Monday:
Catalina Express Package Offer
Visiting Catalina Island during off season months has many perks, from more room to roam, cooler weather to incredible savings. Now through March 28th, 2019, Catalina Express and Boat & Hotel Package Partners offer combination boat and accommodations packages at 16 hotels in Avalon as part of its popular “Best of Winter” offering. From budget to luxury, there is a deal to fit every pocketbook and taste. Each package includes round-trip transportation on Catalina Express. Several Avalon hotels offer complimentary continental breakfast and/or wine and cheese hour, and events including Shop Catalina Night, a one-night shopping extravaganza with holiday discounts, musical entertainment and prize drawings (December 1st);the 46th Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration; 38th Annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup on February 23th; An Evening with Oscar on February 24th; Catalina Island Concert Series, and more. Here are some of the Best of Winter packages: Casa Marquita, family owned and operated hotel is less than one block from the beach. Their package includes: one night standard King-bed room, two round-trip boat tickets from Long Beach, San Pedro or Dana Point; and continental breakfast ($134+; Valid through March 28th). Catalina Island Inn has newest most luxurious rooms and suites conveniently located on the ground floor. These beautiful accommodations have four-poster King Beds, fireplaces, flat screen TVs and decor with lush fabrics and contemporary style. Their package includes: one night accommodation,; round-trip boat for two on Catalina Express; and round-trip taxi transfer ($116.36+; March 28, 2019). Pavilion Hotel’s Best of Autumn & Winter Package offers a relaxing escape from busy mainland life. Their package includes: round-trip boat transportation on Catalina Express; overnight accommodations at Pavilion Hotel; hot breakfast with build-your-own omelet bar; evening wine & cheese reception; complimentary tours and activities; fitness classes at Island Spa Catalina; and use of bicycle during your stay ($111+; through March 28th). Hermosa Hotel has served guests of the island since 1896, the rooms are quaint and simple. This hotel has lots of character and part of the charm of the 100+ year-old building is its “Catalina Funkiness.” Their package includes: two night stay; pet friendly; and round-trip boat transportation with Catalina Express. $278.88+; Through March 26th. Packages are Sunday through Thursday; Full listings of offers can be found here.
Gabi James to Host Pappy Van Winkle Dinner
Gabi James will host the dinner of every whiskey lover’s dreams, offering a special opportunity to enjoy six celebrated Pappy Van Winkle expressions: Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year, Van Winkle Special Reserve (12 year), Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 year, 20 year and 23 year, and the Van Winkle Family Reserve 13 Year Rye. With its storied history, rarity, and indisputable quality, Pappy Van Winkle has become the quintessential American-made bourbon whiskey. The menu has been designed by Executive Chef Chris Feldmeier to compliment and highlight the distinctive character of each Pappy Van Winkle offering, and includes a “Southern Snackboard” to start, followed by Grilled Quail with Bacon-Foie Gras Stuffing, then a Beef Cheek with Grits, Winter Vegetables and Black Truffle. The meal will continue with a Tomahawk Pork Chop and Boulangere Potato for the main course, and finish with freshly baked biscuits topped with house made ice cream, marmalade and candied nuts. Each course will be presented by Feldmeier with the pairing presented by Bill Nolan, California State Manager of the Sazerac Company. The Pappy Van Winkle Dinner is strictly limited to 25 guests. $350; Monday, 7 pm; 1810 S Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; Reservations: 310.540.4884 or info@gabijamesla.com
Wednesday:
Tocaya Organica’s “First Round’s on Us”
To celebrate Tocaya Beverly Center’s grand opening, and as a Neighborhood Appreciation Day for locals and local businesses, Tocaya Beverly Center will be hosting “First Round’s on Us” all day. It’s simple—your first two tacos free with any purchase of a beverage, side, or entrée! The deal applies to Tocaya’s Carne Molida, Chicken Tinga, Achiote Chicken, Turkey Picante, Adobo Tofu tacos (upcharges still apply for premium proteins – Carne Asada, Seabass & Vegan Picadillo – $1-1.50 per taco). Wednesday, 11 am – 10 pm; 8500 Beverly Blvd Unit 107, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Repeal Day at Eureka!
The restaurant is partnering up with Templeton Rye Whiskey and offering $5 Old Fashioneds all day long. This special day cocktail promotion is reserved for only those who order their Old Fashioned with Templeton Rye. Eureka! has mastered their craft and is warming up the holidays! Wednesday; locations here
Repeal Day at Birds & Bees
Celebrating the day Prohibition was repealed in US history at Birds & Bees, underground cocktail lounge in DTLA, with The Martinez, made with house-barrel aged gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liquor, angostura and orange bitters, and garnished with a cherry ($8). Dating back to the 1880’s, The Martinez lead to the birth of the iconic martini, so it only feels right to honor its place in cocktail history. The bar will also feature $6 daquiris, old fashioned, and margaritas for those looking for a classic. The speakeasy vibes of Birds & Bees is the ideal spot to celebrate the end of the 18th amendment! Wednesday; 207 S Broadway, B, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Celebrate the Holiday Season at BLVD Kitchen
Join in and relax with a glass of wine or hot cider, enjoy bountiful samples from our chefs, preview upcoming classes, meet our shop artisans, and save 10-25% on gifts throughout the store. Wednesday, 6 – 8 pm; 13545 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA
Thursday:
Tony P’s Christmas Beer Dinner
Feast on San Diego Pretzel Company’s famous pretzel bites tossed in hot duck fat with fresh rosemary, Pecorino Romano Cheese, and truffle dip paired with Anchor Brewing, 44th Christmas Ale; Spicy Mac-N-Cheese with chorizo, roasted pasilla peppers and a little cilantro paired with Anderson Valley Brewing Company’s Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale; Beer Brazed Sausages Served with Beer braised caraway bacon sauerkraut and house-made mustard paired with Santa’s Little Helper Port Brewing’s Russian Imperial Stout; Applewood Bacon Wrapped Individual Meatloaf topped with applewood smoked bacon and roasted tomato jam and house-smoked melted mozzarella cheese and served with whipped mashed potatoes paired with Deschutes Brewery’s Jubelale; and Apple Berry Cobbler Crumb topping with apples and berries, served with vanilla bean ice cream paired with St Bernardus Christmas Ale. Friday, 7 pm; 4445 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292; 310.823.4534
Caviar Dinner at Patina
Located within the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Patina is joining forces with Sturia Caviar—France’s original artisan caviar producer in Bordeaux. Executive Chef Andreas Roller’s menu will feature six courses incorporating selections of unique caviar varieties. With customized wine pairings, dishes will include both savory and sweet items, including Japanese Kinmedai, St. Moritz Snow, European Turbot, and Plasir Sucre. Dinner includes an aperitif, six courses, and wine pairings. Thursday;141 South Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012; Reservations: here or 213.972.3331
Holiday Wreath Making at L’Auberge Del Mar
Experts at L’Auberge Del Mar will teach you how to create your own beautiful holiday wreaths to use as a door decoration or a magnificent holiday table centerpiece. The team will help wreath makers fabricate a unique piece you’ll love to show off. This could be perfect for a holiday girls’ night out destination. $85; Thursday, 6 pm; L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014; 858.259.1515