Los Angeles Weekend Roundup
(Things to do in Los Angeles this weekend)
Friday
albertz benda Announces Norval Sovereign African Art Prize Winner Famakan Magassa’s First Solo Show in Los Angeles
albertz benda is excited to welcome Norval Sovereign African Art prize winner, Famakan Magassa’s first solo show in Los Angeles. Titled Insatiable Animal, the exhibit will be on display to the public through 4/15 and presents an incisive cycle of acrylic paintings that examine correspondences between fact and fiction, truth and falsity, and meaning and ambiguity. Growing up in Mali, Magassa has witnessed firsthand the clash of modern cultural developments and the weight of traditions. He seeks a balance between the desire for order and idealism and the reality of a society steeped in contradictions. Free; Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; 8260 Marmont Lane, Los Angeles, CA 90069; 212.239.8700
Los Angeles Fashion Week 2023
Lights, camera, action! LA Fashion week is here, and leading fashion designers from all over are ready to debut their designs at one of the most coveted touring shows in the fashion industry. Various prices; Friday – Sunday, various hours and locations
WonderCon Returns to the Anaheim Convention Center
WonderCon, one of the country’s best comic book, science fiction, film, and popular arts conventions, returns to the Anaheim Convention Center this weekend with various special guests, vendors, activations, and more! Grab your costumes, get ready to meet and greet some of your favorite TV and movie stars, and see memorabilia from your favorite comic books, TV shows, and movies. $18+; Friday – Sunday, Anaheim Convention Center – 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802
Sipsong Spirits Gin Cocktails & Canapés at The Wayfarer DTLA
In honor of Women’s History Month, The Wayfarer DTLA is teaming up with female-founded Sipsong Spirits for a Meet Your Makers experience featuring gin cocktails and canapés on The Rooftop. The 21+ event will feature three cocktails featuring Sipsong Spirits Indira Gin, a selection of chef-curated bites, and a take-home souvenir. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the makers behind the female-founded brand and dive into the history of Sipsong Spirits’ floral-inspired gin. $92.21; Friday, 7:00 pm; The Wayfarer DTLA – 813 Flower Street Los Angeles, CA 90017; 213.285.4400
National Cocktail Day
Cheers to National Cocktail Day and to these LA restaurants serving specialty cocktails in honor of the big day.
- BOA Steakhouse: Luxury awaits those looking to spend their day at Manhattan Beach’s BOA Steakhouse. BOA’s expert in-house mixologists have created the perfect cocktail to complement their wide selection of prime steaks or fresh seafood dishes. The new Ocean View cocktail is crafted with 818 Blanco tequila, Ace Guava cider, lime, agave, and pineapple. In addition, the Ocean View is delicately garnished with a salt air to transport those taking a sip straight to the seaside. BOA Steakhouse is open for lunch and dinner daily. Guests are encouraged to make reservations through their website or by calling the restaurant directly. $19+; Friday, 11:30 am – 11:00 pm; 3110 Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; 310.683.4080
- Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co.: Nestled in the historic Boyle Heights section of LA sits Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co. Named after Cesar E Chavez Avenue (formerly known as Brooklyn Avenue), this fast-casual pizza joint offers a creative and enjoyable menu of Wood Fired Pizzas, Wings, Papas, Beer, Wine, and Cocktails! In honor of National Cocktail Day, grab and Agua Fresca and make it boozy by adding your choice of mezcal, tequila, spicy tequila, bourbon, gin, brandy, white rum, or vodka! $8+; Friday, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm; 2706 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033; 323.968.1106
- Gracias Madre: Gracias Madre in West Hollywood is sure to satisfy Angelenos with its specialty cocktail menu. Gracias Madre seeks to highlight small-batch distillers and independent producers from Mexico throughout its menu. For a fresh and intriguing twist on a classic, try the Oaxacan Old Fashioned, crafted with tequila reposado, mezcal, heirloom corn, and house mole bitters, or the Paloma, which features tequila blanco, housemade grapefruit soda, lime, and salt. Guests can make reservations through their website or by calling the restaurant directly. $18+; Friday, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm; 8905 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90069; 323.978.2170
- Negroni Third Street: Sip in style at international bistro and bar brand Negroni Third Street, the ideal choice for those seeking uniquely crafted cocktails in a sleek, sophisticated setting. Angelenos can choose from a variety of top-notch drinks like the Summer Shade, made with vodka, grapefruit, and lemon juice, fresh basil, soda water, and aromatic bitters to transport guests to warmer weather, or the Spicy Lover, an ideal spicy concoction of Del Maguey Vida mezcal, Ancho Reyes, fresh cilantro, pineapple, and lime juice. Guests can make a reservation by visiting negronius.com or calling the restaurant directly. $9+; Friday, 4:00 pm – 12:00 am; 8022 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048; 323.497.4069
- Soulmate: West Hollywood’s hottest Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant, Soulmate, offers guests indulgent tapas-style plates and handcrafted cocktails to be enjoyed on their iconic open-air patio or at the bustling indoor bar. After traveling the world as a guest bartender and brand ambassador, Bar Director Naomi Schimek has used her expertise to create light and bright cocktails reflecting California’s natural elements with plenty of bubblies. Opt for a few of Naomi’s transportive drinks, such as the refreshing Gin-staple Soulmate ($18) with lemon and bay laurel, Weekend in Palm Springs ($10) made with vodka, passionfruit, feijoa, lime, and orange, or the Sunshine Pop ($10) with pineapple, sage, and a choice of mezcal or tequila. Guests are encouraged to make a reservation to dine in Soulmate’s open-air space through their website or by calling the restaurant directly. Friday, 5:00 pm – 12:00 am; 631 North Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069; 310.734.7764
- Sushi Roku: With their global and innovative take on the art of traditional sushi, Sushi Roku continues to combine unexpected flavors with time-honored techniques. At Sushi Roku’s Manhattan Beach location, the new Matcha Made In Heaven cocktail is a standout example of this culinary philosophy. The Matcha Made in Heaven features Patrón Silver tequila, Grand Marnier, lime, and a kumquat, with a hint of spice from serrano peppers. Sushi Roku is open for lunch and dinner daily. Guests may make reservations through the website or by calling the restaurant directly. $18+; Friday, 11:30 am – 10:00 pm; 3110 Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; at 310.683.4060
- Trejo’s Tacos (Hollywood): For some folks, there’s nothing better than a classic marg! Trejo’s Tacos Hollywood Cantina is the perfect spot to get that taco fix and chill out with the Frozen Mangonada Margarita (regular $15; grande $20), a frozen mango margarita complete with chamoy, tamarind, and a chili rim. Then, to add an extra bit of spice, be sure to try the Jalapeño Margarita (regular $15; grande $20) crafted with tequila, triple sec, agave, fresh lime, and jalapeños. Friday,11:30 am – 10:00 pm; 1556 N Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028; 323.461.8226
Jester Bulnes Releases Debut Photo Book with Solo Exhibition at Palm Grove Social
Founded by Ben Sealey of renowned casting agency Cast Partner, Los Angeles-based café, bookshop, and gallery Palm Grove Social, will be showing Los Angeles-based multidisciplinary artist Jester Bulnes’ first solo exhibition surrounding the release of their highly anticipated self-published, debut photo book DENTRO. A selection of photographs from DENTRO will be on view at Palm Grove Social by appointment only through Thursday, 4/6. Throughout the exhibition period, copies of the book will be sold (priced at $65) exclusively at Palm Grove Social’s highly curated bookshop and online, with the title available at select global retailers. Friday – 4/6, by appointment only; PGS – 4660 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Saturday
Benny Boy Brewing Hosts 1st Anniversary Party
Benny Boy Brewing turns 1, and to celebrate, the brewery/cider house is hosting an all-day party with pop-up food vendors Correa’s Mariscos, dumpLins, Shappy Pretzel, River Street BBQ, and Quarantine Pizza. Entertainment will be provided by a live band, DJs, and mechanical bull rides, too ($5)! Free entry with RSVP; Saturday, 12 – 11:45 pm; 1821 Daly St, Los Angeles, CA 90031
The Best Bottomless Brunches in Los Angeles
Here in LA, booze and brunch go together like peas and carrots. Whether you want Waffles, Eggs, or Avocado Toast, nothing complements your meal like an ice-cold cocktail, especially if that glass is endless. But where can you find these brunches with bottomless cocktails and tasty bites? Don’t stress; I got you. I’m here to give you a list of the best bottomless brunches in Los Angeles. So all you have to do is grab a cute brunch outfit and your date, and get ready to indulge in fun, good food, and drinks. Cheers!
Spring Cooking Class and Dining Experience at Jean-Georges Beverly Hills
Jean-Georges Beverly Hills will host their seasonal cooking class and dining experience as part of the Spring Taste Series, featuring an intimate live demonstration of two signature Spring dishes, led by Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills’ executive chefs. Menu and recipe highlights will include a Kinilaw Yellowtail Sashimi and an Avocado Soufflé recipe. A decadent 3-course lunch and summer cocktails will follow the cooking tutorials. $135; Saturday, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm; Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills – 9850 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210; 800.774.1500
Prosperity Market Pop-Up at Pickford Market
Prosperity Market, the mobile market featuring Black farmers and entrepreneurs, is popping up at Pickford Market, the multigenerational market in Mid-City. This is the first of a series of community events in partnership with Prosperity Market and the Los Angeles Food Policy Council. Each pop-up will collaborate with a neighborhood corner store in LAFPC’s Healthy Neighborhood Market network. Along with the produce, products, plants, and prepared foods typically found at Prosperity Market from Black-owned businesses like The Got Damn Sauce, Reed Avocados, Ghost Town Oats, Ciel Eau De Parfum, Vanity Room, and more, additional resources will be available, including CalFresh enrollment assistance from Hunger Action LA, Banking resources from MoCaFi’s “On Our Block,” including $100 for anyone who has or signs up for an Angeleno Connect Bank Account, and Prosperity Bucks – free money that guests can use to shop with Prosperity Market vendors. Free entry; Saturday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm; 4566 Pickford St., Los Angeles, CA 90019
Whiskey N Donuts Comedy Show
The LA comedy show, bringing you some of the best comics in town, with no drink minimum or maximum, is back! Hosted by two of my favorite comedians, @MarinaQuin & @jackiegold, Whiskey N Donuts is one of the funniest comedy experiences around. Free; Saturday, 7:00 pm; followed by karaoke; The Good Nite Inn – 10721 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601
Sunday
Taste the Newest Young Sake Releases at OTOTO’s Nama Matsuri
Spring marks the annual release of shiboritate – the first sake from the previous winter’s brewing season – which falls under the more familiar term “nama,” which essentially means unpasteurized or raw. To celebrate this annual phenomenon, OTOTO will be throwing a Nama Matsuri at which guests can enjoy a walk-around tasting of 12 limited, seasonal unpasteurized sake along with some light snacks and meet some of the importers. The sake selections are highly limited, but there will be a small stock of bottles available for retail purchase. $55; Sunday, 5 – 8:00 pm. For those looking to take a deeper dive into the world of nama there is an option to add a guided tasting experience from 4:00 -5:00 pm for an additional $30/person. Co-owner/sake maven Courtney Kaplan and two sake specialists will host the seated, seminar-style tasting. Guests attending the seminar will taste eight of the featured seasonal sake and learn about the style, favorite pairings, brewery stories, and more. Seating is limited to 20 people for this portion of the event and can only be purchased as an add-on to the Nama Matsuri. Tickets to both are available via TOCK. 1360 Allison Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026; 213.784.7930
Sunday Funday at the Vegan Street Fair
The Vegan Street Fair is back! The plant-based event features local vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants, multiple DJs, games, face painting, karaoke, and more! Come hungry and get ready to mingle. See you there! Free –$90 (Fast Passes); Sunday, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm; 11223 Chandler Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601
Coming Soon
(3/30): Guest Chef Chris Keyser at AKASHA
Akasha welcomes Chef Chris Keyser for a one-night-only dinner. Guests will be transported to the Italian islands of Sardegna and Sicilian for an evening of delicious small plates and wines. Highlights include Pizza with preserved artichokes, pecorino, and bottarga, Sicilian Timballo for two (deep dish baked pasta wrapped in eggplant, filled with beef, Raghu, ricotta, mozzarella, parmigiana, peas, and nonna’s tomato sauce, Asparagus with lemon & Sardinian olive oil, and Sicilian Cassata Cake. $15 – $45; Thursday (3/30), 5:30 – 9:30 pm; 9543 Culver Blvd. 90232; 310.845.1700
(3/31): Jokes for Jobs: Comedy Store to Benefit Nonprofit Chrysalis
The Comedy Store invites you to JOKES FOR JOBS – a fun night out featuring talented comedians in support of Chrysalis, a Southern California nonprofit changing lives through jobs 100% of event proceeds will directly fund Chrysalis’ program and services, including their job-readiness program, individualized supportive services, and paid transitional employment. Comedians to perform include Neal Brennan (Netflix, Chappelle Show); Monique Marvez (HBO Max); Darren Carter (The Tonight Show); Chris Spencer (Real Husbands of Hollywood); Felicia Michaels (Showtime, Full House); and Vargus Mason (Comedy Central, HBO). Since 1984, Chrysalis has served more than 77,000 individuals at its six centers and locations throughout Southern California. In 2022, nearly 3,000 Chrysalis clients secured employment while participating in Chrysalis’ program and/or worked a transitional job with the organization’s social enterprise. $25; (2 drink minimum); Friday (3/31); 7 – 9:00 pm; 8433 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069; 323.656.6225
(4/2): The 6th Annual Masters of Taste
Mark your calendars! The 6th annual Masters of Taste is approaching. The premier outdoor luxury food and beverage festival will return to the historic Pasadena Rose Bowl on 4/2 with Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed as Hosts. Host Chef Michael Reed is a classically trained chef and restaurateur who has spent 19 years as a chef for restaurants across New York and Los Angeles. Today, Chef Reed is the co-owner and Executive Chef behind two Los Angeles restaurants, Poppy + Rose of Downtown Los Angeles and Anaheim’s Poppy & Seed. In addition to the two concepts, Chef Reed and his wife and co-owner, Kwini Reed, also run an upscale catering company, Root of All Food. 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a non-profit organization celebrating 50 years of providing homeless services and housing for thousands of neighbors. $155 – $225 (USE CODE HOOPLA FOR $10 OFF); Sunday (4/2), 3 – 7:00 pm; Pasadena Rose Bowl – 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103; 626.791.6677
(4/20): SALT’s Boozy Monthly Drink Series: Flights and Bites with Tooth & Nail Winery
SALT invites you to celebrate the creators of some of the top spirits, wines, and brews with the Meet Your Makers Series. Each month, the Meet Your Makers series offers the food & drink connoisseurs (or those who just want a nice night out on the town!) the chance to enjoy delicious aperitifs and learn what it takes to create a world-renowned liqueur, wine, and beer. Each event will offer vastly different food offerings paired with the highlighted drink to ensure that epicureans have a unique experience each time. For example, on 4/20, become an oenophile for the evening with tasty treats and pairings featuring Paso Robles-based Tooth & Nail Wine Company. $104.84; 4/20, 7:00 pm; 13534 Bali Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292; 424.289.8223
