Culver City is experiencing a resurgence. Since about three years ago it has become one of the most popular going-out spots in L.A., according to Matt Myerhoff, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board. New restaurants, galleries and more make the area an attractive place to visit after the meeting. And the Metro Expo Line, which travels straight from downtown L.A. into Culver City, is an option for interested attendees who’d like to explore on their own.
New School of Cooking Groups can take a professional-level cooking class culminating in a meal that they prepared at the New School of Cooking. Classes focus on everything from making pies and tarts to cooking with fish. New School of Cooking also offers a series of classes taught by some of L.A.’s most talked about chefs, including Sqirl’s Jessica Koslow and Ari Taymor of Alma.
Waterloo and City
Named for the London underground railway line once frequented by Brendan Collins, executive chef and proprietor of Waterloo and City, this traditional British gastropub has a private room with audiovisual equipment that accommodates 50 guests for sit-down meals and 60 for cocktail receptions.
ChocoVivo
Choco Vivo is a bean-to-bar artisan chocolate company that is a mainstay at L.A.-area farmers markets. Among the delicious items for sale in the shop are salt-and-almond cacao bars, chocolate croissants and many other goodies made of or incorporating chocolate. In the evenings, ChocoVivo hosts hands-on events including mini-doughnut-dipping and a frozen hot chocolate night.
Sony Pictures Studios
Groups can get the star treatment via exclusive tours lead by entertaining guides at Sony Pictures Studios. Walking tours of the historic television and film lot include trivia, studio lore and insider buzz on current productions. Groups can visit various sound stages, watch an artist create a backdrop and shop at the Studio Emporium. Groups can also have lunch on the lot and see a live taping of Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune.
Bar and Garden
Wine tastings at Bar and Garden, which specializes in organic, non-GMO and pesticide-free wines, spirits and beer, are available on Tuesday and Sunday evenings. The 60-year-old restored space features skylights, greenery and flowers that make for a cozy tasting atmosphere.
