#50: Spaceland (now called the Satellite)

Photo from wikipedia

Arcade Fire, Secret Machines, The Shins, Bloc Party, The Killers, The Decemberists, and Arctic Monkeys are just a handful of the bands that Spaceland in Silver Lake was the first to book before most Angelenos ever heard of them.

I can thank Spaceland for turning me onto many a "no name" band, which--lo and behold--later became famous. For less than $10 (and free on Monday nights), you can catch some of the best local indie bands here live and get close to them while you're at it (mmm, smell that beer breath). I would recommend going on Mondays, even if you don't know who the band is. After the show, you and the cute boy you met there can take a stroll along the reservoir. ;)

The Happy Hollows holds the Monday residency in November. They're a great band--check them out.

Also on my radar for this week, Warpaint.

** Update: Spaceland is now called the Satellite. Don't worry--same indie bands, same beer breath ;) **

#18: The L.A. Derby Dolls

Photo from L.A. Eastside

Seeing the famed L.A. Derby Dolls in action was an amazing experience. The crowd was kooky and eclectic, the athletes were showmen (er... show-women), and the atmosphere was downright electric.

I got there about 20 minutes before the game started and the stands were already packed. After briefly browsing the shop tents and food stands, I was lucky enough to find a spot in the very back that actually still had a decent view. I would definitely recommend getting there early to score a good place, especially if you're on the shorter side like I am. If you are willing to shell out more cash, you can go the VIP route and have reserved seats in the bleachers.

Ok, so the LA team got creamed by the San Diego team. Thus, for most of the game, the crowd wasn't going especially crazy. However, when the LA team did score, the crowd went nuts. I need to go to another game, but one in which the teams are more evenly matched.

If you go, remember to buy your tickets in advance because it can sell out!

L.A. Derby Dolls

#6: Do a Triple Gelato Run

Bulgarini gelato. Strawberry Chilli, Dark Chocolate, Zabaglione.

The best gelato in L.A. can be found in 3 places:

1. Bulgarini Gelato in Altadena... Bulgarini is my favorite gelato shop. The flavors are so fresh and vibrant, and though the selection is small, everything is made of quality ingredients. The zabaglione (custard and Marsala wine) is my absolute favorite flavor, the cantaloup is ambrosial, and the strawberry with red hot pepper is sweet, then burns on the way down. Divine!

2. Scoops in East L.A... Scoops is known for their bold and creative flavors such as honey lavender, pistachio fig, strawberry balsamic, brown bread, and pear and champagne. Scoops is never afraid to try unusual flavor combinations.

3. Pazzo Gelato in Silver Lake... When I lived on the East Side, I had Pazzo gelato at least once a week. The Dark Chocolate with Grey Goose, Strawberry, European yogurt, and CHEESE gelato are top in my book! Yes, I said CHEESE gelato. The mascarpone, chevre, any cheese flavor that they concoct are out of this world.

So my challenge to you is to do a triple gelato run. Yup, you heard me; visit all three of the best gelato shops in LA. in one day. Get ready for a sugar rush like you've never had before. Sure, you might get temporary brain freeze, but you'll be in gelato heaven.

Bulgarini Gelato, Scoops, Pazzo Gelato

Scoops Gelato. Pumpkin Pie in the foreground.