We're not exactly known for planning our lives well in advance, but when it's important (or especially awesome), we tend to get our act together. So, before we jump into your itinerary for the next couple of days, let's fast forward to next week for details on a night you're not going to want to miss.
We're talking about a Girls Night Out at the Geffen Playhouse on Valentine's Day (February 14, as if you could forget) with yours truly and the one and only Dawson, err, James Van Der Beek. James will be joining a phenomenal cast in performing Joanna Murray-Smith's provocative (and shocking!) new play The Gift. The pre-party will include a cheesecake bar (Hey, it's V-day. You deserve it!), a wine bar, Simone Elum fashion illustrations, and more.
And now, back to future -- that is, the week ahead.
Monday
Tonight, check out Community creator Dan Harmon's glorious return to Los Angeles after a long U.S. tour with his kooky comedy stage show, Harmontown. He'll be joined by a whole bevy of special guests and Kickstarter supporters, so the whole thing should be super amusing and pretty weird, too. What else could one want for a Monday evening?
Later, grab some food over in Silver Lake, where the L&E Oyster Bar's construction is finally over -- they've just debuted their second-level "salon" over the weekend. After, stop in at the Echoplex' (free) Monday Night Residency to see A House For Lions. If you're still raring to go when the show's over (you crazy, you!), get a drink across the street(ish) at Allumette. It's just been re-vamped, so you'll want to try it out for dinner another time. For now, indulge in their assortment of extra-special house cocktails and then please, call it a night.
Hit play: A House For Lions -- (You Don't Wanna) Wait for Me
Tuesday
If you can, catch the Tuesday matinee at LACMA. They're screening a madcap BGG favorite, Harvey, so you know we'll prioritize being there (sorry, job). Later, if you're feeling particularly cultured and proud of yourself for watching a black-and-white film, grab an equally classy cocktail at Figaro in Los Feliz during their 5-7 p.m. happy hour. A Lillet Blanc is a mere $5, so you can put on airs (on the cheap) for a full two hours.
Skip the (equally inexpensive) happy hour food menu at Figaro for now, because you'll want to save room for the Korean BBQ feast you're about to have at Tangier. Use this Groupon and don't forget to bring a friend (unless you are hungry x2). Finally, dance the rest of the night away with the cool kids at Dim Mak Tuesdays back in Hollywood.
Hit play: Tame Impala -- Feels Like We Only Go Backwards
Wednesday
Let's get one thing clear: We're not all matinees, happy hours, and BBQ around here! In fact, we suggest you spend some time working on your fitness today at ElliptiFit in West Hollywood using this discount. We love it because it's a workout of true efficiency -- 45 minutes can burn 600 calories! So we can get back to, you know, matinees, happy hours, and BBQ.
Celebrate your victory for the day by stopping by the West Hollywood location of Pitfire for their "Study Break" happy hour. From 3-6 p.m. all wine and beer is 50 percent off. After, hustle over to Square One in East Hollywood if you need a hump day splurge, as Evan Funke (Rustic Canyon, Porchetta Truck) will be popping up for one night only with a pig-centric eight-course menu. After, take a peep at the silent era's Ryan Gosling for a double feature starring tight-lipped heartthrob Wallace Reid at the Silent Movie Theater. Then, find your nightcap at any number of influencer-approved hotspots, courtesy of the "Los Angeles, I'm Yours" Drink Map.
Hit play: Dirty Projectors -- Climax (Usher cover)
Thursday
If it's not 100 percent out of the way from your work/home/life, consider swinging by the Good Food Happy Hour at the Bruery in Orange County (we know it's far, but it'll be fun!).
If you wimped out (traffic!), grab dinner in Santa Monica instead at the brand-new Bamboo Izakaya, then go to the Aero to watch Dave Barry in conversation with Matt Groening. After those two have talked it out, hop in your car and make some tracks (quickly) to West Hollywood to see Solange play at the House of Blues. Extra points if you make it there in time to see the opener, Jhene Aiko.
Hit play: Solange -- Lovers in the Parking Lot