Cozily nestled within the heart of downtown Los Angeles lies the beautiful and highly inclusive restaurant, Perch. In my last review, I was thoroughly displeased with my visit to Spire 73 due to its snooty staff and exclusivity. I found this gem of a restaurant in my search for a positive fine dining experience positioned on a rooftop. The restaurant is located at 443 Hill Street in the Pershing Square Building. The valet cost eight dollars, which is astoundingly cheap for downtown Los Angeles. I entered the restaurant in my best attempt not to be biased so that I could properly and fairly assess this restaurant. Upon entering the Pershing Square Building, my party was … [Read more...] about Perch Restaurant Review
Disneyland’s Candlelight Processional
While your turkeys were in the oven this Thanksgiving season, choirs from across the United States were gearing up for Disneyland’s 60th annual Candlelight Processional. This holiday extravaganza is a musical retelling of the story of “The First Christmas” through song and scripture, and features a mass choir as the centerpiece of the show. The candlelight processional has a rich history and tradition that dates back to 1958 at the Disneyland Resort. The Candlelight Ceremony and Processional is traditionally performed under the stars on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland. With 25 to 30 choirs participating each year, the processional features members walking through Main Street … [Read more...] about Disneyland’s Candlelight Processional
Spire 73 Review
1100 feet above the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles rests the highest rooftop bar in the Western Hemisphere, Spire 73. This sky-high bar is located on the 73rd floor of Los Angeles’ Intercontinental Hotel, which opened to the public in June of this year. Upon arriving, it is wise to pay the 15 dollars for the valet parking, as other parking is far away and more expensive. There are two ways to get up to the bar. One can either go up the stairs from the lobby and wait in line to ride the elevator, or find the secret elevator that takes you directly to the top (no spoilers!). The elevator ride was smooth, however, people were so eager to get to the bar they shoved … [Read more...] about Spire 73 Review
How to make the perfect Fall Flower Crown
Flower crowns seem to be everywhere these days, from SnapChat filters to accessories worn by the princess of Sweden. Almost three years ago, the SnapChat app released the flower crown filter sparking the craze. “Flower crowns are a necessity when it comes to the finishing touches on an outfit," said CSUSB student Aliya Hoff The only problem with flower crowns is that not many people know how to actually make them. First, one must journey into the magical land of Hobby Lobby. At Hobby Lobby, which is cheaper than Michael’s, be sure to snag a sales associate and tell them what you're trying to craft. “We get people coming in looking for materials to make flower crowns ALL the … [Read more...] about How to make the perfect Fall Flower Crown
Christmas Time in Fall
As Halloween quickly passes those who chose not to celebrate that particular occasion prepare their decorations for another holiday: Christmas. Halloween draws a big crowd and an even bigger hype, but Christmas enthusiasts don’t let this discourage them from spreading the early holiday cheer. I conducted a survey among my Christian friends at Azusa Pacific University, inquiring if they were allowed to celebrate Halloween or not due to religious beliefs. Of the 20 friends I surveyed, an astonishing 15 of them said they weren’t allowed to celebrate Halloween, but instead attend the church harvest festivals. Evangeline Embry is not only my mother, but also the true queen of … [Read more...] about Christmas Time in Fall
National Collegiate Choral Organization Festival Review
Around 37 collegiate choirs flocked from around the country to compete in the most elite collegiate choral conference in the United States on the weekend of Oct. 14. Known as the National Collegiate Choral Organization conference, it was held at Portland State University. I shadowed this event under one of the adjudicators, Nancy Sollajian. “Only the best of the best are invited to the conference and I cannot wait to see what these choirs have to offer our ears,” said Sollajian. Many of the students who participated have hopes of becoming choral conductors themselves one day. Sarah Polluck, a student from Portland State University stated, “It's an interesting and beautiful … [Read more...] about National Collegiate Choral Organization Festival Review
Las Brisas Review
Beyond the cascading valley of Laguna and through its jagged and busy streets, seafood restaurant, Las Brisas, is nestled amongst the cliffs. Located at 361 Cliff Drive in Laguna Beach, it is only about 50 steps from Laguna Beach itself, and 1.6 miles from the Montage Laguna Resort. Because of its premiere location and ocean-view, I expected this restaurant to be extremely pricey. However, as the reviews raved, the food was affordable and the portions were well worth the prices. As I walked into the restaurant, I could feel the ocean breeze hit my face, carrying with it the smell of fresh pico de gallo and filet mignon. Michael McBrien is the manager of the restaurant. “My … [Read more...] about Las Brisas Review
Restaurant Review: Salazar a Mexican Eatery
Located at 2490 Fletcher Drive in Los Angeles,3.8 miles from the Hollywood sign, lies a hidden Sonoran-inspired Mexican eatery known as Salazar. I found its location incredibly unique, so naturally, I assumed the restaurant would be as expensive as most L.A. eateries. However, Salazar’s reviews praised its affordability featuring a five-star vibe, so as a college foodie I had to check this out. Walking into the restaurant was like being magically transported from suburban Los Angeles to Sonora, Mexico. Esdras Ochoa, the manager and owner of the restaurant, carefully observed the waiters and waitresses, constantly making sure the customers felt at home. “Growing up as a Mexico … [Read more...] about Restaurant Review: Salazar a Mexican Eatery