Today, I bring you guys a couple of fun and relaxing things you can do with your better half or the whole family before the Aliens come for us all next! I'm just joshin', the likelihood of that happening is practically (don't quote me) Zero. But I've seen the flying Orb videos and it's enough to have some people as paranoid as Ray Liotta driving around town towards the end in Goodfellas.
For the younger crowd, that's a 90s mobster movie by Martin Scorsese, you should watch it if you haven't. Then, The Sopranos if you haven't watched that either. You all can thank me later.
Smorgasburg
ANYWHO, if you find yourself in the Los Angeles area on a lonely boring Sunday, probably checking on your awesome storage unit here at Los Angeles Self Storage, then you gotta do yourself a favor and check out the ‘Smorgasburg Outdoor Market’. Smorgasburg is home to roughly 100 small businesses/vendors from all over Los Angeles & surrounding areas. Whilst primarily a foodie attraction, you can find all sorts of vendors, from popular and interesting new beverages to even lifestyle, wellness & beauty vendors with their own unique brands and styles.
Smorgasburg even has a family-friendly Beer Garden! This amazing amalgamation of shops operates right out of the very 5-acre lot that the Alameda Produce Market operates out of on weekdays. Both Smorgasburg & Alameda Produce Market are part of a new development project called ROW LA.
Now, I unfortunately have been able to attend, primarily because I work Sundays and it’s ONLY open on Sundays until 4, but this place looks awesome! One of these stands, known as Lobsterdamus (interesting name, not sure what Nostradamus has to do with lobsters though), has a wide grill covered with fresh lobsters and it just fills the air with this mouthwatering aroma. You can order a half or whole lobster if you feel like it, which you can enjoy with a heaping side of garlic parmesan pasta, it is simply deli-cioso. That’s Spanish for deli-cious.
Another spot offers carved out pineapple halves filled with scoops of warm rice, refreshing mac salad & some tasty skewered grilled shrimp with chunks of sweet pineapple that help balance out the heat from the spices; It gives me Mini 626 Night Market vibes. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of these vendors have also participated in 626 given that That’s more of a seasonal thing.
Regarding HER
Next on the end times agenda, ‘Regarding HER: Women’s History Month Festival’ OooOooh! ‘Regarding HER’ is a national organization created during the pandemic to help speed up & smooth the way for women-owned businesses in the food and beverage industry. All month long, in honor of International Women's Day, you can support women-owned restaurants and dine at some of the best spots around Los Angeles during the return of this annual food festival. Regarding Her's festival will be offering special themed menus, cooking classes & talks with women restaurateurs.
Sweet Nostalgia
Now, just because March is over it doesn't mean that we stop supporting women. There are tons of amazing and inspiring women owned businesses throughout Los Angeles; Businesses such as Chef SueEllen Mancini's ‘Sad Girl Creamery’, a Latina-owned ice cream pop-up that started during Covid-19 & rapidly gained popularity for its unique and nostalgic Latin flavors.
Their main attraction seems to be their ice cream tacos and waffle taco shells with ice cream flavors from Cajeta Latte (goats’ milk caramel + espresso), Strawberry Tres Leches cake, chocolate brownie Mazapan to Guava Jam cheesecake & pomegranate Hibiscus to name a few. On top of spreading what Chef Mancini likes to call “ice cream joy”, she also uses her platform to discuss topics such as mental health, self-care and sharing her journey with bipolar disorder.
The Makers Hive
Staying on the theme of outdoor markets and handmade goodies, have you gals and pals heard about the Makers Hive Market? No?! Then let me tell you about it! The Makers Hive is a monthly pop-up market, normally on the second Sunday of the month from noon to 5pm. The market features over 35 makers, artisans, vintage curators and small businesses from all over Southern California.
The Makers Hive sets up in the Santa Monica Center Plaza where there is easy access for dining, doing some shopping and even live music to enjoy throughout your day. looking for cute fragrant candles? Check out ‘Mi & Yus’ handmade Non-toxic candles, you want some artsy pots for your plant babies?? Take a gander at La Planta Vidas' beautiful hand made pottery! Feeling Snacky?! Enjoy a savory charcuterie plate by ‘Charm & Charcuterie’, ANOTHER small woman-owned business and wash it all down with a refreshing Iced coffee from ‘Benito Coffee’, they even top their coffees with a deliciously cute little teddy shaped bread! All these awesome vendors and more are waiting for you guys to visit, so be sure to check it out this upcoming April 12th!
IN CONCLUSION! You should all go explore your local outdoor markets, have your fill, support your community, then delight in the life-changing experience of watching The Sopranos when you get home. Perhaps with a pint of Chocolate brownie Mazapan from Sad girl creamery, maybe some savory crackers, cheese & gabagool (Capicola) from Charm & charcuterie Ooooh, you can't go wrong with either.
Los Angeles Self Storage
We know that being part of this city is about more than just finding a place for your things, it’s about the heartbeat of the neighborhoods we serve. We are incredibly proud to support the small businesses, women-owned ventures, and local artisans that make Los Angeles the most vibrant place on Earth. Our team doesn't just work here; we live, eat, and shop here too. Whether you’re stopping by your unit after a Sunday at the Makers Hive or grabbing a pint of "ice cream joy" from a local pop-up, know that we are right there with you, rooting for this community. Swing by and tell us your favorite market find, we'd love to hear how you're exploring our city!
Smorgasburg
777 S Alameda St
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Regarding HER
regardingherfood.org
Sad Girl Creamery
sadgirlcreamery@gmail.com
The Makers Hive Market
themakershivemarket.com
