It’s Time To Celebrate… Cheers! Happy New Year!

New Year’s Eve is always a special time of year. You take time to remember the great moments of the year that is ending and welcome in all the joy and adventures of the upcoming year. In a city like Hollywood, you can only expect a serious dose of glitz and glam for one of the biggest celebrations of the year. If you haven’t settled on where to spend you last hours of 2012, here are a few Los Angeles style ideas to keep you rocking all night long!

Universal CityWalk Hollywood’s New Years Eve Countdown Bash

The countdown to 2013 begins at Universal CityWalk® as The Entertainment Capital of LA^SM prepares to ring in the new year in one of Southern California’s most festive New Year’s Eve celebrations featuring dazzling fireworks, colorful confetti and non-stop live entertainment at four stage locations. Throughout Universal CityWalk the energy will resonate with a series of live concerts and DJ performances, which will crescendo to the midnight New Year’s Eve countdown, punctuated by the fireworks and confetti.  The party starts at 9pm and is free to all. For parking, directions, or dinner suggestions visit the Citywalk website.

Queen Mary’s New Year’s Eve Party

Set sail into 2013 aboard Long Beach’s famous vessel, the Queen Mary, with a disco tribute band, dueling pianos, jazz performances and DJs spinning. Everything culminates with a fireworks spectacle over the ocean. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets from $109. 

The Sounds of Idina Menzel

Have a Wicked evening at Walt Disney Concert Hall as Broadway star Idina Menzel performs her new live show. Champagne bottle service is also available. Shows start at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tickets from $65 to $195. More information here: www.laphil.com.

The Groundling’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular

Sketchy New Year’s Eve plans? Instead, try the Groundling’s annual improv and sketch comedy show. This year, it’s emceed and directed by Karen Maruyama (The Campaign) and stars Liz Brown (The Liz Brown Show), Matt Cook, (2 Broke Girls) and other members of The Groundlings Main Company and Sunday Company. Tickets include an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and a Champagne toast. Doors at 9 p.m. Tickets $100. More information here: www.groundlings.com.

Magicopolis New Year’s Eve Party

Make the New Year magical with this Santa Monica shop and theater’s annual party. The kid-friendly event includes a magic class, pizza, popcorn and a gift bag. Show is at 9 p.m. Tickets $60. More information here: www.magicopolis.com.

Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Ball

Make like Jay and Daisy and come in costume to this Westside sushi joint and lounge, Wockano, for prohibition-style cocktails, whiskey tastings and a live swing band. Party favors and a champagne toast are also included with admission. Doors at 9 p.m. Tickets from $40 in advance; $50 the week of the event.

New Year’s Babble-Eve at the Jon Lovitz Comedy Club & Podcast Theater

Hollywood skewer-ers Ralph Garman and Kevin Smith move their usual Saturday routine to Monday for a special New Year’s Eve version of Hollywood Babble-On at John Lovitz Comedy Club. Tickets include champagne, but do not include the comedy club standard of a two-item minimum per person. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 10 p.m. Tickets from $75.

New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet at Cafe Sierra

Celebrate the Season at Cafe Sierra Restaurant. Culinary treats will delight your palette and warm your heart. A unique unparalleled buffet experience in Universal City, CA at Cafe Sierra Restaurant. So let the Champagne flow and pile your plate high as we say goodbye to 2012. Beginning at 9:00pm to 1:30am. Tickets are $79 and include Dinner Buffet and Champagne. There is also an early dinner seating available. Visit CafeSierraHilton.com for pricing and more information.

Stay safe no matter your plans and Go Metro for free from 9 p.m. on December 31st to 2 a.m. on January 1st. Or stay traditional and catch a friendly local Yellow Cab.

Meet The Staff- Francisco Giron

Weddings, Trade Shows, Conventions, we see so many events come through our hotel. Our events give the hotel an energy and a buzz that our guests feel during their stay. Francisco Giron prides himself on making every event the best one yet.

Francisco Giron

Banquet Captain

20 years + 6 months of service

Francisco was recently named “Team Member of the Month”.
He provides high-quality service to our clients so they have successful and memorable events at the hotel.

Thanksgiving In LA

Los Angeles has always been known for bucking tradition, so it’s no accident that Southern California gives those who visit during Thanksgiving ample opportunity to do the same. With average temperatures well into the 60s, numerous dining options, and many attractions open for at least part of the day, Thanksgiving in LA is as stuffed with activities as that turkey about to be carved.

Theme Parks

For a fun, family-friendly Thanksgiving, a visit to one of LA’s theme parks may be just the ticket. The newest attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood is Transformers™: The Ride-3D, an immersive, next-generation thrill ride that blurs the line between fiction and reality. Fusing HD 3D media and flight simulation technology, this epic ride creates an experience unlike anything this planet has ever seen. Speaking of thrills, Six Flags Magic Mountain recently reclaimed its crown as the undisputed “Roller Coaster Capital of the World” with its 17th coaster, and an 18th is on the way. The park’s Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom is the current record holder as the tallest drop tower ride in the world. For a classic, oceanfront experience, visit Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier for rides and games the whole family will enjoy.

Griffth Park

At more than 4,000 acres, Griffith Park is a day unto itself, with plenty of hiking trails to work off all the Thanksgiving Day overindulging. The Griffith Observatory offers stunning architecture and a breathtaking view of the LA basin, though its closed for the holiday. Train enthusiasts can check out the Travel Town Museum, open daily except Christmas Day and featuring fully-preserved trains that give visitors a chance to brush up on U.S. rail history. The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is also open every day except Christmas and is home to 1,200 rare and endangered mammals, reptiles and birds, and includes areas such as the Campo Gorilla Reserve and Red Ape Rain Forest. Located near the Western Canyon entrance of Griffith Park, Ferndell is a favorite Park destination, especially on a hot summer afternoon. The winding trail, tropical garden, babbling brook and picnic area offer a quiet retreat from the bustling city.

Special Events

The Laugh Factory
The world-famous Laugh Factory will host its 33rd annual Thanksgiving Feast, welcoming the underprivileged, the homeless and anyone alone for the holiday to a day of free food, fun, and comedy.
Top comedians including Dane Cook, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Nealon, Larry Miller, Maz Jobrani, Paul Mooney, Paul Rodriguez, Tim Allen, Tom Arnold and Tom Dreesen will greet and help serve guests, as well as perform live shows following each of four meals served at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm. Since its inception, the Laugh Factory has fed over 150,000 people through its annual Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Past celebrity guests have included Chris Rock, Jamie Foxx, Jamie Kennedy, Bob Saget, and the late Richard Pryor, among many others.

Thanksgiving Day Run and Food Drive
This 5K Run/Walk and 1 mile Kids Run has been a local tradition and a La Cañada Flintridge community favorite with families, athletes, and community supporters of all types for nearly two decades. All ages and abilities are welcome to participate in this professionally timed race. Pets on leashes and strollers are welcome. Awards, snacks and drinks will be provided to the participants. All participants need to bring a non-perishable food item. In past years, donations have exceeded more than 10,000 cans, and organizers hope to make this year the biggest food drive yet. The Thanksgiving Day Run and Food Drive is taking place from 8:30am to 11:30am at Memorial Park in La Cañada Flintridge.

Thanksgiving Lunch at Aquarium of the Pacific
While most museums are closed on Thanksgiving, the Aquarium of the Pacific is offering a Thanksgiving Lunch that gives visitors a unique opportunity to dine in the midst of over 11,000 animals from the world’s largest ocean. The traditional Thanksgiving buffet will be served in the Aquarium’s Café Scuba from 11am to 5pm. $35 per adult (12+) and $27 per child (member discounts available). RSVP: (562) 590-3100, ext. 0.

Thanksgiving Dining

Champagne Thanksgiving Buffet

Cafe Sierra Restaurant is hosting a Holiday Champagne Brunch Buffet and Seafood & Prime Rib Dinner Buffet in the Sierra Ballroom of Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City hotel… and you are invited! Join us for a feast of Thanksgiving classics and and varied array of chef specialties. Entrees will include:

Roast Turkey and Giblet Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes
Candied Yams

Biscuits and Cornbread
Roasted Ham
Fresh Fruit, Cake, and Tarts
Chocolate Fondue Fountain and much more!Holiday Champagne Brunch
10am-3pm
$42.00 per person for Adults
$22.00 per person for Children (3-10)Seafood & Prime Rib Holiday Dinner Buffet
5pm-10pm
$52.00 per person for Adults
$24.00 per person for Children (3-10)Available Thanksgiving day, November 22th from 10:00am – 3:00pm.
For reservations, please contact Cafe Sierra at 818-509-2030

Blog Source: DiscoverLA

Celebrate The Moon Festival 2012

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as The Moon Festival is a popular harvest festival dating back over 3,000 years. The Moon Festival is one of the most important holidays in the Chinese Calendar.

The festival is full of legendary stories. Legend says Yi (or Houyi) was very good at archery. There were once ten suns in the sky, which made plants wither, and fierce beasts run wild to imperil people. It was too hot to live under the suns. To save the people, Yi started to shoot the suns. He shot down nine of them one by one, and he might have shot the last one if it was not called off by others. Thus the severe drought was gone. He also got rid of those fierce animals for the people.

It is said Yi’s wife was Chang’e, a legendary lady in the famous story, “Chang’e flying to the moon.” Chang’e swallowed the elixir stolen from her husband, and she flew to the moon and became the goddess of the moon, who has lived in the palace on the moon ever since. You may see Chang’e dancing on the moon during the festival.

The Moon festival is also an occasion for family reunions. When the full moon rises, families get together to watch the full moon, eat moon cakes, and sing moon poems.

Cafe Sierra

Join us September 28th for a specialty dinner buffet. Bring the whole family to this annual event with instrumental entertainment from live Chinese musicians. Enjoy chef specialties and featured items, including the following: Seafood soup – abalone – Chinese cold cuts – lobster & prime rib carving stations- assorted sushi & sashimi – fresh seafood selections – authentic Chinese entrees – honey walnut shrimp – Peking duck – Alaskan wild snails – salt & pepper shrimp – taro tapioca – frozen yogurt – assorted fresh pastries & desserts – chocolate fondue fountain – cascading seasonal fresh fruits & berries – authentic moon cake.

Friday, September 28th from 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday, September 29th from 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Sunday, September 30th from 5:00pm – 10:00pm

Adults $56 / children (3-10) $28

Make your reservations today by calling (818) 509-2030 or clicking this link http://bit.ly/CafeSierraReservatons

Catering for Jewish Events

Many events or gatherings, especially large scale ones, benefit from the use of a food caterer to take care of both food and beverage needs. For those events with guests that keep kosher in attendance, a different type of caterer may be needed. A kosher caterer is a person or company that specializes in preparing and serving food and beverages that adhere to kashrut — the strict set of Jewish dietary laws.

A caterer in general can cover the needs for virtually any sized event, from a family holiday gathering to a massive ballroom affair. These services are great options to take the pressure of many details off of a host. This is perhaps all the more true when special cooking needs are in order. While many caterers offer niche services such as ethnic cooking or vegetarian preparation, being a kosher caterer generally takes an extra level of expertise and certification.

Events that typically call for kosher catering include Jewish weddings, bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, and bris ceremonies. Holiday dinners, such as those on Rosh Hashanah or Passover, are also often catered. Allow us to highlight some delicious ideas for your event.

Honey Roasted Pomegranate Chicken

This chicken dish, using pomegranates, honey, carrots, and apricots, is perfect for the Jewish Holiday Rosh Hashanah as it combines traditional New Year ingredients into a beautiful dish, served with hope for a sweet and fruitful New Year.

Makki Ka Soweta

It is all about the rich and authentic Indian flavor and taste. The easy Makki ka Soweta is lamb cooked with corn and spices. Cook up a feast for your guests with this simple lamb curry recipe.

Braiding a Six Strand Challah

Challah is a wonderful tasty bread. The challah bread is a very soft egg bread and is very pleasing in both appearance and taste. n The 6 braided Challah is very special

Matzo Ball Soup

This classic Passover recipe is served as the first course of the seder meal in Jewish homes all around the world.

Knishes

This recipe for classic Jewish baked dumplings is a baked or fried dumpling made of flaky dough with your choice of filling. In the most traditional versions, the filling is made entirely of mashed potato, ground meat, sauerkraut, onions, kasha (buckwheat groats) or cheese. Other varieties of fillings feature sweet potatoes, black beans, fruit, broccoli, tofu or spinach.

Those these are just highlights of countless Jewish traditional and memorial dishes we hope they inspire you when planning your next event.

Plan Your Event

Our catering department would be honored to help you with all your catering and event needs for your life’s most important events. They can assist you in choosing the best menu and services to make your event everything you have envisioned. For more information visit the official website http://bit.ly/HUCEventsandCatering

4th of July Firework Extravaganza

The birth of America is something that has long been celebrated with patriotism, enthusiasm and of course Fireworks!  Fourth of July Fireworks should be larger than life. As Independence Day rounds the corner for the 236th time, we decided to take a look at the biggest pyrotechnic celebrations in LA. Here is a list of some show-stopping locations. Be safe and have a Happy Fourth of July!

4th of July AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl

One of the largest fireworks displays in Southern California with music and food vendors in the nearby Arroyo.
When: July 4th, parking lot opens at 10 am, food court opens at 2 pm; stadium opens at 6:30 pm, Opening ceremonies begin at 7, Program 7:25, Fireworks at 9:05 pm.
Where: The Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena
Cost: $13 General Admission, Kids 7 and under free, Active Military with ID Free, advance tickets on sale in May throughwww.ticketmaster.com. At the gate about a week before the event. Cash only at the stadium.
Parking: $20 cash for cars
Info: 626-577-3100

July 4th Fireworks at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

This free 60 minute fireworks show launched from near the LA Memorial Coliseum is not actually in the Coliseum, but can be viewed from areas around Exposition Park including from Christmas Tree Lane or from the south lawn. Bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the show.
When: July 4, ~8:45 pm (dusk) 2012 Info TBA
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, 3911 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: FREE
Parking: available at 39th and Figueroa St.; Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Hoover St.; also at the USC Campus
Info: www.lacoliseumlive.com

July 4th Baseball and Fireworks at Dodger Stadium

The Los Angeles Dodgers game against the Cincinnati Reds will be followed by a fireworks spectacle.
When: July 4, 6:10 pm
Where: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $12.75-$650, check Goldstar.com for discount tickets
Parking: $10 General Parking Information
Info: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=la

Mr. & Mrs. Muscle Beach, Venice Beach

Body building pageant on the beach.
When: July 4th, 9 am to 5 pm, registration 7:30-9:30 am, pre-judging 10 am, finals 1 pm
Where: Venice Recreation Center, 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach
Cost: Free to watch, $80 to compete
Info: californiabeachbodybuilding.com, 310-399-2775

Queen Mary BBQ, Brews and Red, White & Blues

The Queen Mary Independence Day celebration will be an old-fashioned BBQ with Carolina, Texas, Kansas City and St. Louis BBQ represented as well as corn-on-the-cob, baked beans, funnel cake and other non-barbecue favorites. There will be 2 stages of live music, strolling entertainers and a children’s area, culminating in the spectacular 4th of July fireworks show. Special hotel rates are available.
When: July 4 10 am to 10 pm, Fireworks on the 4th at 9:00 pm (DJ on the back of the ship from 7 pm – 11 pm)
Where: The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: $39.95 Adult, $19.95 children 5-11, $34.95 non-active military/seniors,free for active military, tickets at the box office or online, check Goldstar.com for discount tickets.
Parking: $15
Info: www.queenmary.com

4th of July BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Enjoy the Aquarium at night and get a fish-eye view of the Queen Mary fireworks. Combo tickets include admission to the aquarium plus an Independence Day B-B-Q buffet with home-style grilled entrees and decadent deserts.
When: July 4, 5:00 – 10:00 pm Dinner 6 – 8 pm, Aquarium opens at 9 am
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach
Cost: Aquarium Admission is $12.95 for everyone after 5 pm. Regular admission is $24.95 Adult, $13.95 child 3-11, $21.95 seniors, Aquarium plus dinner $37 Adult, $29 Child. Advance reservations required for dinner.
Info: 562-590-3100, www.aquariumofpacific.org

Patriotic Dinner Buffet

Have plans before you watch the fireworks? Don’t want to BBQ at your house? Then BBQ at ours! Come enjoy fun and food with us at our American BBQ Lunch and Dinner Buffet.  http://bit.ly/KEQ5FM

BRUNCH BUFFET: 11:00AM to 2:30PM
$38 for Adults
$16 for Children (3-10)

DINNER BUFFET: 4:00PM to 9:30PM
$32 Adults
$14 pp for Children (3-10)

Celebrate Mother’s Day in Style

This year, the best Mother’s Day gift doesn’t require wrapping! From baking cakes to afternoon tea, Mom’s love the time they spend with their family and friends, no matter which activity you chose.

Mommy and Me Decorating Class at Sweet E’s Bake Shop

Both Saturday and Sunday Sweet E’s Bakery is having a Mommy and Me Mother’s Day Decorating Class. Mom and the kids will decorate cupcakes and cookies, taking home 4 cupcakes and 2 cookies as part of the class.

When: May 9, 2011, 4-5 pm
Where: Sweet E’s Bake Shop, 1417 S. Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
Cost: $45 for mom and 1 child
Info: www.sweetesbakeshop.com

Mother’s Day “Momentum”

Nestled in the woods up in Topanga Canyon is the magical Theatricum Botanicum theatre. TB’s Mother’s Day program, “Momentum,” will be a family friendly performance of Cirque du Soleil trained aerialists, circus performers, dancers and musicians. Brunch will also be served in the theatre’s rustic garden.

When: May 13, 2011, 2 pm
Where: Theatricum Botanicum theatre, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga; 310-455-2322
Cost: $25 adults, $15 students, $10 kids 12 and under; brunch $20
Info: www.http://theatricum.com/Takenote.htm

Mother’s Day at The Getty

Celebrate Mother’s Day 2011 at the Getty Center! Explore the depiction of mothers and children in works of art with educators Zhenya Gershman and Robin Trento. This unique afternoon includes a slide lecture, tea conversation, and gallery viewing.
When: May 13, 2010, 2 pm
Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 1200 Getty Center Dr, in Los Angeles, California
Cost: $30 per guest; Admission is limited to 100 guests.
Info: http://www.getty.edu/index.html

Mother’s Day Brunch at the Disney Concert Hall

Mother’s will be feted by Patina Catering in the Blue Ribbon Garden at the gleaming Disney Concert Hall in Downtown Los Angeles. Macadamia nut French toast, cornmeal flapjacks, Atlantic salmon paillard, roasted lemon chicken, and several variations on eggs will be complimented by a plethora of salads, breakfast pastries and desserts. Mom receives a complimentary glass of Champagne.
When: May 13, 2010, 10:00 am and 12:00 pm seatings
Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 141 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $55 Adults, $18 Children 12 and under (+tax and tip)
Info: www.patinagroup.com

Egyptian Theaters Mother’s Day Movie

While certainly not the sweetest mother/child movie in film history, the screening of cult classic “Mommie Dearest” at Hollywood’s Egyptian Theatre will likely make you grateful that your mother isn’t a crazy, fading Hollywood icon with control issues and a drinking problem.
When: May 13, 2011 7:30 pm
Where:  Egyptian Theater, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA
Cost: $11 per person
Info: Egyptian Theater

Make Mom a Star on Mother’s Day

This unparalleled brunch experience will make every mom feel like a star. Join us for entertainment from a live Jazz band with the Jazz Poets and culinary delights in Sierra Ballroom.
When: May 13, Brunch 11:00AM – 3:00PM; Dinner
Where: Cafe Sierra at Hilton Universal City, 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, CA 91608
Cost: $49.00 per person for Adults & $24.00 per person for Children (3-10)
Info: For prepaid premium family style seating, please call for reservations at 818-509-2020

Meet The Staff- Francisco Dimaunahan

Francisco Dimaunahan  

Cafe Sierra Server

21 years of service

“I love working with
my fellow team
members to make
the hotel successful.
It is why I have stayed
here for so long.”

http://bit.ly/HUCCafeSierra

Celebrate Earth Hour

Earth Hour 2012 in Support of Energy Conservation

We are excited to celebrate Earth Hour 2012 on March 31st at 8:30-9:30 with our 540+ Hilton Hotels and Resorts properties in 78 countries across the globe. Hundreds of millions of people, businesses and governments around the world unite each year to support the largest environmental event in history, Earth Hour.

Organized by World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour began in 2007 as a way for individuals to show how simple steps can make a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gases and addressing climate change. The event has turned into a movement. More than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide switched off their lights for Earth Hour 2011 alone, sending a powerful message for action on climate change. It also ushered in a new era with members going “Beyond the Hour” to commit to lasting action for the planet.

This Saturday, March 31^st, in support of Earth Hour, we are asking all our guests to turn off all the lights in their rooms and reduce energy usage as much as possible. This simple gesture makes a bold statement about the concern for climate change.

Each one of us has a stake in the future of our planet and can help protect our world’s limited natural resources. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is committed to reducing energy consumption from direct operations, CO₂ emissions, output of waste and water consumption, and is working to minimize the environmental footprint of our more than 530 hotels and resorts in 76 countries. The staff at the Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City is proud to meet the Green Seal standard for Lodging Properties.

Celebrate the Earth Hour & Earth Day at Cafe Sierra

Join us from March 31st to April 15th to celebrate the Earth Hour and Earth Day with locally grown, low carbon, and organic food offered at Café Sierra. Our culinary team has come up with a special “earth-friendly menu” to provide guests with a delightful dining experience that is healthy and features local organic fruits and vegetables.

On the Earth Day special menu, expect sumptuous options like…
“Green crunch” vegetable salad with saffron
Vanilla poached pear topped with summer fruit salad dressing
Spicy carrot soup with heirloom tomatoes
Pan seared tofu with mango chutney
Spiced apple tart with vanilla ice cream

During this period, 10% of the dining revenue for these featured items will go to the World Wildlife Foundation. So why not do a little to help protect animals and the environment, while enjoying a delightful dining experience. Join us in working together to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature!  Three-course Special from Prix Fix Menu — Lunch: $29.00 Per Person; Dinner: $35.00 Per Person.
Two-course and four-course specials are also available. For reservations please call (818) 509-2030

Hoppin Easter LA Activities

Spring has sprung and that means your kids want some face time with the Easter bunny, plenty of sweet treats and of course, an action-packed egg hunt. And you want them to have all that and more, especially to burn off that sugar high they will have from devouring their Easter candy. The perfect solution — take advantage of the wide range of egg-citing Easter activities going on around Los Angeles.

Bunny’s Spring Fling at the LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Kids can make bunny ears, pet bunnies and have their photo taken (for a fee) with Big Bunny and other cartoon characters at this three-day event at the LA Zoo. There will be crafts, face painting, music and more.
When: Easter Weekend, Fri-Sun 10 am – 4 pm
Where: the LA Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA, in Griffith Park, off the I-5 and 134 Freeways
Cost: Check website
Parking: Free
Info: www.lazoo.org

Blessing of the Animals at Olvera Street

The Merchants of Olvera Street and a cow decorated with flowers lead a procession of gaily decorated animals past a priest delivering the blessing. The procession with Cardinal Roger Mahoney begins at 2 pm. Free pony rides and petting zoo. Animals and their owners assemble on the north side of the Plaza.
When: Saturday of Easter weekend, noon to 5 pm
Where: El Pueblo Historic Park at Olvera Street
Cost: Free
Parking: For a fee in area lots
Info: www.elpueblo.lacity.org, (213) 625-7074, (213) 485-8372

Egg Scramble and Egg-spedition Egg Hunt at The LA County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

An Easter egg hunt and crafts for kids of all ages.
When: Saturday April 7, 2012, 10 am – 2 pm, Arboretum hours 9 am – 5 pm
Where: LA County Arboretum, 310 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007
Cost: General admission $8 adult, $6 students and seniors, $3 children 5-12, free under 5, plus $3 per child to participate in Easter event.
Info: www.arboretum.org, (626) 821-5897

Easter Tea at Descanso Gardens

The Patina chefs’ are preparing Easter Brunch at Descanso Gardens on both Saturday and Sunday. Children in attendance receive gift baskets with cookies to decorate.
When: April 7-8, 2012, Sat 10 and noon, Sun 10, 11:30 and 1:00. Garden hours 9 am – 5 pm
Where: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive , La Canada CA , 91011
Cost: 44 members, $52 nonmembers; $19 children 4 to 12; free 3 and younger. Reservations required by April 3 at www.patinagroup.com/descanso.
Info: www.descansogardens.org, (818) 949-4200

St. Sophia Greek Easter Picnic

The Greek Easter celebration is a family event with Greek food, drinks and desserts, live Greek Music and dancing and activities for the kids.
When: April 15, 2012 – Noon – 7:00 pm
Where: Brookside Park, next to the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
Cost: $10, Children 6-12 $3, Free for kids under 6
Info: www.stsophia.org , (323) 737-2424

Easter Sunday Champagne Brunch and Bunny Hunt

Join us for an Easter Feast, complete with Easter Egg Hunt, Marionnette Show and a special appearance from the Easter Bunny. Brunch will include delights such as King Crab Legs, Oystters, Mussels, Whole Poached Salmon, Pates & Smoked Salmon, Sushi, Prime Rib Carving Station, Pasta Station, Omelet Station, Crepe Station, Chocolate Fondue Fountains, and much more…
When: April 15, 2012 – Brunch 10am to 4pm. Dinner 4:30pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Cafe Sierra, 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, CA 91608
Cost: $46.00 per person for Adults
$23.00 per person for Children (3-10)
(Tax and Gratuity not included)
Info: For reservations, please contact Cafe Sierra at 818-509-2030 or WWW.CafeSierraHilton.com