Oh, Those Summer Nights

“Part food event. Part summer party.” If that isn’t reason enough for you to attend Chinatown’s LA Craft Experience and Chinatown Summer Nights, maybe live cooking demonstrations, “hands-on, Chinese cultural workshops,” its crafts and food market and dance floor in Central Plaza are. Why? Stop into a restaurant nearby for your fill of dim sum and wonton soup.

Location: Chinatown’s Central Plaza, 943 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (directions)  Date/Time: Saturday, August 14 & August 28, from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.  Web: http://www.laceevent.com/hello/LA_Craft_Experience.html.

Don’t – Actually Do – Get Fresh With Us

Open for less than two weeks, Fresh Bites has already made its mark on the local food scene – and with breakfast and lunch/dinner menus such as these, it’s no wonder why. The fare is fresh and mostly locally sourced, has gluten-free options (e.g. pizza and pasta), and the décor is inspired by nature– (note the bamboo tables and chairs, and flooring made from recycled materials). Why? Try not to choke on your Cool Caprese sandwich when you hear that wi-fi and parking are free!

Location: 7950 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046 (map)  Date/Time: Open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. Web: The website is currently under construction. In the meantime, please check out this review from Eater LA.

Touring the City Up

The arts will be in full bloom Saturday as Los Angeles celebrates the second Open Studio Tours and Bloomfest LA 2010 Music & Arts Festival. Start the afternoon off with a self-guided tour of the Downtown Art District’s lofts, cafes, studios and art galleries. End the evening with live musical performances, shopping from one of the many vendors, and of course, goodies from ever-on the scene food trucks. Why? This is more than your typical art walk.

Location: Bloom Square – Arts District, 3rd & Traction (714 Traction Ave.)  Date/Time: Saturday, August 14, from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.  Web: http://bloomfestla.com/.

Who’s Got Space?

There’s plenty of room for you and your friends at Space 15 Twenty’s Monthly Flea Market. Local artists and designers will showcase their clothing, accessories, and art, while live music plays and you enjoy all this Hollywood hotspot has to offer. Why? Pop on in to What Goes Around Comes Around – located in the back – for great vintage finds.

Location: 1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 (map) Date/Time: Sunday, August 15 (every third Sunday of the month), from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Web: http://www.space15twenty.com/.

Eat, Pray and Get Your Tickets Now!

Don’t forget! There’s still time for you to find inner-peace as we, along with Raksa Wellness Center, host a one-day wellness retreat celebrating the premier of “Eat, Pray, Love”.

Location: Raksa, 10846 Washington Blvd.,  Culver City, CA 90232  Date/Time: Sunday, August 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Cost: $65 (includes all treatments, meals and movie ticket). Space is limited. Purchase your ticket here.

Holy Mac..robiotic?

Heads Up! Join M Café in Culver City, Wednesday evening, for dinner and discussion with Jessica Porter, of The Healthy Hip Chick, on the importance of macrobiotics, what they are and how you can include them in your lifestyle.

Location: 9343 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232  Date/Time: Wednesday, August 18 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Cost: $25 per person  RSVP: Please call 310.838.4300 to make your reservation or RSVP to Amy Harmon at amy@mcafedechaya.com. Seating is limited  Web: http://www.mcafedechaya.com/.

Images via: LA Craft Experience, Elizabeth Daniels for Eater LA, Bloomfest LA, Space 15 Twenty, M Cafe, Bredgur.