Even those of us with great home theaters like to get out and see a movie sometime. Say what you will, there’s nothing like sharing an experience in a dark room with dozens of strangers. But if the summer slate of movies leaves you uninspired, believe me, you’re not alone.

For the past year there’s been a growing campaign to embrace Meat Free Mondays, a suggestion that we eat meat-free one day a week, to promote health, nutritional diversity, and ecological balance. Celebrities including longtime vegetarian Paul McCartney, daughters Stella and Mary, chef Mario Batali, Alec Baldwin, Kate Bosworth, Sheryl Crow, Ricky Gervais, Woody Harrelson, Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow, and even LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa have lent their enthusiastic endorsement. Now, in recent months, several local restauranteurs have also joined the battle cry, by offering special vegetarian options on Mondays.

A label with the name of a world-famous designer makes a bold statement. But nothing makes a bigger statement than a label which says “made expressly for you.”
And when it comes to hats, little can beat a topper from Baron of Burbank.

Planned as an annual event, LAND’s first benefit will take place this July 14th and 15th, each night sure to be a uniquely unforgettable experience.

Liberté! Egalité! Fraternité! That’s the battle cry of the French Revolution, commemorated every year on Bastille Day, July 14. Nowhere is the connection between America and France more celebrated than here in Los Angeles (did you know Beverly Hills and Cannes were sister cities? They are!). Now of course, if I wanted to recommend the very best spots for Angelenos to celebrate France, I’d suggest a quick trip to Vegas for the restaurants of the best French chefs in the world—including Joel Robuchon, Guy Savoy, Alain Ducasse (Mix) and Pierre Gagnaire (Twist). But here in town, we do okay too. Here’s our Haute 5 spots:

Alex Reznik has taken his share of hits on Top Chef: Season 7 thus far. So it might surprise those who haven’t experienced his cooking that he is one of Los Angeles’ most creative and impassioned chefs.

Despite an ever-increasing array of dining options in all categories, Angelenos can be a very persistent bunch, loyal to their favorites through thick and thin. Some of these places (which shall remain nameless) are so aware of this good fortune that they don’t even bother trying. Others, like those below, continue to win new fans even as they keep the old.

With all the discussion of China’s booming Industrial and technological forward leaps, it’s easy to forget the country has centuries of fascinating culture. But the Shen Yun Performing Arts troupe has not forgotten.

Next weekend may seem like a far way off right now, but you might want to mark your calendar for another great family event on Friday, July 9, when The Grove at Farmers Market receives a special visit from The Lion King.