DRINK

You’ve been: down on your luck.

Go for the gold – or rather amber – at: Angel City Brewing opening today in Downtown Los Angeles.

Why? Just in time for St. Patty’s day, a pint of their (locally brewed) finest is sure to cheer any lad up!

Location: 216 S Alameda St., Los Angeles, 90012 (map).  Web: angelcitybrewing.com.

HELP

You want to: help those affected by the recent disasters in Japan.

Aside from donating monetary funds to these disaster relief charities, you can: take part in any one of these fundraisers being held in L.A.

Why? The tides may have receded, but there’s still much to be done.

Web: huffingtonpost.com.

IMBIBE

You’ve been: chasing that pot o’ gold all week long.

Take a load off  and enjoy St. Patrick’s Day the way it was meant to be celebrated: with drinks o’ plenty at some of L.A.’s finest bars!

Why? Visit The Surly Goat in West Hollywood for a vegan beer chased with a side of “smashed” potatoes by Bangers & Smashed (we hear they will be serving vegan-friendly eats, as well!). Sneak out of the office for a vegetarian lunch and a glass (alright, two) of pale ale at Finn McCools. Then, grab a local, organic brew at the Library Alehouse and sober up with some grub made with organic local and/or seasonal ingredients. Cheers!

Date: Thursday, March 17.  Web: surlygoat.com, finnmccoolsirishpub.com, and  libraryalehouse.com.

NIBBLE

You’ve got a hankering for: some green goodies this St. Patty’s day.

Stop into: Magnolia Bakery on West 3^rd Street where they will be serving “green”-themed, made-from-scratch cupcakes, or order one of frosted cupcakery’s freshly baked, handcrafted green treats!

Why? They’re magically delicious!

Date: Thursday, March 17.  Web: magnoliabakery.com and frostedcupcakery.com.

SUPPORT

You would like to: give back to your community.

Take part in: Buy Local Day, which will take place this Saturday at different locations throughout the Westside including 3^rd Street Promenade, Main Street, Montana Avenue, and the Santa Monica Airport ArtWalk.

Why? Support local businesses while enjoying music, entertainment, and more. You will also have the chance to support your local farmers as the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market is scheduled to take place at its usual time and location.

Date: Saturday, March 19. Web: smchamber.com.

Images via Flickr user OldPixels.com and Etsy user CieraHolzenthal.

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BAIT

You know: there are lots of fish in the sea.

But why get your feet wet when you can: just make reservations at Third Street’s newest catch, Son of a Gun.

Why? Lobster rolls garnished with celery and lemon aioli, followed by a bowl of linguini and clams made with fresh and local ingredients and finally, flourless chocolate cake with banana, peanuts and coconut ice cream. Hook. Line. Sinker.

Location: 8370 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, 90048 (map).  Web: sonofagunrestaurant.com.

VISIT

Your spring break getaway: isn’t happening soon enough.

In the meantime, take a trip to: Fig & Olive on Melrose Place where local and imported ingredients combine to create delectable Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Why? The restaurants’ enclosed patio, 50-foot communal table and tasting bar, planted olive trees and rosemary herbs, and upstairs wine bar and lounge will have you feeling like you’re miles away from the hustle and bustle of West Hollywood.

Location: 8490 Melrose Place, West Hollywood, 90069 (map).  Web: figandolive.com.

CHOW

You are looking for: a restaurant that offers a variety of dishes to match your ever-changing mood.

Try: Café Gratitude, a 100% organic vegan eatery founded in good ol’ San Francisco, and now gracing  the City of Angels on Larchmont Blvd.

Why? Feeling adventurous? Try the “Live” Soup of the Day. In a trusting mood? Their handmade corn tamal made with stone-ground heirloom masa and butternut squash is just what you’d hoped for. There’s also a variety of juices, smoothies and coffees to leave you feeling more than satisfied.

Location: 639 N. Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, 90004 (map). Web: cafegratitude.com.

ENJOY

You appreciate art: almost as much as you appreciate a good glass of scotch and a hearty meal.

Get the best of both worlds at: Ray’s restaurant and the adjoining Stark Bar, just opened at LACMA.

Why? Dine on dishes from Ray’s Mediterranean-inspired menu, or opt for market-fresh, seasonal cocktails, California-centric wine, or artisan beers and spirits, before heading out to paint the town red!

Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, 90036 (map).  Web: lacma.org.

JOIN

You’re feeling like: doing some GOOD.

Help support walkable and bike-friendly streets in L.A. at: Saturday’s party and fundraiser, hosted by GOOD LA, benefiting CicLAvia.

Why? Music, street eats, free wine and sustainably brewed beer, yoga, bike workshops, dodgeball, mini-massages and if that wasn’t enough for you, Your Daily Thread readers will receive 25% off ticket purchases with the promotion code “goodlovesdailythread” (offer ends Friday at noon).

Location: 3229 Casitas Avenue, Los Angeles, 90039 (map).  Date/Time: Saturday, March 5 from 2 to 7 p.m.  Web: good4ciclavia.eventbrite.com.

EXERCISE

You need: a go-to exercise for those days when Mother Nature decides to throw her elements at us (snow in Hollywood’s Runyon Canyon? Hey, it just happened in Burbank…).

The go-to: Dailey Method, a combo of core conditioning, stretching, ballet barre work and orthopedic exercises, which will give you (and your behind) that boost you need!

Why? The studio’s furniture, lockers and flooring are all made out of bamboo, so you can rest assured that you’re doing good for your body and the earth too!

Location: 3840 Old Topanga Road, Calabassas, 91302 (map). Web: thedaileymethod.com.

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“15.6 miles you say? I can walk that in my sleep.” Put your sneakers where your feet are and take part in the second annual Great Los Angeles Walk. Strut your stuff down Wilshire Blvd. along with hundreds of others as they take to the streets of L.A. Why? Get your exercise in now – Thanksgiving is only a week away!

Location: Meet at Pershing Square, walk down Wilshire and end in Santa Monica. Date/Time: Saturday, November 20. The event kicks off at 9:30 a.m. and the walk begins promptly at 10 a.m.  Cost: Free.  Web: http://www.greatlawalk.com/.

Preserving the Season

Give Mom and Dad the gift they’ve always wanted: a signature spice blend to call their own! Learn how to make said spice along with homemade herb vinegar, gourmet seasonings, jelly trios and  handmade biscotti during a four-hour food preservation class at Angeli Caffe. Why? Bottle up great memories, good times and wonderful tastes!

Location: Angeli Caffe, 7274 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles 90046 (map)  Date/Time: Saturday, November 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $125 per person. Please RSVP to Delilah Snell at 714.836.8727 or delilahsnell@yahoo.com.  Web:http://www.angelicaffe.com/classes/.

Food Matters

Our portions may be large, but our food supplies are, well…dwindling. Take part in this weekend’s fifth installment of FoodStuff LA, The Future of Urban Agriculture & Local Food, where you will have the chance to speak with a panel of experts regarding some of the challenges and obstacles Los Angeles faces in creating a food secure future. Why? Your (food) security is important to us.

Location: 1855 Industrial St. Suite 106, Los Angeles 90021 (map)  Date/Time: Friday, November 19 at 7 p.m.  Cost: Free  Web: http://pedalpatchcommunity.org/.

On Our Radar

Sometimes you have to give a little to get a little

When it comes to Cart for a Cause, you will get a lot. Track down the truck and for only $10 you will be provided a freshly prepared meal by a top celebrity chef, a healthy snack and/or dessert (we’re hoping for the latter) and a beverage, all served on eco-ware. Why? 100% of the proceeds go to the St. Vincent Meals on Wheels program to feed a homebound senior.

Web: http://www.facebook.com/CartForACause/.

Images courtesy of EU Kicks, Etsy users BlessedTimes2 and Love Sugar, LA Tartine Gourmande, and Flickr user <-Matt->.

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Tivoli House Green Networking Event

As the temperature in Los Angeles cools down, there’s nothing like a little “mixing and mingling” to keep you and your rolodex sizzling hot. That’s why this Thursday December 17th, you should head on down to the Tivoli House and meet some great green folk. Join Women of the Green Generation, Afford Eco and LA Eco Salon for a “green gathering of guiltless desserts and vegetarian food.”   The full scoop can be found on the Your Daily Thread calendar. RSVP: Kris, (310) 310-5692, email: bhaktiyogagirl@msn.com, a $10 donation is suggested to keep the event sustainable.

Location: Tivoli House, 4136 Tivoli Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066 (do not park on Tivoli, see our calendar listing for parking instructions), Date/Time:  Thursday, December 17th, 7pm-10 pm   Web: www.womenofthegreengeneration.com

Some of our YDT readers have their own creative genes. I happen to know this because I have met many of you who are budding entrepreneurs, writers and green voices within the community. If you’ve ever wanted to speak on all things eco or chic, perhaps you should consider the Sierra Green Toastmasters club which is meeting this Thursday.”Toastmasters is an organization that helps people develop their public speaking skills, and the Sierra Green club is focused on helping Greens and other environmentally and socially conscience folks get our message out, whether its at a rally, press conference, or just amongst your coworkers or family.” So if happen to be free, swing on by the Sierra Green Toastmasters event. There’s no charge to “get in and get speaking.”

Location: Sierra Club Headquarters, 3435 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 320, Los Angeles, CA 90010,  Date/Time Thursday December 17th, 7 to 8 p.m.  Contact: 562-435-5836

As we continue to celebrate the many things we are thankful for this holiday season and give good tidings to our loved ones, we should also remember to give back to our planet as well. One easy way to both “give and receive” is Car Free Friday. For the holiday season, they’re making it extra special with a breakfast ride.  Starting at 8:30 a.m. Cyclists will meet at Echo Park Lake at the corner of Park/Glendale and enjoy hot food and coffee!  Food Not Bombs will be supplying pancakes and grilled cheese sandwiches cooked and  coffee from Cafe De Leche will also be available (There is a $1 donation for pancakes, $2 for grilled cheese, coffee is free).   The route will head into downtown LA around city hall, LAPD headquarters then back. If you want the full “wheel and deal” on Car Free Friday as well as a list of participating businesses, be sure to visit www.la-bike.org.

Even though the Heal the Bay clean ups are canceled this month for the holidays you can still help out tomorrow by participating in Heal the Bay’s “Day Without a Bag Campaign” All you have to do is not use any single use bags and many locations throughout LA will be giving reusable ones away.  Getting in the habit of using a resuseable bag is simple and easy.  Plus you’d be surprised as to how much money using single use plastic bags costs us annually too (This cost doesn’t include how plastic affects our marine life either.)

Location:  All of Los Angele (Free bag locations very, visit the campaign site for details).  Date:  Thursday, December 17th.  web:  http://healthebay.org/nobagday/2009/default.asp

Head downtown for the inaugural celebration of “Green Block Parties” that is being put on by LA Green Block Party.com.  This Saturday there will be tree plantings, music, green lifestyle products, organic food and more.  Come meet your green down town neighbors and PARTAY!

Location: 1350 Margo St.  (Between Pico Blvd & 14th/Grand & Olive).  Los Angeles, CA 90015   Date/Time:  Saturday, December 19th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Web:  http://www.lagreenblockparty.com

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Craft Good Cheer Holiday Event

This Thursday December 10th, head on down to the Urban Craft Center off Main Street in Santa Monica where you can enjoy “crafting, cocktails, cupcakes and holiday cheer.” This will surely be a sustainably spectacular evening, after all it is being planned by Bash Eco Events.  Just a little FYI- the event costs $ 5 and will support the OPCC Charity of Santa Monica.  To attend, please RSVP to RSVP@bashecoevents.com.

Location: Urban Craft Center 2433 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90405, Date/Time:  Thursday, December from 7pm-10 pm,   RSVP:  RSVP@bashecoevents.com Tel: (310) 392-0139, Donation $5

Wasn’t Buster Poindexter the one that sang the catchy song “hot, hot, hot?” He was definitely onto something and this Friday December 11^th, Chill Out LA and Sirens Magazine want you to feel hot too-“Haute For The Holidays” that is. Be sure to swing by the Rob|B Salon in Studio City for the second “Sexy Serenity” event which promises to be “an exclusive evening of glamorous beauty services and glitzy holiday shopping. Guests are invited to sip festive drinks, sample gourmet food and desserts, and indulge in professional manicure and spa services from the leading name in nails, OPI, at the company’s flagship spa.” You’ll definitely turn up the heat this holiday season by attending this event.  Tickets are $25 now, or $30 at the door.  To book your space call the salon at (818) 980 7622.

Location: 12246 Ventura Boulevard Studio City, CA, 91604. Date/Time:  Friday, December 11th from  7-10 pm.  RSVP:  Call the Salon 818 980 7622   More Info:  email sexyspaparties@gmail.com

If you didn’t get your fill of Hand Made goodies last week at Unique Los Angeles, head down to the Echo in Echo Park for the Bust  Holiday Craftacular.  There will be over 50 crafty vendors and you can also make a donation to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.  The Grilled Cheese Truck will also be in attendance and there will be live DJs, raffles plus the first 250 peeps to show up and support will get a free goodie bag.

Location:  The Echo, 1822 W. Sunset Blvd.  Echo Park, CA  Date/Time:  Saturday December 12th from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Web:  www.bust.com/craftacular/BUST-Holiday-Craftacular-2009-LA.html

Tree People-Million Trees LA Park Tree Care

What would the holidays be without Christmas trees? And while you can opt for a “living tree for your living room”, you can also get out into the wilderness and provide our trees in natural environments with a little TLC. Join TreePeople’s Ryan Allen at Stetson Ranch Park on Saturday December 12th for some much needed tree care. Activities will entail watering, weeding, and mulching trees to support the effort to restore this park since last year’s tragic fires. Directions will be given upon registration which will be required to attend this event.

To register, please contact volunteer@treepeople.org, call (818) 623-4879.   Date/Time:  Saturday, December 12th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.( Location Provided Upon RSVP).

Strawberries are red, Christmas trees are green, the holidays are meant for going out and being seen.  On Saturday December 12^th, you can join the Green Girls in giving back to the community at this festive event sponsored by the Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Organization (IREO). Enjoy the comforts of a private home in Encino Hills, dance to live music from DJ Paul Printz of Broccoli City and best of all, give back to the Los Angeles shelter. That’s what this holiday season is all about-giving back and going green.

…

Location: The Strawberry House in Encino Hills (complete address provided upon RSVP) Date/Time: Saturday, December 12th from  2pm-8pm, Cost: FREE entry with food donation  Web: http://www.thegreengirls.tv/holiday.asp.

This Sunday stop by the LAX Hilton for a local, organic, vegan feast along with shopping. Attend the Conscious Holiday Gift Bazaar and Winter Wonderland event hosted by the Hotel Entertainment Group. Sample delicious vegan cuisine prepared by Chef E from the Hollywood Farmers Market. As a matter of holiday cheer, the “first 200 people to attend the event will eat for free.” Santa may be a little jealous but don’t worry-the North Pole will thank you for considering the environment this holiday season by eating organic and vegan food and thus reducing your carbon footprint.

Location: LAX Hilton Hotel, 5711 West Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045, Date/Time:  Saturday December 12th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday December 13^th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.   For more info email Sara@hotelentertainmentgroup.com Web: www.consciousholidaygiftbazaar.com

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If you are really itching to see fireworks, start your celebrations off on July 2^nd at the Hollywood Bowl and catch a severely patriotic concert by the Los Angeles Philharmonic followed by a spectacular fireworks display. If you don’t feel like paying to attend the festivities, camp out near the Hollywood sign for a free show July 2^nd, 3^rd or 4^th. If you are as oddly obsessed with fireworks as I am, then make sure that on the fourth you catch one of the displays at either the Rose Bowl, the Coliseum or along the coast. Sit back, forget the state of our nation’s economy and watch some fireworks!

Attend: 1984: the Staged Version

Tim Robbins’ theatre company, “The Actors’ Gang” is performing a staged adaptation of the Orwell classic 1984. The Actors’ Gang strives to create original and socially forward pieces, as is the case with this one. This is the closing weekend of the show, which has returned to Los Angeles after an extensive tour around the U.S. and abroad, and you can catch it at REDCAT behind the Disney Concert Hall.

For more info go to:http://www.theactorsgang.com/ or http://www.redcat.org/

This Saturday, July 5^th at 4 p.m., Amoeba Records will be auctioning off memorabilia and concert tickets to help raise money for the Los Angeles Sierra Club, Conservation International, Tipitina’s Foundation and New Orleans Musicians Clinic. The event will be hosted by Los Angeles comedian Brently Heilbron, and Amoeba will match all donations and bids made on the auction items. Come out, browse the records and make a bid on some unique items!

Amoeba Music: 6400 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028 : http://www.amoeba.com/content/Amoeba-Auctions.html

Werner Herzog’s most recent documentary explores the people who call Antarctica home from October through February. The movie is an exploration of both nature and this unique community formed at the end of the world, and as with all Herzog’s documentaries there is sure to be humor and elements of surprise. Herzog is best known for Grizzly Man, but other films of his I would suggest are White Diamond, and his film about a Vietnam P.O.W. (not a documentary) titled Rescue Dawn.

Now Playing at the Nuart Theatre: 11272 Santa Monica Blvd. 90025 http://www.landmarktheatres.com or http://encountersfilm.com/

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This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the best of the best in beach volleyball will be gracing our lovely southern California sands, and showing us what they got! Many of the athletes will be traveling overseas this summer for the Beijing Olympics, so now is your chance to see them before we lose them to endorsements for Evian and the like. Slap on some sunscreen and head south to see some fit bods bounce a ball over a net. I can’t imagine a better Sunday! The tournament will be held on the north side of the Hermosa Beach pier.

For more info go to: http://web.avp.com/events/index.jsp?eventId=1026

So I know I’ve been promoting wine tastings a LOT lately and I should probably cool it; but alas this weekend my favorite wine of all will be featured at Raleigh Studios. Well, not exactly my favorite wine, but my favorite region, Rhone Valley; home of the Cotes Du Rhone. The not for profit group Rhone Rangers will also be pouring glasses of Syrah and Grenache for your tasting pleasure.

For more info go to: http://www.rhonerangers.org/calendar/losangeles.php

CONTRIBUTE: Million Trees LA (link)

This Saturday Million Trees LA is going to Westchester (just south of Playa Vista and Marina Del Rey) to help sustain the “urban forest” they have planted there. Twenty-five trees need your love, so before you head to the beach go hug a tree and make a difference to our suffering environment here in Los Angeles.

To volunteer contact Lisa Sotelo: volunteer@treepeople.org

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