Los Angeles CA: MYTH Masquerade Ball

Have you ever wanted to attend a real decadent Faerie Tale Ball?

This is the MYTH Masque: an exquisite, transformational experience that fires the imagination and elevates the senses. High fashion meets high fantasy. In the spirit of MYTH, dismiss your mortal skin in favor of a truer form. The boundaries of reality are laughably defied as you become the impossible, through expression and costuming of the highest creative caliber. For one spectacular night, the chimerical energy you invoke is no fiction. This is make-believe, all grown up

. One might encounter a magnificent wolf, be beguiled by nymphs or ride an eight foot tall rocking unicorn.  MYTH Masque is a veritable feast for the senses that challenges its attendees to become 'A myth of their own making'.

The first two annual MYTH Masquerades debuted to enthusiastic crowds of award-winning costume designers, makeup-artists, avant-garde fashionistas and other wildly creative attendees. On May 24th, for its Third Annual Affair, MYTH spreads its wings at the spectacular Los Angeles Theatre, to present: ‘Thrice Upon a Dream’.  MYTH will transform the magnificent Film Palace into a playground for visionaries wishing to immerse themselves in a wonderland of inspiration.  Guests may escape into a night of dreams that offers an array of amazing visuals, music, dancing, live performances, drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and other tantalizing treats. 

Unique highlights of the Third Annual MYTH Masquerade Ball include 'Sanctuary of the Sirens,' wherein guests are invited to mingle with the Mermaids of MYTH. Music, artistry, dancers, and performance forge an elegant dreamscape of enchanted revelry where legend and inspiration come to play. These showcases of spectacles are able to weave themselves into the fabric of the fantasy. Masque guests can expect Electronica, 80s, Medieval and other styles of music that focus on instrumentation and expression. Energetic, well-known dance music will also fill the grand halls of the Los Angeles Theatre. Earlier in the evening, guests will enjoy a set of elegant Waltzes, as any formal ball should have. The dark-hearted denizens will dance to deliciously tenebrous tunes in the Chambre du Vampire, our exclusive vampire club, where guests can explore the darker, more seductive side of the ball, deep within the shadowy recesses of the Masquerade.

VIP Passport holders are escorted to the 'purple carpet' by Unicorn-drawn carriage, and formally heralded upon arrival in true regal fashion.  The VIP Reception also includes early evening entertainment, complimentary drinks from our Sponsors, a special champagne service by live Mermaids, as well as gourmet cupcakes and other enticing bites.  Our most esteemed guests will enjoy exclusive access to secluded VIP Lounges on each level of the Theatre.

Attendees will also discover imaginative and interactive photo-op areas throughout the Masquerade, in which to showcase their brilliant costumes and indulge their inner child. Formal portraits in the gorgeous Baroque Los Angeles Theatre are available, and enter your own impressive costume creations into a $500 First Place "Costumers' Challenge," with 2015 MYTH Masque tickets as additional prizes. Costumes (or black tie/formal attire with a mask) are required for this upscale affair.

Tickets are on sale online. Visit the site for a list of entertainers and more information. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales are donated to BUSTED FOUNDATION, an organization that supports breast cancer victims who are unable to cover the costs of treatment.

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Indian Wells, CA: New York New Year's Eve

At least 150 people are expected to continue what is now a desert tradition, by dressing up and ringing in 2014 the way New Yorkers do. The 2nd annual “New York New Year’s Eve” celebration will be held Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at the Miramonte Resort in Indian Wells, California.

Guests will start their evening off with cocktails at 6:00pm followed by an elegant buffet dinner, raffle prize giveaways, music, dancing, and a live, televised “ball drop” from Times Square in New York at 9:00pm accompanied by a champagne toast and party favors. Dancing and dessert will continue until 10:30pm, giving attendees the option to head home and put on their PJ’s or continue on to their next party.

This year’s Chair is Loretta Ferraro, well known event planner and wife of Desert Arc CEO Richard Balocco. All proceeds benefit Desert Arc. The mission of Desert Arc is to enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for adult clients with disabilities, 18 and over. Desert Arc serves people with developmental disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, mental retardation and other medical conditions. Many have multiple disabilities and nearly all are low income. Currently Desert Arc has 900 clients enrolled in all programs.

Ticket prices are $100 per person (dinner and champagne toast), $125 per person (VIP preferred seating, dinner, champagne toast, and two drinks), and $525 for two (Platinum VIP package includes preferred seating, dinner, champagne toast, two drinks, and overnight stay at the Miramonte Resort on New Year’s Eve.)

To make reservations and purchase tickets, please call Desert Arc at 760-346-1611, by December 27, 2013, or email Alison Elsner at alison.aepr@gmail.com.

Mitch Blumberg, Deputy Director of Desert Arc, said, “We have so many people attend our party from throughout southern California because it has something for everyone. Not only will there be outstanding gourmet buffet stations, top notch entertainment, and a spirited, warm atmosphere with instant friends, but also we will be raising funds to directly impact the lives of Desert Arc clients by providing meals, transportation, and job training to developmentally disabled adults who are finally given the chance to live independently and contribute to society.

The beautiful Miramonte Resort and Spa, nestled into the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, is located at 45-000 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, CA. 92210.

For more information, please visit the Desert Arc website or call 760-346-1611 or email info@desertarc.org.


New York New Year's Eve
Miramonte Resort & Spa
45000 Indian Wells Lane
Indian Wells, CA 92210


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Carlsbad, CA: Wine, Beer, and Cheese classes for La Costa Wine Company

Flummoxed with marrying your beer with the milky goodstuff? Not sure how to pair that bottle of shimmering wine? Up for some new tasting tricks, or just ready to drink to the dickens?

Then mix and match your delicious way to success with my 2014 class schedule, now available online!

These courses are a brilliant way to brush up on, or expand your curd, cork, and cerveza know how. They'll also make for much-coveted and droolworthy gifts this hustley-bustley holiday season.

Cheese & Wine (1/18, 2/9) $49
Cheese & Beer (1/15, 2/5, 3/9) $39
Wine 101 (2/8, 3/12, 4/13) $39

Give the gift of all three classes for $115, or better yet, gift yourself for making it through another gaggle of stressors this wintertide! Visit La Costa Wine Company online to find more information.

La Costa Wine Co.
6986 El Camino Real #2
Carlsbad, CA 92009


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San Diego, CA: South Park Luminaria

Crowds of people filled Grape Street Square to watch South Park’s first holiday tree sculpture light up the night. But this wasn’t your typical green Christmas tree, because South Park is not your typical urban setting.

Todd Williams, the artist who designed the sculpture, has tree cred. He was involved in the San Diego Port District’s Urban Trees public art project, and he also created the unusual metal tree sculpture at Alchemy restaurant.

The idea behind South Park’s tree sculpture was to 1) celebrate the holidays without killing a tree, and 2) use recycled, reused materials to reflect an urban setting. That lovely tree was once a wood fence, if you can believe it. You can also see how it’s constructed with nuts and bolts, those “individual elements coming together” that make a community, Williams said.

You could witness those different elements as local business owners, families, renters and homeowners, school kids, the elderly, gay and straight celebrated what was called First Light, the official kickoff of Luminaria, South Park’s first month-long celebration of light. We’re not a cookie-cutter neighborhood, because we’re not cookie-cutter people. We come from different backgrounds, yet what binds us together is love and appreciation for our little town.

The PA system at First Light made it tough to hear the speeches and presentations, but if you missed it, you should know that the South Park Business Group that organized the Luminaria named the winners of the home decorating contest. The winning homes were 1707 Fern St. for best overall design; 1920 Fern St. for most original; and 1738 30th St. for best door. Be sure to drive by these locations to experience what our creative neighbors have done to add sparkle to South Park. You can also see the winners on Facebook.

KUSI News and ABC News came to First Light, as well as special guests interim Mayor Todd Gloria, Assemblywoman Toni Atkins, and Santa, of course.

Don’t forget — the Luminaria Walkabout is Saturday, Dec. 7, 6-10 p.m. More info on SouthParkScene.com


Photos and article courtesy of Bonnie Nicholls, the South Park Scribe, your expert on all things in South Park San Diego! Bonnie Nicholls is a freelance writer and blogger based in South Park, San Diego. She specializes in business success stories and web content. You can find her on Twitter.

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Sausalito, CA: December Open Art Studios

On Saturday and Sunday, Dec 7 & 8, is the annual December Open Art Studio in Sausalito. There will be 80 studios open from 11am to 6pm for the public to view the work of local artists over the weekend.

"This year has been very productive and I will have more paintings available
than ever before," said Sue Averell, owner of Sausalito Artists @ Work located on the 2nd floor in Studio 235. Studio 235 is only one of the many studios open for the weekend.

The ICB Art Studios are home to almost 100 artists and offer visitors the opportunity to see inside the working studios of some of the Bay Area's most talented artists. Nestled close to the San Francisco Bay, toward the North end of Sausalito, is this landmark historic building, steeped in the area's ship building roots, and rekindled by the creative juices of a vibrant community of artists.

"I'm so pleased to be showing a large selection of Urban Landscape and Botanicals, two Seascapes, two pieces from my NEW Underwater Series and two from my NEW Inside Out Series," said Sue.

ICB Art Studios are located on the corner of Harbor Drive and Gate Five Road. There is plenty of free parking anywhere in the lot.

ICB Art Studios
480 Gate Five Road
Studio 235
Sausalito, CA
www.sueaverell.com
(415) 706 5051


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San Diego, CA: Food Truck Tuesdays in South Park

Every Tuesday evening you’ll find a mini food fair in South Park. Food trucks roll up to the Gala Foods parking lot at the corner of Grape and Fern Streets and offer all types of cuisine. You'll find a vast array of menu options such as grilled cheese sandwiches, ravioli, fish tacos, crepes, sliders, vegan meals, even patty melts from Corvette Diner. So is the food any good? Depends on what you order.

Possible options are the “Hi-So” slider from The Slider House. This little 2-ounce beef burger comes topped with prosciutto, arugula, gruyere cheese and garlic-lime aioli. Yum! It is about $4, which seems reasonable. The Green Truck, specializes in organic, sustainable food and one of it's offerings is pumpkin tacos, made with Suzie’s Farm heirloom pumpkin, caramelized onion, garlic crema, cherry tomato and onion sprouts. The cashier described them as “Christmas in your mouth,” and that’s accurate, because they tasted like pumpkin pie. Possibly too sweet for dinner, obviously depending upon your taste. Those two tacos cost about $8.

Another possibility is Italian food from Mangia Mangia Mobile: the catch of the day fish sandwich, the mushroom ravioli in a white sauce, and garlic fries. Reviews by attendees are mixed: fish sandwich wasn’t that flavorful, ravioli stuffing was good, but the white sauce was too dense, and the fries were OK. Price for that meal: $27. You can't beat the festive atmosphere, however. Frank Sinatra songs from Mangia Mangia’s speakers glided through the air as people mill about, looking at menus, and chatting with each other as they eat at the little tables. You can even shop for clothes from a mobile clothing boutique.

Other trucks that were there included: Grilled Cheese Gastrotruck, Ms. Patty Melt Food Truck, French
Crepes, and Mariscos Nine Seas (which is parked at Gala every day). Apparently the selection of food trucks changes weekly. Come to South Park and see what tickles your palette--every Tuesday from 5:30 to 8:30, Gala Foods parking lot, corner of Grape and Fern Streets.

Photos and article courtesy of South Park Scribe, your expert on all things in South Park San Diego!

Gala Foods
3030 Grape Street
(between 31st St & Fern St)
San Diego, CA 92102


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San Diego, CA: Dishcrawl East Village Nov 5

Dine your way through the entertaining city streets of Downtown San Diego into the neighborhood of East Village. The foodie scene in San Diego is emerging into this amazing culinary art, a change for the best that you will want experience. Put on your best outfit and join in on the fun that you will venture into Downtown San Diego. With so many amazing eats, get ready to give your palate tastes to remember. Dishcrawl – similar to a pubcrawl - but with food, offers a social culinary experience like no other. Unite with fellow foodies on this unique experience that includes a tour of 4 very distinct restaurants and a meet-and-greet with the chefs and owners to explore the inspiration behind each delectable dish. Come take part in the food adventure on Tuesday, November 5th at 7pm, tickets to the event are $45 and are available on the Dishcrawl website.

“The great thing about Dishcrawl is that one of the managers and owners will come out and briefly talk about what makes their restaurant special. Some will talk about the origin of a dish, their restaurant concept, the history of the chefs, and what makes them unique. You get the story, ask questions and are able to sample some of their dishes, you may have not otherwise ordered. I recommend that everyone experiences a Dishcrawl. If you like food, people and good atmosphere you will not be disappointed!” - Jennifer Boyd of San Diego Secrets and Treasurer of San Diego Social Media Club.

At Dishcrawl’s events, our ticket-holders visit four restaurants in one night, sampling each restaurant's specialties and meeting the chefs or owners. It's not your typical "tour" company, rather, it is a local neighborhood event and ultimate dining experience.

Participating restaurants are kept secret until two days before the event, at which time the first location is revealed to ticket holders.

For more information about Little Italy’s upcoming Dishcrawl visit http://dishcrawl.com/sandiego/ check out our facebook or follow @DishcrawlSD.

About Dishcrawl
Dishcrawl creates dining experiences and events to satisfy anyone’s craving. Our mission is to show food lovers the best dishes in local restaurants. You can find your local Dishcrawl Ambassador leading you through progressive dinners, prix fixe dinners, and other fun food events! Dishcrawlers can enjoy dining experiences in San Francisco, New York, Montreal, Ottawa, San Jose, Toronto, Philadelphia, DC, and more. Visit Dishcrawl.com for a local dining experience.


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San Diego, CA Resurrecciòn III, Day of the Dead, Art and Music Event, October 26

Arte Fresca and Konstant Be are back at it again for the 3rd annual Dìa de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Art & Music event! This year over 20 amazing local artists will be creating on hand-crafted wooden crosses--this art is not to be missed. And when you purchase the art you will be saving lives. Additionally there will be live art, Day of the Dead make-up artists for face painting, live bands, DJ's, raffle prizes and more.

This year this spectacular event is being held at The Merrow (formerly The Ruby Room) 1271 University. It starts at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26th and closes at 2:00 a.m., Sunday morning, October 27th. There is a $7.00 cover charge, but if you're in costume, the price drops to only $5.00!

Face painting will be offered by Elizabeth Pina and Noemi Salvador. Live artists will include Linda Halsey, Danny Peralta, Val Yazon, Hill Young, and Arek Art.

Sounds will be provided by Melaza Underground, and if you want to follow your favorite musicians, here's the schedule:

• 9:30 - 10:00 p.m:  Lillian LeFranc
• 10:30 - 11:00 p.m.: Viva Apollo
• 11:30 p.m. - 12:15 a.m.:  Restoration One

The Merrow (formerly The Ruby Room)
1271 University
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 299-7372


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San Diego, CA: Haute La Jolla Nights

Summer nights are heating up in the Village of La Jolla with a series of festive, evening events that bring together La Jolla’s world-class arts community with live music and unique shopping experiences.

When: Saturday Nights-June 9th, July 21st, Sept. 15th
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Where: Throughout the Village of La Jolla, San Diego, CA, (Girard Ave. from Pearl to Prospect, Prospect St.,Herschel and Ivanhoe.)
Cost: Free

The La Jolla Village Merchants Association created the event series to make La Jolla an exciting night-time destination. “We are creating a series of events for La Jolla that are modeled after some other, very successful events, like “Kettner Nights” in Little Italy and “Ray of Night” in North Park,” says James Niebling, LJVMA Board Member and Partner at Esteban Interiors.

For three sizzling Saturday nights, patrons will enjoy a vibrant nightlife in La Jolla Village with 13 live music acts, art gallery receptions and special events hosted in each of the shops located throughout La Jolla.

Over 75 shops throughout La Jolla Village, from home furnishings and décor to high fashion and accessories are participating in Haute La Jolla Nights. They are keeping their doors open late and have gotten creative with deals, displays, demonstrations, and delectable treats for a nighttime shopping experience that can’t be missed. Customers will enjoy complimentary appetizers and specialty drinks at many of the retail shops. And, they will find special discounts that are available only during Haute La Jolla Nights.

Customers can sip champagne while watching a floral demonstration at Adelaide’s, enjoy fashion shows at La Donna’s Boutique, Kerut’s and Talbots. Warwick's will feature distinct San Diego craft brewers for beer tasting and book signings. Harvard Cooking Girl is cooking up samples of Paella. Geppetos is hosting an arts and crafts event for patrons who want to bring their children.

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La Jolla’s many, world renowned art galleries are throwing open their doors to welcome the public to take in exciting new collections. Madison Galleries is hosting a reception for sculpturist Matt Devine and neo-pop conceptual artist, James Verbicky. Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery is hosting a reception for visionary contemporary artist, Orlando Agudelo-Botero. Africa and Beyond will serve up African music, wine and a presentation on ancient currency.

The La Jolla Village Merchants Association invites all to enjoy this new La Jolla Event. Haute La Jolla Nights - Music, shopping, art, food all in the Jewell of California - La Jolla!

http://www.lajollabythesea.com/

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