Celebrate the Annual AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival June 5 in Pasadena, CA.
Come celebrate the AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival presented by CHUBB, a spectacular outdoor gourmet food and drink in-person festival taking place on Sunday, June 5th, 2022 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the stunning gardens at the Historic Laurabelle A. Robinson House in Pasadena!
This year’s AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival will bring nearly 400 guests together for one exquisite evening featuring more than 20 top restaurants, cocktail bars, wineries, and breweries and much more.
Some of this year’s AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival Restaurants and Desserts include Alexander’s Steakhouse, El Cholo Café, Gale’s Restaurant, Mi Piace, Porto’s Bakery, Ruth Chris Steak House, Tam O’Shanter, We Olive, Lark Cake Shop, Poppy Cake Bakery Company, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and more.
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Hollywood Bowl is heating up this summer with Boyz II Men & TLC, “Kinky Boots,” Michael Franti, and so much more
Related: Sustainably Crafted Flor de Caña Rum launches #TogetherForAGreenerFuture
AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival Drinks
Beverages featured include Cocktails and Spirit Tastings from 1886 at The Raymond, Dulce Vida Tequila, Krafted Spirits, JuneShine, and Golden Road Brewing, along with specially curated Wines. Pasadena’s very own Cerveceria Del Pueblo will also be pouring their distinctive beers showcasing flavors and aromas from South America, and Califia Farms and PepsiCo will be serving non-alcoholic beverages.
Festival Worthy Cause
Proceeds from this year’s AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival presented by CHUBB will directly benefit AbilityFirst which has targeted programming to help an individual successfully transition from childhood to adult life; providing employment preparation, training, and experience; building social connections and independence; and offering both their participants and their caregivers an opportunity to refresh and recharge through their recreational activities.
Related:
LA Phil Introduces Club 101 inaugural membership program for The Hollywood Bowl and The Ford summer seasons
AbilityFirst’s person-centered programs empower individuals to discover what is important to them in their lives, and to develop the skills that are important for them to achieve their goals.
Related: Eddie Vedder’s Sixth annual Ohana Festival returns in Dana Point Sept 30
AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival Incredible Sponsors
Sponsors: Additional sponsors include, Bank of America, GHJ & Advisors, The Hartford, Longo Toyota-Longo Lexus among others.
AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival Tickets
Ticket Information: The AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival will take place on Sunday, June 5th, 2022, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Historic Laurabelle A. Robinson House. For more information and to purchase Tickets directly to this year’s AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival, please visit Tickets to AbilityFirst Festival of Fall 2022.
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LA Artist Victor Solomon Partners with Kendall-Jackson to Design NBA Co-Branded Wine Labels
Artist Victor Solomon Start Groundbreaking Partnership with Kendall-Jackson to Design NBA Co-Branded Wine Labels
Kendall-Jackson, renowned for producing America’s #1 selling Chardonnay and the NBA’s first official wine partner, is thrilled to announce a collaboration with celebrated artist and designer Victor Solomon, hailed for designing the NBA’s Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.
Victor Solomon: Where Art Meets the NBA Hardwood
Victor Solomon is a Los Angeles-based contemporary artist who has carved out a unique niche at the intersection of art, design, and basketball culture. Known for his stunning, handcrafted works that reimagine iconic basketball symbols through the lens of luxury and fine art, Solomon has become a standout figure in the art world, particularly for his collaborations with the NBA. His work often explores the idea of basketball not just as a sport, but as a global cultural phenomenon, rich with symbolism, community, and artistry.
Solomon’s most notable project, “Literally Balling,” transforms traditional basketball hoops into breathtaking sculptures using materials like stained glass, crystal, and 24K gold. These pieces elevate the everyday aesthetic of the game into something sacred, almost cathedral-like, highlighting the deep reverence many fans hold for basketball. Beyond gallery installations, Solomon has worked directly with the NBA, designing custom trophies, court art, and luxury installations that blend the sport’s raw energy with high-end craftsmanship.
His artistry extends beyond aesthetics—Solomon’s work often reflects the evolution of basketball as a symbol of aspiration, community, and resilience. Whether through a stained glass backboard or a reimagined championship trophy, he bridges the gap between the streets and the art world, honoring the game’s history while pushing creative boundaries. In a league where storytelling is key, Victor Solomon’s art tells the NBA’s story through a lens of beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural significance.

Artist Victor Solomon Start Groundbreaking Partnership with Kendall-Jackson
This collaboration, rooted in mutual connections with the NBA, will feature Solomon’s artistic vision in designing the labels for the league’s first co-branded wines with Kendall-Jackson in Sonoma County, California.
The partnership will officially kick off during NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, where Kendall-Jackson and Solomon will unveil the wine label designs at NBA Crossover, a multi-day fan fest event that celebrates basketball culture, part of All-Star Weekend, taking place in San Francisco February 14 – 16, 2025. Kendall-Jackson will launch a co-branded Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, a Monterey County Chardonnay and a Lake County Sauvignon Blanc in August 2025.
“When we partnered with the NBA, we set out to uniquely blend the culture of wine with the excitement of the game,”
Chris Jackson
Co-Proprietor of Kendall-Jackson
“We are excited to partner with Victor Solomon and bring his extraordinary talents in connecting art with sports culture to the look of our first NBA co-branded wines. This partnership is a natural fit as we expand our relationship with the league and continue to explore unique ways to engage our audiences.”
The partnership brings together Kendall-Jackson’s legacy of craftsmanship and Solomon’s signature design aesthetic, which blends traditional artistry with modern inspirations. Victor Solomon’s prior work—including his acclaimed “Literally Balling” series that reimagines basketball through the lens of stained glass and fine craftsmanship—has earned him a reputation for pushing the boundaries of design in sports and culture.
“My work has always been about elevating the artistry within sport,”
Victor Solomon
“Partnering with Kendall-Jackson allows me to extend that vision by creating and celebrating a shared spirit of craftsmanship. My work has included collaborations with the NBA on bespoke trophies and immersive installations that celebrate the league’s iconic legacy. Through the tactile beauty of a wine label, this collaboration offers an opportunity to unite these worlds in a meaningful way.”
Solomon’s meticulous design process involves months of research and hands-on experimentation to craft pieces that are both visually stunning and deeply resonant. Recent projects include a Swarovski crystal basketball installation for the NBA’s 75th Anniversary celebration and his “Journey” sculpture series, which explores the evolution of the game through iconic materials. Upcoming works include collaborations with international museums and luxury brands, and a court refurbishing project throughout California, further cementing his role as a leader at the intersection of art and sports.
For more information about this partnership, visit www.kj.com/NBA. Follow Kendall-Jackson on all social platforms with handle @KJWines.
Join Us: DTLA’s Boomtown Brewery Celebrates 10th Anniversary Feb 21 – 23 with 3 days of Craft Beer, Food, Fun
Join Us: DTLA’s Boomtown Brewery Celebrates 10th Anniversary Feb 21 – 23 with 3 days of Craft Beer, Food, Fun
Boomtown Brewery, L.A.’s iconic craft beer haven nestled in the heart of the DTLA Arts District, is pulling out all the stops to celebrate 10 Years of brewing excellence with an unforgettable Boomtown Brewery 10th Anniversary Weekend!
Boomtown Brewery 10th Anniversary Weekend Feb 21 – 23
From Friday, February 21st through Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, beer lovers, locals, and visitors alike are invited to raise a glass (or several) in honor of a decade of incredible brews, community vibes, and epic events!
Patrons will enjoy three action-packed days of Craft Beer, Live Entertainment, LA’s Top Food Vendors, and good times.

Photo Credit: Nick Gingold / Craft Media LA
The Boomtown Tap Room—just steps from their cutting-edge brewery—will be buzzing with over eighteen Craft Beer selections, including fan favorites like BAD HOMBRE Mexican-Style Lager, Nose Job IPA, Chavez Ravine Hazy IPA, Mic Czech Pilsner, plus a rotating selection of styles including IPAs, Stouts, Sours, Gluten-free Seltzers, and more.

DTLA’s Boomtown Brewery’s Head Brewer Amber Sawicki // Photo Credit: Nick Gingold / Craft Media LA
With Head Brewer Amber Sawicki and Production Manager Benjamin Turkel leading the charge, guests can expect some exciting new releases to mark the occasion.
Friday, February 21st, 2025: Look-Alike Contest & Karaoke Kickoff (6:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
Come Dress as an LA Icon from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and compete in Boomtown’s Look-Alike Contest!
Maybe we will see Fast & Furious-hero Dominic Toretto, pop sensation Billie Eilish, or Dodgers’ legend Fernando Valenzuela coming to the party and winners will receive a Boomtown Hat, Shirt, and Gift Card, with One Ultimate Winner crowned to receive a Boomtown Golden Glass Membership!
Food Vendors Correas Mariscos and Word of Mouth Truck will be onsite to fuel everyone up for Karaoke Night which will start at 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm, so step up to the mic and get $2 off your next beer just for belting out your favorite tune!
Saturday, February 22nd, 2025: The Official 10th Anniversary Party (12:00 PM – 1:00 AM)
It’s Boomtown Brewery’s 10th Birthday, and guests are invited to partake in everything Boomtown has to offer!
Sip on a full lineup of new and innovative Craft Beers while enjoying a showcase of Live Bands, Stand-Up Comedy, and Trivia from the afternoon until late at night.
Food Vendors Taqueria Frontera and Vegan Hooligans will be serving all day and night, and Tripp Burger will be serving from 6:00 pm to 12:00 Midnight. At 9:00 pm, The Funk Freaks will perform, getting everyone on their feet to dance the night away.
Sunday, February 23rd, 2025: Boomtown Brewery 10th Anniversary: INFMS Beer Hip Hop Concert & Hazy Panda IPA Beer Release (6:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
Boomtown Brewery and INFMS Beer team up once again to bring the best Hip Hop show in town, featuring the return of the Hazy Panda IPA!
Boomtown will be open to the public from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 pm. Boomtown will close briefly before reopening at 6:00 PM for ticketed guests attending Boomtown Brewery’s 10 Anniversary – INFMS Beer
Hip Hop Concert & Exclusive Beer Release featuring DJ Nu-Mark (Member of Jurassic 5), Bad Neighbor (Blu & MED), DJ C-Los, DJ Mishaps, Psycho Les & Big Twins, and Food Vendor The Wingman Official, and more.

Photo Credit: Nick Gingold / Craft Media LA
This is a 21+ Event and Tickets are required.
There is limited availability, so Get Yours Now here at Boomtown Brewery’s 10th Anniversary: INFMS Beer Hip Hop Concert & Beer Release.
BOOMTOWN BREWERY: A DECADE OF COMMUNITY, CREATIVITY & CRAFT BEER:
Since its inception, Boomtown Brewery has proudly represented Los Angeles, creating unfiltered, full-flavored craft beers with integrity. As a fixture in the DTLA Arts District, Boomtown is more than just a brewery—it’s a community hub for artists, makers, and beer lovers to connect and celebrate the creative spirit of the city.
From live music and trivia nights to open mic events and food festivals, Boomtown Brewery continues to bring people together in meaningful, memorable ways.

Photo Credit: Nick Gingold / Craft Media LA
As they celebrate this milestone, the team behind Boomtown Brewery—Owners John Rankin, Alex Kagianaris, and Samuel “Chewy” Chawinga—invite you to be part of the magic.
So, mark your calendars, spread the word, and come toast to 10 years of Boomtown Brewery!
Boomtown Brewery’s 10th Anniversary Celebration will take place Friday, February 21st, 2025, through Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, with Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, being their official 10th Anniversary Celebration, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 am. Saturday, February 22nd is a 21+ Event after 8:00 pm and this event is Free to attend, and no tickets are needed.
For more information and to purchase Tickets to Boomtown Brewery’s 10th Anniversary: INFMS Beer Hip Hop Concert & Beer Release on Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, please visit Boomtown Brewery’s 10th Anniversary: INFMS Beer Hip Hop Concert & Beer Release!
Cheers to 10 years of Boomtown Brewery—here’s to many more!
Social Media: Follow Boomtown Brewery on Instagram @boomtowmbrewery, Facebook @Boomtown.Brewery, andTikTok @Boomtown.Brewery
Boomtown Brewery
700 Jackson Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
T: 213.617.8497
Los Angeles Superbowl Parties: Best Places to Watch the Super Bowl LIX in Los Angeles: Top Bars, Rooftops, and Watch Parties
Celebrate the Superbowl with parties in Los Angeles at the Best Places to Watch the Super Bowl LIX in Los Angeles: Top Bars, Rooftops, and Watch Parties
Super Bowl LIX is shaping up to be an epic showdown, and there are plenty of reasons to be excited—especially for football fans in Los Angeles.
The game will be played at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans in 2025, bringing the championship back to one of the most electric football cities in the country. With potential powerhouse teams in contention, star quarterbacks in their prime, and evolving offensive schemes redefining the game, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Plus, the Super Bowl’s return to New Orleans means an unmatched atmosphere, with a city known for its legendary food, music, and nightlife turning the event into a week-long festival. Whether you’re watching for the game, halftime show, or just the excuse to throw an epic party, Super Bowl LIX is set to deliver in every way.
Now if you’re not interested in all the sports socializing, and would rather stay home, don’t worry — Super Bowl LIX is airing live on FOX, and Kendrick’s performance will be available on Tubi, NFL+, the NFL mobile app, and SiriusXM. The halftime performance will showcase Kendrick’s iconic raps, and SZA will be joining him as well.
The Ultimate Super Bowl LIX Food and Drink Pairings
The Super Bowl is as much about the food and drinks as it is about the game, with fans across the country indulging in classic comfort foods paired with the perfect beverages.
Buffalo wings and ice-cold beer are the undisputed MVPs of game-day dining—whether it’s a crisp lager, a hoppy IPA, or a smooth wheat beer, the carbonation and bitterness help cut through the heat of the spicy wings.
Nachos piled high with cheese, jalapeños, and seasoned meat call for a refreshing margarita or a Mexican lager, both of which enhance the bold flavors while keeping the palate refreshed.
For barbecue lovers, smoky pulled pork sandwiches or ribs are best paired with a bourbon-based cocktail like an Old Fashioned or a rich, malty brown ale to complement the deep, caramelized flavors.
For those who prefer snacks that are easy to grab between plays, loaded potato skins or classic onion dip with chips pair well with a smooth pilsner or a light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to balance the richness. If pizza is on the menu—another Super Bowl staple—a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or a classic pale ale enhances the tangy tomato sauce and gooey cheese.
On the sweeter side, chocolate chip cookies or brownies go great with a dark stout or a creamy espresso martini, making for a winning dessert combo. No matter who you’re rooting for, the right food and drink pairings make the Super Bowl an even more enjoyable experience, ensuring that every bite and sip is as satisfying as a game-winning touchdown.
Superbowl with parties in Los Angeles
Now, on to the L.A. Super Bowl watch parties…
Grandmaster Recorders to Watch Super Bowl LIX
Grandmaster Recorders is the place to be for the Super Bowl, offering two incredible spaces to catch the big game. Their rooftop bash is legendary, letting you soak in all the action with the Hollywood Sign as your backdrop, making for a one-of-a-kind viewing experience.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Downstairs at Studio 71, you’ll find a cozy, dark ambiance with a state-of-the-art sound system and massive screen, perfect for an immersive game-day vibe. Whether you’re looking for high-energy rooftop views or an intimate, cinematic football experience, Grandmaster Recorders delivers an unforgettable way to watch the Super Bowl.
Learn more: Grandmaster Recorders
Location: 1518 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Paragon Bar and Grill
Paragon Bar and Grill, a favorite in the 818, is the go-to spot for an epic Super Bowl watch party every year. With delicious food, a huge selection of beers on tap, and bucket specials, it’s the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the game with fellow fans.
But the fun doesn’t stop at food and drinks—giveaways and special promotions make the atmosphere even more exciting, so it feels like everyone walks away a winner. Whether you’re there for the football, the food, or just the electric energy, Paragon Bar and Grill knows how to throw a Super Bowl party done right.
Learn more: Paragon Bar and Grill
Location: 8319 Louise Ave, Northridge, CA 91325
Barney’s Beanery to watch Super Bowl LIX
All Barney’s Beanery locations across Los Angeles are turning into the ultimate Super Bowl hotspots, with the game playing on 40+ TVs and multiple projectors with full sound. No matter where you sit, you’ll have a prime view of all the action.
With their lively atmosphere, great food, and plenty of drinks to go around, Barney’s is the perfect place to post up with friends and watch every play, touchdown, and commercial. Whether you’re there for the game or just the good vibes, you won’t miss a moment of the action!
Locations:
- Santa Monica: 1351 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA
- West Hollywood: 8447 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA
- Pasadena: 99 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
- Burbank: 250 N 1st St, Burbank, CA 91502
3rd Base
3rd Base is bringing sports fans the ultimate Super Bowl bash, combining upscale dining, craft cocktails, and their famous two-tier tequila trees for a next-level game-day experience. Whether you’re there for the big plays or just the top-notch food and drinks, this spot knows how to do game day right.
This year, they’re offering general admission, seat reservations, and table reservations, so you can lock in your spot for the action. Just keep in mind—food and beverage minimums apply, but with their killer menu and drink selection, meeting the minimum won’t be a problem!
Learn more: 3rd Base
Location: 1562 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Best Places to Watch Super Bowl LIX in Los Angeles
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Magic, Music, Must-Taste Drinks: Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 at iconic Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel with Tracie May
Cocktail magic, competition, celebration: Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 at iconic Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel.
MC Petey Majik hosted the 2-day Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 June 14-15 celebrating with flavor, masterclasses, magic, competition. Tracie May captured it all.
Photos courtesy of Nick Middleton @glam.foodbev
Tracie May at Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024
A spectacular 2-day summer celebration, welcomed over 1000 cocktail enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike to the iconic Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel.
The vibrant cocktail carnival featured a dazzling array of over 130 cocktails from 36 premium global spirits, liqueurs and mixer brands.
Fernet Branca poured at Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024
A gathering of Vietnam’s top mixologists, innovative concoctions were expertly mixed by a combination of the country’s most respected bartenders and up-and-coming talents.
Cocktail Carnival part of Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024
At the heart of the festival was a showcase of Vietnam’s craftsmanship and creativity, where seasoned mixologists flexed their skills to craft tantalizing libations.
The Botanist at Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024
From classic cocktails with a Vietnamese twist to avant-garde creations pushing the boundaries of flavor, each drink was a testament to the artistry and innovation within Vietnam’s ever-growing cocktail scene.
For guests inspired to continue the cocktail adventure at home, Mercantile Vietnam provided the option for attendees to purchase a bottle of their favorite brand from the event and have it shipped directly to their door.
Entertainment Extravaganza
The event’s charismatic MC Petey Majik led the carnival atmosphere and captivated the audience with a spellbinding magic show accompanied by igniting cocktail flaring performances from the talented Chương and Phước.
Tracie May with Clase Azul at Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024
On Friday, the stage was taken over with a charismatic live performance from Vietnam’s premier DJ and saxophone duo Omar and Pierre. The party continued Saturday with the contagious energy of DJ PIA.
Interactive Masterclasses and Exclusive Tasting Room
For spirits connoisseurs the festival also offered a wealth of knowledge with 4 optional interactive masterclasses hosted per day, where industry experts from Lady Triệu, Bruichladdich, Jose Cuervo, Highland Park and Lý Gia Viên shared their craft and insights with eager participants.
Tracie May with Michelin Star Chef:Owner of Ănăn Saigon Peter Cường Franklin
Luxury spirits aficionados could enhance their experience further and purchase tickets to enter the event’s Exclusive Room, featuring personalized tastings from 8 of the world’s super and ultra-premium brands, with a combined retail price of over 600 Million VND.
Competitive Spirit
One of the highlights of the festival was the highly anticipated Best Cocktail, Best Bartender and Best Brand Competitions with guests encouraged to vote for their favorites.
Bartenders from across the country battled it out for top honors.
With precision, flair, and a dash of showmanship, contestants dazzled spectators with their signature creations, showcasing the ingenuity and talent within Vietnam’s cocktail community.
Shanky’s Whip at Vietnam Cocktail 2024
On Saturday 15th June, the 2024 winners were announced: Mai Thanh Phong’s “Banh Mi Saigon” cocktail, made with Matusalem Rum, won Best Cocktail.
Nguyen Tuan Cuong, who works at Yugen Bar and is sponsored by Shanky’s Whip, was named Best Bartender. Also, Jägermeister was awarded Best Brand of the event.
Cultural Fusion
Beyond the cocktails themselves, the festival served as a social celebration of cultural fusion, from modern Vietnamese influences to global trends, the event highlighted the diverse tapestry of brands and the pioneering people shaping the country’s dynamic cocktail scene.
Vietnam’s Cocktail Revolution
As the final glasses were raised and the last drops were savored, the Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 left an indelible mark on the hearts and palates of all those who attended. With its vibrant energy, innovative spirit, and unwavering passion for mixology, the festival has undoubtedly cemented its place as a must-attend event on the global cocktail calendar, promising even more excitement and inspiration in the years to come.
Cheers to the next chapter of Vietnam’s cultural cocktail revolution!
Awards were announced on Saturday, June 15th, at 8 PM
Best Cocktail of the Event 2024
- Cocktail Name: Bánh Mì Sài Gòn
- Bartender Name: Mai Thanh Phong
- Brand Name: Matusalem Rum
- Bar Name: Madam Kew Bar
Best Bartender of the Event 2024
- Bartender’s Name: Nguyen Tuan Cuong
- Brand Name: Shanky’s Whip
- Bar Name: Yugen Bar
Best Brand of the Event 2024
- Brand Name: Jägermeister
Participating Brands:
- Large Exhibitors: Lady Triệu, Jose Cuervo, Cointreau
- Medium Exhibitors: Bushmills, Naked Malt, Kaibutsu, 1800, Campari, RCR Crystalleria Italiana.
- Small Exhibitors: Kurayoshi Matsui, Duncan taylor, Lark Distillery, Hangar 1 Vodka, Maestro Dobel, Bruichladdich Distillery Company, Passoa, The Botanist, No3 London Dry Gin, Dictador The Arthouse Spirit Brand, Colombian Gin, Stranger & Sons Gin, Fernet Branca, Espolon Tequila, Michter’s, Shanky’s Whip, Gran Centenario Tequila, Jägermeister, The Kyoto, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Matusalem, Brookies Byron Gin, Ly Gia Vien, Torani, Fentimans, Mercantile.
Participating Bars (in collaboration with brands):
- Kraken x The Dot Bar
- Sexton x Dram Bar
- Wild Turkey x Lost Birds Bar
- Glenrothes x Firkin Bar
Master Classes: Lady Trieu, Bruichladich, Jose Cuervo, Ly Gia Vien, Highland Park
Photos courtesy of Nick Middleton @glam.foodbev
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Beverly Hills Favorite Choice for Healing, Find out Why Patients Choose Vivie Therapy
Feeling Pain? Beverly Hills Vivie Therapy can help with 100s of 5 Star Reviews
We talk so much about food and drinks, nights out, and travel all the time, but we don’t always talk about our bodies and our health; keeping ourselves in shape and in fitness.
Vivian Eisenstadt from Vivie Therapy
That’s why I wanted to talk with Vivian Eisenstadt from Vivie Therapy.
Joe Winger:
Can you tell us a little bit about your professional background and what kind of certifications it takes to be the owner of Vivie Therapy?
Vivian Eisenstadt:
I am originally from Brooklyn, New York, and I got my bachelor’s in Athletic training from Brooklyn College.
I went on to get a second bachelor’s in Health Science from Turo College in Long Island, where I also got a Masters in Physical Therapy.
Then moved to Los Angeles where I worked in Cedars Sinai outpatients, Physical Therapy Center.
While I worked there, I actually went on to get an extra credential called Orthopedic Specialist.
Then when they opened Cedars Sinai Spine Center, I was one of the physical therapists who went there and integrated physical therapy into the spine center to collaborate with the spine doctors and help them understand actually what physical therapy was.
I became a director of a pilates-based physical therapy center in Brentwood and then later in Beverly Hills.
That inspired me to open up my own place.
I first opened up in a gym on Robertson Boulevard, and now I have been working on my own, in my own space since 2005.
I went on to get a Spiritual Psychology Degree in 2014, which I really think has taken my ability to help a person heal holistically.
By holistically, approaching physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, chemical at the same time. When you address them all you get more. Totality and healing and more long term results.
Joe Winger:
Something you said a minute ago that I want to touch on and go deeper on is you help the doctors learn more about physical therapy.
What did you teach those doctors about physical therapy?
Vivian Eisenstadt:
The doctors actually didn’t really know much about physical therapy as most doctors don’t know.
It might’ve changed over the past 20 years.
But doctors are taught chemicals and drugs and surgeries. Physical therapy is actually how to avoid all of that, or how to get past that phase to get ultimate healing.
Physical therapy is an art by which, when a person gets injured, the body will heal, but there are speed bumps along the way to healing, such as the creation of scar tissue, or creating habits that you had when you were in pain, like limping, that you don’t want to have because that’ll lead to other issues and will not help you heal correctly.
So physical therapy is about getting better quicker and getting better in a way where you prevent future injury and where you could be stronger.
If somebody gets injured because their body was out of balance and their weakest spot is what got affected, as physical therapists, we evaluate the entire body and see, where is the source of the pain.
Like you can have an ankle that is always in pain, but it could be coming from the fact that your lower lumbar vertebrae in your back are out of place.
So physical therapy is a really good way for someone to analyze where your pain is stemming from in a different way than doctors do.
In a way that if it is repaired, you get fully better and move on with your life.
Joe Winger:
Almost like a body detective. Is it more affordable than most surgeries and hospital operations?
Vivian Eisenstadt:
Unfortunately, the insurance companies try not to pay.
So I have so many patients where we’ve submitted our reports and they’re just finding reasons not to pay, but for some reason they listen to doctors and they’re like, “Oh, you need a shot. Here’s a shot.”
It’s amazing the different listening that insurance companies have. You will save money in the long run when you go to a physical therapist.
If you go to a proper physical therapist who will help you not only heal from your current issue, but help you address the underlying causes and the underlying reasons, like neck pain due to poor posture.
Then you come in, we teach you how to sit straight.
So not only are you making your back feel better, but you won’t end up in my office again.
I tell my patients that the best compliment you can give me is to send your friends to me.
I don’t want you in my office. I just want you to refer your friends and family.
Joe Winger:
I’m assuming there’s a wide range of services you offer.
Vivian Eisenstadt:
We have physical therapy evaluation, which is about an hour where I help detect where your pain is coming from and all the different things that are feeding into it.
So you have the evaluation, which includes the treatment, and then we decide what kind of path we want to go on together.
Massage Therapist on Staff
Follow up sessions are an hour, and then we also have a massage therapist on staff. An amazing one who’s been working with me, Marcia, since 2002.
You might just need a lot of deep tissue work, so you’ll get a couple of massages.
Then we also have modalities that help your body feel better as a whole.
Detox Foot Baths
For instance, detox foot baths that pull out the toxins from your body. The less toxins in your body, the more you feel better.
Infrared Sauna
We also have an infrared sauna, another way to detoxify.
We get a lot of people post chemotherapy or radiation, or if you’re on meds for a while and you want to sweat them out. So we help you sweat them out in the infrared sauna.
Lifestream Generator
We have a machine called Lifestream Generator, which puts a high frequency of electricity through your body, and that works on every level because our brain is made up of electric signals.
If you put a high vibration in you, it kicks out the low vibration.
So we’ve seen people feel emotionally different after they come here, like sleep better or feel more motivated or have more energy throughout the day or just be able to process things that they weren’t able to process without it.
Joe Winger:
Are there common, everyday people living their life – nothing traumatic may have actually happened to them – yet they could heal better, they could feel better by coming to visit you?
Vivian Eisenstadt:
What’s fascinating is that when people think that they need to feel better, they think of like a massage. Okay.
Physical therapy is people that are actually trained to analyze your body and find out where your imbalances are and then directly go and start working on them.
Not just work around your body and hope they get somewhere that feels good. The longstanding effects.
People come to me usually because their lawyer sent them for a personal injury case or their doctor sent them for physical therapy or they know that they need physical therapy because of an injury.
But over the past, but once they come in and I give them a couple of treatments, they didn’t realize that they could feel as good as they feel.
They thought that their “normal” was the way you’re supposed to feel, but their “normal” is out of balance in general.
Once you get put in alignment and put in balance, you don’t remember how it feels until you’re feeling that way again.
Then you’re like, “Oh my God, I didn’t know that I could feel this way.”
You don’t know until someone does it to you because nobody promotes wellness as preventative. We do. But not enough people listen.
I always say people come to me when they’re ready to get better and not a day before.
I try not to make them feel bad about it.
I truly believe that people step into my office when they’re ready to get better and some people come in and they’re just not ready to get better.
You can just see it in just our interaction. And that’s okay too.
Everybody’s on their own agenda and their own souls path.
So I help the people where they’re at.
Joe Winger:
I went on Google and Yelp, just wanted to see how many physical therapists were in the area. And you probably know this, there’s a lot.
If someone’s out there looking for a physical therapist, why would they choose Vivie Therapy?
Vivian Eisenstadt:
That’s an easy one. The reason why people would want to come to Vivie Therapy as opposed to other ones is because I am a sole practitioner.
I am a physical therapist who will be with you the entire time.
Most of these physical therapy centers are playing the insurance game where they’re trying to get as many people an hour because they have to deal with all those insurance issues that I mentioned where they don’t pay a lot so then it’s a numbers game.
I have dedicated myself to being an extremely good diagnostician.
So we figure out what’s not working very early in the game, and then we get straight to work.
As you can tell by my over 200 reviews by now, that I come in, I do my job, I get you in and out of here as soon as possible, as quickly as possible.
You get quality of care. You are heard here.
I am here to listen to what is going on for you. Most of the time, the patient is what tells me what’s wrong with them.
Unlike in most doctor’s offices and many physical therapy offices, I’m not on autopilot.
I’m present. I’m in the conversation. I’m here to see why you’re in my office and what you want to get out of it.
Then we just get straight to work.
Joe Winger:
You have a lot of machinery at your office.
Can you walk us through some of the more popular pieces?
Vivian Eisenstadt:
Being a physical therapist, I have the standard physical therapy modalities, ultrasound, electric stim, infrared light, which is amazing at getting the cells to stimulate them to work harder in an area.
But I also have all the Pilates equipment that you would need.
I have spinal traction.
I have some alternative modalities that have helped me when I had Epstein – Barr and got my own body into remission, a Whole Body Vibration Machine, which you stand on.
It was originally created by the cosmonauts so they wouldn’t lose muscle strength and bone density in space. When patients go on there, I feel that they get better in 2/3 the time. Because we’re not just working on the muscle or the tendon that’s injured, but we’re making the body actually pump your blood around and move your lymph around and put oxygen in the cell and release serotonin, testosterone ,growth hormone, all that the whole body vibration machine does.
So unless you have an underlying illness, I start my patients on that machine because it’s literally like working out and getting the body into a healing state.
I find that has made such a big difference and it also turns on your muscles.
You could ask somebody to turn on their transverse abs for posture. But if you’ve been sitting in a chair your whole life, your body just forgot the signal.
Now, the good thing about muscles is that once you turn that signal on, muscles have memory.
So the whole body vibration machine actually uses lower motor neuron contractions to turn on those muscles.
Then afterwards, when I ask you to find them, there’s a chance you could find them.
Joe Winger:
When you’re talking about all this, I can see your eyes light up. You’re inspired. You’re passionate.
Is there a moment that just sparked you, realizing you wanted to devote your life to this?
Vivian Eisenstadt:
I was lucky. [Author] Wayne Dyer has this thing called “The shift.”
It’s a moment in your life where you remember [everything about it]: where you were, what the temperature was, like a light bulb, the aha effect.
I was a tomboy my whole life. I was a basketball player, but in The Jewish Hebrew schools where your average height is 5’6”.
Then I went to Brooklyn College and the average height is 5’11” for someone who wants to be on the girls basketball team.
So what’s a little me to do?
I became an athletic training major and for our field trip, we went to an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy place and I walk in and: “Aha!”.
That was it. There was life before that and life after that.
This will satisfy the doctor / lawyer side of the family. And I’ll be able to work with sports for the rest of my life if I want.
I went back to school, got the list of classes, and that was the end of that.
It’s funny because when they tell you to go and do residencies when you’re in physical therapy school, you’re like, Oh, you got to try this.
You got to try geriatrics.
You got to try cardio.
You got to try everything.
I’m like, Nope. I know what I’m doing.
That’s exactly what I did from the first job I had out when I was done was in an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy place.
Joe Winger:
So you have a new patient. They come into your Beverly Hills office. Is there a common misconception by new patients that you have to help break through?
Vivian Eisenstadt:
There’s a couple of things that sadden me a little bit.
One is people really just don’t know what physical therapists do. At the same time, I’m different than most physical therapists on top of that.
Most people go to other facilities where they’re given to one person and given some ultrasound and then given exercises.
I don’t hang out in other physical therapy places often, so I have nothing to compare it to.
But when people come here, they’re in gratitude over how much we accomplish in one hour.
They feel, in general, 50% better quickly.
Then the other 50% takes a while.
The fact that I’m able to actually make a 75% shift in their symptoms by the end of the first visit. That’s the expectation you should have.
Some people have gone to therapy for 6 months not knowing what they should expect just because their doctor told them to go.
I tell people that if you don’t feel significantly different over a month or two, then that might be your plateau and you should look somewhere else.
People have to be an advocate for their own wellness and not just hand over the power to whoever is treating them.
Joe Winger:
Let’s talk about the life cycle of a patient.
Can you walk us through an average or a common problem from beginning, middle, end to any patient story working Vivie Therapy?
Vivian Eisenstadt:
Yeah, postural issues are my bread and butter.
People sit at computers, they sit in cars, they’re just sitting all day. So we get a lot of neck pain and headaches and tingling down the arms and low back pain.
First, I isolate exactly where the pain is coming from.
I teach ergonomics, how to sit the right way, proper stretches to do throughout the day.
The same way you bring your car in to get your tires [rotated] and your oil changed.
For the same reason you have to take care of your car, you have to take care of your body.
So if you’re gonna be sitting at a computer for 8 hours a day, you’re gonna have to set your timer and get up every couple of hours.
Do a little stretch in the doorway or stretch when you get home. Stretch in the morning before you go to work.
Make sure you’re sitting correctly.
Make sure that your laptop or desktop is in the right angle.
Take appropriate breaks, drink enough water. Handle your stress.
But everybody’s a different amount of each of that.
Fixing the immediate issue is part of looking at why are they in my office.
Joe Winger:
All your different patients. All the different industries you’ve services. Any memorable stories?
Vivian Eisenstadt:
One thing being in the entertainment industry, in Hollywood, is I get a lot of actors. Literally actor’s tools are their body.
So I’ll get patients that are in the industry, that are in front of the camera, and they’re standing like crap. They’re sitting like crap.
I’ve seen their Callbacks improve because how you hold your body… How you do anything is how you do everything.
So when an actor has a nice elongated neck, broad shoulders and an open heart chakra. They’re presenting themselves to the camera, chances of them getting hired improve significantly.
So literally their job depends on it.
They come in because their neck hurts. But the truth is their neck hurts because they’ve been [hunched] over the computer and on their phones.
Another thing I’ve seen is a beautiful actress who I just started working with. She went to an Oscar party and she was wearing the most beautiful dress and her posture was so crappy and it made her look so ugly.
What’s the point of getting yourself together if you don’t know how to present your body physically to match the time, energy and effort it took for you to put on the beautiful dress and get your makeup done by five people?
Another one was a pilot that I had.
Imagine if the guy that’s flying your plane is not focusing on what he’s doing because his neck hurts?
When I saw the pilot and I made his neck feel better, he started telling me about just how distracting it is to be in pain while he’s trying to fly a plane with the 300 passengers on it.
So the importance of pain not being the primary thing you think about in your life is just life altering.
Another one is doctors.
Doctors don’t know what physical therapy is in general. When I work on them. I feel like they haven’t learned what physical therapy is and what it does. The reason I say that is that patients should advocate for themselves.
When they go to a doctor, the doctor is going to want to give you drugs or surgery, not because that’s all he gets paid for, even though that’s all he gets paid for, but because that might be all he knows.
Instead of having somebody stick needles into your body, they could possibly hit a nerve.
Ask your doctor to take you to physical therapy.
To give you a prescription to physical therapy, and be adamant about it.
Be your own advocate.
You can just go to a physical therapist and then go to a doctor if the physical therapist feels that what they’re doing can’t make you feel better.
Unfortunately, because of the way that the wellness industry has been presented in the past 50 years, people think of going to a doctor first when they’re in pain.
Where I hope in the future, unless it’s something severe, if it’s just an ache or a pain, choose to go to a physical therapist first, then go to a doctor.
Joe Winger:
I know you love your neighborhood. Talk about your favorite things in Beverly Hills.
Vivian Eisenstadt:
I like my mornings where I take my four dogs on an hour walk. It’s very quiet in the neighborhood. That’s where I prepare my day, talk to my East Coast friends because they’re three hours ahead.
My mornings are always pretty sacred, special and consistent for me.
Then after work, I like going to restaurants, Hillstone in Santa Monica. Excellent.
I love that I live in Pico Robertson, which is 20 minutes from Hollywood, 20 minutes from the water, 20 minutes from downtown, 20 minutes from the restaurants I want.
I’m very localized.
I’ll get patients from Brentwood, Malibu, Santa Monica, Palms, Culver city, West LA. Mid Wilshire, Koreatown, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Hollywood.
Some people really travel to see me because of word of mouth.
I’m proud to say that I’ve probably hit my tipping point in terms of working with personal injury lawyers around here, working with doctors around here.
At this point, word of mouth. If you’re happy, you’re going to tell people what to do when they need you, when they need someone like me as well.
Joe Winger:
A lot of people who are reading this are foodies. Any great food spots in your neighborhood?
Vivian Eisenstadt:
Just in the Pico Robertson area. Yeah. Dr. Sandwich. The food is just that good. I get the chicken shawarma bowl to-go. You’re pointing to all the things you want in it, you can have everything that’s in there.
Peppers, cauliflower, mayo cabbage, with the hummus, tahina and their laffa bread.
[For me] each bowl lasts three meals. So you get your bang for your buck.
Trattoria Bella Roma SPQR
I think it’s not such a best kept secret of the neighborhood, because I see a lot of people that come from West LA and West Hollywood come down, like people travel to this place,
It’s an authentic Italian restaurant with the guy from Italy making your food.
I just like hearing him talk about the food because he’s talking about the soup and the “no sugar, no this..” and he’s got gluten free penne. So he’s catering to the neighborhood.
But the food is spectacular.
I like places that I could bring people, they go, “Oh let’s go there again sometime!” You always want to impress your friends in the neighborhood.
Some people eat to live and some people live to eat.
Summer Fish and Rice
Another place around here. Summer Fish and Rice. It is one block south of Wilshire, right off Robertson. And again, good food, good sushi. An amazing spicy tuna crispy rice. I don’t know if I want to talk about this place because it’s crowded enough as it is. You don’t want too many people knowing about your places.
Joe Winger:
Tell us what kind of dishes you make at home.
Vivian Eisenstadt:
I make Every plate, they send it to you with the cards and I become a chef with every plate.
The food is so good because you just follow it verbatim. Last night I had chicken with garlic rice and carrots, this soy buttery dressing on top.
Another time I had chicken lettuce cups. Another time you make some burgers with fresh fries. I’m just saying I am not a cook. I am a direction follower from Every Plate.
Joe Winger:
Whether it’s cooking food or eating food, is there any therapeutic value with the food we love?
Vivian Eisenstadt:
Usually when you crave something, it means your body needs it.
If I’m craving tomato sauce, it usually means I’m low in magnesium. And you are what you eat.
At every moment we’re coming from a physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and chemical place. When you move one, you move them all.
That’s why they say drugs and alcohol, low vibration, so people feel sluggish
Things with nutrients and high vibrations, you feel better.
At every moment, your body’s either going towards balance or away from balance.
When you give your body what it needs nutritionally, you’re going to be more towards balance.
When you do things that hinder your body’s wellness, you’re going away from balance.
Homeostasis is your body’s homeostasis. Consistent, trying to balance everything you’re giving it. Of course, what we put in our bodies is literally what makes us or breaks us.
So you need to remember that.
But know your game so you know how to play. I’m an excessive moderate. I never tell somebody it’ll only be one way. What’s the use of living longer if you’re living miserably?
It’s not about how long you live. It’s about caring about yourself and loving yourself.
What does it look like when you love yourself?
Usually when people are physically abusing their body, there’s a mental and emotional part of that. So it’s one thing if you’re going on a vacation and you’re eating wonderful food because you’re just enjoying your space.
Or whether you’re eating sugar and ice cream at night because your marriage sucks.
There’s how and why you’re doing what you’re doing matters as much as what you’re doing.
I believe that the intention of what you’re doing will affect how your body takes it in.
Joe Winger:
As we wrap up Vivian, tell us all the ways to learn more and to get in touch with you?
Vivian Eisenstadt:
For more information, you can go to www.VivieTherapy com.
You can also reach us by phone at 310 623 4444. We are also at VivieTherapy on Instagram, Vivi Therapy on Facebook, Vivi Therapy on Twitter,
I also created a word for pain free. Vivie.
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Beetlejuice Beetlejuice this Halloween? Everyday is Halloween at Los Angeles’ Beetle House LA
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice this Halloween? Everyday is Halloween at Los Angeles‘ Beetle House LA
Welcome to the most strange and unusual dining experience in California. Stop by and guests will enjoy darkly delicious meals, and haunting bubbling cocktails in a fully immersive year-round Halloween spectacle.
Those wayward mortals who cross the threshold into the afterlife will be entertained by ghastly sights and sounds. There are sights to see, frights to have, and tricks and treats galore!
Beetle House is a year-round celebration of Halloween, with a thematic atmosphere inspired by horror culture, magic, and the artistic, literary, and cinematic works of many revered legends such as Washington Irving, Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, Wes Craven, Tim Burton and many others.
It’s like an adult Halloween party with a Burtonesque feel, a dash of a 90s goth band, a touch of emo, and a diabolical dose of cosplay.
A safe place where every goth, punk, freak, weirdo, artist, and visitor is welcomed and celebrated.
Beetle House was created by Zach Neil and opened as a pop-up restaurant in New York City in April of 2016 and in Los Angeles in 2017. Due to its demand, Beetle House lives, haunts, and thrives to this day and will for as long as you will keep coming.
But be warned, Beetle house is not affiliated with or in partnership with any one specific, film, studio, Producer, or television program. All of their productions are inspired by or parody versions or original creations, and in no way should be misconstrued as a direct affiliation or partnership with any film studio or Producer.
Can you bring your kids?
Kinda. Yes, you can. However some of the characters and entertainers could be scary to children under 10 years old so do so at your own risk. Hundreds of families and small children eating here and have had good response from them.
Learn more at: https://www.beetlehousela.com
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