Gardner Junction Opens
Spacecraft Design Group, hospitality design and construction firm, founded by Kris Keith, has created a space inspired by the luxury and pace of the transcontinental train travel. With an upscale Art deco experience, this venue pays tribute to the historic location along the now defunct Pacific electric Hollywood train line that ran along Gardner junction through Hollywood. The restaurant includes a large patio and decor of deep colors mixed with warm reddish browns, yellow ceiling accents in the dinning room and full white bathrooms. They also incorporated brass materials along with mahogany, leather, marble, steel, black subway tile and heated calacata stone for the bar top. Chef/Owner Steve Brown is serving up “Farm Driven Modern American” with a shared plate format. The menu consists of 21 items reading from lightest to heaviest like a tasting menu. The menu will change in full every six weeks but items can change everyday based on availability. Chef Brown’s focus is on the produce first and the octopus, short rib or foie gras second. Monday, 1451 N Gardner St, West Hollywood, CA 90046; 323.450.9021
New Lunch Items and Cocktails at De Frisco’s Santa Monica
The new lunch program will offer updated pricing, express service and complimentary transportation to and from the restaurant for locals through a partnership with the Santa Monica Free Ride. Executive Chef Daniel Tiger is introduing a fresh take on classic American cuisine, with new dishes like the Green Chile Cheeseburger, BBQ Pork Banh Mi Sandwich, Lollipop Chicken Wings, Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad and more. Daily specials include the Wagyu Patty Melt on Monday, Chicken Pot Pie on Tuesday, Farmhouse Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup on Wednesday, Half Rack of Ribs on Thursday and Fish and Chips on Friday. You can also order a quick lunch with the expanded “Grab A Pair” for $13, which offers a combo of a personalized flatbread, half sandwich or two fish tacos and a side salad or soup. The Grille’s bar crowd will now be able to enjoy a variety of new drinks on the handcrafted cocktail menu, including a classic Moscow Mule and a Red Sangria, along with a few new dinner items as well. Monday; 1551 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA
Tuesday, September 15:
A Taste of Old Pasadena
Indulge in an adventure of taste as you visit Old Pasadena restaurants on a self-guided walking tour. Each participating restaurant will provide maps to guide you (or simply follow the signs). Sample food while helping others because 100% of proceeds benefiting local charities. $30; Tuesday, 5:30-9:00 pm
Le Petit Paris Soft Opens
DTLA welcomes this huge French spot that is in the former El Dorado Hotel (originally built in 1913). It reminds me of an upscale bistro with tons of natural lighting, wrought iron chairs, marble bistro tables, and a large stair case that leads to plush red seating that looks over the rest of the restaurant. Founded by David and Fanny Rolland, who have an outlet in Cannes, they are open for you to have a breakfast of coffee, croissants, lobster eggs benedict and croque madames, along with lunch of lobster pizza, Dinner includes 48-hour rack of lamb, truffle pizza and meunière sole. Chefs Grellier Baptiste and Jeremie Cazes are behind the menu, which also has foie gras with exotic fruit chutney, and pappardelles with fresh truffles. During the evenings, the upstairs will turn into a DJ-tuned lounge space. 420 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013; 213.217.4445.
eLOVate Opens
eLOVate brings a “vegan cafe and bar”to Santa Monica! Chef Roberto Martin is serving up healthy dishes and comfort foods. Munch on jackfruit tacos, black bean and farro burger, along with soups, salads, smoothies, and rice bowls. There are also desserts, pressed juices, cocktails, beers, and organic red and white wines. Open daily, 11:30 am-10 pm; 1705 Ocean Ave., Ste. 111, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Bob Bonis Archives at Andaz West Hollywood
Curated from a trove of 5,000 previously unpublished never before seen photographs, the selection of photographs depicts up-close uniquely intimate and-personal shots of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles between the years 1964 and 1966 taken by their US Tour manager Bob Bonis. Kept private by Bonis’ who passed away in 1992, the photos were uncovered nearly 50 years after they were taken by his son and only began to surface for public purchase in early 2015 in limited edition, Grammy Museum certified, fine-art prints. Expertly curated from a trove of nearly 5,000 secret photographs, this limited-time gallery debuts with complimentary wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a live DJ set. Free; Wednesday, 7-9 pm; 8401 Sunset Blvd., Mezzanine Level, West Hollywood. Discounted valet and self-parking is available.
The Super Serious Show
After celebrating its fifth anniversary and performing at Festival Fringe in Edinburgh this summer, The Super Serious Show returns to The Virgil in East Hollywood. Special guests include Brooks Wheelan (Saturday Night Live, Conan, @midnight), Nikki Glaser (Nikki & Sara Live,@midnight), Jerrod Carmichael (The Carmichael Show, HBO), Josh Gondelman (Emmy nominee Last WeekTonight), Iliza Shlesinger (Last Comic Standing, Netflix), The Spanglers (SF Sketchfest). Also, Scott Gairdner will preview Moonbeam City at the event – a new animated TV show (starring Elizabeth Banks, Rob Lowe, and Will Forte) that parodies classic 1980s cop shows like Miami Vice – which will premiere later that night on Comedy Central. $7; Wednesday (work displayed through December), 7-10 pm; 4519 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029
Vince Sample Sale
Head over to Santa Monica for a sample sale featuring Vince startings. They are offering an amazing assortment of Men’s and Women’s product up to 70% off. Thursday & Friday, 10 am-7 pm, Saturday, 10 am-5 pm, Sunday, 10 am-2 pm; Lincoln Creative Studios, 1656 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404
Pacific Design Center’s Fall Art Season Launch
designLAb, is excited to debut a series of 13 cutting-edge exhibitions with highlights including three sculpture installations by world-renowned artists in the Blue Lobby: Proposal for New Landscapes by one of Japan’s most important contemporary artists, Nobuo Sekine; compelling sculptural works by LA-based artist Matt Johnson; and a retrospective by Italian architect/designer Ant
