Happy Friday, CuratedLA Family! Exciting news on this end - and pay attention if you are creative + like money and mentoring Los Angeles Youth:

Have a wonderful weekend, Los Angeles! I’ll see everyone back here on Monday!

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Taco Bell’s Live Más Live happened this week in Brooklyn, teasing new menu innovations with CEO Sean Tresvant and host Ashley Park. Among the highlights: the Rolled Poblano Quesadilla packs charred poblano, steak, and melty cheese into a handheld delight, while the Mini Cantina Chicken Roasted Corn Bowl offers a refreshing, salsa-verde-boosted take on fast-casual bowls. The Quesocrisp Taco turns cheese into a crunchy shell, the Ube Strawberry Cookie surprises with soft sweetness, and the Flamin' Hot Burrito doesn’t quite live up to its name. Baja Blast fans get a new twist with Baja Midnight, blending lime and passion fruit.

Chipotle $CMG ( ▼ 0.19% ) introduces Honey Chicken, officially hitting menus across North America and Europe, bringing a bold balance of smoky chipotle heat and wildflower honey sweetness. Following a successful test run in Nashville and Sacramento, the fan-favorite protein is now available exclusively to Chipotle Rewards members via the app and website today, with full availability starting today in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. France and Germany follow on March 12th. Featuring fresh grilled chicken marinated in smoked chipotle peppers and honey, the new item taps into 2025’s hot honey trend for a flavorful upgrade to any order. 💌

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is bringing its small-batch, made-fresh-daily flavors to Burbank, with a new location opening this Spring at the Lakeside Shopping Center. The shop will offer 48 signature flavors, continuing the brand’s California expansion alongside recent openings in Oxnard, San Diego, and more.

Tu Madre has officially opened its doors on San Vicente Blvd, right next to Pizzana in Brentwood. This marks the sixth location for the popular Los Angeles-based taco chain, known for its inventive tacos and burritos, including the signature fried chicken taco. The new spot features a walk-up window and outdoor seating, inviting patrons to enjoy their meals al fresco. In addition to their innovative menu, Tu Madre offers margarita flights, adding a spirited twist to the dining experience.

Tre Lune, the Montecito favorite known for its elegant Italian cuisine and Wine Spectator honors, is expanding to Hollywood’s Sycamore District on N Sycamore Ave. Backed by Gene Montesano and The Montesano Group, the new location mirrors the original’s refined yet welcoming ambiance, complete with white tablecloths and hardwood floors. Set to open soon, Tre Lune Sycamore joins a portfolio that includes Lucky’s Steakhouse and D’Angelo Bakery, promising a timeless dining experience rooted in fresh ingredients and tradition.

Mariscos Corona has arrived in Valley Glen, bringing the rich, bold flavors of Mexican seafood to Victory Blvd. Known for its commitment to fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes, the restaurant blends tradition with creativity, offering everything from classic ceviches to expertly grilled seafood dishes. With a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a menu that highlights the best of coastal cuisine, it’s a spot that feels both familiar and exciting — perfect for a casual meal or a feast with family and friends.

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Los Angeles' Chinatown during the March edition of First Fridays, a monthly event where the historic neighborhood's eclectic small businesses, eateries, bars, and contemporary art spaces welcome visitors from 5:00pm to 11:00pm at Far East Plaza. This free event offers a unique opportunity to explore a community deeply rooted in history. 💸

After January’s wildfires forced a delay, the 47th Annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker is back, lighting up this weekend with runs, rides, and Lunar New Year festivities. From the 5K and 10K races to the 20/50-mile bike rides and the 2K PAW’er Dog Walk, participants can compete and celebrate in historic Chinatown. Expect lion dancers, 100,000 firecrackers, a beer garden, and a two-day festival with live entertainment. Registration ranges from $28 to $65, with prior sign-ups automatically transferred. Full details and schedule available online.

Groove Factory brings Kassian to The Santa Monica Warehouse on March 8 for a night of deep house, disco grooves, and immersive art installations. With a two-stage setup and visuals to match the beats, expect a classic underground experience. A portion of proceeds supports Give a Beat, using music for social impact. Early bird tickets are sold out—secure yours now for $27.38.

The Original Farmers Market hosts the launch of The Crave Adventure Tour this weekend from 11:00am to 5:00pm. On Saturday, influencers Remi Cruz and Alisha Marie will engage in a Q&A session at the Barebells Bus, with the first 25 attendees gaining exclusive meet-and-greet access. Visitors can sample Barebells' protein bars and vie for exclusive merchandise. Sunday continues the festivities with more sampling opportunities. Don't miss this chance to connect with fellow fans and enjoy delectable treats at this iconic LA venue. 💸

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch has reopened, bringing 55 acres of ranunculus in peak bloom alongside a new Butterfly Encounter. Running through May 11th, this SoCal spring tradition features tractor rides, a sweet pea maze, playhouses from Santa’s Village, and an American flag made of petunias. Timed-entry tickets start at $22 for adults, rising to $27 after opening week, with all sales online, no in-person ticket sales. Expect sculpture exhibits, sunflower fields, and plenty of snacks amid the floral spectacle.

Get race-day ready with Hyperice and Nike Runner Nell Rojas at a 5K shakeout run in Venice ahead of the LA Marathon. Kicking off from Jack’s House next Friday at 8:15am, the event includes recovery perks like Normatec compression massage, cold plunges, and an exclusive first look at the latest Nike x Hyperice innovation. Refuel post-run with free Pop’s Bagels and Pressed Juicery. Whether you're running the marathon or just soaking up the energy, this is the perfect way to prep, recover, and connect with the community.

The Big 5 Sporting Goods LA 5K kicks off next Saturday, March 15th, at Dodger Stadium, offering a scenic run through Elysian Park for all ages + abilities. Participants get a race shirt, finisher’s medal, and post-race refreshments, with the event leading into LA Marathon weekend. Parking opens at 5:30am, bib pick-up at 6:30am, and the race starts at 8:00am. No refunds or transfers, and charity teams like FEAST are running for a cause.

Launching March 27th at Beverly Center, Titanic: A Voyage Through Time offers an immersive VR journey that brings the legendary ship back to life. From descending to the ocean floor to stepping onto the Grand Staircase in 1912, visitors can explore first-class luxury, sip (virtual) tea, and even shovel coal in the engine room. Created with Musealia, this interactive experience blends history with cutting-edge technology, letting guests witness the Titanic’s final hours through the eyes of those who lived it. Tickets are on sale now — secure your spot at titanicexperiencevr.com/los-angeles.

We will see a shift as a storm system arrives Monday, bringing widespread rain and mountain snow after a dry and warm weekend this weekend. Rainfall totals could range from 0.75 to 1.5 inches, with heavier amounts possible along the foothills. Showers may ease briefly on Tuesday before a stronger system moves in Wednesday, potentially delivering even more rain with an atmospheric river component. Snow levels will hover around 5,000 feet, impacting higher elevations.

Santa Monica has resumed enforcement of home-sharing and vacation rental laws that were temporarily suspended to help wildfire victims. The move, approved by the City Council, aims to prevent abuse while still allowing displaced residents to rent short-term housing. Officials noted no major violations but emphasized monitoring efforts, with Councilmembers pushing for stricter oversight. Meanwhile, LA County extended price-gouging protections through April 8, citing continued reports of violations. Rent prices in Santa Monica have risen by 3% following the fires, with concerns that housing shortages may drive further increases.

Metro is kicking off early improvements for the Vermont Transit Corridor this month, setting the stage for a future bus rapid transit (BRT) line. The twelve-mile stretch, Metro’s busiest bus route, will see peak-hour tow-away lanes between Sunset and Wilshire converted into bus-priority lanes by year’s end. Additional lanes in South LA will follow, with the full BRT corridor expected by 2028—just in time for the Olympics. The upgrades aim to cut travel times from 70 to 53 minutes and boost daily ridership to 66,000, though a full rail solution remains decades away.

Santa Monica is moving forward with a $116m, multi-phase renovation of Memorial Park, expanding its footprint from 10.3 to 13.2 acres by incorporating the Fisher Lumber site. Plans include new sports fields, rooftop tennis and pickleball courts, a revamped skate park, a universally accessible playground, and a new community recreation center. The four-phase project also adds a covered parking lot, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, and a walking loop with exercise equipment. With rising construction costs since the initial 2019 estimate, the city is preparing for a significant investment to reshape one of its key public spaces.

A five-story, thirteen-unit apartment building is set to rise on Cartwright Avenue, replacing two vacant homes. Designed by Edward Carlson and led by Bondfield LLC, the project features all one-bedroom units, a recreation room on each floor, and ground-level parking for eight vehicles. Approved under a density bonus, two units will be designated for very low-income households. Located near Lankershim Boulevard, the development’s timeline remains undisclosed.

After a five-year hiatus, Playboy magazine is officially back in print, marking a bold move by PLBY Group $PLBY ( ▲ 1.27% ) to reinvigorate the legendary brand. The February relaunch, headlined by Lori Harvey on the cover and Gillian Nation as Playmate of the Year, taps into the magazine’s legacy of high-fashion photography and provocative storytelling—while eyeing the future with digital integration, influencer collaborations, and potential crypto-powered fan engagement. CEO Ben Kohn sees the magazine as ‘the brand bible,’ supporting a broader ecosystem that includes content subscriptions, licensing, and retail. With a quarterly print schedule now in the works, Playboy isn’t just returning—it’s evolving. Safe For Work Link: ‘They’re Back: Playboy Returns to Print,’ via Los Angeles Business Journal.

IKEA has opened a pick-up hub in Santa Monica, offering a local alternative to its larger stores in Carson and Burbank. Located on Wilshire Blvd, the new spot allows customers to order online and pick up items for free the next day while also providing delivery, assembly, and financing services. Mayor Lana Negrete sees it as a game-changer for local shopping, filling a gap for residents and drawing in nearby shoppers. The move is part of IKEA’s broader expansion across Southern California, with similar locations opening in Ontario and Thousand Oaks next year.

Filmmaker Dan Farah’s UFO documentary The Age of Disclosure premieres this weekend at SXSW, revealing on-record accounts from top U.S. military and intelligence officials. The film argues that non-human intelligent life exists, has visited Earth, and that the U.S. has been in a covert arms race to reverse-engineer alien technology. Featuring 34 high-level sources, the documentary confronts an alleged 80-year cover-up and the risks of continued secrecy. With its trailer already hitting a collective eighteen million views, Farah’s film aims to shift public perception and press the government for further disclosure.

The 97th Academy Awards pulled in 19.69m viewers across both ABC and Hulu $DIS ( ▲ 1.22% ), marking a slight increase from last year and a new five-year high. Hulu’s first-time streaming of the event played a key role, signaling a growing shift in how audiences engage with live broadcasts. However, technical glitches and the nearly four-hour runtime may have dampened the potential for an even larger boost. Host Conan O’Brien’s debut was well received, and Sean Baker made history with four Oscars for Anora. While awards show viewership continues to fluctuate, the Oscars seem to be settling into a new normal.

Adam Sandler returns as the unorthodox golf phenom in Happy Gilmore 2, set to premiere July 25th on Netflix. PGA TOUR stars Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Keegan Bradley, and Will Zalatoris—who bears a striking resemblance to Gilmore’s original caddie—join the cast, bringing the sport's real-world talent to the big screen. The sequel continues the film’s legacy as a cult classic among golfers, with Full Swing Season 3 offering behind-the-scenes glimpses of its production. Fans can expect a full-circle moment as the TOUR’s longtime love affair with Happy Gilmore comes to life.

Lady Gaga is taking over Saturday Night Live—literally. In a promo for tomorrow night’s stint as both Host and Musical Guest, she wheels a piano into the SNL offices, spontaneously composing songs about cast members. From Andrew Dismukes’ late lunch order to Devon Walker’s bold hat choice, no one is safe from Gaga’s impromptu ballads—including Heidi Gardner, who hilariously confesses to sleeping in her office due to bedbugs. The episode coincides with the release of Mayhem, Gaga’s seventh studio album, which just dropped today.

FIFA is considering a surprise proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, doubling the size of the 2022 tournament. The idea, suggested by Uruguay’s Ignacio Alonso during a FIFA Council meeting, aligns with the centennial celebration of the first World Cup, hosted by Uruguay in 1930. With six host nations already set across three continents, an expansion could secure automatic spots for all ten CONMEBOL members. While player unions warn of scheduling strain, FIFA president Gianni Infantino remains supportive, citing global soccer development. A decision timeline remains unclear, with discussions expected at May’s FIFA Congress.

LeBron James and Luka Doncic filled the stat sheet, but the Lakers' 113-109 overtime win against the Knicks belonged to the supporting cast. Gabe Vincent’s three clutch threes in the fourth quarter fueled L.A.’s comeback, while rookie Dalton Knecht, Trey Jemison III, and Jaxson Hayes stepped up in key moments. Vincent, returning from injury, has been crucial to the Lakers' defensive resurgence, now ranked No. 1 in efficiency since January 30th. James, playing 44 minutes at 40 years old, emphasized the team’s depth: ‘There’s no such thing as non-key players.’ L.A. now heads to Boston for a four-game road trip.