Happy Cinco de Mayo and Happy Fresh Tamales Going Like Hotcakes at Grassroots!

My favorite health food store, the kind that's straight out of the 70's, is in South Pasadena. Grassroots is in a little mini-mall at Fair Oaks & Oxley. And every Cinco de Mayo, for two days, May 5th & 6th, they celebrate by serving up fresh, home-made, unbelievably delicious Tamales.

Fresh Green Chile & Cheese Tamales. $4.75 a piece

Apparently the kitchen worked tirelessly to make these amazing, authentic treats. I mean for days. They have Machaca, Chicken, Green Chili and Cheese (my favorite), Pork, and Jackfruit. Jackfruit by the way is delicious and an amazing source of protein. It's like you know when everyone told you to eat kale and would tell you it's worth it but you sort of had to admit you didn't like kale that much? Well, jackfruit is delish. No rationalizing.

They also serve an outstanding, homemade, rojo or verde sauce to go with them:

I'm so excited. Got like half a dozen. Freezing a few and eating some for dinner. Home in bed nursing a cold but this? This all feels healthy.

Labeled everything. They're very nice.

So remember this is just for today and tomorrow that they have these kick-ass tamales. The kitchen opens at 9am and though the market is open until 7, the kitchen closes at 4pm.

And by the way, you may want to come here anyway. They have everything: vitamins, neti pots (which when I went to go buy one asked them if they had a "honey pot." That was embarrassing), and these OUTSTANDING brownies that are like gluten-free and the whole deal and will knock your socks off. In other words, maybe every day you eat gluten, fucking love the stuff, cannot get enough. That's fine. You'd love these, too. They're cakey, moist, flavorful. Trust me, I'm a snob. Hey, that's a great name for my latest autobiography. Where's my assistant? Assistant? Take note!

The Big Yummy is a Big Yes.

It's almost amusing how good they are. And just in case you go when it's not May 5th or 6th, I have to recommend their Bowls. They have The Fiesta Bowl, $8.95, Vegan Chicken, $10.50, The Cuban Bowl which I love because Plantains are my favorite thing ever, $8.95 and plenty more. The one I always get is The Chili Bowl. Never took a picture of it but man, so good. Vegan Chili (made with Tempeh) or Beef Chili (all their beef, chicken, turkey & pork are raised naturally without hormones or antibiotics), rice (brown or Spanish though yesterday they had Spanish Quinoa which was fabulosity), cheddar or soy cheese, avo, scallions or red onions. Top it with some sour cream and DUDE, you're a happy peace-loving camper. $10.50 for the bowl. Oh, and you can get it on freshly made corn bread. How nice is that?

Speaking of Corn...

I implore you, if you care about food at all:

Beef Machaca Tamales at Grassroots Natural Market & Kitchen

Grassroots Natural Market & Kitchen is at 1119 Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91030. Hours are Monday thru Friday, 9am to 7pm, Saturday, 9am-6pm, and Sunday 10am to 5pm. But remember the kitchen closes at 4pm and on Sundays, only the juice bar is open. Parking available for free. Tamales are made special for today and tomorrow. $4.75 a piece. You can call ahead if you want to save time. 626.799.0156.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Enjoy!

Fourth of July Fireworks in LA

I decided to do a little research and cull together the top LA 4th of July celebrations so you could plan your Independence Day festivities. Most places encourage people to come early for parking purposes. Scroll down to the bottom for details regarding the muscle show at Venice Beach.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

4th of July Block Party in Grand Park

Hosted by Anthony Valadez from KCRW with performances by Jungle Fire and La Santa Cecilia. Food trucks galore. No visitors can bring alcohol into the park but it's DOG FRIENDLY! Still I'm told not to bring animals to fireworks shows. You can understand why.
FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT: 3pm
THE WORKS BEGIN AT: 9pm
WHERE: 200 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012 
COST: Attendance is FREE. 
TIP: Take the Red or Purple line to Civic Center/Grand Park Station. To plan your Metro journey click
METRO TRIP PLANNER.
INFO: http://www.grandparkla.org 323.887.4427

HOLLYWOOD

Josh Groban July 4th Fireworks Spectacular

Hollywood Bowl, July 2nd, 3rd & 4th.

Josh Groban will be performing, Patriotic Music will be played, and of course a fireworks display will be boomed out. So nice at the Bowl, under the stars. 
FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT: 7:30pm
THE WORKS BEGIN AT: 9pm (approximately). I am guestimating as it's not said on the site.
WHERE: The Hollywood Bowl, 2301 North Highland Ave., Hollywood, CA 
COST: Ticket costs vary. At the moment it says tickets are still available for July 2nd and none for the 3rd & 4th. Still, season ticket holders may release their seats closer to the event so keep checking. You can also always try Stubhub and Craigslist. 
TIP: Consider taking the Metro. You'll save on gas and there's bound to be traffic, especially in this area. Take it to the Hollywood/Vine Station. You can also get out at Cahuenga Blvd/John Anson Ford Theatre Stop. To plan your Metro journey click METRO TRIP PLANNER.
INFO: http://www.hollywoodbowl.com (323) 850-2000

HUNTINGTON BEACH

Independence Day Celebration at Huntington Beach

You want old-fashioned? This should really hit the spot. This parade that they're doing has been going on since 1904. They call it the “largest and oldest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi.” There's also a special breakfast, 5K run/walk, bands, clowns, celebrities, floats and what promises to be a spectacular fireworks display over the ocean. 
FESTIVITIES (including The Parade) BEGIN AT: 10am
THE WORKS BEGIN AT: 9pm
WHERE: Festival at Pier Plaza at Huntington Beach Pier, Parade runs along Main Street from Pacific Coast Highway to Clay Ave.
COST: Check their website for VIP ticket details and reserved parade and fireworks seating. Otherwise this event is FREE.
TIP: Parking might be gnarly. I know there's the Main Street Parking Structure off of 3rd between Walnut & Olive. They charge a $27 flat fee. Otherwise -- especially if you don't get there early -- be prepared to walk. 
INFO: www.hb4thofjuly.org

LONG BEACH
The Queen Mary

Buy your tickets IN ADVANCE! During the day there are tons of events: Potato sack races, swing dancers, a Beatles cover band, even an Uncle Sam on stilts. 

FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT: Noon 

THE WORKS BEGIN AT: 9pm

WHERE: 1126 Queen's Highway 

COST: FREE general admission to active duty military w/ID and military in uniform; $5 off for military veterans w/proof of service. Tickets: $39.99 for adults ($59.99 for VIP), $19.99 for children 3 and up ($39.99 for VIP), Children 2 and under are free. Get the details on their website.

INFO: http://www.queenmary.com 877.342.0738

MARINA DEL REY

Fireworks are launched from a barge across the Marina's main channel. Beautiful, simple and fun.
THE WORKS BEGIN AT: 9:15 pm

WHERE: Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way) and Fisherman's Village (13755 Fiji Way) are premier viewing locations. 

COST: Parking fees range from $7 - $10
TIP: They say ample parking is available in the area but they also encourage you to come early. As for other modes of transportation know that the WaterBus will be operating from 11am to midnight and the Beach Shuttle will be running from 10am to 8pm. If you're driving, check our their site for street closure information...
INFO: http://beaches.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dbh 310.305.9545

THE PACIFIC PALISADES
PALISADES AMERICANISM PARADE

This is the way to go. I mean they really go all out. There's an old fashioned Independence Day Parade followed by entertainment and a fireworks display with a concert by Foo Fighter Chris Shiflett and the band The Dead Peasants. There's so much going on here it's mind boggling. They have a house contest. They dress up their houses and have a contest about it. No kidding. Here's a taste of what July 4th in The Palisades is like, check this out:

Yeah, they have skydivers, too. Unbelievable. 
THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT: Skydivers begin at 1:50pm. The parade's at 2pm.
THE WORKS BEGIN AT: 9pm but the gates open at 6pm. 
WHERE: For the Parade-- Sunset Blvd. in Pacific Palisades between via de la Paz and Drummond St., For the entertainment and fireworks-- Palisades Charter High School.
COST: The parade is FREE, reserved grandstand tickets for a fee, Concert $5
INFO: www.palisadesparade.org

PORTER RANCH

4th of July Spectacular in Porter Ranch

FREE festival and fireworks show at Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch. They get like 60,000 people at this event and encourage you to bring your sunscreen, lawn chairs and coolers (but no alcohol. That's where they draw the line). Moon bounces and face painting for the children, an outdoor stage show as well as tons of food trucks and stands with hot dogs, shaved ice, tacos, you name it. And of course a spectacular fireworks display.
FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT: 4:30pm
THE WORKS BEGIN AT: The site did not say
WHERE: Shepherd of the Hills Church, 19700 Rinaldi Street, Porter Ranch, CA 91326
COST: FREE
TIP: FREE ample parking. Don't stress.

INFO: www.theshepherd.org

PASADENA

THE 4TH ANNUAL AMERICAFEST AT THE ROSE BOWL

This is hands-down one of the largest fireworks displays in Southern California with music and food vendors and even a motorcycle stunt show. 
FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT: The parking lot opens at 10am, the Food Court at 2pm and the Stadium at 6:30pm. Stunt show at 7pm.
THE WORKS BEGIN AT: 9:05pm
WHERE: The Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, 
COST: $13 for General Admission,$25 reserved, $30 premium, Kids 7 and under and Active Military with ID FREE. CASH ONLY at the stadium. Parking is $20 CASH.
TIP: Get advanced tickets from www.ticketmaster.com

INFO: www.rosebowlstadium.com/RoseBowl_Americafest.php. CA. 626.577.3100.

  
STUDIO CITY 

July 4th Fireworks Festival in Studio City

Right on a back lot at Radford Studios, there's a Beach Boys cover band, The Television and Motion Picture Club will put on a car show and for $20 extra, you can get a rooftop wristband to watch The Works on the roof. There's also a kid's zone with bouncy fun houses and if you want to go VIP, you'll find yourself in an air-conditioned sound stage, will hear live music, can drink FREE drinks and there's something about special parking. :)
FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT: 5:00PM. Gates open at 4:30pm.
THE WORKS BEGIN AT: It doesn't say on the site.
WHERE: CBS Studio Center, 4024 Radford Ave., Studio City, Los Angeles
COST: General Admission tickets for kids under 5 are FREE. Adults $20, Children 6-12 $10 -- add $20 for rooftop viewing access. VIP Tickets for Adults are $100. For kids age 3-5 they're $15. For kids 6-12 $50. Parking is FREE for all and VIP ticket holders get special valet parking.
INFO: www.studiocitychamber.com 818.655.5916 

finally...

It might not be fireworks but I bet it's going to be fascinating:

VENICE
Mr. & Mrs. Muscle Beach, Venice Beach

Body building pageant on the beach.
FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT: 10am (pre-judging)
FINALS BEGIN AT: 1pm
COST: FREE 
WHERE: Venice Recreation Center, 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach
INFO: californiabeachbodybuilding.com, 310.399.2775

By the way, if anyone has any other suggestions and also good spots from which to see fireworks, etc., please feel free to post in the Comments Section. 

ENJOY!

Scarefest in Los Angeles - presale tickets available now

2013 will mark the premiere of LA's first convention dedicated to Halloween. They're combining the city's top haunt pros, attraction designers, artists, filmmakers, animators, classes on how to do really good make-up, games, pumpkin carving, parties and more...

Why wait 'til October, right? My friends are involved in organizing ScareLA and they let me know if you buy your tickets by July 4th you'll get a great deal. Time is of the essence, so if you like to dress up like an amorous teenage zombie or a real housewife (or you're a professional and want to be a part of a huge, historical Halloween moment) get out your fangs and let's have some fun...

Tricks and treats for the 4th of July! View this email in your browser

20% off all tickets for ScareLA through July 4th! Use discount code JULYSCARE for any ticket type or quantity. What do Independence Day and Halloween have in common? Besides being uniquely American holidays, we're celebrating both this summer! (us Halloween junkies are crazy like that). To commemorate, we're extending 20% off tickets through July 4th for all day, weekend, or Fear Freak passes. Click here to nab 'em and use discount code JULYSCARE. Meet us at Sinister Pointe's "Dark Market" this Saturday If you're a haunt fan, you don't want to miss this event: Over 2 dozen vendors with all sorts of merchandise for lovers of the macabre, and you'll be able to walk through one of Southern California's most popular haunted attractions. Taking place in Brea, the Dark Market is free and open 1pm-10pm. The Sinister Pointe attraction is $10 ($20 for front of line) and open 7pm-10pm. BUT, stop by ScareLA's table for some treats: Say hi, tell us how much you're looking forward to ScareLA, and we'll give you a free ScareLA button designed by Ben Von Strawn. Buy any ScareLA ticket at our table and not only will you get over 20% off,we'll also cover the ticketing fee! AND buy any ScareLA ticket from us, we'll also give you a 50% off voucher for Sinister Pointe's haunted attraction (you'll get in for only $5!). For more on Sinister Pointe's Dark Market go here. Artists, artisans, and other potential Halloween exhibitors Have a product for Halloween or haunt fans that should be exhibited at ScareLA?Check out our current pricing and signup here for a booth or table at ScareLA, or reply to this email directly and we'll let you know about discounted exhibitor booths. Did I miss anything? Oh yeah, be sure to check out our current programming lineup here, as well as ourconstantly expaning list of amazing exhibitors. For more about the background of ScareLA and it's producers, read this interview at Sinful Celluloid. And if by chance you've already purchased tickets for ScareLA or are simply planning to go, please RSVP on our Facebook event page. Thanks again for being part of ScareLA! Stay cool and creepy as summer begins! Best, David Markland and Lora Ivanova Producers, ScareLA: the Los Angeles Halloween Convention PS: For good measure, that discount code is JULYSCARE for 20% tickets.

Copyright © 2013 ScareLA, All rights reserved. You received this email because you're insanely scary. Also, you signed up on our website. Our mailing address is: ScareLA c/o David Markland 1800 El Cerrito Pl. #39 Los Angeles, CA 90068 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences

ENJOY!