Aww, a miniature week! Isn't it cute? After three glorious days off, an inauguration to remember, and maybe a little loafing around, we're psyched to dive into the week ahead (even if we have to go back to work, BLURGH).
Maybe it's the return of the warm weather, or maybe it's the return of a packed social calendar, but we're ready to shed the hibernation mindset we've been defaulting to as of late. So, we're taking every opportunity that comes our way for maximizing fun this week while summer in January lasts.
Keep reading if you'd like to win a killer party for 100 of your closest friends, gorge on grilled cheese with us, and more...
Tuesday
As far as we're concerned, there's no better occasion than a Tuesday night to eat grilled cheese sammies for dinner (why not, right?). Start your evening at Taste on Melrose, where tonight is entirely devoted to that most cherished food group (butter, melted cheese, bread).
After, hightail it to Santa Ana because Cat Power is playing (!) a special show at the Observatory. Plus, the ticket price is pretty reasonable, all things considered. After you've gone through all that Chan has to offer this time, head back into town and over to Los Globos in Silver Lake. There, you can dance the night away to benefit Pablove, the foundation Dangerbird Records' Jeff Castelaz founded after his son died of cancer back in 2009.
Hit play: Cat Power -- Speak for Me
Wednesday
Before you do anything else, make sure you've entered Burger Lounge's "Super Party" contest. Today's the last day (you procrastinator, you), so get your entry in, like, now to win a fully-catered "dream" Super Bowl party.
Once that's taken care of, head downtown. Grab dinner at The Parish, where $45 gets you a super-schmancy prix fixe dinner (don't forget to register in advance through dineLA).
Or, if the L.A. Music Video Festival sounds more like your cup of tea, head to The Independent, where they are doing a special spotlight on the work of Warren Fu. They'll screen videos, host a Q&A, and generally be the stewards of an awesome time. Later (if there is a later), get to the Mayan to see local band success story Airborne Toxic Event.
Hit play: Airborne Toxic Event -- Sometime Around Midnight
Thursday
For an abrupt change of pace, go to Amoeba after work to see the buzzy local punk band FIDLAR (that's F*** It Dog, Life's A Risk). After, go somewhere for dinner that FIDLAR wouldn't absolutely hate, like Hungry Cat or Ammo, both of which are discounted for dineLA.
Gain back a little punk cred after you eat by heading to Cinefamily to check out Japanese director Sion Sono's latest, Guilty of Romance, the third installment of his "Hate Trilogy." After, wash off any movie-induced icky feelings (unless gratuitous sex and violence make you feel warm and fuzzy?) with a drink on the patio at Little Next Door, which is the perfect spot from which to enjoy a warm January night.
Hit play: FIDLAR -- No Waves