Don't worry, broke girls, we're feeling more well-adjusted to our non-holiday lifestyle now that we're suddenly halfway through January. What better way to celebrate our new sunny outlook (to match the bitterly cold weather!), than to bundle up and take ourselves on the week-long joyride that we deserve?
Now that the Globes are over, things are definitely a bit quieter than they were, say yesterday, when celebs shivered on the red carpet and we pedestrians either tried to fight our way into fancy schmancy parties or happily drank and ate our way through the broadcast from the warmth of our cozy apartments. Nevertheless, there is plenty to keep ourselves busy with this week, and we've planned it all out for you as per usual. You may be hating life now, but just wait until the clock strikes 5...
Monday
If you work downtown, pack up and get out as soon at 5 o'clock sharp so you can squeeze a little culture into your otherwise PowerPoint-heavy day. The Destroy the Picture exhibit at MOCA ends today, and the museum closes at 6 p.m.
After you've gotten your requisite visual boost, go to City Sip in Echo Park, where Derrick de Jesus (formerly of Alma) is popping up every Monday for a dinner he's calling MSG. Its concept is billed as "modern American using an Asian palette," and the menu is allegedly similar to the food de Jesus enjoyed growing up in "the 626." Oh, and the dinner soundtrack includes Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, and Biggie, so you can't really go wrong here.
Later, catch the free Monday night residency of buzzed-about local band Papa, who are taking over the Bootleg all month long. They're joined by Lovely Bad Things and Hit City USA DJs, so get ready to dance.
Hit play: Lovely Bad Things -- "You Done Messed Up"
Tuesday
Hear a different kind of conversation about the Haitian earthquake at an ALOUD series talk held at the Central L.A. Public Library. Journalist Amy Wilentz will be talking about the community's "uncanny resilience" and "powerful spirit" tonight, which is also (already) the three-year anniversary of the disaster.
Switch gears after the talk by heading straight up the 110 from Downtown to Pasadena, where they're knee-deep in their Pasadena Cheeseburger Week. After, head back into L.A. proper to The Satellite, where they're doing a nightlong tribute to Dolly Parton, for which admission is 100 percent free.
Hit play: Dolly Parton -- "Just Because I'm a Woman"
Wednesday
After work, grab a Yelp-lauded, but still under-reviewed artisanal pizza at Apollonia's at Wilshire and La Brea (extra points for taking the train right there!). We're partial to glutinous dough smothered in melty, right-from-the-oven cheese, but the menu also caters to most dietary restrictions, including vegan, soy, and gluten-free options.
Later, cross the street to catch indie-and-everything-else mash-up legends Calexico play a rare set at the El Rey. After the show, you'll have to head just slightly farther astray to keep the evening alive -- we've been dreaming of Rye Two Ways at The Churchill ever since we re-read this review, so that's where we'll be.
Hit play: Calexico -- "The Ride Part II"
Thursday
Continue riding the wave of '90s/'00s indie bands by elbowing your way into the Yo La Tengo in-store at Ameoba tonight at 6 p.m. We figure you'll have a decent shot at getting in seeing as YLT's core fan base is not quite as likely to camp out as they once were...
Make nine new friends at the show, then head to Osteria La Buca, where you'll find an all-you-can-eat spread for a mere $30 per person for parties of 10 or more.
Later, get yourselves to the opening reception of the 4th annual photoLA for a full-blown art part and a performance by the extra-beachy band, The Allah-Las. And then you'll be more than ready for Friday.
Hit play: The Allah Las -- "Tell Me (What's On Your Mind)"