When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Forage
Why Forage is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Forage is an innovative online platform providing free virtual job simulations that allow students and job seekers to gain practical experience and explore various career paths before entering the workforce. It stands out as an exceptional place to connect with peers and professionals through realistic, employer-designed simulations that reflect actual daily work tasks in industries such as technology, law, finance, and consulting. Forage's platform is accessible and user-friendly, offering participants a chance to better understand specific roles and industries without geographic or financial barriers. Highlights include skill development through hands-on tasks, the ability to earn certificates that enhance resumes, and exposure to a variety of corporate environments from notable companies, thus making it an excellent spot to prepare collaboratively with friends for future careers and interviews.
Here's what people think of Forage
As of recent, Forage holds a 4.5-star rating based on 280 reviews.
User reviews consistently highlight Forage's value in career preparation. Many participants praise how the simulations provide meaningful learning experiences that build confidence in applying for jobs, with statistics showing they are twice as likely to get interviews and up to four times more likely to receive offers when completing these programs. Positive reviews emphasize the platform’s role in skill-building, career exploration, and practical understanding of work environments, noting its accessibility and relevance across multiple industries. On the other hand, some critical feedback notes that the virtual experiences can be quite basic and may not substitute for actual internships or advanced professional training; some users suggest the assignments are too easy and more suited for beginners or high school students. Despite such critiques, the general consensus is that Forage offers a valuable, low-cost opportunity for career exploration and skill enhancement, especially for those new to their fields, serving as a stepping stone rather than a comprehensive training solution.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Saena Kim
Really enjoyed the outdoor patio seating. The food is healthy and beautifully presented. We ordered salmon with two sides and chinese short rib(I'm not sure if I remember the menu name correctly).
Maureen Garrett
It’s often hard to find a good restaurant that offers gluten-free options that isn’t vegan or bouge🧐. Came up to LA to visit my daughter and find a spot for lunch and this place hit the nail on the head in every category! The environment is charming and calm. The food is exceptional. We had the salmon skin tacos, and the beef brisket bowl. The food is flavorful and well seasoned without being too spicy! They also seem to offer a nice selection of desserts. I wasn’t thrilled at the prospect of ordering gluten-free cheesecake, but I have to say it started out good and got better with every bite! Thank you for offering a diverse menu that is rich in flavor!
Angie Lee
One of my favorite places to get a quick but fresh and delicious meal and a glass of wine. The patio is beautiful and perfect and everyone is really nice. Perfect for post-gym or work, date night, business lunch, just about any occasion. Good noise level too. Salmon bowl, three sides, or the pizza are in my regular rotation. There’s a ramp on the side for those who can’t do stairs. Few parking spaces in the front but there’s usually pretty easy street parking. One of my go-to’s!
Tim McMullen
Ugh, I don’t want to review this place because I don’t want to give away one of the best places to eat in Los Feliz because I’m worried it will get too crowded. That being said, I’m reviewing this because google will give me more points and some kind of google scout badge if I review more places. I have no idea what the points are for? Do I turn in my google points for a prize? The future is unknown. Forage is wonderful. The food is made with quality ingredients and the atmosphere is soothing. I can’t quite put my finger on what the aesthetic is. It feels like a weird architectural mash up of French and Japanese. I can’t really describe what kind of food they serve either? Elevated American? Vaguely European? I dunno, but it’s all very tasty and looks beautiful. The people that work there are very friendly. The outside patio is nice if you like to eat with a dog in your lap. I don’t like to eat around dogs so I never go on the patio.
Sylvie Ye
Love that place!! It’s on second floor you have to go by stair. And they have outside seats which under a big tree. We choose indoor since too hot. Food is healthy and delicious 🤤 try their sides! Parking is limited (4 spots?) in front of the stair. Have to find street parking.
How to reach Forage
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Website: None
Why Forage may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Forage with your friends? Forage offers an exceptional and unique environment that transforms the way you prepare for your career, making it an ideal place to gather with friends for a purposeful and engaging meetup. Unlike conventional hangouts, Forage combines social interaction with growth, learning, and practical experience through its innovative virtual job simulations. Whether you and your friends are students, recent graduates, or career changers, Forage provides an empowering space where you can collectively explore real-world job scenarios designed by top companies. This fosters not only individual skill development but also group motivation and collaborative support. You’ll find that being surrounded by peers who share your aspirations and goals amplifies the excitement and commitment toward career readiness. Additionally, the site’s user-friendly platform, free access to hundreds of simulations, and certificates of completion make it attractive for group engagement—everyone feels a sense of achievement as you complete tasks together. In essence, Forage is more than just a site; it’s a virtual rallying point where friends can connect, grow professionally, and celebrate their steps toward career success.
What activities are available at Forage that make it perfect for a group meetup? Forage provides a rich palette of career simulations crafted by over 125 prominent employers across diverse industries, including tech, finance, law, consulting, and marketing. These activities simulate real job responsibilities and day-to-day projects, enabling users to gain hands-on experience from their own devices. A group visiting Forage can select from more than 300 job simulations, ranging from software engineering tasks to financial analysis, marketing campaign creation, and legal research exercises. Each simulation is designed to be self-paced but highly engaging, allowing groups to compare approaches, share insights, and brainstorm solutions in real-time or over multiple sessions. Completing these simulations collectively enables friends to learn about different career paths, get a clear preview of daily job functions, and increase competitiveness in the job market by acquiring meaningful, practical experience. Furthermore, Forage allows participants to earn certificates after finishing simulations, which can be proudly added to resumes or linked on LinkedIn. This makes Forage not just educational but also a place where groups can celebrate each other's progress and career milestones.
Why is Forage considered a great platform for collaborative learning and skill-building? The core strength of Forage lies in its expertly designed virtual internship experiences that are both accessible and effective. These simulations transcend typical online courses by integrating authentic tasks created with input from industry-leading employers such as Citi, Bloomberg, and BCG. These companies craft real-life job scenarios that mirror what employees encounter daily, delivering highly valuable insights with no financial cost. This shared learning environment offers a great way for groups of friends to hold one another accountable and overcome challenges together, making daunting career preparation feel more manageable and less isolating. Forage’s interactive tasks push users to apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills—all essential in professional settings. Additionally, the platform’s self-reflective feedback mechanisms help users understand where they can improve, making the experience iterative and growth-focused. For groups, this creates a dynamic where members support each other through different learning curves, discuss strategies, and celebrate breakthroughs, reinforcing bonds while boosting confidence.
How can Forage enhance your job prospects when attending with friends? Forage’s virtual simulations serve as a powerful differentiator in the job market. Data suggests that participants who complete Forage’s programs are significantly more likely to land interviews and job offers. This is because these simulations demonstrate to potential employers a candidate’s proactive approach, seriousness about the industry, and familiarity with actual work scenarios. When a group engages with Forage, members can encourage one another to complete simulations and share best practices on how to leverage certificates and experiences on their applications. Many users report feeling more confident and prepared for real-job interviews after completing these programs. By working together, friends can also network and exchange feedback on resumes and cover letters, turning their Meetup into an ongoing career development group. Having these shared experiences through Forage not only enriches individual profiles but also fosters a supportive community that extends beyond the platform, enabling lasting career connections and learning continuums.
What makes Forage stand out from other career preparation resources? What sets Forage apart is its unique combination of free access, industry involvement, and realism. Unlike many paid training platforms or traditional internships that can be costly or limited by geographic constraints, Forage opens doors worldwide with no fees. The direct collaboration with major companies means the content avoids generic advice and instead gives a solid view of real responsibilities and challenges faced in today’s job market. Furthermore, its flexible and self-paced structure suits group meetups well, as friends can progress independently yet share their achievements and insights, accommodating different schedules and learning styles. The certificate system, while straightforward, adds tangible recognition that employers increasingly respect as a sign of initiative and hands-on learning. Although some users note that verification of certificates could improve, the overall user interface and comprehensive employer list make Forage an accessible and respected resource. The platform’s commitment to inclusivity also shines by offering these opportunities to a diverse range of learners, ensuring your meetup can be a space of equal opportunity to grow and succeed.
Why do users love Forage’s platform and how does it contribute to a positive group experience? With a strong rating of 4.5 out of 5 from over 280 reviews, Forage is highly appreciated by its users for its simplicity, relevance, and empowering experience. Many users praise the platform’s easy-to-navigate interface, clear instructions, and meaningful tasks that avoid unnecessary complexity. For a group meetup, this ease of use matters greatly, as it allows participants of different backgrounds and digital proficiencies to engage equally without frustration. Users also express satisfaction at being able to download certifications after completing simulations, enabling immediate sharing and validation of their work. The community feel, though virtual, can be amplified when friends discuss their experiences, compare results, and challenge each other's understanding, bringing laughter and intellectual stimulation alike. Beyond the technical benefits, Forage creates a motivational environment where group members feel supported and inspired, turning career prep into a social, productive, and rewarding activity instead of a solitary chore.
How does Forage ensure its programs remain relevant and beneficial to job seekers? Forage continually partners with forward-thinking companies to update and add new simulations aligned with evolving industry needs. This ensures that the skills and knowledge gained by users reflect current workplace realities, not outdated concepts. Additionally, the platform collects feedback from participants and employers to refine content quality and format, maintaining high standards of engagement and learning value. For groups meeting on Forage, this commitment to continuous improvement means that the experience constantly adapts and remains challenging and realistic. As industries shift, new roles appear, and technologies advance, Forage evolves accordingly, giving participants timeless tools and insights. This dynamic aspect keeps users returning and motivates friends to form ongoing meetups that track these changes, grow together, and keep pace with professional demands.
What career fields and industries can groups explore together at Forage? The diversity of career opportunities available on Forage is broad and inspiring, making it a perfect destination for groups with varied interests. You can explore simulations in technology development, financial services, consulting, legal professions, marketing strategies, and data analytics, among others. This wide spectrum allows each member of a group to pursue simulations that match their aspirations while sharing general career insights that enrich collective understanding. The interdisciplinary exploration encourages group members to learn from each other’s chosen pathways and appreciate the interconnectedness of today’s workplaces. For example, while some complete a consulting project, others can engage in data science or legal research scenarios, prompting discussions on how these different roles complement one another in real businesses. Such interaction fosters a team spirit even in a virtual environment and broadens everyone’s perspective on the possibilities their professional futures might hold.
How can you maximize your group experience at Forage? To get the most out of your group meetup at Forage, establish clear goals and agendas tailored to everyone’s interests. You might start by selecting simulations that align with your overall group theme (e.g., finance careers, tech development, or legal studies) to facilitate focused discussions. Setting milestones like completing one simulation per session or sharing reflections and challenges can help keep everyone motivated. Consider organizing virtual or in-person debriefs where members present what they learned from their assignments, fostering peer teaching and deeper engagement. Utilize the certificates earned as a springboard for mutual encouragement, resume workshops, or LinkedIn updates. Lastly, approach Forage as a shared journey rather than a competitive task; the synergy generated when friends support each other through career prep can make all the difference in sustaining commitment and boosting outcomes.
In summary, Forage offers an inspiring, practical, and community-friendly platform where groups of friends can rally together for career growth. Its free, authentic simulations designed by elite companies provide valuable resources that motivate collective learning while offering individualized paths. Combining skill-building with social support and tangible certification, Forage transforms a career prep session into a memorable, productive meetup that empowers everyone involved. For these reasons, hosting your next friends or family meetup at Forage is a strategic choice that blends fun, learning, and future success in one accessible digital space.