Beyond being daring, bold, engaging or thought provoking – being ‘different’ is good for you, while experiencing and entertaining different endeavors is healthy for the psyche. When we experience something outside of our social norms, we evolve, we push the limits of our own comfort zones and passionately pursue unique creative endeavors, avenues and adventures in the process.
When I moved to Los Angeles back in 2008, almost eight years ago to the day, it was because I found meaning in the pseudo glamorous glow of the neon lights and late nights of Hollywood, melding minds with the like-minded and lost souls, twin and triple flames chasing shots and dreams. For the last eight years, I’ve delved headfirst into the entertainment industry any way I could, from modeling to movies, beauty blogs and music festival PR; after eight years, I’ve seen a lot, but I’ve also seen a lot of the same thing – so when I hear about something different in this town, I take notice. Back in May, I noticed an article from the LA Weekly about ‘Monkey Town‘; after chuckling at the name for a minute and letting the click bait sink into the back of my brain, I couldn’t resist reading more. And I’m so glad I did!
What exactly is Monkey Town? Think Dinner and a Show on steroids or Dinner Theater: The Next Generation with 40 of your new best friends and a 5 star meal. At Monkey Town, you’ll dine on an expertly cooked, and wine paired, meal from none other than chef Nick Montgomery of Osso fame while submerging yourself inside a four walled cube where you’ll experience a handful of short films like you’ve never experienced film before. The movies range from immersive and nature laced to ironic and introspective – and everything in between. Plus, the musical accompaniment switches biweekly, and provides a perfect stage to showcase locally loved and underground talent.
My experience at Monkey Town puts the evening on par with the excellence of Cirque du Soleil. Though both enterprises are completely different shows, the former being a five star, five course dinner, live entertainment and a nearly 360° audio visual experience while the later is a breathtaking adventure into aerial arts, body contortion and the human relationship, their immersive ethos and next level creativity are unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. And if there was ever an option to experience the two events back to back – mark my words, I’ll be the first to sign up. My chances of that happening are unfortunately slim to none, as I’ve heard the LA leg is Monkey Town’s final tour. So, if you live in Southern California or plan on passing through the Los Angeles area this Summer, snag your tickets for this one of a kind experience right now.
For more on Monkey Town and their three month pop up dining experience in Los Angeles, head to their website and socials.
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The Bouncy Kitty 
