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This year’s tour will benefit Piggy Bank, a genetic sanctuary that will provide free heritage breed pigs and business plans to emerging family farms. The Los Angeles flavor-studded weekend starts with two unique dinners bringing together five guest chefs, world-renowned winemakers and beverage experts to create a multi-course, interactive dining experience. Friday kicks off with a Late Night Asian Speakeasy, an all-inclusive guest chef’s dinner party paying homage to Chinese, Sichuan, Korean, Thai and Japanese restaurants. On Saturday, the Chef’s Course Dinner Series is multi-course seated feast featuring five guest chefs cooking courses paired with premium beverages ($125). On Sunday, the feast features celebrity chefs cooking whole hogs in a stand-up reception. $130; Sunday; Viceroy Santa Monica, 1819 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
IPA Fest
Wow, this is the ultimate for IPA lovers (my fiancé). So get to Mohawk Bend this weekend because they’ll be pouring over 60 IPAs for you to try! I mean it’s in the name of work because it’s research to help determine a People’s Choice winner by the end of the day. Now, get crackin’. Saturday, 9:30 am-3 pm; Mohawk Bend, 2141 Sunset Blvd, Echo Park, CA; 213.483.2337
All-Star Chef Classic
This over-the-top event takes watching your favorite food shows to a real life experience. With stadium-style kitchens, chef beat-down match-ups, and an impressive lineup of Michelin-starred and award-winning chefs, this is the event for all foodies out there. The third iteration of the star-studded event has three new events: an Asian Masters Dinner, Mexican and Spanish Masters Dinner, and an international grand tasting. Tickets here; Saturday; JW Marriot LA Live,
Free Coffee with Wescom Credit Union & The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®
To help you wake up for Daylight Saving Time, Wescom Credit Union is surprising customers at select locations of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® by paying for their coffee and breakfast bill. Wescom Credit Union has chosen nineteen locations of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® throughout SoCal to participate and will have “Big Blue”, Wescom’s Mobile Banking Unit, parked in front of the Encino location (16101 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA 91316) with financial experts on hand to answer questions about finances. All participating locations for the Daylight Saving Time event are available here. Each location will receive $2,000 from Wescom to pay customer food and beverage bills- up to $15 per transaction.
Free Dog Haus at Dog Haus North Hollywood
Dog Haus, the SoCal-based concept known for its gourmet hot dogs, sausages, burgers, and one-of-a-kind creations, will debut its first North Hollywood franchise this weekend. Dog Haus was founded in 2010 by Partners Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz, and André Vener to recapture the nostalgic childhood experience of eating a hot dog. To commemorate its arrival in North Hollywood’s Arts District, franchisee Diana Ramos is inviting you to swing by for a free Haus Dog on Opening Day! Friday, 11 am-10 pm; 4929 N. Lankershim Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91901; 818.505.1033
Knuckle & Claw Turns One
Silver Lake’s seafood mecca, Knuckle & Claw, is turning one and celebrating with $1 oysters and $9 half bottles of champagne! Revel in a day of champagne and oysters alongside the eatery’s classic East Coast fare. Saturday; 3112 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026; 323.407.6142
Mélisse
Dine on a special seven-course prix-fixe menu from Josiah Citrin and six of his chef peers. The seasonally inspired dinner honors the world-renowned ment’or BKB Foundation. Each course will feature contemporary Parisian fare designed by Chef Shaun Hergatt (Juni), Chef Justin Cogley (Aubergine), Chef Trey Foshee (George’s at the Cove), Chef William Bradley (Addison) and Chef Justin Wangler (Kendall-Jackson) with the assistance of Chef Matthew Peters and Harrison Turone of the 2017 Bocus d’Or Team USA. Dishes include porcini mushroom lasagna; seared Liberty Farms duck with foie gras, sunchoke puree, wood ear mushrooms and pickled radishes; charcoal-grilled Snake River Farms ribeye with green garlic gnocchi Parisienne; among others. While you’re there, participate in a culinary-themed auction (proceeds benefit educational and mentorship opportunities to aspiring chefs) to win items like dinner for four in the skybox at Daniel in New York, dinner for four at Republique, two-night stay at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego and a Bocuse d’Or limited edition All-Clad cookware set. $195; Sunday, first seating 5-6:30 pm, second seating 8-9:30 pm; 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA; 310.395.0881
FIG & OLIVE Melrose
West Hollywood’s olive oil oasis partners with Bloomingdales Century City to host a French Rivera-inspired cooking demo and chef discussion in honor of the restaurant’s cookbook, “FIG & OLIVE: The Cuisine of the French Riviera”. You can follow along with Chef de Cuisine, Sam Jung, as he prepares and plates two ingredient-driven, springtime recipes from FIG & OLIVE’s debut book, including Zucchini Carpaccio with pine nuts, parmesan, and Picholine olive oil. At the end of each presentation, you will be able to taste bite-sized samplings. Bloomingdales Century City will have hard copies of “FIG & OLIVE: The Cuisine of the French Riviera” available for purchase. $50; Saturday, 2-4 pm; Bloomingdales Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Home Department 3rd floor, Los Angeles, CA 90067; 310.772.2100
OddFellows Ice Cream Co. Pop-Up
Get a taste of the popular New York ice cream shop, OddFellows Ice Cream Co. at their first ever West Coast pop-up on the rooftop Altitude Pool deck of the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills. OddFellows will have their signature “oddball” flavors like rosé sorbet topped with sparkling rosé; grapefruit jalapeño; chorizo caramel swirl; and tarragon margarita pop on a stick. Friday-Sunday; Noon-4 pm; 465 S. La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 310.247.0400
Venice Whaler’s “Great Tides Menu Advisory”
They are predicting a forecast of deliciousness with the introduction of their new seasonal dining & cocktail menu. Kicking off the menu are small bites and shareables including Crispy Cauliflower Florets with house-made Chimichurri, Parmesan cheese and Fresno chiles; the Jefe’s Avocado Toast with avocado, ricotta, tomatoes, radishes and shallots; Corn and Bacon Fritters with a duo of dipping sauces; and Short Rib Poutine. The Whaler Classics section includes the meatless Venice Goddess, a sandwich of grilled Portobello mushrooms, onions and peppers with nut-free arugula pesto; the Amber’s Fried Chicken Sandwich with a spicy jalapeño slaw; the Short Rib Grilled Cheese with pickled red onion, jack and cheddar cheese on Rockenwagner Bakery’s Pullman brioche; and the French Dip with prime rib, horseradish cream and an au jus. For dessert, order up Beach Fire S’Mores, which comes with a torch. Brittini Rae has taken over the bar and has created cocktails like You Used to Mezcal Me on My Cell Phone, an aperitif of mezcal, Campari, grapefruit and orgeat syrup; a Caribbean twist on the Old Fashioned, the Kingston Tea is crafted with Wild Turkey Bourbon spiced up with allspice liqueur and sweetened with agave; and the Bulleit Train, mixed up with bourbon, sherry and cold-brew coffee. Daily, 11:00 am to 2:00 am; 10 West Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292; 310.821.8737
Avec Nous Opens
This weekend, Viceroy Hotel Group opened Avec Nous, their first, contemporary bistro, serving French cuisine. With interiors by SFA Design and executive chef Olivier Quignon, you will feel transported to St. Tropez, right in Beverly Hills. When you arrive, follow the bright neon sign into the intimate setting with plush seating, a pewter bar, vintage lighting fixtures, antique mirrors, parquet wood floors and modern fireplaces, all with an ivory, black and brass palette. Quignon’s Mediterranean-style menu features bold European spices and locally sourced ingredients. Nibble on an extensive charcuterie selection including pork shank rillettes, bresaola, lardo and duck prosciutto with mustard and pickles. Specialty menu items include escargot with persillade butter, niçoise salad, foie gras a l’orange, and my favorite, the Nous Burger on a brioche and made with certified Angus beef, grilled eggplant, wild arugula and basil aioli. The beverage program has a world-class wine selection curated by Conrad Reddick and Mixologist Alex Bachman consulted on the cocktail list, which focuses on modern interpretations of classic libations. Signature options include Cocktail Avec Nous, a modern Old Fashioned with European spice made with bourbon, monks pepper and black aloe; a French 75 made with gin, absinthe and Meyer lemon; and Moment of Truth featuring Spanish white vermouth, cherries and cider. Waitstaff are outfitted by The Kooples and custom illustrations by Jean Andre, a modern French artist accent each menu. Open daily, 6:30 am-2:30 pm & 5-10 pm (the bar closes at 12 am); 929 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210; 310.860.8660
The Great Horror Movie Night at Griffith Park Zoo
They are kicking off the 2016 season early with a trio of scary movie screenings. The series will begin this weekend with a showing of Poltergeist, followed by a Friday, April 1st screening of The Shining and lastly a special screening of Friday the 13th on Friday, May 13th. Each night will include hilarious movie themed live pre-show entertainment and audience interaction games. $15; Friday, doors: 6 pm, screening: 7:15 pm; 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Paleyest
Think of it as ComiCon for TV lovers! The annual Paleyfest has panels with all the major players from tons of TV shows. This year’s line-up includes the cast and crew of Better Call Saul, Empire, Fear The Walking Dead, and more. Friday through March 20; Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
Cherry Blossom Festival
Descanso Gardens welcomes spring (and Daylight Savings) with its annual festival featuring origami, food and more. Celebrate spring (in the city that always has spring…or summer). Saturday & Sunday; 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA; 818.949.4200
Celebrate St. Paddy’s in the Courtyard with Irish tunes from The Bracken Band Quartet
Celebrate with music from The Bracken Band Quartet in honor of St. Paddy’s in the One Colorado courtyard. A Celtic guitar, fiddle, and a percussionist create their unique spin on the traditions of Irish music. They’ll have you tapping your toes and springing into a jig in no time with their reels, Bluegrass tunes, romantic ballads and drinking songs. Sunday, 5:30–7 pm; 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103; 626.564.1066
Hermosa Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade
St. Patrick’s Day kicks off this weekend in Hermosa Beach with world-famous dancer Anna Trebunskaya (Dancing with the Stars) as the Grand Marshal for the 22nd annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. You’ll floats, marching bands and leprechauns dancing down Pier Avenue. Plus, The Hook & Plow (425 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254; 310.937.5909), which on the parade route, serves up specials like corned beef hash and a champagne juice flight. Saturday, 11 am
Rock & Reilly’s St. Paddy’s Block Party
Start your celebration early with an all-day party filled with green beer, 12 full bars, DJs, face painting, games and more. Saturday, 1-10 pm; 8911 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069; 310.360.1400
Pi Day Celebrations
Maybe you need a vacay? Get to the city that was my home from 2001-2007, Boston! The Charles Hotel, the smart place to stay, will offer their annual Flash Sale of 31.4% off. This offer is valid for stays March 14 – May 11, 2016. The Charles Hotel is located in the heart of Harvard Square and is a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts and is a AAA Four Diamond award-winning hotel. With its classic New England design, unpretentious service, technology and one-of-a-kind accommodations, The Charles Hotel is ideal for business and leisure travel. Saturday, 9 am-5 pm EST; Boston, MA
Sales:
Clover Canyon
Get the local brand’s signature technicolor pieces including swimwear for just $10, pants and tops for $20, and dresses for $30 during this sample sale. Friday, 9 am-6 pm; 834 S Broadway, 12th floor, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Donni Charm
Take 40-90% off Spring samples and Fall and Summer collection pieces by the luxe scarf line. Friday, 9 am-6 pm; 618 N Doheny Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069; 310.734.7797
Gogosha Optique
Through the month, or as inventory lasts, save 30-70% on a massive selection of eyewear including sunglasses and frames by Garrett Leight, Anne et Valentin, and Claire Goldsmith at both the Silver Lake and 3rd Street locations. 3208 1/2 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026; 323.660.1122
LF Outlet
Save 70-90% on pieces by the clothing brand at this warehouse blowout. Expect to find dresses marked down to $14, jeans for $12, and leather jackets for $48. Through Sunday; 7714 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
The Vault Kids
Through the end of the month take 50-75% off inventory at the Laguna Beach kid’s boutique during this closing sale. Daily, 11 am-8 pm; 361 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
