Monday:
The Strand House Culinary Masters Series
Opening consulting chef Neal Fraser (Redbird) mans the stoves along with the Strand House’s recently appointed executive chef Austin Cobb and chef/partner Greg Hozinsky. Dine on a six-course dinner that includes dishes like sautéed Monterey Bay abalone; duck breast with black rice; and grilled lamb belly. The courses are accompanied by wine pairings from Challen Winery in Santa Barbara County; proprietor and actress Challen Cates will introduce each pairing throughout the evening. $150; Monday, cocktail reception: 6:30 pm, dinner: 7 pm; 117 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA; 310.545.7470
Spring Getaways at Hotel Irvine
Hotel Irvine, Southern California’s popular lifestyle hotel, offers spring vacation packages for April and May. The Destination OC Package means Hotel Irvine will include chef’s Everyday Breakfast, a $30 credit for the Marketplace to enjoy lunch, dinner or even snacks for the road, plus complimentary self-parking (Starting at $149 per night). The Grown-Up Spring Break package includes a $50 credit for Red Bar and Lounge and a choice of a bucket of beers or bottle of wine to enjoy poolside (Starting at $189 per night). The Coastal Cruising Around Newport Harbor package has you on an electric Duffy boat ride around Newport Harbor! Each 18-foot electric boat can accommodate up to eight passengers and has 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, a $50 credit for the Marketplace so you can build their own picnic to take on board, and a s’mores kit for roasting by the fire (Starting at $209 per night). The Oak Creek Golf Package includes one round of golf for two at Oak Creek Golf Course and complimentary rental equipment (Starting at $289 per night). Club 12 – Lounge on Another Level package welcomes you to its exclusive 12th floor lounge where you can relax with flat screen TVs, unwind on the terrace as you take in dramatic OC views and enjoy a bevy of personalized amenities. This package includes complimentary access to Club 12 with exclusive privileges like nightly turndown service, premium Wi-Fi, daily breakfast, nightly wine, beer and bites and more (Starting at $179 per night). Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92614; 866.396.4201 or visit HotelIrvine.com/packages.
MC Billy Harris’ “Hanging with Harris” Guest Chef Dinner Series
Hanging with Harris is a lineup of eight intimate, multi-course dining events taking place throughout Los Angeles through May. Each Monday night dinner will begin with a cocktail reception hosted by a mixologist from the leading Scotch whisky distiller, William Grant & Sons, followed by a four-course seated dinner with wine pairings from each distinguished chef and a charity auction. A portion of ticket sales and all proceeds from the auction items will benefit four charities that are close to Harris’ heart: James Beard Foundation, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, No Kid Hungry, and PIGGY BANK. This week, catch Michael Cimarusti at Connie and Ted’s. Located in the heart of WeHo, Connie and Ted’s pays homage to Cimarusti’s grandparents and the simple, honest seafood cookery of New England. Today, Cimarusti, Echiverri, and Co-Owner Donato Poto operate Providence, Connie & Ted’s, and Cape Seafood and Provisions. Outside of his restaurants, Michael actively supports the Special Olympics and always finds time to go fishing with his two children. $125; Monday; 8171 California Route 2, West Hollywood, CA 90046
It’s my favorite time of year! Baseball season! This year, the Blue Crew will be starting off against the San Diego Padres. Get there early as the crowds will be heading there in masses. Monday, 1 pm; Dodgers Stadium; 1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Thursday:
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken Opens with a Free Doughnut
After three years of success in Washington, DC and Virginia, Astro will bring its seasonal and creative menu to a town that is notoriously in love with doughnuts. Experience Astro favorites like the old bay fried chicken sandwich that have had loyal customers lining up around the block for years and Astro’s crème brûlée doughnut has been named one of 40 “Must-Try Dishes” by The Washington Post. The new Los Angeles location will serve an array of seasonal doughnuts, creative takes on fried chicken, unique side dishes and specialty doughnut sandwiches—as well as some exclusive, locally-inspired flavors and menu items. Fried chicken lovers will have a choice of bone-in fried chicken, chicken fingers, fried chicken sandwiches and wings available by the half dozen or larger party packs. An array of coffee drinks will be available compliments of Philadelphia’s La Colombe® Coffee Roasters, including their nitro Draft Latté. On opening day, they will be giving a free doughnut to everyone who follows @astrodoughnuts on Instagram (and shows at the register). Thursday; 516 W 6 th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
