Where to go, what to do? It’s so much easier when others do the research for you. Here’s what the web suggests for this festive three day weekend.

Serious Eats suggests spending the 4th at Blue Velvet and indulging in some suckling pig, then Breadbar’s Build-Your-Own-Burger on Saturday and Wilshire’s Sunday BBQ night. See the whole article here.

Citysearch LA thinks that there is little else you should do this weekend other than enjoy the weather with a nice meal at one of their recommended outdoor restaurants. If you can afford Geoffrey’s, have a good time - you’re probably more likely to see me at the Galley.

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With the Fourth looming on the horizon, it’s time to brush up on our BBQ skills. And while many of you will no doubt be resorting to those hockey-puck frozen burger patties from Smart&Final and packs of Ballpark Franks, those of us with slightly more demanding palates will be prepping something a bit more refined.

And just in the off chance that your grill skills are like mine — nonexistent — the friendly folks over at Santa Monica Seafood will be holding a helpful little session called Grilling 101, the Ideal Bite informs us.

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Downtown Long Beach Farmers Market
Fridays, 10-4
Between 4th and 5th streets, East of Pine

The first installment of my weekly farmers market adventure was the surprisingly eclectic one held in downtown Long Beach. Though I am a Long Beach native, I had not yet visited the market near the recently built up and gentrified Pine area, and I was pleasantly surprised at how expansive it was both in size and offerings.

The market is held smack in the middle of a Friday, so the area was heavy with car and pedestrian traffic, but there is a wealth of metered parking around so one can easily stop in for lunch. The two block long event was quite jovial with its balloons and bannered light posts, not to mention the flutist playing Simon and Garfunkel tunes on the corner. Of course this market had the usual fresh produce options at prices and qualities that make us into farmer’s market patrons in the first place. The pluots were juicy, the apples crisp, the kettle corn irresistible. One vendor boldly claimed he was selling the best tasting apples on earth, and they turned out to be pretty good, as far as apples go.

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MUSIC

• Clazzical Notes: Two Men, 88 Keys | Monday, June 16, 2008 | 7:00 pm | Pasadena Jazz Institute - Map | Pianist Daniel Lesser and keyboardist Kei Akagi bridge the gap between classical and modern ideals and oft-interpretations. If you’re looking for musical genres by the rule, you will not find them here. When talent and variation overrides, the rule becomes a guideline. For reservations, call (626) 398-3344.

THEATRE

• Tiny Ninja Theatre’s ‘Macbeth’ | Monday, June 16, 2008 | 8:00 pm | $10.00 | The Fake Gallery - Map | With our generation’s fondness for anagram-esque lingo, it’s understandable that the word of Shakespeare has been more than lost in translation. As a teenager, I’d try very hard to understand by attending outdoor theatre productions of his plays or reading from side-by-side books - all for context. As an adult, the in-thing seems to be Macbeth, performed by the Cabaret Voltaire via “tiny plastic ninjas on a briefcase-sized stage”. Why the hell not? Sounds like a blast. All in the name of context. Click for tickets.

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Whether you’re using the weekend to wind down or celebrating Father’s Day, Los Angeles has a lot to offer you. From films at a drive-in to The Happening premiering on Friday the 13th and the FIFA World Cup Qualifier, there are more than enough activities for you and Dad.

FILM

• Angel City Drive-In: Meatballs | Saturday, June 14, 2008 | 7 p.m. | $10 | Angel City Drive-In - Map | The week is over, you’re happy and I’m happy. One of the best things you can do on a Saturday night is go see Bill Murray’s film debut in the camp classic, Meatballs at a Drive-In. Food will be provided by the Angel City Derby Girls, there is new Astroturf and DJ Morgan will be playing songs before the movie beings. If you’ve never been to a Drive-In (shame on you), you should know that your FM Transmitter puts the sound into your car and you are welcome to BYOB.

• Charlie Chaplin Father’s Day Matinee | Sunday, June 15, 2008 | 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. | $12 | Silent Movie Theatre - Map | In honor of Father’s Day, the Silent Movie Theatre presents a classic Chaplin film, “The Kid.” The story begins when “The Tramp” adopts an abandoned baby he discovers in an alley and raises him as his own, and teaches him a few things about schemes and cons along the way.

SPORTS

• 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier: USA vs. Barbados | Sunday, June 15, 2008 | 2 p.m. | $25 - 70 | Home Depot Center - Map | If you’re into soccer or football as they call it overseas, it might be fun to go see this game ( and take Dad along with you ). The United States versus Barbados in this World Cup Qualifier game.

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LIFESTYLE

• Martinis & Manicures | Thursday, June 12 through Sunday, June 15, 2008 | 6 p.m. | $10 | Beauty Bar - Map | The week is almost over, but why wait until the weekend to pamper yourself? Beauty Bar is offering martinis and manicures throughout Sunday and I suggest you get a head start in tending to your body and soul.

MUSIC

• The New Amerykah Tour: Erykah Badu & The Roots | Thursday, June 12, 2008 | 7:30 p.m. | $37.50 - 85 | The Greek Theatre - Map | Singing sensation Erykah Badu is back and in action with a much-anticipated tour (her first in 5 years).

FILM

• Fetish Film Nite presents “Audition” at Antebellum | Thursday, June 12, 2008 | 7:30 p.m. | $7 | Antebellum Gallery - Map | Antebellum Gallery is screening, “Audition” a horror movie that is definitely not for the faint of heart. The premise involves a Japanese businessman who auditions young women to be his wife. Let’s just say that the woman he falls in love with has more in store for him than he thought. The film made number 11 on Bravo’s list of “100 Scariest Movie Moments” and was called extremely disturbing by the likes of John Landis and Rob Zombie, both notable horror movie directors

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FOOD

• Old Town Calabasas Farmers’ Market | Monday, June 9, 2008 | 1:00 pm | Old Town Calabasas - Map | I know what you’re thinking - where can I fit the time for an afternoon farmers’ market during the week? Well, if you’re hankering for a mid-afternoon snack, chances are you’ll skip the vending machine if you find something worthy of your cravings. Peaches, nectarines, and strawberries are in season, and are more likely to offer more in the size, flavor, and dollar departments than those at your local supermarket. If you’re pressed for time, come by again - the stands don’t go down until September 6th.

ART

• Irene Kai - “What Do You See?” | Through June 30, 2008 | 7:00 pm | Found Gallery - Map | For those of you who missed the chance at experiencing the brilliantly bronzed and oiled-up flesh behind the doors of Erotica LA this weekend (and for those who prefer a less in-your-face approach towards human sexuality), you might want to check out this exhibit. Giggle, blush, bring your friends, lover, or stand alone. Let your thoughts warm to the notion of a different perspective. For more info, call (323) 669-1247.

EXERCISE

• Monday Evening Summer Fitness Walks and Yoga | Monday, June 9, 2008 | 5:30 pm | $17.00 | Descanso Gardens - Map | Tonight kicks off 10 weekly summer evenings spent soaking in natural beauty. The bridge between a concrete jungle and botanical bliss is only a 25-minute walk and a 60-minute yoga session away. For more info, call (818) 949-7980.

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If you love Tera Patrick, The Wicked Girls, porn in general or scantily clad women (and men!), then you have one more day to catch the Erotica LA Expo in full force. Located at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Erotica LA is full of over 300 exhibitors and probably just as many exhibitionists.

There are live shows, including a dance revue from The Hollywood Men, a burlesque performance by Ms. Pason and a seminar entitled “Erotic Role Play for Couples.” Exhibitors include Adam & Eve, Bondage Orgasms, Erotica Glass, Teravision Inc., I Love Blow, Incognito, Penthouse Fantasy Productions, The Screaming O, Titty Tops and many more. It’s definitely an experience full of sensory overload.

You can buy your tickets online, or at the General Admission Ticket Booths located in the lower level of the South Hall of the Convention Center. Tomorrow’s festivities start at 11 a.m. and conclude at 6 p.m.

All in all, you can’t really go wrong if you decide to attend. Trust me, I was there. Review and photo essay of the 2008 Erotica LA Expo is on its way.

Photo via Erotica LA

Despite the less than ideal weather this past Memorial Day weekend, on Friday afternoon I packed my bags, boarded my pups and climbed aboard the five o clock Marina Del Rey Flyer, en route to Catalina Island. I had high hopes for Catalina, I was expecting something of a West Coast Fire Island, for those familiar with the New York summer retreat; chubby toddlers running through the sand with shovels and pails, waffle cones in every hand, souvenir shops galore and fresh seafood at every table. My expectations were exceeded; this was Fire Island meets Switzerland. Something about Avalon, my touristy Catalina destination, evoked European summer. Beyond Avalon, up the hills and over the peaks, Catalina looks nearly untouched.

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SPORTS

• Los Angeles Grand Sumo Tournament | Saturday, June 7 through Sunday June 8, 2008 | 4 p.m. | $10 - 420 | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Sports Arena - Map | Did you know there was a Sumo Wrestling tournament in Los Angeles? Well now you do. Professional wrestlers duke it out in front of the crowd for the fame and to reach the finals of the tournament. This might be pretty much your only opportunity to catch sumo wrestling live, so go while you still can.

ENTERTAINMENT

• Erotica LA: 3-day Expo | Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8, 2008 | 4 p.m. (Friday), 11 a.m. (Saturday and Sunday) | $35 for 1 day, $85 for 3 days | Los Angeles Convention Center - Map | There’s no better way to spend your weekend then with the crowds down at the Erotica LA Expo. shop for toys of all sizes, colors and shapes, lingerie and edible products. Improve your technique by taking a seminar held by The Pleasure Chest, or just walk around and observe. Chances are, you might recognize a face or two.

TRANSPORTATION

• Classic and Vintage Automobile Car Show | Saturday, June 7, 2008 | 12 p.m. | $10 adults, $ 8, seniors, $5 children | Heritage Square Museum - Map | The Model T Ford Club of America, Screenlane Model A’s of Culver City and Harbo Mark Model A For Club are just some of the participants of this year’s classic and vintage automible car show. Come and see your favorite cars from the 1900s to the 1950s. During the show, Heritage Square will debut “Oxy to Princeton: A Road Trip?” an exhibition that features 21 photographs taken during a possible cross-country road trip from Occidental College to Princeton, New Jersey, circa 1917.

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Tonight! The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills hosts “Grenaches of the World and their Favorite Cheeses” from 7:00 - 9:00pm. Admission is $60 per person and a credit card is required for reservations. Can’t make it? The class is also offered next week on Tuesday June 10th and Wednesday June 11^th. 419 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.278.2855 for reservations, or email info@CheeseStoreBH.com

Also Tonight! (And every Thursday for the past 10 years) is Grilled Cheese Night at Campanile. I’ve spend a lot of change on cheese, but never has a $15 grilled cheese sandwich ever tasted so good. Twelve different cheese sandwiches ranging from the classic croque monsieur to lamb sausage served in the famous building once owned by Charlie Chaplin. Reservations limited, 624 South La Brea, Los Angeles, 323.938.1447

Monday: Mozzarella Mondays at Jar. I’ve recommended Jar in the past as a retro-chic American steakhouse, but forget the meat and sit at the bar for 12 mozzarella dishes all under $12. Try the fried boccocini, or one of the three pizzas, but do not leave without sampling the buratta, roasted asparagus, Guanciale and hazelnuts. 8225 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, 323.655.6566

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THEATRE

• Show Girls presented by Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre | Thursday, May 5, 2008 | 9:30 p.m. | $5 | UCB Theatre - Map | Writers Jackie Clarke and John Flynn take you inside “Showgirls,” with a staged reading, an “Inside the Actor’s Studio” bit, this is comedy you won’t want to miss.

MUSIC

• Arturo Sandoval | Thursday, May 5, 2008 | 10 p.m. | $25-35 | Catalina Bar & Grill - Map | Grammy award winning trumpeter Arturo Sandoval performs some Latin Jazz at Catalina Bar & Grill.

SPORTS

• Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs | Thursday, May 5, 2008 | 7:10 p.m. | $13-130 | Dodger Stadium - Map | Have you seen the Dodgers yet? This might be your chance, as they go head to head with the Chicago Cubs in this MLB regular season game.

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