Happy Fourth!

Happy 4th of July!

Celebration suggestions:

Drink cold beer

Grill something

Watch fireworks (from the beach, if possible)

Thank you, as always, reading.

-- the BEAT

Photo credit: cartoongraphics.blogspsot.com

The Monthly BEAT: Venice. Wabi-Sabi.

This month's weekend focus city is Venice, California!

Abbot Kinney is one of Venice's (in fact all of L.A.'s) trendiest, most pleasant, cute, pedestrian-friendly streets. It has tons of great restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques.

Wabi-Sabi has been a favorite sushi restaurant of mine for years. The space is cool, modern, and clean, while being comfortable (cozy even) at the same time. The servers are always pleasant and attractive--and the food is spot-on. The crunchy shrimp roll is the one dish I am crazy for. It's a spicy platter of a cut shrimp tempura roll that is one of my favorite very favorite meals. It is made with soy paper (which I usually request for any roll) and all kinds of delicious sauces (one of which I think is Sriracha) on the plate for dipping.

The miso soup is really flavorful and always hot, the cocktails are interesting, well-made, and strong, and the fish is fresh. There are also plenty of hot dishes (small and large), for the non-sushi lover in your life, and some great dessert options too.

There is a very good Happy Hour for select food and drinks from 5:30 p.m. (when they open) to 6:30 p.m. daily.

Wabi-Sabi is located at 1637 Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, Calif. Info: (310) 314-2229, wabisabisushi.com

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Open Table

Advance Notice. Calypso St. Barth for Target.

With Easter just behind us, spring is definitely in the air, and summer is just around the corner. Perfect timing for Target to feature their collaboration line with breezy designer Calypso St. Barth.

Target/designer pairings are always exciting, last summer we had John Derian to look forward to, and last fall, Mulberry.

I've spotted several items from the line I'd like to get my hands on--the natural sequins tote (online), the blue tunic dress/chic beach cover-up, the travel makeup cases, and maybe a couple rope bracelets for good measure. Oh, and then there's a home line with very cute cushions.

If you really want to go all in, pick up Calypso Marine perfume (a great summer scent) this week, and spritz yourself pre-Sunday shopping.

Calypso St. Barth for Target will be in stores Sunday May 1.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: blogs.babycenter.com

Do It. U.S. Open of Surfing.

This unpredictable cloudy weather hasn't exactly made for great beach conditions, but you've still got a great excuse to don the bathing suit and sunscreen this weekend: the U.S. Open of Surfing.

Check out some of the best surfers in the world tackle those gnarly waves, and take part in the extra activities going on around too, because it's not just about surfing anymore. There'll also be skateboarding and BMX competitions going on, places to see art exhibits and murals, and even a fashion show. And on top of that, really great must-see bands like Cold War Kids, The Soft Pack and Weezer (!). And get this: it's all free.

Happy surfing (and rocking)!
The U.S. Open of Surfing will take place beginning this Saturday, Aug 1 until Sunday, Aug 8 at Huntington Beach in Orange County. Check out the schedule for competition and music set times.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: U.S. Open of Surfing

Do It. Santa Monica Pier Twilight Dance Series with Ben Lee.

Ah, no better time or place to take advantage of the SoCal weather than in the summer and on the beach. Add in a world-famous pier and some free music, and you really can't go wrong.

And that's why the Santa Monica Pier's Twilight Dance Series is a definite to-do for those looking for a classic L.A. summer experience. The annual concert series has been around for 27 years now, and is nothing short of a great tradition that brings free fun and great music to the masses. Admittedly, the musical line-up isn't the most hip or contemporary, but there are some fun options like former Rolling Stone Mick Taylor on Aug. 19 and Beatlesfest on Aug. 26. But my pick for the summer just happens to occur tonight, as "Australia Rocks the Pier!" brings groovy acoustic popster Ben Lee to the stage. Dancing and carefree sing-alongs sure to incur.

Australia Rocks the Pier! at the Santa Monica Pier begins tonight at 7pm. Don't forget the beach chairs and blankets!

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Santa Monica Pier