by Editor | Jan 11, 2019 | Culver City, Entertainment Santa Monica, Santa Monica, Santa Monica Events
Select Events Curated By Abbot Kinney First Fridays –
Vision Boards, Goal Setting, Launch Events, Art Expo, in Santa Monica, Culver City & Westchester LAX Area.
UPDATED – NEW EVENTS ADDED: JANUARY 18, 2019
Vision Board Workshop
January 30, 2019, 7-9pm
BLANKSPACES,
Culver City, CA
Info & Tickets
What’s your vision for 2019? If you’re not sure, this workshop help you focus on your dreams for the year in a visual way that’s fun! Tickets $20.
Pink Money Pow Wow!
January 31, 2019, 7:30-9:30pm
BLANKSPACES,
Culver City, CA
Event Info
Promote your business, inspire and be inspired, network with other female entrepreneurs and professionals, and gain some useful resources. Meet local like minded women for support, inspiration, resources and networking. GirlSpace and PINK MONEY INC. Girls Just Wanna Have Funds. Free, Refreshments served.
BizWomenToday Networking Launch Event
January 16, 7-9pm Wednesday
Blankspaces Culver City
Tickets >
Let’s start with a networking event that also serves as the launch of BizWomenToday! This new venture is all about elevating and celebrating Women in the business world. Besides networking a panel will take place that includes Founder of BizWomenToday alsoEditor and Founder of this blog, Janet Gervers, along with Emmarie Dempsey, Founder of GirlSpace and EmmarieBoard and Sami Toussi, Founder of Sami Toussi Coaching.
Tickets are Free & VIP Level, where you get a whole year of promotion for your business for only $25.
Ticket Sales End January 15.
Goal Setting for Business w/ The D*E*B Method
January 18, 2019 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Friday
LAX Coworking, Westchester
Register >
Start the year off right with a goal-setting Lunch N Learn from Debra Eckerling of The D*E*B Method Come up with a mission statement, set short and long-term goals, prioritize, make a plan, and get ready to take on 2019!
PhotoLA
January 31-February 3
Barker Hanger, Santa Monica
Get Tickets >
There’s noting like a visual feast for the eyes that also feeds your senses and photo LA serves it up! This annual photography art expo showcases photography from artists around the world. Tickets start at $20, best deal is weekend pass for $30.
by Editor | May 2, 2018 | @abbotkinney1st 10 Years, 1st Fridays Abbot Kinney, Abbot Kinney 1st Fridays, Culver City, Venice
@AbbotKinney1st Celebrates 10 Years of Supporting the Community that loves First Fridays!
Plus coverage of Venice Community Events, Silicon Beach, Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, West LA & more Food Truck Events!
Food Truck Lineup on Abbot Kinney
Venice Bl – California
Chinese Fusion
Cravin’ Crab Cakes
Dreamy Creations
Frach’s Fried Ice Cream
Steamy Bun Truck
Word Of Mouth Truck
Celebrate the End of a Long School Year!
Our VIP Club Members Get Exclusive Rewards!
Food Trucks (rewards at all locations, not just #abbotkinney1st)
Made in Brooklyn NY Pizza (MIB Pizza)
Buy 2 slices get a FREE can of soda!
Dogtown Dogs
Purchase 2 dogs get FREE small tot!
Get Promo Code
Food Trucks cont’d: Whether you call it Abbot Kinney First Fridays, Venice First Fridays, Abbot Kinney First Friday, @abbotkinney1st, 1st Fridays or Food Truck Friday!
California – Santa Clara
Belly BombZ
Chuck Wagon
Crepes Bonaparte
Epikurian Truck
Food Travelers
Mad Dumplings
Mess Hall Canteen
Mexican Chuck Wagon Fusion
Okamoto Kitchen
Phillyfornia
Pinch of Flavor Truck
Rolln Lobster
Smhokin Pot
Thai-Mex Cocina
The Panzerotti Truck
Santa Clara – San Juan
Chunk-n-Chip
Sanook Soi 38
Ridges Churro Bar
Lindo Taco
Wow’s Wings on Wheels
Palms Ave
(side street close to Venice Bl)
Goshen Cuisine
Love Bird
Pickles & Peas
Roni Macaroni
Prince of Venice
The Pudding Truck
The Brig Parking Lot
(private lot close to Venice Bl)
Updated May 3, 2018
Open til 11pm
Dogtown Dogs (VIP Members Get a Freebie- scroll up for deets)
Baby’s Badass Burgers
Coolhaus
Cousin’s Maine Lobster
Falasophy
Kogi BBQ
The Original Grilled Cheese Truck
South Philly Experience
Vivace
Wise Barbeque Truck
More Events on First Fridays:
Venice Art Crawl
Join Venice Eclectic, a magical benefit event themed to honor Venice’s eclectic community of artists performers and supporters of the art. Just off of Abbot Kinney at the historic Lantern House, a place full of colorful art and history. Delectable food, open bar.
May 4, 7-10 pm, Tickets: $125
745 Milwood Ave, Venice 90291
VAC Art Benefit Tickets >
Affair of the Arts, Culver City
Free festival with a ton of artists exhibiting, plus live painting, live music & more in downtown Culver City.
May 4, 5 and 6.
9400 Culver Bl at Main Street,
Culver City 90232
Art Festival Info >
by Editor | Mar 30, 2018 | Culver City, Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, Westside
If you’re in Los Angeles during Spring Break, it’s time to experience the great outdoors! Surf, swim, chill on the beach, people watch on the pier & more!
Venice Beach & Boardwalk
This is the place to be – there’s something for everyone here and mos’ def something interesting to see. The Boardwalk, aka Oceanfront Walk, has fun shops (touristy but fun); there are
skateboard and surfboard rentals at Jay’s, plus eclectic stands with clothes, jewelry, etc. Walk north from Windward Ave and you’ll hit up more shops, cafes, and restaurants!
Zelda’s Corner Cafe is a great spot to grab a ginormous, tasty sandwich (vegan and gluten-free options) on Westminster Ave (2 blocks north of Windward) and take it to the beach. Groundwork Coffee is there too for those needing caffeine with some great brew.
Santa Monica
Live up your spring break at the Santa Monica Pier! Are roller coasters and arcade games not your thing? No problem! Just walk a few blocks up and hit up the Third Street Promenade where you’ll find stores like Urban Outfitters, Brandy Melville, PacSun, Forever 21, and so many more!
Japanese Garden – West LA
This hidden gem of tranquility and beauty is located near UCLA. The garden is peaceful and quiet. It features a small waterfall, several footbridges over the fish pond plus bamboo trees and flowers. Drive on Wilshire and turn at Bonsall Av and park past the baseball field parking (while you see signs for a Vet’s garden at the lot, this is NOT the Japanese garden.) Walk back on the road you drove on to get to the parking lot and turn right on Bonsall, walking alongside the edge of the baseball field where you see multiple staircases and walk up the hill. There are signs for the garden and a 9 hole golf course.
11301 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90073 (Note the garden is not actually on Wilshire, this is where you enter the VA property)
Temescal Canyon
Just a short distance away from Pacific Palisades on Sunset at Temescal Canyon Dr, you can explore the multiple hiking paths Temescal Canyon has to offer! Is sweating not your thing? We hear you! Pack up your picnic basket and enjoy the green scenery! Park for free on Sunset or park in a paid lot.
Malibu Lagoon & Fishing Pier
While Malibu isn’t technically the Westside it’s close enough for us! If you want a beautiful drive on PCH with the top down, Malibu is the place to do it! Explore The Malibu Lagoon, a bird sanctuary, with a path leading to the beach, where it’s a short walk to the Malibu Fishing Pier. After that catch a few waves, whether it’s surfing, boarding or swimming! Parking is available at a pay lot by the lagoon or free spaces on PCH.
Text by Janet Gervers & Christian Nicole
Photos by Janet Gervers (except as noted)
Need a Space to Work? Try this for FREE!
Yup, some of us are working during Spring Break, so it might as well be in a spot that’s nice and affordable with good coffee and company! AKFF has found the place to be is CulverWorks – that’s where our office is located. The community here is supportive and fun!
Tuesdays are FREE days between 9am – 5pm. You must RSVP on the Culver Works Meetup page. Say that AKFF sent you!
PS- Our AKFF VIP Club Members get a Sweet Deal on CulverWorks! Check it out!
by Editor | Jan 19, 2018 | Culver City, Venice
CulverWorks
Looking for office space? Check out CulverWorks! CulverWorks offers a convenient coworking space for freelancers and independent professionals. Need a conference room for an important meeting? No problem! CulverWorks has it covered.
AKFF VIP Club Members receive: 5 Day Passes $75, Save $50
Posh Organic Nails
Treat yourself to the best nails shop down Lincoln Blvd! With over 500 gel colors you’ll never be limited ever again. Your nails are guaranteed to catch some eyes!
AKFF VIP Club Members receive: 10% off of $20 or more!
Spa Del Rey
Spa Del Rey’s mission statement is easy: “Organic and Vegan products and treatments to renew your state of well-being while promoting balance and harmony with nature.” With the latest spa therapies, you’ll never want to leave. Treat yourself!
AKFF VIP Club Members receive: 20% off any regular priced 6o min spa service!
The Dailey Method
The Dailey Method, conveniently located on Abbot Kinney Bl, is here to help you achieve a strong, lean, sculpted body through an evolving mix of fitness practices that samples the best benefits from multiple disciplines.
AKFF VIP Club Members receive: 20% off any package or $59 introductory special!
Neckwork Expert, Mar Vista
Life has its share of pains in the neck (bosses, family, etc). Holding onto the pain is a choice. It’s time to Release, Realign, Refresh and Renew with customized massage therapy that unleashes the REAL you!Master Massage Therapist Yvonne Larson customizes each treatment to the individual needs of her clients.
AKFF VIP Club Members receive: 40% OFF Ninety Minute Massage.
J. Lee Photography, Santa Monica
This Santa Monica photographer specializes in headshots, portraits, and lifestyle photography. You’re in LA and you need a great headshot for your audition – and one you can afford by an experienced photographer- we got it right here for AKFF VIP Club Members!
AKFF VIP Club Members receive: $99 Headshot: 1 Look, 3 Edited images.
The Whole 9 Gallery, Culver City
The Whole 9 Gallery is a gallery and retails store in downtown Culver City and an online community dedicated to empowering creatives. The shop on 3830 Main Street features handcrafted gift items including ceramics and jewelry plus fine art.
AKFF VIP Club Members receive: 15% OFF Anything in the Store.
Fitness Partners:
Cardio Barre
Beginner and advanced Barre classes are available at Cardio Barre!
AKFF VIP Club Members receive: 10% OFF any single class or package (Santa Monica)
Pure Barre
Crush your goals this 2018!
AKFF VIP Club Members receive: 20% OFF ALL Packages and Retail (Santa Monica and Brentwood)
The Bar Method
Transform your body at The Bar Method!
AKFF VIP Club Members receive: 20% off Introductory & All Packages (Marina Del Rey, West LA, Brentwood, West Hollywood)
Food Truck Partners:
Dogtown Dogs
Dogtown Dogs is your one and only stop for delicious hot dogs!
AKFF VIP Club Members: Buy 2 dogs get a FREE small tot
Funky Chef Cafe
Get your taco and pasta fix with Funkt Chef Cafe!
AKFF VIP Club Members: 25% OFF ALL menu items
Made in Brooklyn NY Pizza
No need to go to NYC for their signature pizza! Grab a slice with Made in Brooklyn NY Pizza truck!
AKFF VIP Club Members: Buy 2 slices get a FREE can of soda
CulverWorks photo Courtesy of CulverWorks
by Editor | Dec 6, 2017 | Culver City
If you find yourself in the heart of downtown Culver City, you might be overwhelmed by the amount of fine dining choices at the tip of your fingers. One restaurant you will definitely want to experience is Ugo the Italian café.
By Madeline Leist
We started with bruschetta, a classic Italian bread toasted just to a charr, covered in a generous serving of diced, fresh tomato and lathered with an artistic drizzle of olive oil as well as balsamic glaze. This dish has the perfect amount of cloud-like softness and satisfying crunch. Along with this, we ate portobello fries. These are truly a delectable and unique treat for you and your entourage. Mushrooms, cut into thick slabs, are lightly fried and seasoned with Italian spices. They are a healthy alternative to potato fries that leave you craving… more please!
For the main course we went for the pasta. Ravioli di spinaci and basil pesto gnocchi are the selections we made and highly praise. While the quantity of ravioli was underwhelming, and no challenge for my stomach’s capacity, the quality was superb. Its covered in rich oil-based sauce that allows the texture and taste of pasta and creamy spinach to shine through as the star flavors dancing on your palette.
Their gnocchi, unlike the ravioli, comes in a larger quantity than one palette may be able to handle. This dish is great for the hungriest among us. Rich, potato-based pasta is covered in a hefty pesto cream that gives you a sweet and savory taste. It will leave you stuffed as a Thanksgiving turkey and pleading for a to-go box.
As if this was not enough, my companion and I had dessert. Ugo has an amazing selection of sweets that will tempt any palette, from gelato and sorbet, to baked pastry and pie. Decadent chocolate mousses are in abundance so chocoholics beware! We opted for a chocolate hazelnut mousse, which comes in a pod of dark chocolate. When you crack it open, there is one rich spoonful of nutty chocolate cream after another, until you can take no more. Size looks deceivingly petite, until you feel the rich weight of it. This cake is an indulgence fit for a celebration.
The food here is fantastic to say the least – to describe our meal at Ugo in one word, gluttony. While sinful, their food is oh so sensational at the same time. Dine here to fulfill your stomach’s deepest cravings, and plan to be relatively sedentary in the hours that follow.
Editor’s Note:
Ugo also has a bakery and cafe, where you can stop in for a delish dessert or coffee – the mocha is a great option for coffee lover’s who also adore chocolate!
Happy Hour is every Thursday, all night on food and drinks, plus there’s a dj!
Culver City Eats + Drinks + More on AKFF:
Happy Hour Spots in Culver City
Culver City Coworking
Culver City Photos on Instagram @abbotkinney1st
by Editor | Nov 29, 2017 | 1st Fridays Abbot Kinney, Abbot Kinney First Fridays, Culver City, Food Trucks, Santa Monica Holiday Events, Venice Holiday Events
Use the hashtag #AKFF to share your photos of your delicious food with us! We can’t wait to see your pics!
Food Truck Lineup on Abbot Kinney
California – Venice
Street Kitchen LA
The Pudding Truck
Pickles & Peas
Mapuche Native Argentinian Food
Boba Tea & Me
Pink Taco Truck
Cravin’ Crab Cakes
AKFF VIP Club Membership Christmas Special!
J. Lee Photography, Santa Monica
Get red carpet ready or for your audition!
This Santa Monica photographer specializes in headshots, portraits, and lifestyle photography. You’re in LA and you need a great headshot for your audition – and one you can afford by an experienced photographer- we got it right here for AKFF VIP Club Members!
Plus, Members get to unlock codes for ALL our other Specials – Year Round!
Special Offer for AKFF VIP CLUB Members only: $99 Headshot: 1 Look, 3 Edited images.
The Whole 9 Gallery, Culver City
Jewelry, Art & Gift Boutique!
The Whole 9 Gallery is a gallery and retails store in downtown Culver City and an online community dedicated to empowering creatives. The shop on 3830 Main Street features handcrafted gift items including ceramics and jewelry plus fine art.
Special Offer for AKFF VIP CLUB Members only: 15% OFF Anything in the Store.
Neckwork Expert, Mar Vista
Get Pain Relief Now!
It’s time to Release, Realign, Refresh and Renew with customized massage therapy that unleashes the REAL you!Master Massage Therapist Yvonne Larson customizes each treatment to the individual needs of her clients.
Special Offer for AKFF VIP CLUB Members only: 40% OFF Ninety Minute Massage.
Food Truck List continued
Santa Clara – San Juan
Rice Balls of Fire
Blue Nova
Yalla
Marcel Waffle
Roni Macaroni
The Tapas & The Papas
Santa Clara – California
Belly Bombz
Vchos
Rolln Lobster
Ragin Cajun on Wheels
Crispy Cuban
Mess Hall Canteen
Phillyfornia
Okamoto Kitchen
Spyros Gyros
The Fix on Wheels
WholeSam
I Love Funnel Cakes!!!
Yummy Pie Babies
Brooks – San Juan
Ridges Churro
The Brig Parking Lot
Baby’s Badass BBQ
Border Grill
Kogi Truck
+ more
Holiday Events:
Montana Avenue Holiday Walk
Get a head start on your Christmas list at Montana Avenue Holiday Walk this Friday, December 1! Shops on Montana Ave are opening their doors with sales, goodies, and live music this Friday. While doing your holiday shopping snap a quick selfie with the king of the North Pole, Santa! Event starts at 5pm!
Montana Avenue from 6th to 17th St, Santa Monica
Venice Holiday Sign Lighting Ceremony
The annual lighting ceremony will be Saturday, December 2! As always, expect fun activities for everyone to enjoy and a special secret guest to light up the night. Snap pics with Santa on his sleigh and more! Festivities begin at 6pm!
At the VENICE Sign, Windward Avenue & Pacific Ave
Holiday Stroll and Snow Day on Abbot Kinney
Let it snow in Venice! Sunday, December 3 have fun sledding down slopes with real ice and greet Santa on your way down! Crafts, coloring booths, carolers, and store events will also be available to make the best out of your Sunday funday! Event begins 11am-4pm.
The Brig Parking Lot at Palms Ave down Abbot Kinney
Culver City Tree Lighting Ceremony
Light up your night on Thursday, December 7 at 6pm with Culver City! The annual tree lighting ceremony will have lots of treats for you and the family to enjoy! Get warm with a delicious cup of hot chocolate, fill your tummy with festive treats, and kick back with performances by Culver City High School’s very own AVPA Chamber singers!
Town Plaza in Downtown Culver City – between the Culver Hotel and the Arclight near the Lion’s Fountain.
More Deets On Culver City Tree Lighting
Support AKFF to Continue Bringing the Best of the Beaches & Westside to You in 2018!
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