eggs?
Beyond the stack of Blueberry Pancakes stacked high and topped with pickled kumquats, hoisin-espresso maple syrup, espresso-cocoa nib crumble the bird'seye view of Cabra offers the city’s historic buildings that stretch for miles.
The ambience at Cabra is both sophisticated and relaxed. Rattan tables adorned with green mosaic tiles create a stylish yet comfortable setting. The cool summer breeze provides a refreshing escape from the city’s heat, while the rooftop pool invites you to take a dip and soak up the sun, making Cabra the perfect place to unwind and enjoy good company. @cabralosangeles.com
Ristorante Per L’Ora – Classic Brunch
While it was the English that first discovered how delightful the fusion of breakfast and lunch could be, and later, the introduction of mimosas and pastries by the French added much spender, in Downtown, it’s the Italian-inspired Ristorante Per L’Ora at Hotel Per LA that has most successfully masters the look and feel of the classical European brunch experience.
Ristorante Per L’Ora is a trip back in time. It’s caged within the former Bank of Italy, a historical monument built in 1922. A building almost lost in time if it weren’t for its recent revival in 2018.
Where slight echoes once bounced within the room’s Doric columns, ornate golden ceiling, and marble floors, now sits a room full of hotel visitors rightfully gladdened by brunch plates with their choices that may just include Banana Foster Pancakes made with dark rum, topped with bananas, and Mascarpone whipped cream, or Avocado Toast with prosciutto, heirloom tomato, herb salad, two poached eggs, and added smoked salmon, if need be.
To the right of the Per L’Ora dining room, beyond the Moroccan arches, a full bar of spirits beckons guests to return for Aperitivo Hour, 5 pm–6 pm every night
The floor-to-glass windows that once exposed the commotion of downtown’s earliest ambitions now only allow for enough natural light to expose the extricate details of the hotel’s interior, its modest speed of service, and several seating arrangements perfectly suitable for intimate romance, tidy business meetings, solo visits, or perhaps even royalty.
This is an early brunch, starting at 7 am; it is over by 12 pm, with patrons regrouping on the rooftop to enjoy Bar Clara after 1 pm. @ristoranteperlora
hoxton
DTLA BRUNCH CLUB PRESENTS
10 GREATEST BRUNCHES
Grand Cafe at Omni Hotel the Mother of All Brunches
If variety is the spice of life, then the greatest brunch of all time has got to be at the Grand Cafe at the Omni Hotel on Bunker Hill.
Executive chef Jeffrey Williams’ brunch is not a wow, it’s a wowow!
With a full jazz band of jazz legends to greet diners in two mega rooms filled with tables, families, and elated servers all focused on trips to and from the room’s brunch buffet centerpiece.
Everything imaginable that can be enjoyed at a brunch in downtown is right there at your fingertips including the Mimosa
Spicy, Exotic Brunchtime at Baar Baar
Earning its place in the top five is newcomer Baar Baar, Downtown’s missing link when it comes to fine dining, Indian cuisine.
Helmed by Chef Sujan Sarkar, Baar Baar has managed to capture the allure of its predecessor and previous local hot spot Faith and Flower, especially when it comes to brunch time festivities.
Here you’ll find impeccable service and hospitality, with welcomes from the family-owned operators, head chef, and famous mirror bar, which offers their own take on American classics with an Indian cinematic twist.
Flight Trio with choice of orange, grapefruit, cranberry or blackberry. Hot chafing dishes of bacon, simmering sausages, scrabble eggs, potatoes, biscuits, gravy, salads, salmon, and on-demand slices of prime rib, and even fresh omelettes prepared while you wait.
Seafood lovers dive in! Grand Cafe at Omni Hotel boasts platters of chilled peeled shrimp, fresh oysters, crab legs, and lox. Prefer a seafood broil? Say less! Eat more!
A full platter of the same tasty sea morsels with added sautéed mussels is just steps away.
Almost unbelievable, with an added array of sweet desserts, each item proudly presents its own flavor and aesthetics like a flag bearer calling the attentions of each diner from across the buffet field. @omnilosangeles
exotic taste at baar baar
Tequila Sunrise anyone? How about the movie “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” directed by Aditya Chopra in 1995? At Baar Baar, it’s re-release stars tequila, tamarind, aged balsamic, blackberries, and soda. And the National Film Cocktail Award goes too…
mass abundance at grand cafe
Brunch at Baar Baar is likely to start with the cinematography of Pani Puri, accompanied by Lamb Keema Hyderabadi and its blend of spices made from potato mousse, green peas, and Masala pao.
Fun to eat and photo ready comes Baar Baar’s Vegetable Masala Dosa, a traditional cone-shaped dosa served with three sides of chutneys.
Here diners find flavors unavailable to anyone anywhere else on the continent, like the flavor of their Gunpowder Scallops made with cauliflower salan and fennel chutney or Baar Baar’s Kashmiri Duck Tacos, birria with cilantro, red onions, and cheddar.
It’s going to be hard to not get hooked on Baar Baar’s exotic desserts. Gulab Juman Cheese cake tastes just as it’s pronounced. Like a celebration of India’s sweet culture with every bite. @baarbaarlosangeles
Brunches Galore at The Delphi Hotel
While the Delphi Hotel prepares to reopen its lively rooftop in spring 2025, GM Leah Haproff and the Denae’s Diner crew (located on the ground floor) have wasted no time keeping the brunch vibes going with a full menu of diner favorites, flowing $7 mimosas, rotating hosts and DJs to keep downtown’s favorite weekend pastime as festive as ever.
The blue and yellow retro-themed diner has always added to the hotel’s allure. It drew media attention pre-Covid with Wigs and Waffles drag brunch follies and has recently shared its weekend brunch slots with Feeling Brunchy, hosted by comedian Tahir Moore, DTLA First Sundays, one of downtown’s longest-running brunch meet-ups and traveler’s choice, the DTLA Brunch Club.
Menu items remind diners of the downtown they love with brunch favorites like The Black Dahlia, cinnamon swirled croissant, French toast, almond brittle, and blueberry sauce. It’s a dark, bittersweet mystery; it just screams DTLA.
Through the Denae’s window shines The Bradbury, a sunny-side-up egg, Swiss cheese, country ham, Dijon Béchamel on Sourdough. In high demand, the Grand Central Stack, silver dollar pancakes, strawberry butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, and hints of lemon.
The outside patio at Denae’s doubles as a separate bar and dance floor once the spiked shakes and list of specialty cocktails start to kick in. Shake a leg! Denae’s at Hotel Delphi is one of the greatest. @delphihotel
Brunch vs the Competition at 33 TAPS
Open at 12pm Monday through Friday, Saturday, and Sunday rings an early 9 a.m. wake-up call for brunch fans at 33 Taps.
The new downtown location on the corner ground floor of The Moxy & AC Hotel offers a sports bar brunch with a wall lined with imported and domestic beer taps.
With fifty 75-inch screens and a three-sided jumbotron, 33 Taps also doubles as an arcade with ten arcade games to play.
Ordering the breakfast bowl with eggs, bacon, cheese, black beans, breakfast potatoes, avocado, and salsa verde or Chilaquiles Verde, made with seasoned tortilla chips, beans, salsa verde, cheese, and over-easy eggs, earns free tokens for the arcade with every purchase. Arcade favorites include Lakers NBA Airball, Mario Kart Arcade GP, Shaq Attaq Pinball, Foosball, Shuffleboard, Golden Tee, and Combo Boxer-Double Combat.
This is a tapas bar (think chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, etc.) with tapas menus mostly, but Chef Jorge Galvez adds breakfast items to the menu for brunch. There’s also a Churro Waffle topped with cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla ice cream for those with a sweet tooth.
Say goodbye to Saturday night’s aftermath with a 33 TITO’S Bloody Mary, a sweet spicy pick-me-up with a mix of house clamato and chopped veggies.
Another great point about 33 Taps Sports Brunch is there’s enough room and libation for large parties, so patrons don’t have to ever worry about keeping their voices down.
The food is uncannily good for a sports bar, maybe that would explain why 33 Taps has been so successful. It’s so good, sometimes it’s hard to tell if guests are cheering for their favorite team or for Chef Galvez. @eatdrink33
sports Bar Brunch
Photo Courtesy 33 Taps
denae's diner at delphi hotel
DTLA BRUNCH CLUB
10 GREATEST BRUNCHES Castaway at Rappahannock
Oyster Bar
Ships Ahoy!
Say hello to distant shores with imported oysters from Chesapeake Bay. Rappahannock Bar (RappBar) in downtown Los Angeles has a new executive chef. Chef Alex Rocha has presented several new menu items that make for a perfect sea-worthy brunch. Rappahannock brunch enthusiasts find themselves sailing in a sea of fresh scallops, shrimp, clams, oysters, and… lobster tacos. Aye, Aye, Captain. Just add lemon!
While others may be headed for a delicious mirage of Smorgasburg on Sundays, in contrast to waiting in long lines under the hot sun, castaways may pick a cool, seaworthy voyage to RappBar’s outdoor patio as the cool summer breeze whisk over Lobster Benedict made with fried green tomatoes, poached eggs, and Hollander sauce.
Another catch unique to RappBar is the Fried Oyster Omelette with trout roe cheddar cheese, tomato, onion, avocado, and chipotle crema.
Because of its chill, vacation-like atmosphere, and outdoor elements, RappBar is ideal for intimate brunches or larger brunches for the whole crew. Also on the menu are craft cocktails like the Pom Pom with vodka, lemon juice, pomegranate seeds, and soda water to help cheer up fellow shipmates. Cheers mateees. @rappbardtla
Brunch Nesting at Lady Byrd Cafe
We don’t always leave downtown, but when we do, it’s for brunch at Lady Byrd Cafe. Located on Echo Park Blvd., this hidden gem began as a cafe created by owner Misty Mansouri and later developed into something that has to be seen to be believed.
Lady Byrd Café is known for its delightful outside garden setting. Almost completely circling the cafe, diners sit at tea tables or choose intimate miniature greenhouses of their very own.
And here’s a poem!
Within the garden’s labyrinth of treasures old, Sweet jasmine scents the air—a story untold.
Surrounded by nature’s art, wildlife, flowers, and seedlings, all playing their part, hummingbirds flit, a joyful, buzzing sound, at what has been described as a hip, casual, intimate, and romantic dining arena.
When it comes to eggs, Lady Byrd slays... We mean lays them all. The menu selections include eggs any style, poached eggs, Eggs Benedict, eggs Norwegian, Scrambled Eggs in puff pastry, etc.
But that’s not all the Lady Byrd brings to the table. Vegan sausage, pan-seared steaks, shrimp, grilled salmon, and a list of pastas and garden salads also complement the nest.
There are pastries and fresh cookies, and coffee choices come aesthetically pleasing. The fresh-roasted blends help keep the conversations flowing as sunlight does its best to peak through the low-hanging trees from above.
Lady Byrd also pairs its brunch plates with red and white wines and Soju-based cocktails t. Don’t forget to tweet! @ladybyrdcafe.com read more
ships ahoy with rappahannock oyster bar
intimate getaway at lady byrd cafe
Shots, Food & Music – LA Tequila Festival Returns to Downtown LA
Celebrating the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Mexico’s most iconic spirit, the Andrés y María Cárdenas Family Foundation (AMCFF) proudly announces the return of its highly anticipated LA Tequila Fest.
Held this year at LA City Center Studios, LA Tequila Fest unites the city’s tequila enthusiasts for a day of exceptional celebration and unforgettable flavors.
The Andrés y María Cárdenas Family Foundation (“AMCFF”) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to disadvantaged and lowincome students. As AMCFF’s signature fundraising event, the LA Tequila Fest supports the foundation’s scholarship program, primarily benefiting Latinx students who embody the values of hard work, perseverance, and community commitment.
To date, AMCFF has awarded nearly $1.5 million in scholarships to over 1,400 students, driving generational change in some of the most underserved communities in the San Fernando Valley.
“We are proud to bring this major event to Southern California, as it underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting disadvantaged students from the East San Fernando Valley. Through this festival, we can provide much-needed financial resources that empower these students to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams,” said Brian De La Rosa, Board
President of the Andrés y María Cárdenas Family Foundation.
The event will showcase an exciting lineup of DJs, exclusive pricing on tequila bottles featured at the festival, tequila and mezcal tastings, mixology demonstrations, outdoor games and activities, an artisan market, and authentic cuisine from all over the world.
with tequila and mezcal, indulge in a culinary journey like no other.
VIP Experiences
elevate the festival experience with exclusive VIP packages, including early access, private tastings, swag bags, and other fun items to remember the festival by.
LA Tequila Fest offers variety of over 85 premium tequila and mezcal brands, from well-established favorites to emerging boutique labels, and a chance to savor all the flavors and nuances of the finest tequilas and mezcals, guided by experts.
Mixology masters will showcase innovative tequila-based cocktails during the event. From traditional tacos to all types of world gourmet dishes that pair extremely well
The Los Angeles Tequila Festival is an inclusive event that welcomes agave enthusiasts, industry professionals, and curious newcomers. For those eager to explore the world of tequila and mezcal, Los Angeles Tequila Festival is that one event that shouldn’t be missed.
LA Tequila Fest is set for September 7 at LA City Center Studios, located at 450 South Bixel Street, LA, CA 90017, from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM. @ latequilafest
GET TICKETS
Photos courtesy of LA Tequila Fest
CANNACIRLCE: An Elevated Look at Downtown Los Angeles
Could Downtown Los Angeles Become the New Amsterdam?
Arecent bill passed by the California Assembly could pave the way for the DTLA to become a cannabis haven, reminiscent of Amsterdam.
The bill, known as AB 1775, aims to level the playing field for California’s legal cannabis industry, which has struggled to compete with the thriving black market. If approved, the legislation would allow the local justification to authorize cannabis clubs to serve non-cannabis food and beverages.
While the bill has garnered support from many in the cannabis industry, it has also faced opposition from some who argue that the dank poses potential hazards for the public along with health risks.
Cannabis advocates see the bill as a huge step forward, helping to reduce the demand for illicit cannabis products, which they expressed works wonders for all types of health ailments, from chronic pain to cancer.
DTLA dispensary co-founder of Green Qween and l DTLA Proud gave this statement to DT Weekly.
“Green Qween proudly stands behind AB 1775! This bill is needed for the legal cannabis industry to challenge the illicit market and help to reduce stigma along the way.
It’s time to have more venues across the state that offer vibrant and social spaces to enjoy cannabis while socializing over a meal, drinks, or live entertainment.
Having spent more than 20 years curating queer nightlife in L.A., I’ve seen firsthand how social spaces can transform lives and build community. It’s now time to create these spaces with cannabis and I’ve been ready for this moment since the start. Let’s unite behind this bill and show how California is a leader in on-premise cannabis consumption!"
–Andrés Rigal Co-Founder of Green Qween
Sencimillia being healthy or harmful is a decades-long question; however, somewhere in the cloud of smoke lies the truth.
One thing is for certain: despite reefer madness, and being chastised by those calling Mary Jane the Devil’s Weed, marijuana advocates aren’t giving up their fight to decriminalize the flower any time soon.
If the AB 1775 bill already passed by the House survives the Senate, it will end up on Governor Newsom's desk. If the governor signs the bill into law, it could have a significant impact on DTLA’s local economy.
With the governors signature and enough community input, AB 1775 would give LA City Council the final say, with Kevin de Leon or Ysabel Jurado, voting in favor of a cannabis revolution in DTLA.
Cannabis tourism has already become a major source of revenue for cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and in countries like Vancouver, where high times have reduced the stigma associated with cannabis use and promoted a more inclusive and tolerant society.
With one of the largest tourism industries in the world, the possibility of DTLA becoming the new Amsterdam is a real thing. Imagine sipping coffee at Green Qween or having an omelet at Stiizy. Stay tuned.
