by Lucy Crivelli Frey
BMW just dropped their newest beast—the M5—and while the car turned heads, let’s be real, the food stole the show! Casa Mata came through with a menu that had everyone smiling and definitely going back for seconds. Picture this: world-class luxury meets mouth watering Mexican flavors, all in one unforgettable night.
Casa Mata is all about bringing Mexican pride to the table, literally. They create high-end experiences rooted in Mexican heritage, and trust me, they nailed it. From the first bite, you could taste the love and history in every dish. Whether it was the perfectly seasoned tacos or those appetizers that disappeared the second they hit the table, the food wasn’t just good, it was wow. A highlight of the night was the guacamole and taquitos dorados.
They were flying off the table.
The setting? The Motoring Club brought the ambiance. BMW’s new M5 was the star of the night, and Casa Mata made sure the food was just as unforgettable. The vibe was contagious: luxury and classic cars, killer food, and an atmosphere that screamed ‘stay a little longer’.They really know how to throw down when it comes to creating an event that’s equal parts fun and inspiring.
If you’re planning a party, launch, or anything that needs a little extra flair, Casa Mata is highly recommended. They’ll bring the heat (literally and figuratively) and make sure your event is a hit. So next time you’re thinking of how to impress your guests, remember, Casa Mata’s got you covered with world-class eats that’ll have people talking long after the party’s over.
by Lucy Crivelli Frey
The Artist Tree’s new Cannabis Lounge in Hawthorne just opened up, and let me tell you, this place is it. From the moment I stepped in, it felt like a modern, local version of their West Hollywood spot, but with a vibe that feels more… homegrown. It’s somewhere you’d want to meet friends, hang out, and really enjoy the space.
First off, the service? Top tier. You know when you walk into a place and the staff just makes you feel like a VIP? Yeah, that’s the energy here. You start by checking in at the dispensary, they then walk you through to the lounge. The bar room and seating area was just right; open, welcoming, and comfortable, with great hospitality all around. They even had water service at all times, so you never had to worry about staying hydrated while you enjoy their wide range of cannabis products (seriously, there’s something for everyone here).
The product selection was extensive. Whether you’re into flower, edibles, or something in between, they’ve got you covered. They also have different devices you can rent to enjoy your high! The Stündenglass gravity bong was a highlight for me.
And the drinks? Amazing. The Agua Fresca and To the Moon infused cocktails were a hit!
One thing I love about this spot is that you can rent it out for events. So whether it’s a birthday, a chill night with friends, or something bigger, the space has you covered!
Overall, The Artist Tree in Hawthorne isn’t just another lounge—it’s a safe space. Between the stellar service, dope products, and great atmosphere, it’s definitely somewhere I’ll be bringing my friends to. If you haven’t checked it out yet, make it happen. You won’t regret it.
by Lucy Crivelli Frey
Art has always been a source of inspiration for me, but experiencing it live in such a beautiful environment was something else entirely. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the kickoff of Secret Walls’ “The Art of Competition” tour in Los Angeles. From the moment I arrived, I could sense the excitement as other art enthusiasts and curious newcomers got together in support of the local artist community. The space was transformed into a gallery where multiple artists, like Mr. B Baby, Blue The Great, Ashley Dreyfus, Fabez, and UPENDO created murals along the walls of the compound. The creativity, me enamoro!
For those who might be new to Secret Walls, it’s more than just live art battles, it’s a global art movement that has been empowering artists since 2006. During these “battles” artists are given a limited time to create their best work, and the audience or a panel of judges decides the winner. While it is a competition you can see the friendly rivalry but overall the mutual respect among artists.
Keeping the Creativity Flowing
Now, coming off the success of Secret Walls’ massive first tour, “Support Your Local Artist,” top artists will once again go head-to-head in front of a live audience as they battle for the winner’s crown – recently announced for their second North American tour, “The Art of Competition,” launching this fall. Sponsored by Posca + Monster Energy Ultra, this year, each battle also features surprise musical performances, DJs, limited-edition merch, workshops, and more.
While the kickoff event was just the start to “The Art of Competition” Tour, it’s taking this concept to cities across the U.S., including Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, New York, Chicago, and more. Each stop features a different lineup of local artists, ensuring that every event has its own unique sauce. During the tour they will host multiple activities that will make the experience a celebration of creatividad. From live performances and DJ sets to exclusive merch and Secret Walls Academy workshops, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re an artist looking to learn new techniques or excited to give your support, the tour will be something you don’t want to miss.
Attending a Secret Walls event is more than just watching art being created; it’s about being part of a vibrant community that celebrates creativity in all its forms. It’s inspiring to see how art can bring people together.
I walked away from the kickoff, feeling a new sense of admiration and motivation. It was a powerful reminder of why I love art and the impact it can have on our lives. If you’re in any of the tour cities, I highly recommend experiencing Secret Walls firsthand. It’s an event that promises not only to entertain but also to inspire and connect like minded people.
Bigger and Better
With sounds by DJ Rareform, guests experienced live art as they entered the Secret Walls venue and were treated with food, gifts and libations by Monster Energy Ultra. The action-packed evening also included a Q&A hosted by Secret Walls podcaster and content creator Nick Major. This year’s tour promises to be Secret Walls’ biggest and best ever as the competition crisscrosses the country, entertaining and wowing audiences while connecting and inspiring artists with a range of amazing programming over two to three days in each city.
“We’re thrilled to bring back ‘The Art of Competition’ for a second edition,” says Terry Guy, Secret Walls Founder. “This tour isn’t just about the thrill of the competition; it’s about uniting artists and communities through creativity and passion. We can’t wait to see what this year’s tour brings!”
And I also can’t wait to see where the tour goes next!
To catch a Secret Walls battle near you and learn more about the “Art of Competition” tour dates and tickets, visit the Secret Walls website or follow them on social media for the latest updates. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to secure yours early. For tickets, go to: https://secretwalls.world/pages/tour
About Secret Walls
Secret Walls is revolutionizing the art world with its exhilarating live paint battles that captivate audiences and showcase the extraordinary talent of artists from around the globe. This one-of-a-kind event brings together creativity, competition, and community in a high-energy showdown that leaves audiences awestruck. With events held worldwide, Secret Walls has become a global phenomenon, attracting established and emerging artists alike. It provides a platform for diverse talents to showcase their skills, gain recognition, and connect with a vibrant community of art enthusiasts.
About Monster Energy
Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, eSports or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes, gamers and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, bands, believers, and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at www.monsterenergy.com.
by Lucy Crivelli Frey
Stephanie Cuevas, the founder and event director of Soco House, is making waves in the event management industry with a huge milestone—hitting $1 million in revenue for events at Paloma Venice, one of the premier venues-restaurants she manages. With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences and a commitment to empowering women, Stephanie has established herself as a leading force in Los Angeles and Orange County’s event scene.
Credit: TIP Supply
From humble beginnings in hospitality, where she honed her skills working in bars and restaurants, Stephanie quickly transitioned into managing events for a variety of venues. Her eye for detail, creativity, and ability to bring people together have made her the go-to event director for some of the most talked-about events in LA.
Stephanie has been a part of some iconic events such as the NFL Founders Dinner, her Annual 4th of July Party, and “Born x Raised Sadie Hawkins” Formals. Each event under her direction not only exceeded expectations but also reflected her dedication to her clients and community. During her time working with SoHo House, Stephanie also helped highlight the SoHo friends membership program and curated events that were specifically built with SoHo friends members in mind. She has helped open multiple venues across LA and has no plans of stopping.
One of the driving forces behind Stephanie’s success is her commitment to working with an all-women team. She believes in the power of collaboration and the unique perspectives that a diverse group of women bring to the table. Stephanie shares her insights for success, emphasizing the importance of tapping into your network and community. “Your connections are your most valuable resource,” she says. She also stresses the significance of being tech-savvy and understanding the evolving needs of your business to stay ahead in a tech-forward future. For Stephanie, investing in yourself is crucial—knowing when to hire a team that can help you elevate your business is a key step toward achieving greater success.
As Stephanie Cuevas continues to make her mark on the industry, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring event directors and entrepreneurs. With her leadership, Soco House is poised to continue setting new standards in event management, one memorable experience at a time.
Congratulations Stephanie!
