Sometimes you just can’t script what you’re going to find in LA …

Ext: Bill walks into a restaurant on the Malibu Pier and orders the Mahi Mahi tacos. Something also ordered those tacos!

By Ruben Vives

May 20, 2009

The L.A. Live entertainment complex in downtown Los Angeles was abuzz with activity Tuesday in preparation for two kinds of battles being staged there, one involving the final two “American Idol” contestants, the other the L.A. Lakers and the Denver Nuggets.

If that wasn’t enough, about 1,000 students from throughout the state were on hand to participate in the California Science Fair, a two-day academic competition being held at the nearby California Science Center in Exposition Park.

Such a confluence of events was what L.A. Live organizers had in mind when they came up with the idea for a downtown entertainment-sports-restaurant hub that would bring tourists and Southern Californians to the complex at Figueroa Street and Olympic Boulevard. L.A. Live opened in 2007.

“We always envisioned L.A. Live being the live entertainment, live sports center capital of not only Los Angeles, but the region.” said Michael Roth, vice president of communications for AEG, which owns Staples Center and L.A. Live.

“And today’s just another example of the events that will make not only national but international news,” he added. “There’s no reason to think that the two highest-rated programs of the week will be taking place tonight live from L.A. Live.”

At the Nokia Theatre, the red carpet was laid out and hundreds of fans lined up, carrying handmade signs for their favorites in the “American Idol” sing-off Tuesday night between Adam Lambert and Kris Allen.

Across the way, workers at the Staples Center tied purple and gold balloons to the main entrance in preparation for the tip-off between the Lakers and the Denver Nuggets.

Karen Bohrer, whose 16-year-old son, Nathaniel, was participating in the science fair, wandered among the crowd near the Nokia Theatre in a pink “American Idol” baseball cap.

“They’re also idols,” Bohrer said of the students. “They won at their schools, districts and counties.”

Bohrer said she would probably miss the sing-off because she and Nathaniel would be on their way home to San Diego.

Standing on the red carpet, across from a tent where Idol fans bought Lambert and Allen T-shirts, Bohrer said that being at the state science fair and the “American Idol” events were “a good coincidence.”

She said she was rooting for Lambert and the Lakers.

Standing together on the sidewalk, Anthony Solis, 30, and Tony Gonzales, 31, of Montebello, held up signs expressing their desire for free tickets for the “Idol” show.

“We do this every year,” Solis said, hoisting a sign with blue-glittered letters that read: “Idol Anything 4 Tickets.”

Solis and Gonzales planned to rush home after the 5 p.m. “American Idol” taping to catch the Lakers on TV. They both said they wanted the Lakers to win, but they disagreed on who should be the next “American Idol.”

At Staples Center, standing near a bronze statue of hometown boxing champ Oscar De La Hoya, Daniel Kokka of Fresno was trying to buy tickets for the NBA game. Kokka had arrived Monday afternoon from Fresno with his daughter, who was participating in the science fair.

“This is her second time,” Kokka said proudly.

LA has a way of bringing cultures together and allowing locals/visitors to experience the world within pocket communities throughout the city. On Sawtelle Boulevard just north of Olympic Boulevard, you’ll find a variety of Japanese restaurants and shops. Furaibo (2068 Sawtelle) happens to be one of our favs.

Create an ad showing us what makes LA your LA. The top rated submissions will be awarded with an amazing “That’s So LA” weekend package and $1,000 spending money.

http://discoverlosangeles.com/thats-so-la/submit-ad.html

Located at 7213 Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood between Fairfax and La Brea, Falcon (restaurant and bar) answers the call of economic redemption from 7 – 10 p.m. on Thursdays with Market Crash and Recession Proof Cocktail Menus, live jazz, and a canned good donation to SOVA Community Food and Resource Program.

The comfort-food oriented Market Crash Menu features a new take on familiar items such as gourmet PB&J with Kahlua & Milk, Mini Grilled-Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Gazpacho, and the all time favorite- Mac & Cheese, for $5 each.

The Recession Proof cocktail menu includes new signature drinks such as “The Stockbroker Blues,” “The Plunge,” and “The Gordon Gekko,” for $5, as well Falcon’s own home-made “Bathtub Gin,” served appropriately from a large glass urn with spouts that pour straight into a high ball glass for $1.

Just like during the Great Depression, jazz music prevails at Falcon with the trio, “The Falcon 3,” featuring the talents of Los Angeles musicians Justin Apergis on upright bass, Travis Newlon on guitar, and Ken Moran on saxophone.

Author’s favorite entree: the Falcon Burger (Prime beef, marinated bacon, heirloom tomato, watercress, carmelized onions, chipolte aioli, truffle oil frites) … $16.50

Falcon Hollywood
7213 Sunset Blvd.
323.850.5543
www.falconslair.com

Don’t miss this chance to vote for the overall best city in the U.S. — Los Angeles! America’s Favorite Cities, the annual survey from travelandleisure.com, is an interactive game that pits 25 cities against each other in a head-to-head battle to the finish. Visitors to the site vote for their favorites; then each week, the losers of these competitions will be eliminated, while the winners will advance to a new round of voting. Come back on Oct. 15, when they announce America’s #1 city.

Check out this cool new promo happening at ONE Sunset every Saturday. The vibe is great, the music is European groovy and the good looking crowd is the younger version of those who frequented the ever-so-popular BARFLY (the places namesake back in the day - I know, I’m dating myself!). Check it out every Saturday and if you feel like going a little early for a nice dinner - the food is REALLY good. The Spicy Tuna over Eggplant Tempura is the chefs specialty and there’s a reason why - it’s awesome.

Check this link out for more info and guest list: http://www.mixnightlife.com/

The LA BBQ Fest is right around the corner and I’m fired up. This is the first year and some of the city’s finest BBQ pit masters will be on hand…including my new favorite - GUS’s BBQ from Pasadena. Be sure to make a “pit stop” at that one.

Loosen your belt buckles and bring lots of napkins! See you this weekend.

http://www.labbqfest.com/

Sept. 13 - 14 from noon to 6 p.m.

General admission is $10 (includes 1/3-1/2 lb of meat and a side item).

If you’ve never been to the LA Greek Fest on Pico/Normandie near the Byzantino Latino Quarter, you don’t know what you’re missing. The food is fanstastic, the OUZO and Greek beer is abundant and the dancing will get you kicking your heels in celebration. With over 20,000 visitors over the Sep. 5-7 weekend, the Greek Fest is one of the best around. Enjoy authentic Gyro sandwiches, famous Greek Honey donuts, souvlaki dinners and more. I’m so into it, that I’ll be pouring draft beers at the beer booth this year, so come by and say “YIASOU”!

Oh…and don’t be surprised if you see some celebs. Tom Hanks and his wife are honorary MC’s again this year and the Mayor loves to come out and enjoy the Greek tunes.

LA Greek Fest, St. Sophia Cathedral, 1324 South Normandie Ave., Los Angeles — 323.737.2424