Eat, Stay and Play in LA for Women's History Month

Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown
Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown

There’s no better way to celebrate Women’s History Month than supporting women-owned businesses. Enjoy food and beverages from James Beard Award winning female chefs and pioneering female brewers; and explore shops from female artists, artisans, and designers.

Paramount Pictures photo of Anna May Wong
Anna May Wong | Photo: Paramount Pictures
Anna Cocktail at Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown
Anna Cocktail at Hotel Indigo | Photo: Bungalow Ninety Five

Stay: Hotel Indigo DTLA

THE LEGACY OF ANNA MAY WONG
Located in one of LA's most vibrant neighborhoods, Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown is honoring its muse, the legendary Anna May Wong, with a special room package. Born in historic Chinatown, Wong is renowned as the first Chinese American international movie star, starring in more than sixty movies throughout her career. In 1960, Wong was honored as the first Asian American actress to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in October 2022 she became the first Asian American to appear on U.S. currency with the release of the fifth American Women Quarter.

To celebrate Anna May Wong’s profound impact on LA and her incomparable legacy - which continues to influence entertainers around the world - Hotel Indigo is offering The Legacy of Anna May Wong, which is available to book at IHG's flagship LA property through the end of the year.

Starting at $699, the package includes:

  • Overnight accommodations
  • "A Woman’s Place: Union Station and Chinatown," a private two-hour walking tour with LA Conservancy (up to 4 people) that explores the history of Union Station and Chinatown through the stories of women, including Anna May Wong, who had a lasting impact on these sites.
  • An heirloom jewelry piece from DTLA-based and AAPI female-founded brand, costanté
  • Signature Anna cocktail available at the hotel’s Metropole Bar + Kitchen and 18Social
  • Complimentary valet

For each booking, Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown will make a donation to AAPI nonprofit Gold House.

GRAMMY Museum Shakira
Shakira | Photo: GRAMMY Museum

"Shakira, Shakira" - GRAMMY Museum (Opens March 4, 2023)

Opening on Saturday, March 4, Shakira, Shakira: The GRAMMY Museum Experience showcases the GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY Award-winning global icon. The exhibit will be on display in the museum’s Latin Music Gallery through Winter 2024.

Highlights include:

  • Forty artifacts from Shakira’s personal archive
  • Shakira’s two 2020 Super Bowl LIV outfits (one red, one gold) and her Gibson Firebird electric guitar, covered with 70,000 black Swarovski crystals
  • Taylor acoustic guitar that Shakira uses for songwriting
  • Fender Stratocaster, covered with pink Swarovski crystals, that Shakira played on her Oral Fixation tour (2006-2007)
  • Gold Yamaha Revstar electric guitar Shakira played on her 2018 El Dorado tour
  • Outfits from Shakira’s 2018 El Dorado tour
  • Leaf-covered bikini Shakira wore on the cover of her 2005 album, Oral Fixation, Vol. 2
  • Songwriting notebook with handwritten lyrics
LA Conservancy "A Woman's Place: Union Station & Chinatown"
"A Woman's Place: Union Station & Chinatown" | Photo: LA Conservancy

A Woman’s Place: Union Station & Chinatown (March 16, 2023)

In honor of Women's History Month, the LA Conservancy presents A Woman's Place, a special evening walking tour that explores the linked history of Union Station and Chinatown through the stories of women who had a lasting impact on these sites. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, and includes the fare for a short ride on the Metro Gold Line to travel between the two sites.

A Woman's Place is taking place on Thursday, March 16 at 5:30pm. (March 23 is sold out.) Tickets are $15 for Conservancy members (up to 4), $20 for General Admission and $10 for Youth (17 and under).

"I, the Worst of All"
"I, the Worst of All" | Photo: IMDb

"I, the Worst of All" - Central Library (March 11, 2023)

The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) is celebrating Women's History Month with numerous in-person events and a wide range of resources, from fiction and nonfiction books to films and podcasts. For the full schedule of Women's History Month events, visit the LAPL website.

As part of its World Cinema Series, the landmark Central Library is screening I, the Worst of All (1990) at 1pm on Saturday, March 11. Directed by María Luisa Bemberg, the Argentinean biopic stars Assumpta Serna as Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, a Roman Catholic nun in 17th century Mexico City who established herself as an important New World philosopher, poet, playwright and early feminist during the Spanish Inquisition.

RE:Her Takeover at Smorgasburg in Downtown LA
RE:Her Takeover at Smorgasburg

10 Days RE:Her (March 3-12, 2023)

In November 2020, nine female restaurateurs in Los Angeles formed the nonprofit Regarding Her (RE:Her) as a response to the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the restaurant industry.

The organization's annual 10 Days RE:Her is taking place at restaurants across LA from Friday, March 3 to Sunday, March 12. The ten-day event is packed with exciting collaborations, unique themed menus, and inspiring conversations among female founders, chefs and industry leaders. Following are highlights from the progressive festival - for the complete schedule, visit the RE:Her website.

 

A.O.C. - Women in Wine & Cheese (March 3-12, 2023)
Both A.O.C. locations - West 3rd Street and Brentwood - are presenting Women in Wine & Cheese throughout 10 Days RE:Her. The three- and five-cheese plates will feature numerous cheeses made by women, including Tulip Tree Creamery, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company, Essex St. Cheese, Nettle Meadow Farm & Artisan Cheese, Capriole Goat Cheese, Landmark Creamery, Spring Brook Farm Cheese and more. A.O.C. is also offering a wine flight featuring three women winemakers: Ryme Cellars, Johan Vineyards and Holus Bolus. 20% of the proceeds from both cheese plates and wine flight will benefit RE:Her.

Botanica - Sunday Supper with Rashida Holmes (March 12, 2023)
On March 12, Silver Lake's Botanica is hosting a special Sunday Supper featuring a vegetarian menu by Chef Rashida Holmes of Bridgetown Roti, the Caribbean pop-up in the Arts District.

BurritoBreak x Moderno Cocina Libre (March 3-12, 2023)
BurritoBreak is collaborating with Moderno Cocina Libre to offer burritos and tortas made with Moderno's signature Cochinita Pibil, a pork dish that's renowned for its slow-roasted, juicy flavor. Burritos will be available from 7am-3pm, and tortas will be available from 9am-3pm.

Caldo Verde - Molly Baz Cookbook Dinner (March 3, 2023)
Located at the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel, Caldo Verde is hosting an evening with recipe developer and cookbook author, Molly Baz. Indulge in a homestyle four-course menu that celebrates uncomplicated recipes with big flavors from the New York Times bestseller, Cook This Book, which will be available for purchase on-site via Now Serving.

Casa Vega - Lady Cocktail Menu (March 3-12, 2023)
Named by the James Beard Foundation as one of the 2022 America's Classics, Casa Vega is featuring a Lady Cocktail Menu by owner Christina “Christy” Vega. The four cocktails are made with female-founded tequila and sparkling wine:

  • Chingona - Pink Pig Cristalino, green juice blend, pineapple
  • Mamacita - La Gritona Reposado, pineapple, passionfruit, orange juice
  • Luna - Pink Pig Cristalino, Cointreau, Hibiscus Elixir, Une Femme Sparkling Rosé, pink Himalayan salt rim
  • Bonita Maria - La Gritona Reposado, passionfruit, red chili flakes, Tajín rim

Chao Krung x Jitlada - From Bangkok to Phuket (March 6, 2023)
Two of LA's most beloved Thai restaurants, Chao Krung and Jitlada, are teaming up for a special six-course menu celebrating second generation Thai chefs and regional Thai cuisine. Taking place at Chao Krung on Monday, March 6, From Bangkok to Phuket will feature family recipes from Chef Amanda Maneesilasan and Jitlada Chefs Jazz Singsanong and Sugar Sungkamee. Amanda will serve three courses from Central Thailand: Yum Som-O (Thai Style Pomelo Salad), Koi Nuea (Chopped Raw Filet Mignon, Roasted Rice Powder, Dried Thai Chili, Fish Sauce, Cilantro) and Kanom Jeen Nam Prik (Rice Vermicelli with Chili Peanut Curry). Jazz and Sugar will feature three dishes from Southern Thailand: Southern Thai Watercress Salad, Kua Kling Moo (Southern Thai Dry Curry Pork) and Pad Mun Gaew (Stir Fried Jicama).

Gasolina (March 8 & 9, 2023)
Located in Woodland Hills, Gasolina is hosting two special events during the 10 Days RE:Her festival. On Wednesday, March 8, Gasolina welcomes winemaker Emily Fernwood, who will guide guests through her lineup of incredible California wines. Each pour will be paired with a pintxo from Gasolina chef-owner Sandra Cordero. Chef Kim Prince heats up Gasolina on Thursday, March 9 with her famed Nashville Hot Chicken. The collab features special sides from Chef Sandra, along with an optional wine pairing featuring women makers.

Guelaguetza - Sister-Sister Brunch (March 12, 2023)
James Beard Award-winning Oaxacan restaurant, Guelaguetza is hosting a special Sister-Sister Brunch on Sunday, March 12. Co-hosted by sister-owned and operated establishments - Ayara Thai and Lady & Larder - the family-style prix fixe menu features dishes that speak to the relationship of sisters growing up and working together.

HLAY x Ronan X Ototo (March 9, 2023)
For one night only, Here's Looking at You will transform into a pizzeria with Japanese flair on Thursday, March 9. The HLAY Pizza Night boasts a triple-threat lineup of HLAY, Ronan and OTOTO, featuring a special HLAY pizza (smoked mozzarella, scallions, spicy lap xuong, tazukuri, pistou), OTOTO pizza (mozzarella, gyoza fennel sausage, scallions, chili oil, thyme) and an exclusive Ronan pie with tomato, five cheese, jalapeño, pineapple and cilantro. OTOTO will pair the pies with sake ("expect namas"). UPDATE: To be added to the waitlist (let HLAY know if you’re OK to sit at the bar), e-mail hello@hereslookingatyoula.com.

Love & Salt - We Love HER Boozy Brunch (March 12, 2022)
Located steps from the Manhattan Beach Pier, Love & Salt is once again hosting the We Love HER Boozy Brunch on Sunday, March 12. The all-star collaborative menu features Barsha (Hermosa Beach), Gogo's Tacos (LA), Otus Thai (WeHo), Pine & Crane (DTLA & Silver Lake), porridge + puffs (Echo Park), A Tribute to Grace Wine Co, AMASS Gin and goodboybob Coffee Roasters.

Nativo - RE:FLORES (March 6, 2023)
On Monday, March 6, Highland Park's Nativo is hosting RE:FLORES, a night dedicated to womxn in the bar industry. Nativo will be giving them their flowers by highlighting their accomplishments, backgrounds, and favorite industry stories. Karla Flores-Mercado of Bar Flores will be guest bartending alongside Nativo beverage director, Marlene Olarra, and another special guest. All cocktails will exclusively feature female distillers and female-owned distilleries.

Nickel Diner x Fat + Flour - RE:Her Pi Day (March 11-13, 2023)
Nickel Diner is collaborating with Grand Central Market's Fat + Flour for a RE:Her Pi Day special. Two different take-and-bake pot pies are available: vegetarian or chicken. Pricing is $16 each. Pre-orders are available starting on Friday, March 3 for pickups March 11-13.

Redbird - Back to the Beginning (March 3-12, 2023)
Located in Downtown LA, Redbird will be featuring Amy Knoll Fraser's favorite dish from Grace, her first restaurant with "her partner in every way," Chef Neal Fraser: Braised Pork Belly, Forbidden Rice, Calabrian Chili and Tangerine. 100% of sales will be donated to Re:Her. Grace was named for Amy's step daughter, Grace Whaley, who is also in the industry - she started as a server at Redbird, then event manager, Assistant General Manager and General Manager. Grace currently runs El Granjero Cantina at The Original Farmers Market.

Rossoblu - Chef Collab Dinner (March 8, 2023)
Dina Samson - co-founder of RE:Her and co-owner of Rossoblu - is hosting an exceptional all-female chef lineup for a special five-course dinner on International Women's Day (Wednesday, March 8).

  • Susana Alvarez and Maria Dulama (Rossoblu)
  • Crystal Espinoza (Guerrilla Tacos)
  • Sarah Harrington (Love & Salt)
  • Natalia Iorlano (Hatchet Hall)

To pair with the prix fixe menu, choose from cocktails by award-winning bartender Gaby Mlynarczyk featuring the women-owned Future Gin; and a female winemaker wine list curated by Leslie and Leann Jones of 1010 Wine. Pricing is $95 per person (cocktails and wine not included). Seating for this communal dinner is on a first-come, first served basis. Ten percent of proceeds will be donated to Regarding Her Food.

Smorgasburg - RE:Her Takeover (March 5, 2023)
In honor of Women’s History Month and to celebrate the opening weekend of the festival, RE:Her is taking over Smorgasburg on Sunday, March 5 from 10am to 4pm. RE:Her will highlight women owned/operated businesses at Smorgasburg and operate a "Mini Mart" pop-up with RE:Her merchandise and member products. The RE:Her booth will have info about the festival and "Passports" for guests to complete and earn exclusive RE:Her gifts.

Lady vendor specials include:

  • Lei'd Cookies (gourmet freshly baked cookies)
  • mama musubi (Mentaiko Onigiri & Bara Chirashi Don)
  • SEÑOREATA (Picadillo Tostones Nachos)
Lynne Weaver and Alexandra Nowell at Three Weavers Brewing Company
Lynne Weaver and Alexandra Nowell at Three Weavers Brewing Company | Photo: @threeweavers, Instagram

Sip

BARS

  • Located in the heart of Downtown L.A., the Euro-style Bar Franca offers fine drinks and hospitality to visitors seeking an alternative to the expected. Owner Rachel Thomas put her set design skills to good use and opened Bar Franca in 2018.
  • Opened in 2018, The Mermaid features the relaxed vibe of a cozy neighborhood bar with a kitschy nautical theme. Industry vets Katie Kildow and Arelene Roldan set out to create a safe and comfortable space for people of all genders to relax and enjoy tropical cocktails in Little Tokyo.

BREWERIES

  • Co-founded by Ting Su in 2009, Eagle Rock Brewery is a pioneer in L.A.’s craft brewing scene and continues its vital role as a community organization. In 2011, Su started the Women’s Beer Forum, a monthly meeting for women to explore and learn about different styles of beer and the brewing industry.
  • Three Weavers Brewing Company was founded by homebrewer Lynne Weaver in 2014 with “the mission to promote a positive sense of community through our passion for craft beer.” From perfectly balanced IPAs to an intense Imperial Stout to traditional styles such as an ESB and a light-bodied porter, brewmaster Alexandra Nowell can’t seem to go wrong.

WINE

  • Browse hundreds of unique, handpicked bottles from the world’s best female winemakers at Vinovore Wine Shop, located in burgeoning Virgil Village. Shoppers are encouraged to discover their own quirky wine personality based on their flavor profiles of choice.
  • Jill Bernheimer opened Domaine LA on Melrose Avenue in 2009. Tucked in a corner strip mall, the store carries 400 natural, organic, biodynamic wines with a concentration on grower-producers predominantly from Europe, Australia, and Chile, plus local boutique wines.
Kindness & Mischief Coffee in Highland Park
Photo: Kindness & Mischief Coffee

COFFEE
These women-owned coffee shops serve up much more than your daily caffeine fix - each one is an integral part of the community they serve.

  • In the successful Kickstarter that helped fund Kindness & Mischief, owner Monique “Mo” Maravilla envisioned a “people-driven, quality-obsessed, community-centered specialty coffee shop." Located in Highland Park, K&M is easy to spot - look for the eye-catching turquoise facade above the bright red door. (The iconic Chicken Boy statue is on the rooftop across the street.) The double-height interior features a herringbone bar, Leaf & Spine plant pop-up, and the "Mischief Library" - leave a book, take a book. K&M is continuing its Fuel the Frontliners program, which invites the community to buy coffee and pastries for delivery to local healthcare workers.
  • Located adjacent to Sugarfish Hollywood at the Columbia Square campus, Rubies + Diamonds was opened by LAMILL co-founder Jean Shim in December 2015. The contemporary space features wraparound bench seating, knee-high gold-plated obsidian tables, and a dazzling chandelier by Vincent Tomczyk. The rotating art on view at R+D recently featured the work of LA-based, Trinidad-born Miles Regis.
  • Established in 2017, Sip & Sonder's flagship location is the first specialty coffee house in Inglewood. With a coffee roaster, creative studio, and multi-purpose event space on site, Sip & Sonder is much more than a coffee shop—it's a Black women-owned entrepreneurial and creative hub where coffee, community, and culture connect. In November 2021, Sip & Sonder partnered with The Music Center to open a second location, a standalone outpost near the entrance of Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Shopping at Palisades Village
Photo: Palisades Village

Shop

PALISADES VILLAGE
For the best in luxury and retail, there is no better place to visit than the Palisades Village by Caruso. Proudly offering a five-star experience with sophistication, the Palisades Village is a one-stop destination for sought-after names and houses an array of popular brands and local designers in clothing, beauty, and more. The majority of businesses at Palisades Village are female owned and operated - read on for a few of the highlights.

  • A.L.C. collections are known for bold prints, versatile dresses, and modern tailoring. Shop Andrea Lieberman’s first West Coast store for clothing that's chic, stylish, and wearable.
  • Anine Bing thoughtfully curates each piece in her monthly collections that are inspired by the fusion of Scandinavian heritage and American spirit. Offering luxurious staples, wardrobe basics and timeless pieces, Annie Bing offers everything from high-quality clothing to 14K fine jewelry.
  • Carbon38 was founded on the belief that a woman’s wardrobe should meet the needs of her individual lifestyle. Palisades Village is the first-ever permanent brick-and-mortar location for the L.A.-based luxury activewear and lifestyle brand, featuring over 100 athleisure designers, along with coveted Carbon38-branded collections.
  • Cuyana was founded by Karla Gallardo and Shilpa Shah with a simple philosophy: “Fewer, Better Things.” Each piece reflects the brand’s core of integrity and kindness, using only the highest-quality materials and craftsmanship from around the world.
  • Flannel opened its Palisades Village location at the end of 2020. The Australia-based brand began with Kristy Lawrence’s simple silk slip, which became Flannel's signature piece and underpins every collection.
  • Jennifer Meyer has opened her first and only brick and mortar, featuring her beautiful, classic designs, along with limited-edition collections exclusive to the store. Private appointments, curbside pickup and delivery available upon request.
  • MISA Los Angeles embodies late founder Shadi Askari-Farhat's romantic heart, bohemian spirit and wanderlust eye. In 2016, she launched MISA, which is a combination of her daughters’ names. The handmade collections feature flowing silhouettes, vibrant prints and unique detailing inspired by Shadi’s love of travel, art and design.
Flask & Field founder Miriam Yoo at ROW DTLA
Flask & Field founder Miriam Yoo | Photo: ROW DTLA

ROW DTLA
Originally known as the LA Terminal Market in the 1920s, ROW DTLA has been reimagined into a cultural hub offering the finest in experiential culinary, retail and wellness.

Taking place every Sunday from 10am to 4pm, Smorgasburg LA features dozens of food and lifestyle vendors, including women-owned businesses like Amit Sidi's vegan Israeli street food pop-up, B'ivrit; Ebony Staten's eco-friendly Queen Squeeze Lemonade; Chinese-Malaysian inspired BBQ at Winnie Yee-Lakhani's Smoke Queen; and plant-based modern Cuban cuisine from Evanice Holtz at Señoreata.

Nearly half the restaurants and retail stores at ROW DTLA are female-owned - read on for a few highlights:

  • A+R was founded by Rosa Apodoca and is a leading lifestyle and design boutique offering global designs in modern furniture, accessories, lighting, and home décor. Featuring a large repertoire of more than 80 brilliant designers, A+R has been thriving since its fall opening in 2005.
  • BEL KAZAN was founded by designer Belinda Kazanci after a life-changing journey to Bali, Indonesia. Committed to socially conscious and environmentally responsible actions since Day One, Kazanci splits her time between the BEL KAZAN production facility in Bali and her studio in Los Angeles.
  • Dylan Lex brings innovation to the arena of jewelry design. Owned by designer Drew Ginsburg, the intricate jewelry designs have become a staple for star-studded fashion lovers worn by big names such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, and Kendal Jenner. Each piece is thoughtfully designed and meant to be timeless, yet edgy to help women feel empowered.
  • Flask & Field was founded by entertainment attorney Miriam Yoo who was inspired by the lack of places to shop for spirits and supplies. With a love for wine, hospitality and design, Yoo created Flask & Field where wine, spirits, art and design merge. Aimed towards providing patrons with a unique shopping experience, Yoo enables customers to discover bespoke home and personal items during their quest to find the perfect bottle of wine.
  • OMAMImini is known for its sophisticated yet effortless children's clothing. Founder and creative director Ola Omami was born in Russia, raised in Israel and Canada, and traveled the world before starting the LA-based brand in 2012. The collection is available at their flagship store at ROW DTLA, online and through more than 200 premium retailers around the world.
  • The Things We Do is a beauty concept bar created by Vanessa Lee that opened in February 2019. The skincare bar and beauty store shares a space with Nova Arts Salon and offers holistic treatments and modern practices including facial treatments, acupuncture, cryotherapy, Botox and cupping.