Elise Thompson

Usually when Angelenos are in the vicinity of 3rd and Fairfax, the obvious stop is The Farmers Market. However, there is a hidden gem just across the street. Hidden in a little nook between buildings at the shopping center on 3rd, Andre's Italian has been pleasing customers since 1963.

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. And Georgia O'Keefe was really painting desert blooms. The Disney castle turrets are just turrets. So get your minds out of the gutter, people. Still, the stone statuary at the entrance of Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at LA Live can make you do a second take when viewed from the right angle.

The first of 22 Komodos hatched at the Los Angeles Zoo on August 8th. According to the zoo's press release, "Less than 10 zoos in North America have been able to breed Komodos; this marks the L.A. Zoo’s first success at breeding them." It was especially exciting for the zoo after a disappointing attempt in January, when only 22 out of 23 eggs hatched.

What is happening to our mannequins? First they got all slutty in front of children, no less, and now this. Remember that Twilight Zone episode where the mannequins all got to take a vacation and be people for a month? I think we can all tell what this mannequin was doing during her vacation. Getting seriously fucked up. "C'mon man, just one hit more before I have to go back in the window? Please?...

Greek Fest 2009/Elise Thompson for LAist Opa! It's time to sing, to dance, to eat pastries rich with honey at LA's Annual Greek Fest. Once again this year the beautiful St. Sophia Cathedral will host this spectacular event. The cathedral building is open for visitors during the event from 2pm to 9pm, with audio presentations on the hour. Once again Tom and Rita Hanks will serve as the official celebrity sponsors. But for us,...

What better place to spend a beautiful summer afternoon than... a dark bar on Pico? Liquid Kitty's semi-annual Punk Rock BBQ is happening today, a working man's special featuring free hot dogs, $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon, and no cover charge despite a heady selection of musical acts. Musical entertainment runs the gamut from minimalist hardcore weirdos Chotto Ghetto, the radio-ready guitar attack of Bikos, the Bloody Brains' trip through the book of proto-punk and garage standards, the vintage power trio sound of Backbiter.

Tired of the same old margarita and nachos? Friday night go upscale and raise a glass of California's best wines to toast Mexico's Bicentennial. We're talking wineries the likes of V. Sattui Winery, Maldonado, and Beringer. Union Station will be the location of Altamed's 5th annual East LA Meets Napa Valley Benefit. In addition, this year's event will present some of Baja California’s best wineries from the Valle de Guadalupe region like L.A. Cetto Vineyard and J.C. Bravo

Every once in awhile you come across a directive that seems obvious, even bordering on the ludicrous, like "Do not use hair dryer while sleeping". This sign at the local pet shop is especially ridiculous because cats can't even read. So good luck with that. In actuality, it seems that the ruffians from Menchies Frozen Yogurt next door have made this cat wonderland their own personal hangout spot.

This is a spectacular WANTED sign. It's not looking for a missing puppy, yet it includes drawings to identify the missing objects. The drawing of the shopping cart -- 3-dimensional wiring -- that deserves a prize. We should all send them a dollar to buy new stuff just for that drawing. What's even more amazing is that there is more than one sign. They replicated that drawing by hand.

We came across this interesting vehicle on the streets of Burbank. A friendly neighbor walking a dog said that it belongs to a local rock band. They play on top of the roof. At night moving lights make it look like flowing lava, which is pretty rad. But I still kind of wish I didn't know. I prefer a little mystery with random weirdness....

Slaw Dogs in Pasadena runs a daily special, including items like kumquat chutney and Parmesan crisps. To honor the million dollar sundae in New York, today they offered "The Big Blinger" dog for $888, a mere pittance when you consider the ingredients:

Tonight starting at 8pm, the first 50 customers at Trader Vic's Los Angeles will receive free iTiki phone cases. The case is a snug-fitting silicone skin designed to look like traditional Polynesian tikis. According to the press release, "iTiki is available in two colors: Pacific -- the cool blue of the ocean and Koa -- the warmth of Hawaiian wood."