Weekend

LA Beer Fest
The LA Beer Festival features over 200 beers, food trucks, DJs, live music, a dueling piano bar, and much more! The LA Beer Festival’s proceeds will benefit Noah’s B-ark, Inc whose aim is to rescue dogs from shelters and find permanent homes for rescued pets. Proceeds from the event will towards funding food, shelter, and veterinary bills for rescued pets. No tickets sold at the door. $45 (includes beer); Saturday, noon-3 pm, 5-8 pm; LA Center Studios, 450 South Bixel St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Simply diVine
The premier food and wine event for LGBT people and their allies is here. Stroll on McCadden Place in Hollywood in front of the Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza while sampling extraordinary food and drink from L.A.’s most popular restaurants, food trucks, wineries, distilleries, breweries, juicers, and coffee roasters. All proceeds support the Center’s programs and services, which provide more then 100,000 free meals to LGBT homeless youth and low-income seniors each year. If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, get exclusive access with a Club VIP ticket to the courtyard inside The Village, where there will be tastings of rare, high-end wines and savory bites prepared in front of guests by celebrity chefsSusan Feniger (Border Grill and Mud Hen Tavern), Mary Sue Milliken (Border Grill), Kajsa Alger (Mud Hen Tavern), Nyesha Arrington (Leona), and Steve Samson (Sotto). Restaurant partners include Ayara Thai, The Black Cat, Border Grill, Choctál, Connie and Ted’s, Craft, Gracias Madre, Hudson House, Jar, Madcapra, Mud Hen Tavern, Neveux Artisean Creamery, Petrossian, Plant Food + Wine, POT, RAO’S, Sotto, Sycamore Kitchen, Tavern, Terrine, Tortilla Republic, Taste on Melrose, Umami Burger, The Village Idiot, and Viviane. Wineries, craft beers, spirits, specialty coffees and juicers include Angel City Brewery, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Chopin Vodka, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, J. Lohr, JFC International, Inc., Ludlows Cocktail Co., MB Middlebar, Mosaic Wine Alliance, Perrier, Pochteca, Sapporo, SelvaRey Rum, Stella Rosa, Vigneron Imports, and Vita Coco. Entertainment at the Club VIP Lounge will be provided by Denise Fraser Trio. Music and entertainment along McCadden Place will be provided by DJ Asha and members of Eye of Newt Circus. $500/ Club VIP (early access), $125/General Admission; Saturday, 5 – 9 pm; Los Angeles LGBT Center, The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Palm Desert Food & Wine
In its sixth year, get ready for three days of wining and dining in the Palm Desert landscape. The event features the return of the James Beard Luncheon, live cooking demos from celebrity chefs, cookbook signings, and samplings from over 40 restaurants and 60 premium wineries, breweries, and spirits purveyors. New additions to this year’s food and wine festivities include the “Pints & Plates” craft beer garden, offering expert-led beer pairing demos from local breweries, as well as the “Chill Zone,” a dedicated section featuring frosty cocktails, artisanal ice cream treats and more. The three-day festival, held in the heart of Palm Desert’s famed El Paseo shopping district, is produced by Palm Springs Life magazine in conjunction with co-producers Tony Marchese and Dominic Peterson. $100/Grand Tasting (includes access to all chef demos, unlimited food, wine, and spirit tastings), $135/VIP Grand Tasting (include early entrance to the festival with an exclusive celebrity chef demo, unlimited food, wine, and spirit tastings, and all-access chef demos) $125–$150/James Beard Luncheon; Friday-Sunday; Palm Desert

Viviane‘s first annual Oasis Pool Party
Executive Chef Michael Hung’s new, mid-century modern restaurant for California Continental cuisine at the Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills, launches its first annual Oasis Pool Party. The Oasis event will kick off Viviane’s weekly Summer Sundays poolside programming from April 17 through September, which will offer unrestricted pool access throughout brunch service (a perk typically reserved only for hotel guests). In addition to regular brunch service, Viviane’s pool party festivities will take place from 12-5 pm, featuring Jesse Kivel and Michael David’s homegrown, boutique DJ collective Dart DJs. In partnership with Moët Hennessy, Head Bartender Ryan Wainwright will also offer signature drinks featuring Moët & Chandon, Belvedere, and Hennessy, including The Pink Flamingo with Moët & Chandon, Belvedere, Cocchi Americano Rosa, and lemon juice; and the Garden Grove Punch, a slushy with ruby red grapefruit, fresh mint, and Belvedere; in addition to other libations offered every Sunday such like the Long Island with Bombay Gin, El Dorado Rum, Tapatio Tequila, Cointreau, and cola; and Tequila Sunrise Swizzle with Tapatio Tequila, orange juice, Grenadine, and Chartreuse. Executive Chef Michael Hung will deliver snacks like Alaskan King Crab Louie Bites with little gem lettuce hearts, fried capers, and chili vinegar sauce; Fresh Coconut Water and Pineapple Shaved Ice with young coconut preserved in cane syrup; and Strawberry Shaved Ice with roasted pistachios and coastal honey. $40 minimum, $350/cabana (fee waived for kickoff event); Sunday, brunch menu: 10 am – 3 pm, Oasis Pool Party: 12 – 5 pm; Viviane, The Avalon Hotel, 9400 West Olympic Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA, 90212; 310.407.7791

The Guild Opens
Owner Diego Leporini, who is also the general manager and wine director, unites with Executive Chef Charles Cho to open The Guild, a new contemporary American restaurant, rustic wine bar, and artisanal retail store. Housed inside Sunset Boulevard’s historic Constance Bennett Building, The Guild will offer progressive California cuisine alongside unexpected flavor combos from around the world. The design of the space pays homage to the building’s late 1930s’ history, including a statement wall featuring a quote from former Hollywood star Constance Bennett found on the building’s plaque. Designed by Leporini, the restaurant’s atmosphere has modern and rustic features and furnishings. Executive Chef Charles Cho works with Sous Chef Steve Castillo to develop a seasonal menu of contemporary American favorites. The restaurant will first open for dinner with brunch and lunch service to be coming soon. Expect small plates, like Beet ‘n’ Goat Cheese Salad with citrus supremes, pears, herbs, and balsamic, reduction; Wild Mushroom Bruschetta with quail egg, crimini & oyster mushrooms, white wine, and herbs on a crostini; and Bone Marrow with braised beef tongue, caramelized onions, gremolata, and crispy shallots, as well as large plates, including Artichoke Fettuccine with fried artichoke, cream, parmesan, parsley, garlic, and shallots; Striped Bass with ginger, scallion, peanut miso sauce, corn, edamame, bell pepper, and bread crumbs; and New Zealand Lamb Chops with brown butter pommes puree, pomegranate demi, and roasted vegetables. The extensive wine list will have bottles and glasses from boutique producers globally and from California. The wine bar and retail shop offers a selection of unique wines, fine cheeses, charcuteries, olive oils, jams, pates, and culinary accessories for purchase from specialty artisans. Charcuteries, pates, and other seasonal small bites will also be available for enjoying in the wine bar. Friday, 5-11:30 pm; 8741 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA; 424.279.9601

Faith & Flower’s New Cocktail Menu
Developed by Ryan Wainwright (Director of Bar Programs, Bombet Hospitality Group) in collaboration with Darwin Pornel (Lead Bartender, Faith & Flower), the new menu will feature eight new signature cocktails, while continuing to offer guests two “Faith & Flower Classics” – English Milk Punch and Harry Winton. The new cocktails are split into three categories: “Bubbles, Refreshing,” “Crisp, Clean” and “Spirituous, Provocative”. “Bubbles, Refreshing” has Parade Route made with Sparkling Rosé, Rittenhouse Rye, lemon, Peychaud’s Bitters; Shiso Easy crafted with Tequila Blanco, Contratto Bianco, Shiso, cucumber, lime; and Tradewinds Collins crafted with Pisco, Montenegro, China-China, vanilla, lemon. “Crisp, Clean”  includes 9th St. Fix made with vodka, Mandarine Napoleon, Raspberry Cordial, lemon; St. Tropez Daisy crafted with Rhum Agricole, Ferrand Dry Curacao, honey, lime, orange Bitters; and Mass Effect made with Mezcal, Ricard Pastis, Habanero, mint, pineapple, lime, agave. Spirituous, Provocative” includes Poet’s Dream Waldorf Astoria Bar Guide – 1920 is made with Bombay London Dry, Benedictine, Dry Vermouth, orange bitters and Character Development made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Amaro Varnelli Dell’erborista, Amaro Di Angostura, Contratto Americano Rosso. 705 W. 9th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213.239.0642

Manhattan House Launches Brunch
Former BLD chef, and Neal Fraser protégée, Head Chef, Diana Stavaridis is serving up her twists on brunch classics. The new brunch menu will include dishes like Shakshuka, an Israeli-Tunisian inspired dish with cage-free eggs, poached in a sauce of saffron braised tomatoes, freshly-picked bell peppers and chili herb yogurt, as well as a Short Rib Pastrami Hash, and Cornflake Crusted French Toast. Brunch is never truly complete without a few daytime cocktail options including mimosas, and House Bloody Mary’s. Saturday & Sunday, 10 am-2 pm; 1019 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; 310.574.2277

Spring Wine & Dine at Hotel Irvine
After settling into your accommodations, you will head down to EATS Kitchen & Bar for an exclusive meal featuring off-the-menu items and wine pairings prepared by EATS Executive Chef Jason Montelibano. This foodie getaway includes a $30 credit for Marketplace to order up room delivery the next morning and a delicious amenity to keep culinary adventures going all day. Starting at $229; Available April through June 2016; Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92614; 888.230.4452

Festival of Books
The Los Angeles Times is bringing the 21st annual Festival of Books, its signature event and the largest literary festival in America. The weekend-long celebration of ideas, creativity and the written word has over 500 authors, celebrities, musicians, artists and chefs leading conversations, live performances and demos all weekend. Appearances include Buzz Aldrin, Kwame Alexander, Reza Aslan, Lidia Bastianich, Zac Brewer, T.C. Boyle, Alexander Chee, Nate Corddry, Taye Diggs, Duff Goldman, Juan Felipe Herrera, Laila Lalami, Padma Lakshmi, Jonathan Lethem, Diana Nyad, Joyce Carol Oates, Susan Orlean, James Patterson, Anna Quindlen, Holly Robinson Peete, Luis J. Rodriguez, Jonathan & Drew Scott, Tavis Smiley, Somini Sengupta, Shaka Sengor, Sabaa Tahir, David L. Ulin, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Henry Winkler, Rainn Wilson, Nicola Yoon, and more. On Saturday, the Festival will present the LA Times Book Prizes, a ticketed event featuring James Patterson, winner of this year’s Innovator’s Award, and U.S. poet laureate Juan Felipe Herrera, receiving the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement, alongside honorees in 10 literary categories. The Festival will also feature two installments of the Ideas Exchange speaker series, which debuted last year with Malcolm Gladwell. On Sunday, author, actress and musician Carrie Brownstein (Portlandia, Transparent) will discuss her recent memoir Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl; that afternoon, Arianna Huffington (The Sleep Revolution, The Huffington Post) will have a conversation with Times columnist Robin Abcarian. Tickets to each of these events also include a signed copy of the author’s latest book; VIP ticketholders have the opportunity to attend a meet-and-greet. Saturday & Sunday; University of Southern California University Park Campus, Los Angeles, CA 90089

The Sandlot at Skirball
Revisit this coming-of-age movie that i one of my favorites! In the summer of 1962, awkward fifth-grader Scotty Smalls moves to a new town, where the captain of a neighborhood baseball team recruits him. The young boys enjoy wild adventures, first kisses, and confrontations with a vicious dog named “The Beast” and its owner (James Earl Jones). Directed by David M. Evans. Arrive early to view the exhibitions: Chasing Dreams: Baseball and Becoming American and The Unauthorized History of Baseball in 100-Odd Paintings: The Art of Ben Sakoguchi will be open from 6:30 pm until the screening begins. After, join in an bunch of opening night activities, from oversized games to music and photobooth fun, in the courtyard. Screening start time is dependent upon time of sunset. Plus, wear your favorite baseball team attire and take home exclusive exhibition swag! $10; Friday; 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Mural Runs
YG Studios trainer Joni David-O’Connor combines fitness and art to launch a series of ‘mural runs,’ showcasing local LA street art in partnership with Sweaty Betty. Runs are approximately two miles and feature five to six “art stops” along the way. Joni will lead a short body weight circuit at each stop. Each run will take a different route – art highlights for April 9th include “Endangered Species,” “Arnold” and “Venice Torso.”Runs begin and end at Sweaty Betty. $20; Saturday, 10 am (April 19-6:30 pm, May 7 – 10 am, Tuesday, May 17 – 6:30 pm); 1112 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

New Spa Treatments at Mr. C Spa & Beauty
It’s Spring! Which means its time to shed the layers and get ready for that bathing suit bod (and look your best). Get to Beverly Hills for three new seasonal spa offers that are available throughout the month of April, including. The Spring Sugar Scrub is a complimentary Peppermint Sugar Foot Scrub with every 60 or 90 minute massage featuring the spa’s fresh organic honey and sugar peppermint foot scrub. The Citrus Fresh is a skin brightening Citrus Steam and Scrub with a 30 minute Lemon Sugar Body Scrub and a Tangerine infused steam. Priced at $65 or $45 if added to any massage. Sandal Ready means 50% off the Luxury Manicure and Pedicure when guests book any 60 or 90 minute massage, facial, or body treatment. All of the spa treatments at Mr. C Spa & Beauty utilize ESPA products, which are certified by the German Ecocert (the highest international organic certification possible) and are gentle yet effective, and smell great due to the organic essential oils used. As an added perk, if you use the spa, you also have access to the pool and fitness center for the entire day! April; 1224 Beverwil Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90035; spa@mrchotels.com or 310.226.6290

BUCHELLA
Pop Your Shop Presents it’s 2nd annual BUCHELLA, a Pre- Coachella shopping event featuring top festival fashions from The J.D. Luxe Fashion Truck. Enjoy live music, manis & pedis from Chrome Girl, flash tattoos in the Tipi Lounge, sparkle hair charms from Sparkle Nation, and great wine. Saturday, 1-6 pm; Rosenthal Winery, 18741 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA; RSVP@Popyourshop.com

Artisanal LA
Celebrate Spring and get a jump on Mother’s Day shopping while meeting and supporting local food artisans, crafters and makers, and do a little making and crafting of your own. Meet with makers/crafters, artisans, chefs; shop; taste; join in DIY Workshops; enjoy the Spring Garden Area, Pop-Up Urban Farm (Even Goats), café, lounge area, panels, demos, giveaways, and free drinks. No dogs. $15 at the door, cash only (ATMs on site); Saturday & Sunday, 11 am-6 pm; The Reef, 933 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Abbot Kinney Marketplace
Whoo hoo! So excited that Abbot Kinney Marketplace is becoming a biweekly thing starting this weekend. Now happening every second and third Saturday, the free bazaar has clothing, accessories, jewelry, decor, art, and more from over 50 indie vendors. Highlights include beach-ready apparel from Lagoon Designs, swimwear from Swim Like a Mermaid, bohemian home goods by Hunted Fox, leather accessories by Small Batch Co., and many others. Saturday, 1o am-5 pm; Westminster Avenue Elementary, 1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Sales:

AMO Denim
Score 75% off the brand’s denim shorts, pants, and jackets from its past collections and spring ’16 season. Expect items will be priced at $60 each. Friday, 11 am-6 pm; 440 Seaton St #202, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Calder Blake and the Palatines
At Calder Blake’s Mar Vista boutique, score up to 70% off the clothing brand’s past season merchandise and the Palatines’s minimalist footwear. Saturday & Sunday, 11 am-5 pm; 11708 Washington Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Cisco Home
Snag 20% off sale at their Los Angeles area stores on all upholstery special orders. Now, through April 18th, you can order the custom piece of upholstered furniture and not pay full price! Cisco Home is the premier sustainable furniture brand whose product is handcrafted in Los Angeles. Since 1990, founder Cisco Pinedo has been using sustainable materials and building methods to create furniture that is as healthy for you as it is for the planet. Comfort and safety are carefully balanced with style and structure to define this unique brand. Through April 18th; Melrose, Brentwood and Pasadena

Current/Elliot, Equipment & Joie
Take an additional 50% off all irregular items at the trio’s company store in Vernon. Friday; 5201 S Santa Fe Ave, Vernon, CA 90058