Los Angeles Weekly Roundup
(Things to Do in Los Angeles April 24, 2023 – April 27, 2023
Monday
Danny Trejo’s Trejo’s Cantina Cookbook is Now Out!
Danny Trejo’s new cookbook Trejo’s Cantina: Cocktails, Snacks, & Amazing Non-Alcoholic Drinks from the Heart of Hollywood with Hugh Garvey is now out. The cookbook is a cantina-style celebration of Mexican food and drink, entertaining, and Hollywood culture in 100 recipes plus refreshing cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks from legendary actor, restaurateur, and author of the acclaimed Trejo’s Tacos. I highly suggest checking out the recipe for the Tamarind Fizz and Oaxacan “Moscow” Mule! There are also really great stories in the cookbook about Danny bar-hopping with his uncles on Olvera Street and sneaking into movie theaters around the city. The Trejo’s Cantina Cookbook can be purchased wherever books are sold, and signed copies can be found here. $28 – $75
California Celebrates National Park Week
It’s National Park Week, a nine-day celebration of everything “parks,” with special park events and activities. From Yosemite, to Joshua Tree, to the Channel Islands, the National Park Service and the state of California invite you to explore the beauty of California’s national parks. Various entry fees and locations, and hours; Monday – 4/30; Here’s a tip, this must-have park passport book is the perfect accessory to record your park memories and collect your national parks passport stamps. Happy Trails!
California Dreamin’: Discover the Golden State’s Best Hidden Gems
Planning your next road trip? Exploring California is an unforgettable experience, with endless opportunities for adventure and discovery, many of which are within a few hours’ drive of the main metropolitan areas – San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. From the sun-kissed beaches of Southern California to the rugged coastline of Big Sur, the state is home to a diverse range of landscapes and destinations. So whether you’re looking to hike through California’s national parks, indulge in world-class cuisine, or simply soak up the laid-back California lifestyle, there’s something for everyone. With its year-round sunshine, stunning scenery, and endless possibilities for exploration, California truly has it all.
Tuesday
Esters Surf Clam Pop-Up with Chef Tony Messina
As a part of Esters’ ongoing Guest Chef Series, they’re inviting James Beard Award-winning and critically-acclaimed Chef Tony Messina. Tony moved from Boston to LA a couple of years ago so he could eventually open The Surf Clam, an east coast-inspired seafood concept. He’s taking over Esters’ “little kitchen that could” for a night and cooking up a playful à la carte menu that blends Japanese and Chinese influences with New England cuisine, all while showcasing California’s stunning seasonal produce and seafood. Sommelier Randall Middleton is pairing some lovely wines too, so come get a sneak preview of what one of the country’s hottest chefs is bringing to our city! Reservations are highly recommended, but walk-ins are welcome at the bar. Various prices; Tuesday, 5 – 10:00 pm; 1314 Seventh St., Santa Monica, CA, 90401; 310.899.6900
Thursday
Black Angus Hosts a One-Night Three Course Tequila Experience
Black Angus Steakhouse, the original American steakhouse since 1964, will host a one night experiential dinner, “The Tequila Experience” with the popular summer spirit, and a three-course menu. The special dinner will be composed with top-quality ingredients with Mexican flavors, and each course will be complemented with handcrafted Patron tequila cocktails. The evening will begin with a palate pleaser of Grilled Shrimp with Avocado Butter, made with house-pickled red onions and steak chicharrons, paired with a refreshing Strawberry & Tequila “Ranch Water.” The dinner’s second course will be a juicy cut of Grilled Tajin Marinated Flat Iron Steak, topped with Guajillo Butter with sides of cumin roasted carrots, crispy yuca, black radish & salsa verde, paired with a Tequila Cucumber Mojito. The specialty tequila dinner will be concluded with a sweet course and will include a Tequila Lime Strawberry Shortcake with whipped cream paired with a Prosecco Margarita. $51.99; Thursday, 7:00 pm; Various locations
Reservations: A Candid Conversation About the Current State of Food Media at Ace Hotel DTLA
Reservations, presented by Minor Figures and Ace Hotel DTLA is a smart, candid, urgent, sportive conversation about the current state of food media as it relates to the culture at large, new media, and how people actually consume, well, everything. Reservations is a panel series in which each conversation asks a big, thorny, urgent question in food that we think isn’t being asked—or discussed enough or at all—in our food public square. The idea here, really, is to gather really smart folks and ask them to not sugarcoat, spin, or say what one thinks one is supposed to say in public. To push and challenge each other, to speak truths about their experiences in and around our beloved and broken food industry. $23.18; Thursday, 7 – 9:00 pm; Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles – 929 South Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90015
Coming Soon
(5/3): Chrysalis “GO ALL IN” Poker Night
Southern California nonprofit Chrysalis’ “GO ALL IN” Poker Night will return on 5/3 to Los Angeles’ luxury landmark hotel, Fairmont Century Plaza. The spirited Texas Hold-Em fundraising event will help its clients navigating barriers to the workforce prepare for, find, and retain employment through Chrysalis’ job-readiness program, individualized supportive services, and paid transitional employment. The annual event will feature a night of competitive play, buffet dinner, cocktails, a silent auction, and prizes for the first, second, and third chip leaders. Latham & Watkins and Ernst & Young (EY) are returning as Title Sponsors. Since 2016, this event has raised over $650,000. $325+; 5/3, 6 – 10:00 pm; 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067; 310.424.3030
(5/4): Boochcraft Flavor Launch Party
Boochcraft, the organic hard kombucha brand is unveiling its newest flavor Cherry Limeade. To help spread the news, Boochcraft is hosting a launch party at Melrose Rooftop Cinema. Your ticket Includes: Sunset Happy Hour featuring Cherry Limeade Boochcraft, Heavy Appetizers, a screening of Austin Powers & more! $40; 5/4, 6 – 10:00 pm; Melrose Rooftop Cinema – 603 N La Cienega Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069
(5/18): Meet Your Makers Monthly Drink Series Continues at Wayfarer DTLA’s The Rooftop
The Rooftop, the sexy rooftop lounge at DTLA’s The Wayfarer, invites you to the Meet Your Makers series. Each month, food & drink connoisseurs (or those who just want a nice night out on the town!) will have 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. In honor of Cinco de Mayo, The Wayfarer DTLA will continue its Meet Your Makers series with an El Tesoro Tequila Barrel Tasting experience with three specialty cocktails featuring the Private Pacifica El Tesoro barrel, passed appetizers, a take-home souvenir, and the opportunity to meet the makers behind the brand. $104.84; 5/18, 7:00 pm; The Rooftop – 813 Flower Street Los Angeles, CA 90017; 213.285.4400
The Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for 2023
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to show our appreciation for the most important woman in our lives. Finding the perfect gift for Mom can be a daunting task, but fear not, because we’ve got you covered. Our Mother’s Day gift guide is here to help you find a unique and thoughtful present that will make her feel loved and cherished. Whether your Mom is into travel, relaxation, wellness, or sentimental items, we’ve curated a list of the best gifts that will suit any taste and budget. So, sit back, relax, and let us help you make this Mother’s Day extra special.