L.A. – Odyssey & Nosh

Come with me, And you’ll be In a world of Pure imagination Take a look And you’ll see Into your imagination

Art meets ice cream in the popular pop-up Museum of Ice Cream in Los Angeles. What began in New York has quickly spread to L.A., San Francisco, and now Miami. While the L.A. location has since sold out, I was very fortunate to buy tickets when MOIC extended its stay in Southern California. According to employees, every location is different, but what remains the same throughout is the sprinkle pool. Release your inner child!

In true Willy Wonka-esque fashion, visitors can smell the banana wall paper, they are given ice cream, candy, and of course, there are many photo opportunities. Artists also contributed installations that were displayed including: Baker’s Son, Abel Bentin, and the co-founder herself: Maryellis Bunn.

Before you even enter the museum, those who were early could wait in a garden that had hula hoops, giant Jenga, and cornhole. Its as if Maryellis wants you to become a child again before you experience the MOIC. It totally worked. I indulged and used the hula hoops, and continued to do so when children started showing up. I swear, if it’s not already, hula hooping is going to be the next work out trend.

As my friends and I entered the museum, we were given Dove chocolates and entered a beautiful shimmery room. Thus our adventure began:

Overall, it was so much fun. There was a foosball table at the end of the exhibit a well as a gift shop that sold ice cream for dogs! Our furry friends are not forgotten. MIAMI FOLKS: Tickets are on sale NOW. Before they sell out, purchase here. Definitely a family friendly event as I saw many children looking incredibly happy in the sprinkle pool. So far, MOIC is only in Miami until the end of January 2018, but who knows, maybe it will be extended as it was in L.A.

The gothic and eccentric world of Tim Burton comes to life through food and drinks at Beetle House L.A., a pop-up located in Hollywood. Beetle House comes to L.A. after the highly successful NYC location where it was born in June 2016.

While the L.A. pop-up is full of artwork and characters inspired by Tim Burton conceptions and films, Beetle House creator, Zach Neil wanted to create a home for the “freaks, weirdos and grown up goth kids of the city.” The Beetle House slogan, in fact, is “It’s Halloween all year long.”

That is indeed the vibe you get once you’re inside the bar. Artwork covers the walls, Tim Burton characters walk around for pictures, and carnival-like performers make their way around the bar. I saw a woman hammer a nail into her nose. Whhhhaaaa?!?!

The entrance to the restaurant is the open-mouthed sandworm from Beetlejuice. Totally cool! While I didn’t get to eat there, I did sample the drink menu. Expensive (obviously because it’s L.A.) but delicious. No reservations are required for the bar, but if you wanted to eat at the restaurant, reservations well in advance are a must. Having said that, if you are early enough, it doesn’t hurt to try asking the hostess if there’s any availability as last-minute cancellations occur. The menu itself is prix fixe with three different levels to choose from so be prepared to drop some cash for a full meal.

It had a fun vibe especially if you are into Tim Burton movies. The music is also strategically chosen. There was music from The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Cure, and even the tequila song à la Pee Wee’s Big Adventure. So if you happen to be walking among the stars on Hollywood Boulevard, it’s definitely worth a visit.

“The idea was simple, create a space where people who love Halloween, horror films, Gothic, dark and moody music can gather for a meal and drinks. Sports bars are great if you are into sports, but what about the rest of us? Imagine a place with the same enthusiasm as a big time sports bar but instead everyone is celebrating, films, music and art. That is the type of place I want to create.” – Zach Neil

Tag: L.A.

Museum of Ice Cream L.A.

Beetle House L.A.