Looks like it’s going to be a relatively quiet weekend this week, but that just means more time to focus on a few things instead of trying to decide between dozens of options.
Options still abound, however, at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival, which started yesterday (Thursday, February 18) and runs through Monday, February 29 at several screening venues including LA Live and the Beverly Hills Music Hall. Â The festival showcases “the best in new cinema and classic filmmaking, with events that create opportunities for distribution, media attention, and public Hollywood screenings for films by independent and classic creators who operate outside mainstream Hollywood.” Â Tickets are available for the full festival or by the screening.
For a more hands-on activity, join Yarn Bombing Los Angeles Knit Graffiti Collective at its monthly meeting at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Craft and Folk Art Museum.  Yarn Bombing Los Angeles “collaborates with city governments, museums, alternative art spaces, and public spaces to create thought-provoking, community-generated public art installations.” At the meeting, you can find out what your local guerrilla knitters are up to, share projects you’re working on and enjoy the conversation.  The event is free and open to the public.  All skill levels are welcome and encouraged.
At 3:00 p.m., join Larchmont Living’s Chase Campen for his Distinguished Speaker Series, featuring Navy SEAl Veteran Matthew Heidt.  Heidt served 23 years of combined active and reserve service as a Navy SEAL and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Office in December 2013. He is now an instructor, speaker, and Member of the Board of Directors for the Mighty Oaks Warrior Program, which is committed helping veterans and their families find a new life purpose after enduring hardship through their service to America.  The event will be held at the Wilshire Country Club, 301 N. Rossmore Ave.; wine and hors d’oeuvres served.  Space is limited, so please RSVP to [email protected] or call (323) 762-2562. Event dress code details will be sent with reservation confirmation.
For family fun, the El Capitan theater in Hollywood is burning time until the next big Disney release by holding a Countdown to Zootopia festival, featuring screenings of seven different recent Disney films in seven Days. Â On Saturday, take another look at Tangled…and on Sunday, revisit Big Hero 6. Â Showtimes are throughout the day, but the 7 p.m. shows on both nights feature special guests, including fimmakers and talent from the featured movies.
Sunday looks especially quiet this week, so we’d recommend focusing on food (always a good option!).  First, enjoy a leisurely local brunch with some superlative pancakes at Cafe Gratitude or Sycamore Kitchen…or the brand new breakfast sandwiches at Top Round.  Then, since you have to go grocery shopping anyway, take a stroll through the Larchmont Village Farmers Market, and/or explore one of our two new local grocery stores – Lassens or Sprouts.  For an afternoon treat, savor the five custom chocolate flavors created for this Valentine’s month by local chocolatiers at Salt and Straw.  And then, finally, check out the new Sunday dinner service at République.
That should definitely leave you well-fueled for your impending Monday.
