Kids Los Angeles - May 11, 2009

Dog Day Afternoon

The Boxer Cafe

Towels, bathing suits, boogie boards, shovels, pails, sunscreen.

Preparing for a beach day can be a real bitch.

Next time you hit the sand, throw yourself a bone at The Boxer Cafe. The new kiosk on the Venice Boardwalk dishes out hearty comfort food made with fresh, quality ingredients. Hungry kids (and grown-ups) devour the five-cheese macaroni served straight up or topped with chili. Make a picnic of crowd-pleasers like pulled pork sammies and nachos. Keep it light with veggie or turkey burgers and healthy salads.

What’s more, a portion of proceeds goes to puppy rescue.

Bring on the dog days of summer.

The Boxer Cafe, 1809 Ocean Front Walk, between 18th and 19th Avenues, Venice (310-595-8497 or the-boxer-cafe.com).

HEAR
Kids Rock Music & Nature Festival
What: Catch dynamic duo Renee & Jeremy and singer/songwriter Tom Freund at this fun outdoor fair.
Why: Nature calls.
When: Sun., 3:30-7 p.m.
Where: Old Griffith Park Zoo, 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., at Zoo Dr., Los Feliz. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

SNAP
Classic Kids Portraits
What: Photographer Erik Ian turns squirts into mini icons with timeless black and white shots.
Why: They oughta be in pictures.
When: Dad’s Day is right around the corner.
Where: To schedule an appointment, call 323-913-1133 or e-mail portraits@peep-it.net.

BUY
Petit Trésor Stationery for Shutterfly
What: New personalized birth announcements and shower invites designed by WeHo baby boutique won’t break the bank.
Why: You’re already saving up for college.
When: Starting Thurs.
Where: Petit Trésor, 634½ N. Robertson Blvd., b/t Melrose Ave. & Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood (310-659-3970); online at shutterfly.com.