Monday, May 2:
What Would You Brew
Unique beers inspire brew lovers to put on their Boozy Willy Wonka hats and enter a world of brew imagination. Angel City is currently running their What Would You Brew contest in honor of Angel City’s statewide distribution of the Angel City IPA and Pilsner. Asking the question “What California-inspired beer would you brew at Angel City Brewery?” The answer could focus on an entrant’s hometown flavor or make the grand attempt to boil down the very essence of California into one recipe. The winner will receive a trip to LA to brew their dream beer alongside the Angel City team and have their beer featured at LA’s 2017 Beer Week!
Celebrate Your Graduate at EATS Kitchen & Bar
Treat the graduate to an all-out OC vacation or staycation to celebrate the end of a successful year! Whether it’s junior high, high school, college or even pre-school, treat the entire family to a getaway for some much-needed relaxation. This package includes $100 toward a celebratory dinner at EATS Kitchen & Bar, plus an exclusive gift for the grad. Starting at $199/night; available May and June 2016; 17900 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92614; 949.225.6780
Mommy Mondays at Tasti D•Lite
NYC’s favorite low-cal treat Tasti D-Lite is celebrating their love for Moms during the entire month of May! All mom’s will receive a free 6 oz. all-you-can-swirl Tasti soft serve all day every Monday throughout the month! It’s kicking off this Monday with fun activities, balloons, pop-up shops, entertainment and more for moms and families. Monday, 3-6 pm (every Monday in May); Tasti D-Lite / Planet Smoothie, 526 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Club 12 | Lounge on Another Level at Hotel Irvine
You are welcomed to an exclusive 12th floor lounge where you can relax with residential-style seating and flat screen TVs, unwind on the terrace as you take in OC views while enjoying a bevy of personalized amenities. Trust me, you will want this package, which includes complimentary access to Club 12 with exclusive privileges like nightly turndown service, premium WiFi, daily breakfast, nightly wine, beer and bites and more! Starting at $149/night (special package price is limited to up to two guests. $10 per day will be added for any additional guests); available through December 31; 17900 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92614
Oak Creek Golf Package at Hotel Irvine
This package lets golf lovers tee off at one of Orange County’s premier public courses designed by acclaimed golf course architect Tom Fazio. It includes one round of golf for two at Oak Creek Golf Course and complimentary rental equipment. Starting at $219 per night; 17900 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92614
Coastal Cruising Around Newport Harbor
Become the captain of your own Orange County experience with an electric duffy boat ride around Newport Harbor! Each 18-foot electric boat can accommodate up to 11 passengers and is fully equipped with plush vinyl seating, a stereo system, refrigerator and dining tables. When you book a standard guest room or splurge on a suite, you receive a one-hour electric duffy boat experience and $50 credit for Marketplace so they can enjoy a build-your-own picnic to take on board.Duffy Boat reservation times based on availability and not accepted after dusk. Starting at $169 per night; Available through August 31; Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92614; 866.396.4201
Tuesday, May 3:
Wine Women & Shoes
Join in the 5th annual charity event to benefit Children’s Action Network. You will have the opportunity to shop for a cause from a hand curated selection of top fashion brands, while savoring delicious bites from some of the city’s best restaurants, and sipping wine from a variety of prestige wineries. Restaurant partners include Baltaire, Blue Plate Oysterette, Butterscotch, Katsuya, Knuckle and Claw, Marmalade/Bedford & Burns, The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, Westside Tavern, and Wilshire Restaurant, along with wine parnters Delectus Vineyard & Winery, Whitehall Lane Winery & Vineyards, Blackbird Vineyards, Ferrari, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, Conundrum 25thAnniversary, Emmolo, Eonian, and Robert Mondavi. Fashion partners include Alexander Gray Optical, Carrie Hoffman Jewelry, Fifi & Romeo, Fiorentini + Baker, Hayward, Letarte, LOVEthirteen, Mona Moore, One Grey Thread, Say the Sun, SHAFFER LA, Stacey Todd, Two Gems Featuring Julez Bryant and Suzanne Wilson, and YA Living. Can’t make it, but still want to participate in the festivities? Raffle tickets are available for $100, to win the ultimate gift: the Key to the Closet prize. This dream closet is filled with thousands of dollars-worth of luxury gifts, fashion accessories, beauty treatments and more! $150; Tuesday, 6 – 9 pm; a private home in Santa Monica
Wednesday, May 4:
Dunkin’ Donuts Opens in Bell Gardens
My go-to coffeeshop when I lived in Boston is opening of a new location in Bell Gardens. They are opening at 5 am, so you can get fresh brewed coffee, delicious baked goods and sandwiches. As part of the opening day festivities, the first guest in line at both the drive-thru and lobby will receive a $100 Dunkin’ Donuts gift card. Travel mugs along with a $5 gift card will be given to the first 50 guests to arrive. You will be greeted by beloved brand mascot, Cuppy, and free samples will be available throughout the day. A ceremonial ribbon cutting will take place to commemorate the grand opening, which will include a $20,000 check presentation to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank from The Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation (DDBRCF). In the final year of its three-year, $1,000,000 commitment, The DDBRCF is working closely with Feeding America® member food banks to support child-hunger initiatives nationwide. This grant will further the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s efforts to help children who face hunger in the local Los Angeles community. Wednesday, 5 am; 6821 Eastern Ave, Bell Gardens, CA
Del Frisco’s Grille Santa Monica Hosts “American Wino” Tasting
Del Frisco’s Grille welcomes wine & spirits writer, Dan Dunn, for a unique spin on a classic wine tasting. The event is in conjunction with the launch of Dunn’s new book, “AMERICAN WINO: A Tale of Reds, Whites, and One Man’s Blues.” You will taste a selection of Dunn’s favorite American wines and receive an inside perspective on American winemaking along with food pairings from the Grille’s Chef Tiger and a signed copy of the book. $50; Wednesday, 6:30–8 pm; Del Frisco’s Grille, 1551 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.395.7333
May Mix-Off
This May, The Mixing Room at JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE gathers top bartenders and mixologists from Los Angeles’ to compete in the fourth annual May Mix-Off. The event kicks off with a bartender meet-and-greet, followed by a complimentary mixology class. On May 11, the three-week competition commences with bartender battles every Wednesday from 7-9 pm, where you can enjoy complimentary cocktail tastings and cheer on your favorite competitors. The series culminates in one bartender taking the winning title and grand prize (a trip to Tales of the Cocktail). Specialty cocktails featuring the lead sponsor William Grant & Sons portfolio of spirits will be available for purchase throughout May. Wednesday; JW Marriott Los Angles L.A. LIVE, 900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213.765.8600; RSVP: jwlarestaurants@marriott.com
Thursday, May 5:
Cinco de Mayo at Border Grill DTLA
Celebrate on the patio with The Whole Hog! Feast on roasted pork, Al Pastor tacos, cauliflower tacos Al Pastor, pork chicarones, fried Brussels sprouts, Elote Locos grilled corn & topping bar, and a churro station. Plus, party down with a DJ and a satellite bar highlighting Signature Margaritas & Bottled Beer. In the Bar & Dining Room enjoy $5 Mexican draft all day, $6 Angel City LA Lager, $6 Border Margaritas, and $6 Corralejo. $30 all-you-can-eat with complimentary margarita or $5 per item; Thursday; 445 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90071; 213.486.5171
Cinco de Mayo at Santa Monica Border Grill
Party on down with drink specials like the Ginger Not Maryann Margarita made with ginger infused reposado, tamarind, fresh lime, and tamarind salt; the Calavera Classic Margarita made with calavera blanco, agave simple syrup, and fresh lime; Kentucky Maggie, made with knob creek bourbon, ferrand dry curacao, fresh lime, and simple syrup; Route 43 made with jalapeño infused blanco, licor 43, passion fruit, fresh lime, and agave syrup; Sangria; and $4 Coronas all day in the cantina! Thursday; 1445 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.451.1655
Cinco de Mayo at Rascal
Sip on the Oaxacan Flower created by Sandy Clark. It’s made of Alipus mescal, Bols triple sec, Bertina elderflower, fresh grapefruit juice and an orange twist. Margarita more your thing? The Rascal Margarita, also created by Sandy Clark is crafted with Zapopan tequila, Bols triple sec, and fresh lemon and lime juice for $10. Thursday, 4 pm-Midnight; 801 S La Brea Ave, CA 90036; 323.933.3229;
Cinco de Mayo at Sol Cocina Playa Vista
Celebrate with the SOL Grande Casa Noble Margarita, created by Colin Pflugradt. This margarita is shaken table side with a choice of house-made sweet and sour mix or as a skinny margarita with fresh lime juice, agave and a splash of soda. The Mango Con Chile Frozen Margarita, also create by Colin Pflugradt and made with an icy mango purée served in a chile-salted bucket glass with a dried chile-mango garnish. Cool down with the Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita (created by Colin Pflugradt) mixed with cucumbers, jalapeños, Correlejo blanco tequila, fresh lime juice and agave nectar. Thursday, 11:30 am-10 pm; 12775 West Millennium Dr, #160, Playa Vista, CA 90094; 424.289.0066 (Photo Credit: acuna-hansen)
Cinco de Mayo at Spare Tire Kitchen & Tavern
Maximilian Affair created by Travis Ferguson and made with Espolon Reposada tequila, St. Germain, sweet vermouth and lemon juice. The Sage Against The Machine, also created by Travis Ferguson is mixed up with Espolon reposado tequila, St. Germain, lime juice, cucumber and fragrant sage. Thursday, 10 am-11 pm; 5370 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.525.2618
Cinco de Mayo at The Raymond 1886
Sip on Blood In Heaven, created by Jesus Gomez that is mixed with Mezcal El Silencio Espadin, lime juice, pineapple juice, honey syrup, passion fruit syrup and a Peychaud’s bitters. Thursday, 11:30 am-2:30 pm, 5:30-10 pm; 626.441.3136
Cinco de Mayo at WP24 by Wolfgang Puck
They are celebrating the holiday with $3 tacos, house-made salsas, and more atop The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles. This serves as the kick-off to the restaurant’s popular summertime programming series, which takes place on the hotel’s exclusive rooftop patio. Specialty tacos include Santa Barbara spot prawns with chipotle and cilantro, Roasted pork shoulder with pineapple and guajillo chili, and house-made chorizo, and more. The menu also features Mexican-inspired desserts like horchata ice cream coupe and warm house-made churros. Enjoy a selection of beers and specialty cocktails, such as the Starry Night made with Rum Chata, spiced rum, and vanilla bean; as well as margarita offerings, including the Cadillac with Chinaco Blanco, Grand Marnier, lemon and lime. Thursday; 900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213.743.8824
Public School‘s Cinco de Mayo
All locations will have $10 Cinco de Mayo nachos, available exclusively on the 5th! These nachos are made with a creamy poblano sauce, adobe chicken, jalapeños, pickled onions, queso fresco, chopped cilantro, and tortilla chips fried & crisped in-house. Recess (aka Happy Hour) will also be extended for drink prices only until close of business.
Lucha VaVoom
The Cinco de Mayo edition of this ultra-crazy Mexican-wrestling-meets-comedy-meets-burlesque extravaganza promises to be as over-the-top-as ever, with midgets, chickens, and sexy ladies and men. $48.50+; Thursday & Friday; The Mayan, 1038 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
