The Taste
Join in the Los Angeles Times‘ The Taste, its annual festival celebrating the flavors of the world. Hosted by The Times’ Food staff and acclaimed L.A. chefs and bartenders, The Taste will transform Paramount Pictures Studios into the ultimate epicurean pop-up and block party. Admission to each of the five events includes unlimited tastings from the city’s best kitchens and a variety of wine, beer and seasonal cocktails. Opening Night (Friday, 7:30-10:30 pm) features a collection of tastings, cocktail and wine offerings, and a chance to party on the backlot with The Times’ hosts and the weekend’s participating chefs and mixologists. Restaurants include Baran’s 2239, Bourbon Steak, Chinese Laundry, Crying Tiger, Fat Dragon, Friends & Family, Georgie, Hatchet Hall, Lao Tao, Little Fatty, Mainland Poke, Scratch Bar & Kitchen, Side Chick, Simone, Tabula Rasa Bar and Tar & Roses. On Saturday from noon-3 pm, Field to Fork, hosted by Amy Scattergood, Times Food Editor, and Sang Yoon, Chef/Owner of Father’s Office and Lukshon will share their farmers market knowledge through individual cooking demos. Scattergood will lead a discussion about the importance of farms and eating local with Romeo Coleman (Coleman Family Farms), Alex Weiser (Weiser Family Farms) and Wes Whitsell (Manuela). Restaurants include Aqui es Texcoco, Banh Oui, Cento Pasta Bar, Coni’Seafood, Cruciferous, M Café, Maury’s Bagels, McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, Robert’s Catering Service and VCHOS Pupuseria Moderna. Dinner with a Twist, hosted by Jonathan Gold, Times Restaurant Critic, Jenn Harris, Times Deputy Food Editor, Antonia Lofaso, Chef/Owner of Scopa Italian Roots and Black Market Liquor Bar, and Marco A. Ramos, Mixologist at Scopa Italian Roots is Saturday from 7:30-10:30 pm. Restaurants include Barrel & Ashes, Beauty & Essex, Black Market Liquor Bar, Faith & Flower, Mayura Indian Restaurant, Pedalers Fork, Scopa Italian Roots, Szechuan Impression, The Bellwether, The Ponte and Wolf. Sunday’s Block Party is hosted by Noelle Carter, Times Test Kitchen Director, and Sherry Yard, Chef/Owner of Tuck Room Tavern. Yard will explain pastry-baking for home cooks and David LeFevre (Manhattan Beach Post) will give a master class on making biscuits. Carter will host a talk with Chris Phelps (Salt’s Cure) about what it means to brunch at some of the most innovative spots around town, with additional panelists. Restaurants include Cheezus, Cocobella Creamery, E.A.K. Ramen, Hotville Chicken & Chops, Hummus Yummy Food Truck, MessHall, Otium, Rosaliné, The Butcher’s Daughter andTuck Room Tavern. Flavors of L.A., hosted by Jonathan Gold, Times Restaurant Critic, and Gilberto Cetina Jr., Chef/Owner of Chichen Itza and Holbox is on Sunday from 7:30-10:30 pm. Closing night of The Taste embraces thediversity of flavors that make Los Angeles one of the most exciting places to dine through demos by Cetina, Wes Avila (Guerrilla Tacos) and the team behind Badmaash: Pawan, Nakul and Arjun Mahendro. Gold will explore Korean barbecue with masters of the grill: Jenee Kim (Park’s Barbeque) and Chris Oh (Seoul Sausage Co.). Restaurants include Chichen Itza, Frankland’s Crab & Co., Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken,Holbox, Luv2eat Thai Bistro, Meals by Genet, Pasta Sisters, Revolutionario North African Tacos, Same Same and Worldwide Tacos. $150/Opening Night tickets, $95-$130/Saturday and Sunday event tickets; Friday-Sunday
626 Night Market
626 Night Market returns to Santa Anita Park with hundreds of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Known as the largest Asian themed night market in the country, 626 Night Market invites you to enjoy returning favorites and discover new food vendors, browse exclusive merchandise, shop arts and crafts vendors, and enjoy live entertainment with friends and family. Friday-Sunday; 285 W. Huntington Dr, Arcadia CA 91007
Golden Road Brewing‘s Made In LA
This is a new music and arts festival celebrating Los Angeles based creators and the local community through art, music, charity and beer. Made in LA is taking place on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 2-3, over Labor Day Weekend. Highlights of the two-day festival include live performances by legendary West Coast rapper and hip-hop producer Warren G, indie dance-pop group YACHT, Buyepongo, Maxim Ludwig, Iconique and more. In addition to the live music, Made In LA will showcase artists and vendors who are from L.A. or built their craft in the city. Attendees can sip a wide selection of Golden Road craft beers, including an exclusive Made In LA release. Golden Road will also be serving up a tasty menu of food alongside favorite local vendors and food trucks.A portion of the proceeds will support local charities Heal The Bay, Wags & Walks, and Light Bringer. At checkout, ticket buyers can choose which charity will benefit from their purchase. $30 (covers both days and two beer tickets); Saturday & Sunday; 5410 West San Fernando Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Fiesta Hermosa
The 45th annual festival is located in Downtown Hermosa Beach on Pier Plaza, Hermosa Avenue and lower Pier Avenue. Described as the ”largest arts & crafts fair in Southern California,” more than 300 artists and crafters are featured, including painters, photographers, ceramicists, jewelers, sculptors, and handcrafters. There are two stages of live music: the Main Stage features top tribute bands, while the Charity Beer & Wine Garden showcases classic rock, 70s, 80s, 90s, pop and surf music. The Food Court offers 18 different kinds of multicultural food options, from roasted corn to Thai, Greek, Mexican, tri-tip sandwiches and barbecued sausages. The Kiddie Carnival features a 30-foot slide, mechanical rides, rock climbing, bungee jump, and games for kids from 3 to 10 years old. Pony rides, a petting zoo, and face painters are sure to delight the little ones. Saturday-Monday, 10 am-6 pm; 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach CA 90254
West Adams Block Party
Delicious Pizza is throwing its first community Block Party. The event will feature jazz, funk, soul and hip-hop artists and DJs. Sounds provided by Soulection DJs, Boomyard LA, Delicious Vinyl and SoulPeople Sound System, plus surprise performances from local talent and international acts. One of the main attractions will be the Dilla’s Donuts Pop-Up shop inside Delicious Pizza’s gallery, the Infinity Room, with donuts by Dilla’s Delights, a J Dilla photo exhibit and exclusive merchandise. Free; Sunday, 2-10 pm; 5419 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills’ Labor Day
L’Ermitage Beverly Hills will be celebrating the end of summer with a special Spanish-inspired featured dining experience offered at the hotel’s Avec Nous restaurant and the Pool: “Shrimp Catalan” dish with Shrimp in chrorizo sofrito sauce, with pan con Tomate (Tomate Bread) and a choice of Aperol Spritzer or glass of Provencal Rosé. 9291 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210; 310.278.3344
Viceroy Santa Monica’s Labor Day
Viceroy Santa Monica has partnered with Stillhouse spirits to offer guests a special Labor Day BBQ celebration. The BBQ will include: specialty menu featuring a spin on BBQ favorites, signature Stillhouse cocktails such as the Stillhouse Collins, Red Hot Old Fashion, and a Peach Tea Lemonade, and #FeelGoodSound by DJ Hapa. $12 per food item and $12 per cocktail. Monday 11 am-4 pm; 1819 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Three Day Rule‘s 2nd Annual Labor Day Pool Party
Join 500+ other singles for a day of DJ’s, dancing, BBQ, discounted Svedka cocktails and Jell-O shots. $10-$20; Monday, 1-5 pm; Viceroy Santa Monica, 1819 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
WET
The Queen Mary hosts WET, featuring three decks of world class EDM DJs, including Viceroy, EC Twins, Michael Sparks, LZRD with special guest TWRK. $40, $125/VIP (includes VIP line at the entrance and exclusive access to the VIP Lounge); Saturday; 1126 Queen’s Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
WP24 by Wolfgang Puck‘s Labor Day rooftop barbeque
Atop the 26th floor of the Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, you have access to several stations featuring classics from the mesquite smoker, including Spicy & Sweet Baby Back Ribs, Pulled Kurobuta Pork Shoulder, and BBQ Glazed Grilled Jidori Chicken; sides include sweet and tangy baked beans and brioche rolls with smoked sea salt. Cocktails are available for purchase and include frosé, beer, wine, and more. $45; Saturday, 12-5 pm; 900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213.743.8800
Manuela‘s Kitchen Garden Cocktails with St. George Spirits
Join Manuela in the garden as the St. George team discuss their spirits and offer tastings from their vast selection. They will be creating cocktails with garden herbs and St. George spirits for purchase. Saturday, 3 – 8 pm; 907 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013; 323.849.0480
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa‘s Labor Day Weekend
Book at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa and receive a complimentary day passes to Kelly’s Spa. You can dine at one of the hotel’s four restaurants, including The Mission Inn Restaurant featuring al fresco dining on the Spanish Patio or unwind with wine tastings at the Irvine & Roberts Family Vineyards Tasting Room. Click here to book your stay. $129-$159; 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501; 951.784.0300
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa’s “DoNut Disturb” Package
The package is available all year and includes a $50 room credit to use towards the spa, dining, or golf. The resort’s Donut Dispatcher will deliver a colorful, house-made 40-pound donut covered in an electric pink sweet cream frosting, decorated with neon jimmies and topped with tropical fruit macaron crisps, and infused with summer raspberries. The package debuts with a “Sugar High Happy Hour” including a Donut Wall for you to pick up mini versions of the grand dessert, milkshakes, and more (all complimentary to hotel guests). A variety of specialty Labor Day Weekend activities will be offered throughout the hotel, including Canvas Art Painting, Glow in the dark Mini Golf, and more. Click here to book your stay. $219+; 74-855 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Restauration‘s Labor Day Brunch
The brunch includes bottomless mimosas or house made sangria, the choice of fresh fruit, house biscuit, grilled bread, salad or a waffle or short stack to share followed by any two items on the main menu. $35; Monday; 2708 E. 4th St, Long Beach, CA; 562.439.8822
Westbound‘s Labor Day Weekend Celebration
The party includes Corn hole on the back patio, summer cocktail slushies ($15 each) including Strawberry Daiquiri, Piña Colada, or a mash-up of the two flavors in Westbound’s “Miami Vice”, Coolhaus’ Boozy Milkshakes ($16 each), which includes a Banana Split-inspired drink, a Brandy Alexander, and a spicy mango and cachaça iteration with the “Sweet Days of Summer”, DJ spinning beats each night from 9:30 pm-1:30 am, and complimentary, late-night brownies for those staying until 1 am. Friday-Sunday; 300 S Santa Fe Ave N, Los Angeles, CA 90013; 213.262.9291
Kites and Flights at Terranea Resort
Enjoy a relaxing, family-friendly afternoon decorating and flying kites on one of the most beautiful bluffs in Southern California. Enjoy wine and beer flights. $5; Saturday & Sunday, 1-6 pm; The Meadows, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA; 310.265.2836
Cannabis Cabaret
Little Face + Higher Beauty invite you to Cannabis Cabaret – an immersive performance cannabis speakeasy within the walls of Drinkin’, Smokin’ + West Coastin’ (Think Tank Gallery’s latest group art show). Pairing Los Angeles’ most explosive performers and curated cannabis brands to create another unforgettable event! Be delighted by the best in burlesque, drag, puppetry and more! Tantalize your senses, peak your curiosity and be a part of this unique social experiment, where art is the entertainment. Also enjoy Cuban sandwiches courtesy of Soulistic Food and “samples” (as long as you’ve got your weed card). $40, $80/VIP (includes food and a gift bag); Friday, 9 pm; Think Tank Gallery, 939 Maple Ave, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Texas-based Del Frisco’s Grille, and their sister restaurants across the country will be donating 20% of their sales from this weekend with a goal to exceed a $1,000,000 donation, to Houston area food banks to assist those that have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The restaurants are coming together to feed Houston and help their residents, patrons and employees by encouraging the community to come to the Grille Labor Day weekend and eat up and drink up to help raise money for those affected by the floods. Through Monday; Del Frisco’s Grille Santa Monica, 1551 Ocean Ave, Ste 105, Santa Monica, CA 90401; Del Frisco’s Grille Pasadena, 55 S Lake Ave Ste 150, Pasadena, CA 91101; Del Frisco’s Grille Irvine, 772 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
Hopdoddy Burger Bar Raises Funds for Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts
As part of a commitment to serving its communities, Hopdoddy Burger Bar locations will come together to aid those affected by Hurricane Harvey. With support from all their Goodnight for a Good Cause partners across the country, September’s beneficiary for all Hopdoddy locations will be the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, a Houston organization focused on supporting people affected by the massive destruction of the storm. On Monday and Tuesday, all Hopdoddy Burger Bar locations will donate all sales from Goodnight/Good Cause Burger ($8.25-$9.25 each) and Tito’s Handmade Vodka will donate $1, up to $10,000, for every drink Hopdoddy Burger Bar sells made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka. All September long, all Hopdoddy Burger Bar locations, every $1 from Goodnight/Good Cause burger will be donated to the organization.
Ayara Lūk is doing their part and you are invited to join them for Dine for Hurricane Harvey Relief. Ayara Lūk will be donating 5% of total sales directly to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Funds. In addition, they will donate $3 from each order of their Labor Day Weekend Special Menu to the Houston Food Bank. Specials include fan-favorites like the Spicy Papaya Salad, Seafood Soup and Glass Noodle Salad. Friday-September 8th; 8740 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Harry Potter + The Sorcerer’s Stone at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Orphan Harry Potter lives with his cruel aunt and uncle. When he learns the truth about his origins, he’s transported to a secret world of enchantment and danger. From Platform 9 3/4 to the Diagon Alley, the wonders of the Sorting Hat the game of Quidditch, and Harry’s heartwarming friendship with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Dress up for our themed photo booth, picnic at sunset and experience the magic under the stars. $12-$16; Saturday, doors: 6:45 pm, movie: 8:30 pm; 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Sunset Boulevard at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
The legendary film about the dark side of fame comes to Cinespia. A down-on-his-luck screenwriter stumbles upon a mysterious mansion on Sunset Blvd and enters a dark fairytale. Through the cobwebs, William Holden wanders the eerie rooms of faded actress Norma Desmond. Wealth and fame are near his grasp, but murder lurks in the shadows. Sunset Blvd is gripping and terrifying as Norma is played by Gloria Swanson in one of the most chilling performances in cinema. Picnic at sunset amongst Hollywood history and watch the gothic noir masterpiece unfold under the stars. $12-$16; Sunday, doors: 6:45 pm, movie: 8:30 pm; 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Dapper Day + LACMA
Step out in style for an all day event where art, fashion, film, music and dancing come together to celebrate LACMA’s new exhibition Chagall: Fantasies for the Stage. Enjoy docent-led tours of Chagall, catch a special 35mm screening of The Red Shoes or join Latin artists Fabian Otero & West Coast Salsa Orchestra on the evening dance floor. $25+, evening musical performance is free; Saturday, noon-10 pm; LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The Music Center’s Dance DTLA
Enjoy an evening of dancing under the stars where participants can learn new dance moves with a different dance genre at each event. Hosted this year entirely at Grand Park, the series closes out its 2017 season with salsa on Friday, 7–11 pm; 200 N. Grand Ave, Los Angeles CA 90012
Broad Fest
The outdoor plaza at The Broad Stage will be movin’ and groovin’ with music, food and interactive entertainment. Musical performances include vibrant Bolero music from Tres Souls and electric violinist Val Vigoda, among others. Local eateries Thyme Cafe and Truxton’s and Treats will be there too. 2-7p.m. Free; Sunday, 2-7 pm; The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage, 1310 11th St, Santa Monica, CA
LA Fleet Week
This is a celebration of our U.S. armed forces at the nation’s #1 port, the Port of Los Angeles. The four-day festival will feature guided ship tours (reservations are highly suggested and equal front-of-the-line privileges), ship-viewing tours, military exhibits, aerial demonstrations, live music and entertainment, educational programs, food, and fireworks. LA Fleet Week will take place at various locations along the LA Waterfront, including the Los Angeles Cruise Terminal, Battleship IOWA, and Downtown Harbor in San Pedro. 425 S. Palos Verdes St, San Pedro, CA 90731
Music at Tam O’Shanter
Tam O’Shanter is entertaining Angelenos with its festive tradition of fun-filled Saturday night concerts. The September lineup of music acts includes: Whiskey Sunday (Saturday), Waking Kate (September 16th), Ken O’Malley and Friends (September 23rd), and Levi Petree (September 30th). You can also enjoy the Tam’s unique and special Ale & Sandwich Bar menu. The menu features a range of tasty small bites that let you sample several items while staying within a reasonable budget. The Tam’s modern pub fare also includes larger plates and accompanies the restaurant’s signature hand-carved plates, side dishes, premier meats that are freshly sliced to order at the bar’s cheese and charcuterie station, and other mouthwatering items. Saturdays, 8-11 pm; 2980 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039; 323.664.0228
Shore Hotel Partners with The Broad Stage
In celebration of The Broad Stage’s 10th season, Shore Hotel in Santa Monica is partnering with the organization to welcome performing arts lovers with a “Stay & Stage” Package available for stays September 1st through April 30,
2018. The one-night stay at Shore Hotel includes two tickets to a world-class performance at The Broad Stage, Wine and Cheese plate for two, and early check-in (2 pm) when available. Performances featured in this package include: Nat Geo: Standing on Water’s Edge (December 14-15) and Brian Stokes Mitchell (February 10). $439+; September 1, 2017-April 30, 2018;Shore Hotel, 1515 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 800.5991515; Reservations are required and can be made online using code ‘CULTURE’ at checkout
Springside at Spring Opens
Enjoy authentic flavors from the South of France at Spring in DTLA from Restaurateur Yassmin Sarmadi and her partner and husband, Michelin Starred Executive Chef Tony Esnault. Chef Esnault’s Summer Dinner Menu, features dishes like Beef Tartare; Farmers Market Vegetables with roasted, braised, steamed, raw, seasonal vegetables, and a jus vinaigrette; Squid Ink Pasta with tagliatelle, clams, mussels, calamari, prawns, and lemon; Corn Risotto, featuring Carnaroli rice, sweet corn, chanterelles, hen of the woods, and chives; and the Lamb Sirloin with couscous, rutabaga, scallion, raisin, mint, and harissa. The Springside cocktail menu offers six handcrafted libations beginning with the Citizen Kane made with Gruven vodka, velvet falernum, lemon, and rose water; the Magic Flute, with Matusalem rum, St. Germain, raspberry, and mint; the Mother of Invention with Junipero gin, Salers, Dolin Blanc, and orange peel; the Trade Winds, featuring Oro de Oaxaca mezcal, Dolin Blanc, lime juice, and pineapple-jalapeño; the Moon Shadow with Commandon cognac, Amaro Ciociaro, Dolin Blanc, lavender bitters, and lemon peel; and the Boulevardier comprised of Old Overholt rye whiskey, Dolin Rouge, and Campari. There is also a new beer menu that highlights some of Europe’s best offerings, like Germany’s Weihenstephaner, or Estrella Damm, a pale lager from Barcelona, Spain and a farmhouse ale, Saison Dupont, from Belgium. 257 South Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012; 213.372.5189
Angels Flight Railway Reopening
Originally opened in 1901, LA cultural gem Angels Flight Railway will resume operations this weekend. Known as the World’s Shortest Railway, this railway takes you on a scenic ride between Hill and Olive Streets on Bunker Hill. Renovations include modernizations with state-of-the-art safety upgrades. $1; California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA
