Dine Out Long Beach Restaurant Week 2.0
Eat your heart out during the annual Dine Out Long Beach, Restaurant Week 2.0, which is a seven-day celebration of dining conceived by Elizabeth Borsting, president of Elizabeth Borsting Public Relations Inc. You can enjoy two-course brunches and lunches starting at $10 and/or three-course dinners or small plates starting at $20. Dine Out Long Beach showcases more than 50 restaurants from across the city and participating restaurants to date, include: Chianina Steakhouse, Open Sesame, Michael’s On Naples, Café Sevilla, Sweet Dixie Kitchen, Restauration, The Crooked Duck, E.J. Malloy’s Bixby Knolls, Papalucci’s, Tantalum, Naples Rib Co., Gladstone’s Long Beach, Sip Bar + Lounge at the Renaissance Hotel, Honduras Kitchen, Louisiana Charlie’s, Michael’s Pizzeria, Kihon Sushi + Japanese Tapas, Utopia, Urban Table, Brix at The Shore, Taste Wine-Bar-Kitchen, Great Society Cider & Mead, Rance’s Chicago Pizza, Ocean Market Grill, and Buono’s Pizzeria. Dine Out Long Beach will kick off Restaurant Week 2.0 with a free Chefs’ Cooking + Tasting event at Friedman’s Appliances. The first two nights during Dine Out Long Beach participating restaurants have the option to be partnered with a local non-profit organization with 10% of the evening’s sales donated to the charity’s cause. Dine Out Long Beach also has a social media contest where one winner will be selected at random to receive a trip for two to Austin, Texas, aboard JetBlue plus a three-night stay in a suite at the new lux Archer Hotel and dinner for two at Second Bar + Kitchen.
Dessert Tasting Menu at The Peninsula Beverly Hills
The Peninsula Beverly Hills is putting dessert (my fave) center stage with their new seven-course dessert tasting menu from executive pastry chef Stephanie Boswell. Feast on coconut terrine, Baileys cheesecake and Nutella crepe, just to name a few. The tasting is also paired with free-flowing Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne for two. $76; Thursday-Saturday, 8 pm; The Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Living Room, 9882 Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA; 310.975.2736
The Block Part II
It’s time once again for The Block: The Urban Gastronomy Experience. The Inglewood event features a ton of the biggest names in South LA cooking including Grilled Fraiche, Three Stakx Kitchen, Smok N Joe’s One-of-a-Kind BBQ & Tacos, Trap Kitchen, and more. $5; Saturday, noon-6 pm; Animo Inglewood Charter School, 3425 Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90305
Swine and Wine in OC
Cucina Enoteca in Irvine is hosting a whole pig roast, that includes not only pork a bunch of different ways, but also sides and wine across the three-hour affair. $72; Saturday, noon-3 pm; Irvine Spectrum Center, 532 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618; 949.861.2222
YNK‘s Spanish Inspired Libation
Orange County’s chicest cocktail destination YNK, by Ellis Adams Group, has launched their new menu with drinks inspired by the flavors of Spain. Bringing me back to the days of my honeymoon and the streets of Madrid, Barcelona, and the beaches of Alicante, this spot is nestled inside the intimate bar in the Irvine Marriott. From delicious sangrias to flaming masterpieces, this Spanish menu’s highlights include: Queimada made with orujo, lemon, cinnamon, and coffee beans; Rebujito made with fino, citrus, soda, and mint; Calimocho made with tempranillo, cola syrup, and carbonation; Spanish Armada made with oloroso, rye, plum and schrub; G&T made with gin, tonic extract, and soda; and Sangria made with wine, spiced rum, lemon, and ginger beer. 18000 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612
Bacari GDI Opens at The Americana at Brand in Glendale
Owners Robert and Danny Kronfli, and Executive Chef/Owner Lior Hillel debut the third and newest outpost of the Venetian tavern concept, Bacari GDL, joining Bacaro LA near DTLA and, my fave, Bacari PDR in Playa Del Rey. Located at The Americana at Brand, the Italian-inspired restaurant focuses on fire-roasted dishes made in the new wood stone oven, and incorporates Mediterranean influences from Executive Chef Hillel’s Israeli heritage. The menu features a new collection of Bacari’s “cicchetti,” or Italian small plates, including Oxtail with doah spice, toasted buckwheat, and shaved radish salad; Banana Prawns with pipel chuma, farro, and parsley salad; and Braised Fennel with poached cranberry, toasted pine nuts, and whipped goat cheese. While the menu is almost entirely different from its sister restaurants, Bacari GDL keeps favorites such as the open-faced Bacari Burger and the Mac & Cheese. The Glendale restaurant offers a full bar and straightforward craft cocktails, alongside a curated selection of beer and wine, including a Brown Butter Sour with house-infused brown butter whiskey, dry curacao, egg white, simple, and lemon; and the Holy Mole with añejo tequila, agave, lime essence, mole bitters, lime twist, and cherry. Bacari GDL will also offer the “GDL Special,” a take on their 90-minute open bar, which includes house red and white wine, champagne, sangria, and a select beer for $25/person (for $30/person, you can now add well cocktails to the deal). 757 Americana Way, The Americana at Brand, Glendale, CA; 818.696.1460
Black Rabbit Rose Opens
The Houston Brothers new Hollywood nightlife destination is a bar meets theater, with ticketed shows from an array of talent including magicians and illusionists to burlesque dancers. They will all be performing in its speakeasy theater space Thursday through Saturday nights. Cocktails include menu items like Smoke N Mirrors made with gin, sweet vermouth, a hickory smoke filled glass and flamed orange zest. You can also order Thai-Chinese favorites from neighboring take-out window, Crying Tiger. 1719 N. Hudson Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Salt & Straw Opens in West Hollywood
The ice cream purveyor known for its artisanal, chef-driven approach to an American classic, will open its fifth Los Angeles scoop shop. You can enjoy all of the Salt & Straw classics that have made the artisanal brand so beloved in Los Angeles since its arrival in 2014. Favorites like Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons and Stumptown Coffee & Compartes Love Nuts will be joined by Head Ice Cream Maker Tyler Malek’s seasonal, monthly-rotating offerings, along with sundaes and milkshakes. Like its four outposts in Larchmont Village, Venice, Studio City, and the Arts District, the West Hollywood shop will offer a taste of Salt & Straw staples like Freckled Woodblock Chocolate and Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache; and LA-specific flavors like Avocado & Strawberry Sherbet and Black Olive Brittle & Goat Cheese. Recipes are created with 100% all-natural cream from Scott Brothers Dairy in-line with Salt & Straw’s philosophy to source the best possible products available, and all ice creams are churned in its DTLA kitchen to ensure optimal quality and freshness. Friday, 11 am; 8949 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069; 971.271.8168
Mr. Holmes Bakehouse Opens in the OC
LA and SF’s cult-status bakery, Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, is opening their third California location in Orange County! Nestled in Tustin’s Union Market at The District, the new OC location will be feature MHB’s signature minimalistic look, and of course their famous neon pink sign. Some menu items will include: California Croissant, Churro Croissant, Macha Croissant, Ferrero Rocher Croissant, and Cornflake Cookie. Saturday; 2493 Park Ave, Tustin, CA 92782
Cookie Con
It’s a party that’s all about cookies! Satisfy your sweet tooth at the largest baking and pastry convention. With cookies, cake, candy, and ice cream, Cookie Con will be a sweets lovers paradise. $25+; Saturday & Sunday, 9 am-5 pm; LA Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show
The largest travel show in the nation features entertainment, food and tips from TV’s travel experts, including keynote speakers Rick Steves, Andrew Zimmern and Peter Greenberg. $11-$15/One-day ticket, $18-$22/two-day ticket, under 17 free; Saturday & Sunday, 10 am-5 pm; Los Angeles Convention Center (Halls GHJ), 1201 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA; 203.878.2577, ext. 100
Vietnamese Film Festival
Immerse yourself in southern Asian culture during the largest international Vietnamese film festival in the world. The event features films by and about Vietnamese people submitted from all corners of the globe. Sunday, 11 am – 10 pm; AMC Orange 30, 20 City Blvd, W. Orange, 92868
ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXIX
Celebrate Scottish heritage at this annual event that kicks off with the Burns Supper on Friday night followed by a weekend of Scottish culture highlighted through activities, athletics, dancing, entertainment and cuisine. Get ready for border collie sheep-herding, firing demos, performances by the Scots Greys Calvary, Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and historic re-enactments in ode to the Queen Mary’s Scottish legacy. Friday-Sunday; 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA; 877.342.0738.
Competitive Erotic Fan Fiction
You read that correctly. For a naughty good time go deep inside the minds of ten featured comedians who read their own erotica based on improv and audience suggestion. Free; Sunday, 7-9:30 pm; The Virgil, 4519 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Hear Sunday at elysian
The newly remodeled Frogtown restaurant continues its Sunday live music series this weekend with a concert from Eyvind Kang & Jessika Kenny. The restaurant’s new bar will be open, offering cocktails to enjoy during the performance. $15; Sunday, 7-9 pm; 2806 Clearwater St, Los Angeles, CA
Air + Style LA
The annual snowboarding and music festival constructs a giant X Games-style ramp on the Expo Park grounds, and this year features music from Major Lazer, Flume, and TV on the Radio. Watch pro snowboarders compete while listening to amazing tunes. $79+; Saturday & Sunday; Exposition Park, 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Modernica Pop-Up Shop
Fashion meets furniture at this Anti Social Social Club partnership event where Modernica will be showcasing home goods and collaboration apparel at their original shop in DTLA. Saturday, 12 pm; Modernica Factory, 2901 Saco St, Los Angeles, CA 90058
Art After Hours
Cowork South Bay presents Art After Hours showcasing art from local South Bay artists. With live music, free beer and wine, and a chance to go home with your favorite piece, it’s a great night filled with art and culture. Friday, 6-9 pm; Cowork South Bay, 22519 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505; Register here.
Jason Rhoades’ Art Installation
Wander through six immersive installations filled with wooden contraptions and neon signs from the late LA artist Jason Rhoades. Opening night is on Saturday. Saturday, 6-9 pm (continues until May 2); Hauser Wirth & Schimmel, 901 East 3rd St, Los Angeles CA 90013; 213.943.1620
Venice Beach Cleanup with Gran Centenario & Heal the Bay
Gran Centenario has partnered up with Heal the Bay in honor of its Angels on Earth program, in an effort to encourage the community to take part in the cleanup of Venice Beach. Volunteer with the Angels on Earth program to join the movement and earn your “wings” for your selfless acts of service. Following the event, those who are 21 and over will be honored nearby with a cocktail event featuring Gran Centenario specialty cocktails and bites. Saturday, 10 am – 12 pm; Venice Beach Pier, 3100 Ocean Front Walk, Tower Buccaneer, South of Pier, Venice, CA 90292
