Cabernet Cookoff
Hosted by Vintner Kathryn Hall, the annual event features a lineup of renowned Bay Area Chef teams vying for a chance to win proceeds for a charity of their choice by participating in a food and wine pairing competition. Fifteen chef teams are tasked to craft a seasonal small bite that they feel pairs best with HALL Coeur Cabernet Sauvignon. Sample all pairings to vote on the People’s Choice Awards, and a star-studded panel of Celebrity Judges will taste to vote for the Judge’s Choice Awards. Participating teams include The Grill at Meadowood, One Market Restaurant, Charlie Palmer Steak, Goose & Gander, Paula LeDuc Catering, C Casa, Galpau Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, Amiee D’Maris Events, Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ, Brix, Napa Valley Bistro, Sift and Intercontinental Mark Hopkins. Natalie Morales, TODAY West Coast Anchor and Host of Access, has been announced as the official Emcee for the event. Natalie’s new lifestyle book, At Home with Natalie: Simple Recipes for Healthy Living from My Family’s Kitchen to Yours will be given away to all VIP Ticket holders. The 2018 Judging panel includes Actress Beth Behrs from the CBS show, “2 Broke Girls”; Celebrity Chef Duff Goldman from Foot Network; Bay Area Sports Hall of Famer and Former San Francisco 49ers Executive, Carmen Policy; Michelin-rated Chef, Ken Frank, La Toque, and Wine Critic Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast Magazine. There will also be a Silent Auction during the event where guests can bid on locally sourced items with all proceeds benefitting Napa Valley non-profits. 100% of ticket proceeds benefit Napa Valley non-profit organizations. $125/General admission, $200/VIP; Saturday, VIP Preview: 11 am – 12 pm (includes celebrity judges and Host Kathryn Hall sharing their philosophies on what makes a good food and wine pairing), General admission: 12 – 3 pm; HALL St. Helena, 401 St. Helena Hwy. S, St. Helena, CA 94574; 707.967.2626
Taste of the Eastside
This eighth annual food and drink festival showcases culinary hot spots and newcomers from neighborhoods including Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz and Atwater Village. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits. $45-$55, $15/kids 2-12, free/under 2, $75-$85/VIP (enter at 3 pm); Sunday, 4 – 8 pm; Los Angeles River Center & Gardens, 570 W. Ave. 26, Los Angeles, CA
23rd Annual Taste for a Cure
The UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation (JCCF) hosts its 23rd Annual Taste for a Cure Event. The Italian-themed evening will be hosted by Gordon Ramsay, Multi-Michelin Star Chef and star of the FOX series “MasterChef,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” and “24 Hours To Hell & Back,” and Telegdy’s award will be presented by Matt Isemanand Akbar Gbajabiamila, hosts of the NBC’s Emmy-nominated “American Ninja Warriors.” The evening will also feature a performance by global superstar, three-time Grammy Award-winner, and Coach on “The Voice,” Kelly Clarkson. This year’s event will include wine tastings, Italian fare, and a live auction. The epicurean culinary team, with some of SoCal’s most accomplished chefs, will deliver a unique twist on the Italian inspired fare by preparing dishes from Prince of Venice, Locanda del Lago, Tasting Thyme, and The Beverly Wilshire, with more to come. Wineries are Dreyfus, Ashby & Co, Empson (USA) Inc, Fèlsina, LUX Wines, Gulfi Wines, and Venica & Venica. Telegdy will join previous honorees, including: Yael Braun and Scooter Braun, Dana Walden, Gary Newman, Kevin Reilly, Joe Cohen, Jay Sures, Jennifer Salke and Eric Shanks. The Gil Nickel Humanitarian Award was created in memory of Gil Nickel, proprietor of Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, and Dolce wineries, who lost a courageous battle against melanoma in October 2003. The Award honors key individuals for their humanitarian efforts, community involvement, and commitment to philanthropy. Friday; Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212; 310.825.1377
Kali Supper Klub
Enjoy a Sunday Funday fish fry with music from Lil Wayne. Po Boys, local New Orleans beer, fried food and more are on deck for Kali Supper Klub’s first daytime and outdoor event. $45; Sunday, noon-4pm; Parkman Woodsworks, 3709 Medford St, Los Angeles, CA
Sidecar Doughnuts and Coffee x Playa Provisions
In celebration of Santa Monica’s Sidecar Doughnuts and Coffee’s 5 year anniversary, their new Sidecar Truck will be popping up at South Bay’s Playa Provisions. Top Chef season 14 winner Brooke Williamson will be mixing up dough in the truck for you to taste her exclusive Passion Fruit Matcha Doughnut with candied kumquats. Proceeds will benefit No Kid Hungry. Saturday, 8 – 11 am; 119 Culver Blvd, Playa Del Rey, CA
Cocktail Classes
Spice up your summer mixology game with a cocktail class from Margo’s head bartender Anthony Mylott. Vodka kicks off the monthly series, with guests learning tips and tricks to creating Margo’s signature Frosé; a plated three course dinner prepared by chef Tristen Villafane will accompany the interactive, hands-on class. Mezcal (May 19) and Rum (July 14) themed classes are also set for the summer. $7; Saturday, 8 – 10 pm; Margo’s, 1534 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA; Call for reservations: 310.829.3990
Smog City Brewing: Awkward Teenager Anniversary VIP Celebration
Celebrating five years, means you get to enjoy limited beers and beer cocktails, beer garden, games and some quality one on one time with the owners, Laurie and Porter. Try their anniversary beer, Awkward Teenage. It is a Super Hoppy Farmhouse Ale with Tropical Fruit. Hazy, fruity, and a bright hop character makes this beer resistant to labels or categories in the best possible way. $65; Saturday, 11 am; 1901 Del Amo Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501
Santa Monica Wine Fest
Enjoy wine in sunny Santa Monica. From crisp, refreshing whites to deep-flavored reds, whatever your preferred grape, you’ll find plenty to discover and love at this festival. You’ll find wine from around the world to sample while enjoying music and food from local food trucks. $10+; Saturday, 1st session: 12 -3 pm, 2nd session: 5:30 – 8:30 pm, Sunday, 12 – 3 pm; 3021 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Panxa Cocina’s Casa Noble Tequila Week
One of LA’s only dedicated Southwestern restaurants, Panxa has a killer tequila and mezcal program to rival the best in the city. Panxa is working with spirit labels to curate an impressive events calendar. First up, join in an event featuring three specialty margaritas using Casa Noble tequila throughout the week. 3937 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803; 562.433.7999
The Los Angeles Pancakes & Booze Art Show
Los Angeles’ underground art show features over 150 emerging artists, live body painting, live music, DJs, live art, and a free pancake bar. $15 line jumper ticket, $10 (cash only at door); Saturday, 8 pm – 2 am; 4067 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
Street Food Cinema
Season seven launches in Los Angeles with the iconic Richard Linklater film “Dazed and Confused” screening Saturday, April 28th at the LA State Historic Park in Los Angeles. The season also offers “Get Out” and “I, Tonya” (May 5th), “Mamma Mia!” (May 12th),”The Land Before Time” (May 19th),”The Big Lebowski” (June 9th), “The Greatest Showman” and “Mrs. Doubtfire” (June 16th), “Stand and Deliver” (June 23rd), “The Sandlot” (June 30th), “Lady Bird” and”Grease” (July 21st), “Hairspray” (August 4th), “Casablanca” (August 25th), “The Wedding Singer” (September 1st), “Nick & Nora’s Infinite Playlist” (September 8th), “The Craft” and “Teen Witch” (September 15th), “Practical Magic” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (September 29th), “Twilight” (October 13th) and “Coco” (October 27th). This event is dog friendly! $14+; Saturday, doors: 5:30 pm, music: 6:30 pm, movie: 8:30 pm; Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1245 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
TCM Classic Film Festival
View classic films on the big screen at iconic Hollywood venues at this annual film festival. Some times the cast and crew are there too! This year’s theme is Powerful Words: The Page Onscreen, celebrating the representation of the written word on the silver screen. See screenings of films including His Girl Friday, Kramer vs. Kramer and To Have and Have Not. Director Martin Scorsese will receive the inaugural Robert Osborne Award at the fest’s Opening Night Gala. $20-$30; through Sunday; various locations
Happy Place
Smile and laugh your way through L.A.’s Instagram-worthy destination because it is the Happy Place after all. Now open in DTLA for a limited five-week engagement, this place has one-of-a-kind installations, multi-sensory immersive rooms and so many opportunities to take selfies. Through May 27th; 1242 Palmetto St, Los Angeles, CA
City Nature Challenge
Co-Founded by NHMLA, over 70 cities, including Los Angeles, will participate in this community science event. Join in! Get outside, snap photos of local wildlife, and then share your observations to the free app iNaturalist or by using the hashtag #NatureinLA. Meet other nature enthusiasts at one of four City Nature Challenge events hosted by the NHMLA around Los Angeles. Through April 30th
Jackalope’s Indie Artisan Fair
The Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair is back with over 200 curated vendors in Old Pasadena’s Central Park. It’s the perfect place to find a unique Mother’s Day gift, graduation presents, and some gifts for yourself. Spend the day in Pasadena with a bite to eat from a local food truck or nearby restaurant and join in maker-led workshops. Free; Saturday & Sunday, 10 am-5 pm; Central Park, 275 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena CA 91105
Wanderlust hits Los Angeles
Run a 5K then join in a outdoor yoga flow class, and finish with guided meditation during Adidas’ Wanderlust event. Following that yogi triathlon, there will be other activities like acroyoga, hooping, and walking meditation led by nationally recognized teachers. $20+; Saturday & Sunday, 7:30 am – 3:30 pm; 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Speakeasy Yoga and Bootlegger Brunch
A new weekly series brings you yoga and brunch with a prohibition twist. Join in yoga poolside with a 1920s soundtrack featuring Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and more. Then, trade in your your mat for a boozy brunch of prohibition-inspired dishes. $12 yoga class (includes one beverage at Metropole Bar + Kitchen); Sunday, yoga: 10 am, brunch: 11 am – 3 pm; Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown, 899 Francisco St, Los Angeles, CA
Immersive Wellness at Terranea
Terranea Resort’s Three-Day Retreat aimed at supporting wellness of the mind (April 27-29). There are a few ways to reap the benefits from a weekend of mindfulness. Go all in and sign up for the retreat package, enjoying a weekend of unplugging and transforming how you think about wellness, including sound baths, guided mindful meditation sessions, intimate talks with leading experts in the field of mindfulness, full moon yoga, luxe spa treatments targeting mindful relaxation, and more. Or, you can pick-and-choose from a la carte events, like a “Present at the Table” dinner where a mindful eating and Ayurvedic expert from LA’s integrative wellness center the La Maida Institute teams up with Terranea’s chef to create a multi-course meal that integrates fresh produce from the resort farm (including brain boosting foods), creative and delicious dishes that nourish the body, and discusses what eating mindfully really means and how guests can begin to practice it. Other beloved local partners are coming together to offer perks for attendees, including Moon Juice (who’s providing its coveted Brain Dust to retreat guests) and a takeaway membership to leading wellness app Meditation Studio. Friday-Sunday; 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275; 310.494.7891
Festival of Colors
Get covered with colored powder while you dance to live bands and DJs. There is also yoga (and free hugs) at this festive spring event. $6-$8; Saturday, 11 am – 4 pm; Van Nuys’ Woodley Park, 6100 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA
