“The Santa Monica Life” is a weekly roundup of the local fun, food, drinks, and lifestyle goings-on in Santa Monica. When the fun is so close, it’s easy to leave the car at home and walk, bike, or bus to all the exciting stuff our city has to offer. Isn’t that why we love it here?
Enjoy Plácido Domingo in both Gianni Schicchi and Pagliacci in a casual environment at the Santa Monica Pier; try out Belcampo Meat Company’s newest cocktail, head to the Promenade for a challenging workout with Six:02, and head to Ocean Park’s new Local Kitchen & Wine Bar.
Opera on the Beach
This Saturday, LA Opera is mixing high culture and high tide by bringing Plácido Domingo to the Santa Monica Pier for a double-billed event featuring the comic opera Gianni Schicchi and the famous tragedy Pagliacci.
“LA Opera presents Opera at the Beach, a live broadcast sponsored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. The double-bill of Gianni Schicchi & Pagliacci starring Plácido Domingo, will be broadcast live in high-definition from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to the big screen at the Santa Monica Pier,” according to LA Opera’s website. “The live broadcast will be captured by nine cameras at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and shown simultaneously on a large LED screen on the Santa Monica Pier deck.”
There will also be a special wine deck, presented by LA Magazine, for those who understand that timeless tragedy pairs best with a vintage Cabernet.
Belcampo’s New Meaty Cocktail
LA Eater reports that one of L.A.’s best new cocktails to try now is Belcampo’s BBQ Old Fashioned.
“After decamping for the now suttered Brilliantshine, Josh Goldman brought his cocktail wizardry to Santa Monica’s Belcampo Meat Co. While there was really no question his cocktail menu would bring the heat, it is nice to see how nicely it fits with the Belcampo philosophy. The must order is clearly the BBQ Old Fashioned, inspired by the smell of the dry rub Goldman used to barbecue pork one day,” LA Eater reports.
“A brown sugar cube is saturated with peppered bitters, bacon fat-washed bitters, and smoked bitters, and mixed with the aged corn whiskey Balcones Baby Blue bourbon that stands up well to the smoky seasoning. Topped with Belcampo’s own beef jerky and the smoke from BBQ aromatics, it is the archetype of a masculine cocktail. Beefy, smoky, and peppery in a way that stings the back of your throat, there is no better way to kick off the meal of carnivorous glory that is to follow,” according to LA Eater.
Six:02 Workout on the Promenade
Santa Monica Centric writer Jenni Finefrock tried out one of the weekly fitness classes offered at Six:02 on the Third Street Promenade.
“When I arrived at Six:02, I didn’t know what to expect. I was not that familiar with the CIZE dance workout by Shaun T whatsoever. From the website, it’s a sure way to get an unbelievable workout during a hip choreographed dance. About eight other girls joined me in a stretch before the class when bubbly Brianne came out to lead the pack. Her upbeat personality was exactly what I needed to wake me up,” Finefrock wrote.
Though the CIZE dance workout sessions only rant through September, October offers something new. According to Six:02’s website, every Sunday this month, the store offers an Iron Fitness strength and conditioning training series.
“Iron Fitness will be here to feature their Iron Boxing trainers who will improve your strength, speed, power, and performance! Reward yourself with a workout and a chance to win some exclusive prizes,” the site reads.
Local Kitchen & Wine Bar Hits Ocean Park
Later this month, Ocean Park is going to get a new hotspot to enjoy a casual meal and some drinks.
Local Kitchen & Wine Bar is on schedule to open at 1736 Ocean Park Blvd. in late October, according to LA Eater.
“When Local Kitchen & Wine Bar opens at the end of October, expect lunch and dinner hours (11 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays), with all-day service on Saturday and Sunday, including a brunch that starts at 9 a.m.,” according to LA Eater.
“Owner Maire Byrne worked with designer Leslie Hunt on the space, which shares a sensibility with Byrne’s other Santa Monica space: Thyme Cafe and Market. Look for the much-expected small plates format here, with new chef Stephen Paul Murray (formerly from up in Napa) at the helm. Still no menu, but a full 47 license means cocktails to complement the food,” LA Eater reports.
