“Jazz Is Dead” is an organization that produces concerts that highlight the beautiful genre of Jazz and the artists who have helped keep the art alive. I’ve been following their work for a while and finally bought a ticket to see the organ legend, Ronnie Foster. The Lodge Room is one of the many venues that is used for these concerts and although it was my first visit, I thoroughly enjoyed my time.
Some things to note:
- If you go to an event at the Lodge, be ready to stand for a while as there are no seats available to use for the entire production. The location itself is pretty small but spacious enough for a perfectly intimate experience.
- Be sure to check out some of the restaurants nearby, Checker Hall, Burgerlords, and Gold Line are some great choices for a quick bite.
- Parking is difficult. Fortunately, there are quite a few residentials located nearby that you can park in :)
- Definitely check out
@artdontsleep and
@jazzisdead, they’re always hosting events around Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and other big cities around the country. You can buy tickets to future events
here.
Checker Hall
104 N Ave 56, Los Angeles, CA 90042
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| View of the bar |
Checker Hall is conveniently located right next to the Lodge Room, so I had to stop by before heading to my show. Located on the second floor of a 1920s-era Masonic Temple, this modern Mediterranean lounge is worth a try. When I visited I sat at the bar and ordered a mojito, chicken skewers, and a cauliflower dish. Service was okay, but was to be expected on a busy night.
Mojito: Extremely sweet, and tasted like club soda with a hint of rum. I ordered a classic Jack and Coke for the performance afterward and was much happier with my choice. 6/10
Chicken Skewers: This appetizer came with two big skewers and hummus on the side, this dish was definitely my favorite out of everything I ordered. Juicy, sizable, and flavorful! 10/10
Cauliflower: I love cauliflower, so I order it whenever I see it on a menu. Unfortunately, this appetizer did not meet my expectations. Although cooked well, the cauliflower was drenched in so much sauce that I was scraping off excess with my spoon. 6/10
Although my first experience was subpar, to say the least, I want to visit again in the future for the full experience before shooting it down.
Some things to note:
- The entrance to the restaurant is kind of hidden, make sure to have your eyes peeled for the hostess stand to check-in.
- Reservations aren't required, but definitely recommended. Checker Hall has a few balcony tables, so if you do want a spot, make a reservation
here!- Just like the Lodge Room, parking is difficult. Fortunately, there are quite a few residentials located nearby that you can park in :)
The Orange County Fair
88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
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| Picture of the rides/people |
The OC Fair is something I've been attending now for 3+ years, I think it's a perfect event for everyone as it provides a perfect variety of activities, rides, and food. There are a variety of fairs that are hosted throughout the summer, but I find that the OC Fair beats the Ventura and Los Angeles County Fairs by a long shot.
Some things to note:
- If attending in the evening, be ready for the absolute worst parking situation ever. Daytime parking is easier to find until about 6pm when fair traffic starts to pick up. Neighborhoods close by will have signs up that say "no fair parking" but as long as you find a spot that isn't blocking and/or taking up the space of residents, I would say that that's your best bet! *The fair will also open up the parking lots of Orange Coast College for those who need it, but please note that it is quite a walk from the fairgrounds*
- Be prepared to pay for FAIR FOOD prices. The food and drinks available are delicious, but definitely on the pricey side. Worth it in my opinion, but not needed if you're trying to avoid breaking the bank!
- Unlimited rides and 2 free game wristbands are available for purchase through
their website but are only valid on Wednesdays and Thursdays until 8pm. On all other days, tickets may be purchased to participate in the carnival activities. Rides are usually 5-7 tickets and games are usually 4-6 tickets to play.
$100 = 80 tickets
$50 = 40 tickets
$20 = 16 tickets
$5 = 4 tickets
SALT Restaurant & Bar
13534 Bali Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
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| Outside seating |
A waterfront restaurant in Marina Del Rey with beautiful views of the harbor and a lively ambiance, SALT is a perfect place for a date or a girl's night out. During my visit, I ordered grilled Scottish salmon, a Greek salad, and a "Laughing in Spanish" cocktail.
Salmon: I enjoyed this dish a lot! The portion size is perfect for a single person, enough to fill you up, but not too much that you feel like you have a food baby ;) 8.5/10
Greek Salad: The salad was as good as any other salad, you have the option of adding steak, chicken, or shrimp to your order, which I did. The portion size is larger and 2-3 people would easily be able to share this dish, nothing amazing, but still tasty. 7/10
Cocktail: Consisted of jaja blanco, coconut, pineapple, and lime. I was fond of the drink, but it had an aftertaste that I didn't care for. 7/10
Some things to note:
- Reservations are strongly recommended when dining here, they don't need to be made days in advance, but I would try to make one the day before or the morning of your meal!
- Outside seating is available with heaters, but it does get chilly at night so make sure to bring a cover-up or request to sit inside.
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