Chef Jeremiah Bullfrog Debuts New Dining Concept “Kiwicha” at LA’s Smorgasburg
Critically acclaimed Miami Chef Jeremiah Bullfrog, founder of gastroPod Mobile Gourmet and the long-running P.I.G. culinary event series, is pleased to announce an exciting new pop-up dining venture: Kiwicha. Kiwicha is an ancient Peruvian superfood and presents a new approach to quick, simple, healthy eating. The Peruvian kiwicha seed, also known as amaranth, comes from a plant with broad green leaves and purple, red and gold seed heads and was widely cultivated by the Aztecs, Incas and other pre-Columbian civilizations. Similar in size to poppy seeds, kiwicha seeds are harvested and used as a grain that has a multitude of expressions; it can be popped like popcorn, ground into flour or boiled for porridge. The possibilities for this new superfood are endless – flatbreads, crisps, patties, even juices. Combine it with wheat flour and you can bake it into leavened bread that doesn’t elevate blood glucose as much as wheat or rice flour. You can boil the leaves for a few minutes and add them to vegetarian dishes for an iron and calcium-rich supplement similar to spinach. Kiwicha (amaranth) has been shown to have other health benefits like lowering blood cholesterol, improving blood lipids and stimulating immunity in people with heart disease. The Kiwicha menu this weekend promises to be fresh, innovative and delicious. The lunch box will include seven grains cooked in dashi, and the Kiwicha shake – a blend of crunchy bits and healthy goodness. The lunch box will be served with choices like Chipotle (without the e.coli) all with Michelin-level food preparation minus the stuffy hospitality. Sunday, 10 am-4 pm; The ROW, 785 Bay St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Cheese & Spirits Pairing with The Spirit Guild & Vagabond Cheese
Vagabond Cheese Company is back with the spirited team at The Spirit Guild Distillery for a brand new pairing! Explore spirit pairings with The Spirit Guild’s gin and vodka (both distilled from clementines), and with two other yet-to-be-released spirits. Alex, owner and head curd nerd, and Morgan of The Spirit Guild Distillery will lead you through the pairings and answer all your questions. $25; Friday, 6-7:30 pm & 7:30-9 pm; The Spirit Guild, 586 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013; 213.613.1498
Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen’s Pop-Up
San Francisco area favorite, Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen, will be running with a one-day pop-up at Genghis Cohen on Fairfax. The all-day party was born out of a communal love for Jewish foods, with two former Jewish Angelenos running the bagel shop up in the Bay. Expect a big brunch feast and for additional fees, cocktails from Yael Vengroff. Your ticket will include shared plates of chopped liver toast, bagel chips with smoked trout, and classic Chinese chicken salad. You can also try vegetable hash with poached eggs, house-smoked pastrami rubes, breakfast fried rice, among other delicacies. Expect chocolate babka for dessert with coffee from Coffee Manufactory. $40; Saturday, 9 am;740 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046; reservations here.
The Raymond 1886’s New Winter Cocktails
1886, established by Marcos Tello and currently lead by Peter Lloyd-Jones, have been mixing and testing their latest creative concoctions. Their new Winter Cocktail menu inspired by inventors, innovators and legendary pioneers starts with Casey Levental honoring two American pioneers for their revolutionary ideas. The Ice King, a Julep variation, features Rhum J.M. Gold Agricole, Solerno orange liqueur, Clement Canne Sirop, muddled mint, and sprinkled coffee grounds, is dedicated to Frederic Tudor, founder of the Tudor Ice Company. Reed Hastings, who revolutionize home entertainment is celebrated with Netflix and Chill, a mulled wine toddy variation made of Glenfiddich 14yr Single Malt Scotch whisky, homemade mulled wine, vanilla syrup, and an orange peel garnish. Saluting Christopher Wren, one of the fathers of the syringe, is Wren’s Remedy by Marcos Tello, which is a Negroni variation with Beet-infused El Silencio Espadin, Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, and Campari, while a sour variant, the Blackwell by Adam Vaughn and The Raymond 1886 Pastry Chef Raymond Morales pays tribute to Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to graduate from an American medical school, and is comprised of Fennel-infused Rittenhouse 100 proof rye, honey, ginger, lemon juice, turmeric, and a brown-sugar brûléed Serrano pepper. The Burbank Flip, by Peter Lloyd-Jones and Pastry Chef Raymond Morales is dedicated to American botanist, Luther Burbank, made with Rittenhouse 100 proof rye, Cynar, Allspice Dram liqueur, Demerara, whole egg, and a croissant chip garnish. Marcos Tello also pays homage to John Chapman, an American pioneer who introduced apple trees across several states. The Johnny Appleseed, a variation of the toddy, stars Laird’s Straight Apple Brandy, Samuel Smith cider, Grade B maple syrup, Barspoons Apple Butter, Angostura bitters, side of apple chips, and a cinnamon stick garnish. Though only a myth, Helen of Troy’s fabled beauty is commemorated with a visually stunning shaken pisco cocktail created by Luis Nava. Helen of Troy is made with Pisco Portón, Velvet Falernum liqueur, mixed berry shrub, lemon juice, and black sugar garnish. Adam Vaughn and Pastry Chef Raymond Morales, created the Espress Yoself , an Espresso Martini named for Angelo Moriondo, the original creator of the espresso machine, made with vodka, Cynar, Marie Brizzard Brown Cacao liqueur, espresso, cream, and a chocolate cookie garnish. An Old Fashioned variation, the Moped is named after its three creators: Monique, Peter Lloyd-Jones, and Ned Kirby and is made with Woodford Reserve bourbon, Benedictine, Yellow Chartreuse, pecan bitters, and a rosemary sprig garnish. Get all of these libations and more during winter at The Raymond 1886. 1250 South Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136
Drago Ristorante Opens at the Peterson Automotive Museum
The Sicilian family name credited for bringing authentic Italian cuisine to Los Angeles is proudly debuting their newest venture, Drago Ristorante in the Petersen Automotive Museum. A collaboration between brothers Celestino, Calogero, Tanino and Giacomino Drago, they are offering a taste of house made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, an innovative assortment of Italian entrees, artisanal breads and pastries from Drago’s Dolce Forno bakery in Culver City and locally grown produce from Drago Farms in Santa Ynez. Lunch guests can choose from antipasti and insalate including the Burrata Salad with burrata cheese, prosciutto, heirloom cherry tomato, basil cream, and olive crostini; Capricciosa with romaine lettuce, chopped chicken breast, hearts of palm, tomato, cannellini beans, haricot vert, red onion and a light creamy mustard dressing; and Calamari Salad with jicama, carrots, cucumber, leeks, fine herbs and yuzu dressing. House made pastas include Ravioli Ricotta with spinach and ricotta ravioli and Drago Farms® tomato sauce; and Pacher Porcini e Gorgonzola with large rigatoni pasta, porcini mushrooms and crumbled blue cheese. Lunch entrees include a Trattoria Burger made with Wagyu beef served on a truffle buttered brioche with caramelized onions, Portobello mushrooms, fontina cheese and truffle fries; Pollo with pan roasted chicken breast, mustard seed crust, sautéed green beans and roasted shallots; and Salmone featuring pan roasted Atlantic salmon and trofie pesto. Dinner has antipasti including Salumi Misti, Gnocco Fritto with prosciutto and other cold cut daily selections and fried bread; and Polpo e Panelle with pan roasted octopus, chickpea tarts, and pickled vegetables. Pasta options include Cavatelli al Ragu di Capriolo with house made cavatelli, venison ragu, and porcini mushrooms; and Gnocchi di Patate al Nero di Seppie with squid ink potato gnocchi, squid, cured tuna row, and zucchini. Wood-fired pizzas include Cacio e Pepe with cheese, ground black pepper, frisee and shaved pecorino cheese; and Parma with prosciutto, mozzarella pearls, frisee and basil. Entrees include Cappesante e Polenta with sautéed jumbo scallops, soft polenta, artichokes and morels; and Filetto D, Agnello with sautéed filet of lamb, Sardinian couscous, eggplant and mint. Combining rugged design elements of blackened steel and hammered copper with refined finishes incorporating curves and fluid lines, Felderman Keatinge + Associates is behind the interior design for the space, who envisioned the restaurant as an extension of the Petersen Automotive Museum. Intended to reflect modernism in motion, the design offers approachable elegance with an upbeat feel. A custom mural by Stanley Felderman makes a bold and colorful statement. 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, California, 90036; 323.930.CARS
Angel City Tap Take over at The Stand Northridge
Angel City Brewery will be doing a Tap Takeover at The Stand Northridge. Offering a rare and exclusive White Nite beer, you will have a chance to the try the blonde colored beer that tastes like a dark stout! Also available are their LA Lager and Angel City IPA. Friday, 6 pm; 19600 Plummer St, #700, Northridge, CA 91324; 818.709.3820
Angel City Brewery‘s Holiday Paw-ty
Angel City’s holiday event invites all to party like a happy puppy at Angel City Brewery’s Holiday Paw-ty. Along with Best Friends Animal Society, Angel City brings a day of merriment with man’s best friend. You are encouraged to bring your pup in for treats, beats and eats. Dogs (and their humans) can pick up some new gear from Sportleash, Brewbites, HOPN Bakery, Bean Goods and Bonz on the Way. Human treats provided by BrewWings. Take a family photo in Angel City’s holiday themed photo booth where plenty of doggie accessories will be available for dress up. Best Friends LA will be bringing their mobile pet adoption for on-site cuddles or forever homes. Sunday, 12-5 pm; 216 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Grand Performances downtown features a concert tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas. The Joey Altruda Trio performs classic songs, celebrating the jazzy spirit of Vince Guaraldi. Sunday, 2 pm; 300 & 350 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA; 213.687.2190
Holly Jolly Day
Celebrate the holidays at The Mixing Room at JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE. The event features private access to the L.A. LIVE ice skating rink, a hands-on treat station with cupcake decorating and chocolate fondue, festive cocktails and spiked hot chocolate. Plus, a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, who will make a special appearance in a life-size gingerbread house perfect for photos (noon-4 pm). $12-$20; Saturday, 11 am-4 pm; 900 West Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
A Phil Holiday Sing-Along
Singing your favorite holiday songs accompanied by the Walt Disney Concert Hall’s huge pipe organ. Saturday, 11:30 am & 2:30 pm; 111 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA; 213.850.2000
Messiah Sing-Along
The annual event features the Master Chorale and four talented soloists on stage for a performance of Handel’s most beloved oratorio of all time. The concert includes a sing along for the choral passages. Bring your own score or buy one in the lobby and join the chorus. Sunday; Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA; 213.972.7282
Holiday Sing-Along
If free singing is more yourself, bundle up and share in the warmth and joy of the holidays with a grand night of singing under the stars. Live accompaniment. Lyric sheets provided. No experience necessary, come prepared to sing! Free; Friday, 6–7:30 pm; The Music Center, 135 N Grand Ave #201, Los Angeles, CA 90012; 213.972.7499
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Over a million viewers will be posting up for the 108th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. The harbor will be alive with boats, yachts, and canoes, many of them sporting over $500,000 in decorations. Saturday, 6:30 pm; Newport Harbor, 600 Irvine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Ugly Sweater Boardwalk Crawl
A Basq Kitchen, Kincaid’s, King Harbor Brewing and The Slip are all joinind together to celebrate the holidays. Grab your ugliest holiday sweater and get ready for a day of live music, drink specials, food deals, and raffle prizes. Visitors who stop by all four locations and turn in their receipts will be entered in a prize raffle. In celebration of the holidays, all Redondo Pier parking structures are free. Saturday, noon-6 pm; 121 W Torrance Blvd, #103, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
L.A. Yoga Expo
Holidays got you all stressed and crazed? You’ll want to attend this daylong series of classes, music, healthy eating and leggings shopping at the L.A. Convention Center. You’ll be back to your old self in no time. Bring your mat! $35+; Saturday, 10 am-6 pm; 1201 South Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA, 90015
Yin + Zen at exhale Santa Monica
exhale Santa Monica is hosting a 75-minute Yin + Zen yoga class. The Chill Yoga class will channel your inner zen with some extra mindful moments and a stretch component to bring you back to center before the holidays. Free/members, $25/guests; Sunday, 5:15 pm; book here
Saturday Nights at the Getty
Saturday Nights at the Getty launches its 2017 season, with a rare and original performance by renowned and influential composer Terry Riley. Together with his son, composer and guitarist Gyan Riley, he will perform in response to Untitled (Shepard-Risset Glissando with Color) a new artwork by New York conceptual artist Peter Coffin. Terry Riley and Gyan Riley will also discuss their practice of collaborative improvisations, emphasizing the synthesis of minimalism, jazz, ragtime and North Indian raga that have come to define Terry Riley’s iconic career. This performance complements the current exhibitions The Art of Alchemy and The Alchemy of Color in Medieval Manuscripts, which explore the scientific and seemingly magical energies that surround the use of color and development of pigments in centuries past. Free (but reservations are recommended); Saturday, 7:30 pm; Getty Center in the Harold M. Williams Auditorium, 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA; 310.440.7300
The Shining at The Los Angeles Theatre
Check out the ballrooms, balconies and fountains of L.A.’s most spectacular movie palace as they recreate the Overlook Hotel for their annual holiday party. Explore all three floors of this opulent theatre with it’s crystal chandeliers, eerie children’s play room, mirrored powder room, wood paneled study and cavernous auditorium, then watch Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece on the big screen. With full bars on every level, a themed photobooth, DJs, live music and dancing in the ballroom, this is their seasonal celebration of the holidays, Cinespia style, with one of the greatest movies of all time. Dress code: elegant/formal Attire – jacket & tie required for men. $24+; Saturday, doors: 7 pm, movie: 9 pm; 615 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
