You See LA: October 2024
Five Things To See and Do in L.A., Handpicked by VAPAE's Kevin Kane
The arts are an essential part of UCLA. They inspire dialogue, encourage creativity, and drive real lasting change, across disciplines, borders, and backgrounds. They also create opportunities for increased engagement with our surrounding communities.
Kevin Kane, director of the Visual and Performing Arts Education (VAPAE) Program, has curated a diverse selection of things to see and do in Los Angeles.
Kane received his Ph.D. in Cultural Studies, with an emphasis in Arts Education, from Claremont Graduate University and his M.F.A. in Dance Choreography from the UCLA Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance (WACD). Throughout his career, Kane has focused his research, practice, and activism on designing and implementing inclusive multidisciplinary performing arts programs for youth in his community. Kane is committed to using performing arts and arts education as a tool for individual and social transformation, creating student pipeline programs that allow youth of all backgrounds to feel connected and inspired through the arts, empowered to imagine, and realize bright futures for themselves.
With due respect to my amazing mom and her beloved seven older sisters, all of whom came of age in depression and post-depression era Philadelphia, I grew up eating mostly bland, overcooked Irish/Irish-American cuisine. Think boiled potatoes. I don’t recall many (any?) spices in our family recipes, other than salt and pepper. It was a treat when a meal included butter, a sauce, or a gravy.
(Note: I’ve been to Ireland many times over the years, and I’m happy to report the cuisine over there has definitely improved over the decades. Go there!)
Living in Los Angeles for nearly three decades, however, my palate has been exposed to a wide range of cuisines, a range that represents our city’s diversity, and one of the main things that makes living in L.A. unique and exciting. I wouldn’t go as far to call myself a “foodie“ (too much pressure!) Though I do love a great meal and you’ll notice all my suggestions for things to do in L.A. involve a wonderful food component. As it should. And what time of year is better for a fun activity that mixes local culture and food than the fall?
It was difficult to whittle down a list of things to see and do in L.A. to only five suggestions. (My first draft had at least a dozen places to recommend!) But here it goes:
Go to a Dodgers (Playoff) Game!
I always try to get to at least one Dodgers game a season, but this summer I made it to two! (Three times to Dodgers Stadium if you count the P!nk concert I attended a few weeks back.) And what a baseball season it has been, and continues to be. The Dodgers just clinched the MLB National League West championship title with the best record in baseball and are headed to the playoffs! If you haven’t gotten to Elysian Park this season, I definitely recommend trying to catch one of the Dodgers playoff games.
Starting with the buzzy, fun feeling of entering Dodgers Stadium, finding your seat, and then reveling in this year’s historically incredible line up: the once in a century phenomenon, Shohei Ohtani, totally on fire, but also Mookie, Freddy, Teoscar, and the other “boys in blue." There’s real momentum and the playoff games promise to be jam packed with heroic homers and outstanding gameplay!
Of course, the team has been here before, playing so well during the regular season only to disappoint fans with a decidedly underwhelming October. But this year feels different (famous last words.) And depending on how the next set of games go, the Dodgers might even be up against the Phillies—which for me will be a wild and wonderful convergence of my two favorite baseball teams and hometowns.
Fun fact, Dodgers Stadium has become quite the mecca for delicious food. With a truly eclectic menu that includes the classic Dodgers Dog, a cold beer, and a plastic helmet full of nachos—why not?—but also hot spots like the Think Blue BBQ, the Elysian Park Grill, and the Sweet Suites with their yummy selection of desserts like the fried P&B, banana & jelly sandwich with powdered sugar (a concoction you know Elvis would have loved.) But I recommend going a different direction food-wise and maybe seek out some non-traditional stadium offerings such as a gorgeous fresh sushi plate, or chicken katsu sandwiches, a Korean fried chicken bucket, a hefty tri-tip sandwich , or...well, the list goes on and on!
And for those that like to plan ahead so as not to be too overwhelmed or miss out on something special, the stadium even has its own foodie account on Instagram (@dodgersdining).
Maybe see you there this month as we root, root, root for the Dodgers!
Wat Thai & food court in North Hollywood
8225 Coldwater Canyon Ave., North Hollywood
I first attended a community event at the temple about twenty years ago when two of my former students invited me to celebrate the annual Songkran Festival, in which they were performing as part of a traditional Thai dance group. It blew my mind. The temple is big and beautiful, a true hub for the local Thai community.
On any given weekend one might walk into a small or large scale festival or party, maybe a holiday celebration with traditional Thai music and dance, or perhaps a more solemn event like a family memorial, or even the annual fall season Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony, where the community offers the monks new robes and gifts to thank them for their many hours of service and contemplation. I’ve seen many adorable children’s choirs and dance troupes, martial arts demonstrations, and even found myself at a few fun communal gatherings, with DJs playing Thai pop music and lots of great karaoke performances.
Whatever the occasion, I have always felt welcomed and try to go back here at least every other month. I start my visits by taking off my shoes, entering the sacred temple space, bowing to the beautiful altars, saying a few prayers to my ancestors, most recently my mom, and making a few intentions. I’ve had some lovely exchanges and conversations in this temple—with the monks that live on the premises and many worshippers, families, and visitors.
Alongside the temple is surely one of L.A.‘s best Thai food courts, an authentic formation and vibe that reminds me of my trips to Thailand. There are too many wonderful vendors and menus to mention here, but I highly recommend Hengheng Noodle (@hengheng88noodle), led by sister and brother chefs Da and Nic.
After many years of visiting their food stand, I am honored that Da and Nic have become friends, always greeting me with a big warm smile (Kevin!), and they always point me in the right direction in terms of what to order on any given day. Just a few weeks ago, I had their beef noodles, but you can’t go wrong.
I usually visit Wat Thai by myself as it’s become a sort of personal, spiritual experience for me, but over the years, I’ve also brought friends and unsurprisingly they leave with the same glow I’ve experienced over and over.
Northeast L.A.
Arts, entertainment, hiking, food, and community
I spent most of my formative years as an Angelino in the Northeast Neighborhoods of L.A.: Highland Park, Glassell Park, Mt. Washington, Eagle Rock, Atwater Village, Los Feliz, and Silverlake. These neighborhoods are scenic, winding, hilly, sweeping, and will always have my heart.
There are literally hundreds of cool places to see and things to do in these historic neighborhoods, but I usually include an activity that has provided me solace and a true feeling of belonging over the years: either a lovely, leisurely walk around the Silver Lake Reservoir—such friendly people and great views of the Silver Lake hills—and maybe a quick stop at the quirky dog park there. Or a more ambitious hike in Griffith Park, where I take the path that starts across from the Greek Theatre, up and around, a great big loop; there are several choices along the way if you’re feeling like pushing it, or taking it a bit easy, but choosing a path that brings you high up enough to see all of downtown L.A. is rewarding, both physically and mentally.
After a nice autumn hike, maybe hang out and catch one of Independent Shakespeare Co.’s outdoor productions. I saw a great production of As You Like It this summer—such fun, a truly wonderful company, terrific performances, and you can’t beat a night of free professional theater under the stars. Or spend a slightly chilly night at The Greek Theatre, where their annual performance calendar goes through to the end of October.
If you don’t want to hang out in the park through the evening, how about head out of the park, cross Los Feliz Blvd. over to Tracy Street, to look at Marshall High School’s iconic Art Deco architecture and impressive Collegiate Gothic facade, still in premiere shape from 1931. The building has been used in numerous Hollywood movies, TV shows, and music videos.
Anyone who knows me well knows I can’t shut up about John Marshall High School, home of the Barristers, the first school I ever taught (English language arts, theatre, and dance), where for eight years I met and collaborated with so many brilliant, caring, and talented young people. Those experiences and memories are precious to me. I’m still in touch regularly with so many of my former colleagues and hundreds of my former Marshall students. We are a true community, and those years at Marshall inspired me to be involved in arts education for the rest of my career. JMHS Theatre Workshop forever!
Mitsuwa
3525 W Carson St. Suite 164, Torrance
There are a few Mitsuwa markets throughout L.A., but I prefer the one in Torrance. Mitsuwa is ostensibly a large supermarket situated humbly within the Del Amo Fashion Mall, but it’s really a culinary experience. A true hub for the local Japanese and Japanese American community, it’s become quite a go-to place for people who appreciate authentic Japanese cuisine at a relatively affordable price.
Be forewarned: it can get packed, especially on weekend afternoons.
When I get there, hopefully on the early side, I try my best to experience as much as possible, but I do sort of have a routine: sweets and breads from the Hamada-Ya bakery; followed by fresh fruits and vegetables, rows of fresh sushi (rows and rows!), sashimi, various rice bowls, and cute little sandwiches made fresh daily, and even more rows of Japanese snacks—both sweet and savory—throughout the main Mitsuwa market.
The floorplan, and overall vibe of the market, feels so close in style to the many markets I frequented in my past trips to Japan. Then onto the expansive food court area where you’ll find everything from hot steaming ramen at Ramen Santouka, to delicious udon noodles at Udon Yakitori, and even more fresh and energizing rice bowls and an array of bento boxes at Yamacho RMK. There’s so much more to this exhaustive list, but perhaps I’ll end this by recommending a half dozen fresh and warm donut treats and maybe an iced latte from Mochill.
The South L.A. Experience
I’ve been a resident of South L.A. for the last seven years. Wow, what an amazing area of our city that I didn’t know much about until I moved there. Now I rave about it to everyone. What a beautiful, complicated, heartbreaking history this area has but also what cultural wealth, artistic richness, and undeniable resilience and spirit.
I might suggest finishing up a nice weekend by spending a Sunday in South L.A.; perhaps start by just driving around the West Adams area looking at some fantastic local murals and the classic Craftsman houses from the 1900–1920s that still stand proudly throughout the area, alongside towering palm trees and underneath spectacular sunset skies. I’m lucky enough to live in one of the amazing Craftsmen, a house that inspires creativity and gratitude.
Maybe grab a coffee at South LA Coffee, owned and run by two local heroes, Joe and Celia. This local gathering space is dedicated to “coffee, community, and connection."
Every Sunday there is a huge drum circle in Leimert Park. I definitely recommend that. Once you’re there, maybe pop in to Art + Practice, an amazing community art space. While you’re at it, go across Crenshaw and pop into Wah Gwan Jamaican Kitchen & Bar, a favorite takeout place, or one our favorites, Mel’s Fish Shack—lord, the fried fish menu there!
Or, if you’re in the mood for something a bit fancier, make a reservation at Post and Beam for an amazing Sunday soul food brunch (bottomless Mimosas anyone?) or Harold & Belle’s on Jefferson Blvd. for great New Orleans cuisine. You can’t go wrong in South L.A., perhaps one of our city’s most misunderstood and underrated neighborhoods.
All photos by Kevin Kane
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