LA Fitexpo's Organic Launches 2026.

 LA Fitexpo's Organic Launches 2026.

By Karen Ostlund
 
WestHollywoodToday.Blogspot
February 2nd 2026

The 22nd annual LA FitExpo was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, January 10-11 2026.
The two-day fitness, health, and wellness event featured over 15 live competitions in bodybuilding and power-lifting.
Celebrity guests appearances included Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, Phil Heath, Sam Sulek, The Tren Twins, Kai Greene, and Mike O'Hearn.
Hundreds of vendors were showcasing their new vegan and organic supplements, apparel, and training technology.

Highlights from the 2026 LA Fitexpo Event were "Competitions & Action" which included  UAL Armwrestling (2026 California State Championship) and All-American Strongman Challenge by Odd Haugen, ISCF MMA, and the Creative Forms Circuit.
The Healthy Eating Stage featured live cooking demos with Chefs like Mareya Ibrahim, focusing on organic, high-protein, and "clean" ingredient recipes. The upcoming  FitExpo Anaheim in August 29-30, 2026 will feature a variety of organic, natural, and clean-eating vendors in the "Healthy Eating" and "Wellness" zone.

This year’s Organic & Clean Food Vendors included:

                                                                 

Linear Bar (organic, no seed oils/sucralose)

Linear Bar (organic, no seed oils/sucralose).
https://www.linearbar.com/
Linear Bar is an organic, nutrient-dense protein bar designed to taste like a candy bar while providing functional fuel. It features 20g of protein (whey/pea blend), 12g of fiber, and no artificial ingredients, sweeteners, or seed oils. Key flavors include chocolate peanut butter caramel.
                                                                    

MadeGood (known for organic snacks)

MadeGood (organic snacks)
https://www.madegoodfoods.com
MadeGood is a Canadian, family-owned brand producing organic, allergy-friendly, and nutrient-dense snacks, including granola bars, crackers, and cookies. Certified Organic, Non-GMO, gluten-free, and often contain nutrients from vegetable extracts, as broccoli, spinach and kale.
                                                                 

                                  Sizzle Meats, grass-fed black Angus beef and organic chicken.

Sizzle Meats
https://www.sizzlemeats.com
Sizzle Meats is a Southern California-based, veteran-owned home delivery service specializing in high-quality meats, including USDA choice and prime grass-fed black Angus beef, organic chicken, seafood, and pork.
                                                                

Redefine Oatmeal Protein Pie.

Redefine Foods
https://redefinesnacks.com
Redefine Foods is a functional food company, formerly a part of Finaflex, that specializes in creating high-protein, "better-for-you" nostalgic snacks. Their lineup focuses on classic treats with improved nutrition, featuring products like Oatmeal Protein Pies, Protein Donuts, and collaborations with brands such as SKIPPY® and Dippin' Dots®.
                                                                   

Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Bread.

Food For Life Baking Company
https://www.foodforlife.com
Food For Life Baking Company is a family-owned, California-based bakery established in 1964, specializing in organic, sprouted grain products.
The most well-known product is Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Bread, which is made from a blend of sprouted wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt.
                                                                       

Protein Pastry by Legendary Foods.

Legendary Foods
https://www.eatlegendary.com
Legendary Foods, the brand specializing in high-protein, low-carb, and low-sugar snacks designed to replace popular "junk food" flavors and textures, such as toaster pastries, sweet rolls, donuts, and chips. Their products are keto-friendly, often featuring 20g+ of protein and minimal sugar. Best known for Protein Pastries (similar to Pop-Tarts), Protein Sweet Rolls (like Cinnabon), Popped Protein Chips, and flavored nuts.
                                                                       

Radicle Growth Organics, plant-based protein powder.

 Radicle Growth Organics
https://www.radiclegrowthorganics.com/
Radicle Growth is a family-driven brand focused on holistic health and wellness, offering nutrient-dense superfood supplements, such as vegan protein powders, to combat nutrient deficiencies. They prioritize high-quality, plant-based ingredients without artificial additives.
                                                                    

Friendly Organic fruit bar.

Friendly Organic Foods
 https://www.friendlyorganicfoods.com/
Friendly Organic Foods (based in Ecuador) is a producer and exporter specializing in organic, fair trade bananas, dried fruits, and upcycled fruit snacks (bites and bars) combined with superfoods. Their products are 100% natural, containing no added sugar, preservatives, or chemicals, and utilizing "imperfect" fruit to reduce waste.

Natural Supplements & Beverages were,
                                                                         

TRUWILD, plant-based and vegan sports nutrition supplements.

Truwild (organic/natural supplements) https://truwild.com
Offering all-natural, plant-based, and vegan sports nutrition supplements, focused on clean energy, hydration, and recovery, without artificial ingredients, fillers, or synthetic stimulants.
TruWild Motion is their plant-based pre-workout powder that uses natural caffeine (green tea, yerba mate, green coffee bean) for sustained energy, plus beet root for stamina, without jitters or crashes.

                                                                       

ROAR organic electrolyte drinks.

Roar Organic (organic electrolyte drinks)
https://roarorganic.com
ROAR Organic is a brand of premium, coconut water-based electrolyte beverages designed for "complete hydration" with added antioxidants and B-vitamins. It's organic, low-calorie (approx. 20 calories), and low-sugar (2g-3g) drinks which are gluten-free, vegan, and keto-friendly, featuring flavors like Cucumber Watermelon and Mango Clementine.
                                                                   

Lifeway KEFIR, 99% lactose-free.

Lifeway Kefir
https://lifewaykefir.com
Lifeway Kefir, the drinkable cultured dairy smoothie known for its tart, tangy taste and high probiotic content (25-30 billion CFU per cup). Often called the "Champagne of Dairy," it is 99% lactose-free, gluten-free, and rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D to support gut health and immunity.  Contains 12 distinct live and active probiotic cultures that support digestive and immune health.
                                                                     

MuscleEgg Liquid Egg Whites.

Muscle Egg (clean protein source) MuscleEgg Liquid Egg Whites)
https://www.muscleegg.com
MuscleEgg is a brand of premium, pasteurized liquid egg whites designed as a convenient, high-protein, and low-calorie nutritional supplement. Made from cage-free, pasteurized egg whites, it offers roughly 26g of protein per cup (8 oz) with 0g fat and low carbs.
Nutritional Value: 100% bio-available, fat-free, and cholesterol-free.
                                                                         

Shonen Supplements for pre-workout.

Shonen Supplements
https://shonensupplements.com
Shonen Supplements is an anime-inspired fitness brand featuring tropical, Asian-inspired pre-workout line with flavors like Mango Guava, Lychee, and Dragon Lemonade, designed to be consumed 20 minutes before training.
                                 

                                                   SALTT (hydration) electrolyte drink-mixes.
https://saltt.com
SALTT by Keto Chow is a the sugar-free, keto-friendly electrolyte drink-mixes and liquid drops designed for enhanced hydration. It provides a high-sodium, potassium, and magnesium blend sourced from the Great Salt Lake, to support energy and muscle function.
SPA PRESENTATIONS:
Quantum Wellness Spa
https://quantum.spa/
Quantum Wellness Spa in Downtown Los Angeles is the wellness center focused on "nervous system resets" through 90-minute, curated experiences. It combines ancient practices with modern technology—including immersive saunas, ice baths, and light/sound therapy—to reduce stress, boost dopamine, and improve recovery.
The spa features an Immersive Event Sauna, Experiential Ice Bath, and New Earth Room designed to train the nervous system to handle stress.

Light Touch Healing Center https://lighttouchhealingcenter.com/
Offers healing light therapy in Los Angeles.
Red and infrared light which induce healing by activating the mitochondria. Red light therapy is used to increase muscle performance and speed up recovery time.  It also increases blood flow in the whole body making more oxygen available.
As a result, increased hair growth, brain and mental health, improved injury, reduced fat and wrinkles by opening up tiny pores in the deep, visceral fat, memory and learning, training and performance and stroke recovery.

Popular VEGAN PROTEIN POWDERS on the 2026 convention floor, were the Transparent Labs Organic Plant-Based with pea and rice.
Truvani Plant-Based Protein, was popular for sensitive stomachs, and Legion Plant+ best for weight loss. Vega Performance Protein+ Recovery, was considered best for muscle gain.
Key options like pea, brown rice, and hemp provide 15–25g of protein per serving, often blended for better texture and amino acid profiles.

The 2026 LA Fitexpo crowd, consisted of a mix of, industry professionals—trainers, coaches, gym owners—and dedicated fitness gurus.

Major retailers like Ralphs Grocery and Simple Truth, Kroger's organic vendors will return to fitness expo Anaheim 2026. THEFITEXPO.COM

Robert Therrien: This is a Story on view at The Broad until April 5, 2026.

 Robert Therrien: This is a Story on view at The Broad until April 5, 2026

 
WestHollywodToday.blogspot  CA January 20 2026    #TheBroad

By Karen Ostlund

American artist Therrien (1947–2019) is famous for his large-scale sculptures—towering stacks of vertigo-inducing dishes, giant beards, enormous folding chairs and oversized cooking pots and pans.
He is also known for transforming everyday, familiar objects into massive, surreal sculptures.

The Broad presents Robert Therrien: This is a Story, the largest museum exhibition of the late artist’s widely-adored work to date, on view today, until April 5, 2026.
Free admission on Thursdays, https://www.thebroad.org/art/generals/robert-therrien-story-free-thursday

Therrien’s meditations on scale and material are a deeply influential and well-known approach within the field of contemporary sculpture, significant to The Broad’s own identity as a museum, and long admired by visitors of all ages.                        

The sculpture "No title (room, pots and pans 1)" is a large-scale installation created by American artist Robert Therrien between 2008 and 2015. The artwork features oversized cooking pots and pans, crammed into a red-painted room.

 The Broad Museum's installation showcases Therrien’s personal vocabulary of images and symbols—from enormous tables, chairs, and dishes, to intimate drawings of snowmen, birds, and chapels—as they become a language of continuous creation and transformation for the artist over time.
                                                                    

The sculpture "No Title (Table and Three Chairs)" by Robert Therrien is made of four objects: one table and three chairs, which are arranged around the respective sides of the table, drawn out slightly to leave a space between the table edge and chair leg. The colossal sculpture stands over ten feet high, tall enough for viewers to walk beneath.

A fan favorite since The Broad first opened, is "Under The Table (1994)"—the very first artwork installed at the museum—has drawn visitors from around the world, bringing childhood memories of hiding beneath a table.
"While Under The Table" will continue to be free to view as part of general admission, Robert Therrien: This Is a Story expands the world of everyday objects made extraordinary, with even more towering tables, oversized plates, and whimsical dishes to explore.

                                                                  

Robert Therrien’s "beards" sculptures are large-scale, often monumental, installations of fake beards crafted from materials like polished steel, aluminum, plastic, and human hair.
Created between 2007 and 2014, these works often hang on wardrobe racks, referencing to theater and the artist’s self-portraiture.
Inspiration of beards came from photographs of sculptor Constantin Brâncuși.

Featuring more than 120 works spanning five decades, the exhibit offers unprecedented access to the artist’s exploration of scale, memory, and perception.  He operated out of a studio space, just miles from downtown Los Angeles, for nearly thirty years, beginning in 1990.
Many of the works on view, including those created just before Therrien’s  death in 2019, have never been featured in museum exhibitions before.
                                                                  

 In 1998, Therrien made "No title (black beds)", which is a sculpture of two plastic and enamel beds placed end to end, curling upward in an arch, which appeared first in the artist's 2000 LACMA show.

                                                                             

No Title (Stacked Plates)" by Robert Therrien is a large-scale sculpture installation featuring a tall stack of oversized white plastic soup dishes.
The soup plates are stacked high and tilted at unnatural angles, to change the viewer's sense of scale.
The design is modeled after kitchenware, popular in mid-20th-century American roadside diners.

THEBROAD.ORG
 
Location; 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Vegan Cosmetic & Skincare trend will continue in 2026,

 The Vegan Cosmetic & Skincare trend will continue in 2026.

WestHollywoodToday.blogspot  CA (January 5 2026)
By Karen Ostlund

Vegan cosmetic trends will continue in 2026, and will be focused on bio-engineered, skin-friendly ingredients, like waterless formulas and fermented actives, leading the way.
Key trends will include biotech-derived ingredients, plant peptides and up cycled ingredients with creamy textures.

Famous singers and actors with their own vegan, cruelty-free beauty brand, include Ariana Grande (rembeauty.com), Lady Gaga (HausLabs.com), and Millie Bobby Brown (FlorencebyMillsBeauty.com)

                                                                

HausLabs.com by Lady Gaga is a high-performance, clean, and cruelty-free makeup brand founded by Lady Gaga in 2019. It specializes in innovative, skincare-infused cosmetics (HausTech Powered Innovation) that combine vibrant artistry with skin-loving ingredients like fermented arnica, which helps reduce redness.

                                                                      

r.e.m. beauty (rembeauty.com) is the vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics brand launched by singer Ariana Grande in November 2021. It features a 1950s/60s "space-age" aesthetic with a focus on eye, face, and lip products designed for self-expression. The brand is known for its high-performance, multitasking, and skincare-infused formulas, inspired by the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep cycle in her 2018 song "REM" The brand is dreamy and innovative makeup. including foundations, concealers, liquid eye-shadows, plumping lip glosses, and liners. The products are designed to be "interstellar" and retro-futuristic.Notable items for Ariana's line is the Sweetener Foundation, Essential Drip Lip Oil, and the metallic eyeshadow.

                                                                   

RareBeauty.com is the vegan, and cruelty-free makeup brand founded by singer and actress Selena Gomez, launched in 2020 with a mission to promote self-acceptance, mental health awareness, and to break-down unrealistic beauty standards. Known for its inclusive, lightweight, and easy-to-use products, as the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, Liquid Luminizers, and Kind Words Lip Liner.
1% of all sales, along with funds raised from partners, go directly to the Rare Impact Fund, which supports mental health services and education.

                                                                         

FlorencebyMillsBeauty.com skincare and makeup with Millie Bobby Brown, are PETA-certified, vegan, and cruelty-free focusing on "clean" ingredients that avoid animal by-products, parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.
Key components include plant-based waxes (carnauba, sunflower, bayberry), natural botanicals, and iron oxides for color, designed to be gentle for all skin types. Plant-based formulas often feature ingredients like rice bran wax, sunflower seed wax and shea butter, instead of beeswax or or lanolin.
.

Other popular vegan & cruelty-free brands for 2026;

Tower28Beauty.com is the clean, vegan, and cruelty-free makeup and skincare brand specifically designed for sensitive skin, inspired by the sunny lifestyle of Los Angeles", said founder Amy Liu.
Liu focuses on non-toxic ingredients, featuring popular items like the SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, Swipe Serum Concealer, and SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen.
The brand has gained approval from the National Psoriasis Foundation, National Rosacea Society, and National Eczema Association— a testament to its commitment to skin-safe, effective formulations.

• KVDBeauty.com offers a wide range of vegan makeup.100% vegan and cruelty-free brand is offering high-performance, tattoo-inspired makeup. Known for products like the #1 award-winning Tattoo Liner, Good Apple Foundation, and Everlasting Liquid eyeliner.

• e.l.f. (Eyes Lips Face): elfcosmetics.com
 is an American cosmetics brand known for 100% vegan, and cruelty-free makeup and skincare products, that collaborates with high-profile athletes, and influencers for their campaigns.  The brand gained massive, record-breaking cultural status via its #eyeslipsface TikTok campaign, which featured its original song.

MilkMakeup.com is the New York-based, 100% vegan and cruelty-free brand known for clean, high-tech, and paraben-free formulas of fruit-extracts and plantbased milk. Designed for a low-maintenance, "cool girl" aesthetic. They use natural ingredients and avoid animal-derived components like beeswax and lanolin. Popular products include the Kush Mascara, Hydro Grip Primer, and Cooling Water Jelly.

MERITBeauty.com, founded in 2021 by Katherine Power, is the "clean, luxury beauty brand" designed to simplify makeup routines with a curated, minimalist, and vegan product line.
The brand is known for its "no-makeup-look", on multitasking products that give you, "your-skin-but-better" finish. The products are made to enhance, rather than hide.

What's the differences in-between Vegan and Organic Skincare ?

• Vegan Skincare: Focuses on eliminating animal ingredients and testing. Common ingredients include aloe vera, plant oils, and fruit extracts. Vegan does not mean "natural," as formulas can contain synthetic ingredients. Look for "certified vegan" or cruelty-free bunny logos.

• Organic Skincare: Focuses on the farming practices of the ingredients. Products are made from organically farmed ingredients, often regulated by bodies like USDA Organic or COSMOS. These products are usually free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

LA Art Show returns for its 31st edition at the Los Angeles Convention Center, January 7–11, 2026.

 
 LA Art Show returns for its 31st edition of Los Angeles' largest and longest-running art fair at the Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall from January 7–11, 2026.

WestHollywoodToday.blogspot CA December 24 2025
By Karen Ostlund


LA Art Show, LA’s largest and longest-established art fair, returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center’s West Hall on January 7 to 11, 2026, marking its 31st year. It's under the direction of producer and director Kassandra Voyagis who said, "We are thrilled to once again in 2026, unite galleries, artists and enthusiasts from across the globe to participate in the city’s rich cultural legacy."
                                                                        

Sylvester Stallone "Male Pattern Badness" 1991, oil on canvas, (Provident Fine Art)

The LA Art Show 2026 will be dominated by a celebrity presences, represented within the exhibits themselves, featuring an exciting combination of art, music and film. Highlights include Provident Fine Art's LA Art Show debut with a special solo presentation of work by Sylvester Stallone, offering audiences a rare look at the celebrated actor's long-standing and deeply personal painting practice.

Stallone has been painting as a vital form of expression since his adolescence, and as a prolific screenwriter, he often turned to art to assist, in the development of his iconic screen-characters.
The fair's music-to-art narrative, John Martin Gallery will present new works by Paul Simonon, the legendary bassist of The Clash, whose visual art channels  represent the same raw energy that shaped the band's iconic legacy.  Pontone Gallery (London) will showcase Chris Rivers, former drummer for Heaven's Basement, now a fast-rising contemporary artist known for vivid, surreal oil paintings inspired by astronomy and mythology and embraced by top collectors and A-list fans.
                                                               

Artist Chris Rivers (drummer for Heaven's Basement) "Winter" (Pontone Gallery)

LA Art Show’s non-commercial platform DIVERSEartLA, curated by Marisa Caichiolo, returns to explore the evolving landscape of contemporary art through the lens of biennials and museums.
 The educational platform will highlight vital platforms for artistic innovation, dialogue, and engagement. Caichiolo will  oversee the curation of the Latin American Pavilion, bringing the flavor of emerging artists from other regions of the American Continent.

                                                                         

John Martin Gallery will present new works by Paul Simonon (The Clash)

With over 100 exhibitors, LA Art Show 2026 will feature continued collaborations with
international and local galleries including LICHT FELD Gallery (Switzerland); Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery (U.K), Coral Contemporary Gallery (Miami), K+Y Contemporary Art (Paris), Arcadia Contemporary (New York) and Fabrik Projects (Los Angeles). Rehs Galleries, a New York-based gallery, with its historic and contemporary art will return, having participated in the LA Art Show since  1994. 

Other galleries  showing at LA Art Show 2026 for the first time, include Dublin-based Oliver Sears Gallery. Gefen Gallery (San Francisco), Steidel Contemporary (Lake Worth) and Corridor Contemporary (Tel Aviv). This year will also continue its strong South Korean representation with over 10 galleries participating.
                                                                         

Actress Sasha Pieterse joins the LA Art Show as host for its Opening Night Premiere Party on behalf of the American Heart Association.

For the third consecutive year, the show will support the American Heart Association's Life is Why™ campaign, with 15% of the purchase price from every ticket benefiting the organization, with a maximum donation commitment of $45,000. The campaign encourages individuals to celebrate and protect their reasons for living healthier, longer lives. Opening night host Sasha Pieterse is an award-winning actress, whose work spans from film to TV,  best known for her breakout role as Alison DiLaurentis on Pretty Little Liars.

"I'm deeply honored to host the 2026 LA Art Show Opening Night Premiere Party in support of the American Heart Association and their life-saving work," said actress Sasha Pieterse. "Heart disease has had a profound impact on my family. I've lost loved ones to heart disease and heart attacks, which makes this cause incredibly close to my heart. Living with PCOS has also heightened my awareness of cardiovascular risk, reinforcing how vital education, research, and early intervention truly are. To be able to gather in celebration of art, creativity, and global voices while also raising critical funds for such an important organization is both meaningful and deeply inspiring.”

Tickets from Jan.7 to Jan.11 2026 at www.laartshow.com with the American Heart Association serving as the charity beneficiary, receiving 15% of proceeds from every ticket sold for their Life is Why ™ campaign.

Recap of L.A. Times 101 Best Restaurants of 2025 at the Hollywood Palladium.

Recap of L.A. Times 101 Best Restaurants of 2025 at the Hollywood Palladium.
WestHollywoodToday.blogspot CA December 13 2025
By Karen Ostlund.  #LATimes101Best @LATimesEvents @LATimesFood
                                                           

Scallop Tostada with no-pales and cho-gochujang sauce by PERILLALA.com

The Los Angeles Times unveiled its annual 101 Best Restaurants guide, presented by OpenTable and Square, at the Hollywood Palladium on the evening of Dec. 9 2025. The event featured food and drinks from over 30 of the city’s top restaurants and bars, with acclaimed chefs Gilbert Cetina, Nancy Silverton and Alisa Vannah, Dave Beran, Kwang Uh, and Mario Llamas.
Guests enjoyed unlimited sips and bites, while The Times Food team revealed this year’s 101 honorees on stage.
                                                                          

MercadoLaPaloma.com was chosen as the No. 1 on the list located at 3655 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles. Mercado La Paloma is a vibrant food hall, known for its diverse Latin American and international food vendors, including the Michelin-recognized Holbox. Also offering a variety of cuisines like Mexican (Yucatecan, Oaxacan), Ethiopian and Thai.

101 Best Restaurants guide 2025 from Southern California’s top dining establishments, featured a live countdown of The Times’ annual restaurants guide at the Hollywood Palladium.
The premium print-edition of 101 Best Restaurants is mailed to LA Times Sunday subscribers on Dec. 14 2025. Copies can also be purchased via LA Times online store. For more information, visit latimes.com/food and latimes.com/101
                                                                   

BBQ Beef brisket slider and banana cream parfait with vanilla wafer by DULAN’S ON CRENSHAW. DulanSoulFood.com

The event was created in 2013 by the late, Pulitzer Prize-winning restaurant critic Jonathan Gold.
 The 101 Best Restaurants has become a hallmark of The Times Food section and quintessential guide to the places that shows the Southern California food culture.
Continuing Gold’s legacy, LA Times James Beard Award-winning restaurant Critic Bill Addison and LA Times Food Columnist Jenn Harris are curating this year’s list, based on the region’s restaurants that have sustained excellence in cooking and the dining experience. The guide will also spotlight the city’s best places to drink and introduce the newest addition to the Hall of Fame, a standing list of restaurants that have become part of the fabric of Los Angeles.
                                                                      

Petrossian Caviar chicken-slider with creme fraiche and honey mustard by SOMERVILLESLAUSON.COM

Participating restaurants and bars for the 101 celebration included :Baroo, Chi Spacca, Daisy Margarita Bar, Dulan's on Crenshaw, Dunsmoor, Fat + Flour, Holbox, Komal, Macheen, Mario's Butcher Shop, Morihiro, Perilla LA, République, Restaurant Ki, Seline, Sonoratown, Tokyo Noir and Two Hommés.
                                                                     

CHUCHITO by KOMAL located inside Mercado La Paloma. Pork or seasonal vegetables with corn masa, roasted tomato sauce, pickled cabbage, pumpkin seeds, creme and cilantro.

The evening featured a special presentation of the Gold Award by Food General Manager Laurie Ochoa, which honored culinary excellence, given to restaurant BestiaLA.com located at 2121 7th Place, Los Angeles.Bestia is a popular, trendy Italian restaurant in Los Angeles' Arts District known for its rustic-chic atmosphere, industrial-chic decor, and high-quality, inventive Italian-Californian cuisine.
                                                                   

TOM YUM TOFU with spicy lemon grass soup, tomato and mushrooms by JITLADALA.com

Winners of the L.A. Times 101 Best Restaurants list for 2025 included notable establishments sas Mercado La Paloma, KATO, BAROO, DUNSMOOR, HAYATO, PROVIDENCE, MORIHIRO, ANTICO NUOVO, ANAJAK THAI, N/NAKA, Restaurant KI, AZIZAM, and SELENE.

                                                               

Car-sponsor, displayed on the outdoor patio. The MINI Countryman S ALL4, is a sporty, all-wheel-drive version of MINI's compact crossover SUV with a turbocharged engine. MINIDTLA.com

                                                                    

Best of drinks, TOKYONOIRBAR.com cocktails.

This annual guide highlights exceptional dining spots across Los Angeles, showcasing a diverse range of culinary experiences. The list is curated by restaurant critics and aims to reflect the vibrant food scene in the city of Los Angeles.
Here are other facts how the best restaurants are chosen:

• Food Quality: The taste, freshness, and presentation of the food and chefs knowledge.

• Service Quality: Friendly, attentive, and efficient service enhances the dining experience.

• Atmosphere: The ambiance, decor, and overall vibe contribute to customer satisfaction.

• Price: Value for money; customers often seek a balance between cost and quality.

• Location: Accessibility and visibility can significantly influence a restaurant's appeal.

• Reputation: Reviews and recommendations from others can sway decisions.

• Menu Variety: A diverse menu can attract a wider range of customers.

• Health and Safety Standards: Cleanliness and adherence to health regulations are increasingly important to diners.

CHARLES DICKENS “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” RETURNS TO FPCH HOLLYWOOD FOR 11 PERFORMANCES.

CHARLES DICKENS “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”
 RETURNS TO FPCH HOLLYWOOD FOR 11 PERFORMANCES.
 
DIRECTED BY JESSE CORTI & CHOREOGRAPHED BY THEATRE & FILM CHOREOGRAPHER JULIETTA CORTI.

WestHollywoodToday.blogspot CA

Story by Karen Ostlund (December 6, 2025)
                                                                

The longest running Christmas production returns to Hollywood after 79 years.
A Christmas Carol will run from Dec 5, 2025, thru December 20, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, 1760 N. Gower in Hollywood. This annual show sells out each year to a delighted audiences and it has the production value of a Broadway Show!
A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who hates Christmas. He is visited by the ghost of his dead partner, Jacob Marley, and 3 spirits (Past, Present, and Yet to Come) The 3 spirits show him visions of his life, revealing the error of his selfish ways and leading him to a joyful redemption where he embraces generosity, kindness, and the true spirit of Christmas.
                                                                      

 First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood is the oldest church in Hollywood and the first Mega Church in North America. The main stage of this campus turns 101 years with special effects, that makes it a first-class theater experience, for the entire family.
For the 5th year Jesse Corti will direct this show. He is one of the starring voices in Frozen, Beauty and the Beast and was one of the stars on Broadway of “Les Misérables”.

There are many familiar tv, film & theater faces in the production. The show stars Tim Farmer as Scrooge, Tiny Tim is played by HBO series Animals star Brandon Duvon and Bob Cratchit is played by London-stage star Dan Hazel.

For the 4th year choreographer Julietta Corti will choreograph the show. She starred in the Broadway cast of CATS, and also choreographed productions as Annie, Hairspray and Fiddler on the Roof.
                                                                              

What the stars are saying about this production:
 
"Director Jesse Corti's "A Christmas Carol" is simply the best staged version of this classic that I've ever seen.  Dickens' story and characters jump off the page and come to life in this heartwarming, magical production.  Bring the family to this must-see Christmas tradition."
said Nick Vallelonga - Two-time Academy Award Winner for GREEN BOOK.
 
"I have seen A Christmas Carol numerous times in life and this is the best Scrooge I have ever seen."
- said Joe Mantegna
 
There will be 11 performances in total for the show. It will run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Dec 5th thru Dec 20th 2025. More information and tickets at https://www.achristmascarolhollywood.com/
SHOWTIMES: Friday & Saturday evening performances: 7:30pm
                           Saturday Matinee: 2:30pm
                           Sunday Matinee only: 2:30pm
 
FREE PARKING and an invite to the Fezziwig Christmas Party after every performance.
 
 

The LA Auto Show 2025 returned with debuts from gas-powered favorites to latest EVs.

 WestHollywoodToday.blogspot LOS ANGELES (November 21, 2025)

Photos by Karen Ostlund.

The Los Angeles Auto Show 2025 returned with debuts from gas-powered favorites to latest EVs.

This year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, from November 21–30 2025 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, features more than 50 vehicles to drive or ride, to compare models, power-trains, and performance types, all in one place.

The show has more than one million square feet of exhibit space, featuring hundreds of new cars, trucks, SUVs, hybrids, and EVs from the world’s top automakers.
                                                                        

Porsche Downtown LA is participating in the 2025 LA Auto Show with a showcase in the West Atrium featuring vehicles like the 2026 911 GTS Hybrid, Macan Electric, and Panamera E-Hybrid.

Photo shows the Porsche 911 Spirit 70, which is a limited-edition sports car that celebrates the 1970s and early 1980s. It's the third of four Heritage Design models, each representing a decade from 1950–1980. Only 1500 cars are made.The Pasha pattern interior covers the seat centers, door panels, glove compartment, and reversible luggage mat.

                                       

Two Main Halls spotlight: Hyundai, Toyota, Kia, Honda, Volkswagen, Nissan, Ford, Lucid, Maserati, Volvo, Genesis, Chevrolet, Subaru, Dodge, RAM, Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Lincoln and Rivian, plus a special overlanding exhibit presented by OVR.
The Atrium spaces feature brand showcases by Porsche DTLA, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Fox Factory and Hyundai N & N Line
Outdoor plazas are transformed into immersive hands-on activations including the Scout Experience and test drives from Rivian, Toyota, Kia, Dodge, Fiat, Subaru, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, Volvo, plus on weekends only Cadillac, Lucid and Faraday Future.

From rugged off-roaders and cutting-edge EVs to luxury sedans and high-performance vehicles, the test drive lineup reflects the full spectrum of today’s automotive landscape. Test drives are included with admission and remain one of the most popular features of the show.
                                                                        

The 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro has all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking differential for enhanced traction. It is designed for adventurous excursions and comes with features like a "Ground View Monitor" to see the terrain ahead, with help of cameras beneath the vehicle, along with pitch, roll and steering angle. Telluride X-Pro model has a hybrid power-train, which offers up to 329 horsepower.
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“There’s nothing like feeling a new vehicle come alive beneath you for the first time,” said Terri Toennies, president of the Los Angeles Auto Show. “At LA Auto Show, visitors don’t just see the newest vehicles, they get to drive them, compare, and discover what makes one the right choice for them.”

OUTDOOR TEST DRIVES 2025

Clean Power Alliance EV and Hybrid Test Track: Sponsored by the CPA EV SmartCharge Program. This one-mile loop outside South Hall will showcase over 20 electrified models across multiple brands. The following brands will offer test drives:

Cadillac: Escalade IQ, LYRIQ, OPTIQ and VISTIQ.
Chevrolet: Blazer EV, Bolt EV 10th anniversary, Equinox EV and Silverado EV.
Faraday Future: FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance, FX Super One
Lucid: Air and Gravity Touring.
Nissan: First-ever consumer test drive opportunity with all-new Leaf.
Volkswagen: Atlas, ID Buzz and Tiguan.
Volvo: Celebrating its 70th anniversary in the U.S., the legendary Swedish brand will celebrate with test drivers of its XC90, XC60 and EX30.
Gilbert Lindsay Plaza Street Drives: Navigating Downtown LA street routes. Guests can choose from over 30 gas, EV and hybrid models including the first-ever public test drive opportunity with the Polestar 4 electric SUV coupe.
                                                                       

Hyundai CRATER Concept stands for the all-electric XRT concept vehicle, not for sale yet.
The Hyundai Crater is a compact, off-road electric concept SUV that shows a future design for Hyundai's  XRT models. Steel-like exterior with rugged, angular bodywork, pixel lighting and with 33-inch tires. Key interior includes detachable side cameras that function as flashlights.

                                                                             

The Lucid Gravity, the new all-wheel-drive electric SUV has a three-row seating and up to 120 cubit as cargo space. It's the Lucid's second vehicle that offers a blend of SUV, with high-performance of a sports-car.

The following brands will offer test-drives:

Alfa Romeo: Giulia and Tonale PHEV.
Chrysler: Pacifica PHEV.
Dodge: Durango SRT and Hornet.
Fiat: 500e
Jeep: Gladiator, Grand Cherokee L, Wrangler and Wrangler 4xe.
Kia: EV9 GT Line, EV6 GT Line and EV6 GT.
RAM: RAM 1500 and RAM 2500
Rivian: R1-S and R1-T.
Subaru: Ascent Onyx Touring, Crosstrek Sport, Forester Touring, Forester Sport Hybrid, Impreza RS, Outback, Solterra Touring and WRX tS.
Toyota: bZ, Grand Highlander, RAV4 Hybrid, Prius PHEV and Tacoma TRD Pro

                                                                       

The 2026 EV Jeep Recon is an upcoming, all-electric SUV that is designed with a style inspired by the Wrangler. It is built on the Stellantis STLA Large platform and features a dual-motor  all-wheel-drive system under-body protection. It has a removable one-touch power-top for open-air driving. The All-Electric 2026 EV Jeep Recon is designed with removable doors, removable rear-quarter glass and a removable swing gate glass.

INDOOR TEST RIDES AND ADVENTURE 2025

Popular indoor test-ride experiences are featured at the Convention Center’s main halls. The inside South Hall, “Camp Jeep” features Wrangler 4xe, Wrangler, Gladiator and Grand Cherokee L  climbs and offroad style obstacles.

Also, in the South Hall, Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ lineup is showcased for attendees to feel the speed and comfort of the IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 5 Limited, as well as the IONIQ 9 Calligraphy models.

In West Hall, attendees can strap into Ford’s Bronco Built Wild ride experience, showcasing Bronco Badlands capabilities as they navigate an  indoor course, climb Bronco Mountain and traverse over challenging landscapes.
                                                                    

Volkswagen revived this year, the 1977 Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus named "Azul" which is a blue and white classic VW van, that gained attention for surviving the 2025 Palisades Fire in Malibu.

Tickets and more information at

laautoshow.com/tickets  

Los Angeles Convention Center is located at 1201 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA.