Plan Check’s “Comfort Masters” Guest Chef Dinner Series
Plan Check Kitchen + Bar (Sawtelle, Fairfax, Downtown, and Santa Monica) launches Comfort Masters, a lineup of exclusive pop-up dining events created by owner/founder Terry Heller and longtime travel and food tastemaker Andy Wang in collaboration with mobile app and web-based dining guide, Table8. From elegant dining to casual street eats, the Comfort Masters series will feature meals by acclaimed chefs, up-and-comers, those without brick and mortar and some who’ve never cooked in Los Angeles. This weekend, catch Mike Randolph and a taste of Público, his St. Louis restaurant that earned two James Beard Award semifinalist nods this year. Randolph also runs breakfast/lunch restaurant Half & Half, wildly popular with two-plus-hour waits on the weekend. His other restaurant, Randolfi’s, was just named “Best Italian” in St. Louis by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. $60 (price includes tax and gratuity; Table8 Dining Club members receive a complimentary cocktail); Sunday & Monday
Iron Triangle Brewery’s First Anniversary
DTLA’s Iron Triangle Brewing is officially turning one. Owner Nathan Cole is celebrating with a big party including an industry night on Saturday and a ticketed Sunday party that includes music from Gas Lamp Killer Experience. $20, $25/door; Saturday & Sunday; 1581 Industrial St, Los Angeles, CA 90021; 310.424.1370
Cookie Swap for a Good Cause
A cookie swap is happening at a number of great restaurants around Los Angeles, and it’s all to benefit the LA Regional Food Bank. Pastry chefs from Broken Spanish, M.B. Post, Rose Cafe, Spago, Sotto, and The Bellwether will team up to individually create a cookie that will become part of a collective cookie plate and served at each restaurant. It’s for one night only at each restaurant and you can buy that plate of cookies for $15. All proceeds will go to the food bank. $15; Sunday
L.A. Weekly’s Sips & Sweets
Sample delicious confections from 20+ of the city’s best bakers, sips of handcrafted cocktails courtesy of 20+ of LA’s most renowned mixologists, savory food for purchase from the Smorgasburg LA, and a food court and dance vibes curated by Los Angeles’s longest running event known as BRIDGES! $45; Friday, 8-11 pm; Peterson Auto Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Get the ‘Best in LA’ Corn Fritters for Free
Messhall’s smoked Corn Fritters were named Best in the City by DiscoverLA. Since Friday is National Fritter Day, they’ll be giving away free fritters with every meal. Friday; 4500 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027; 323.660.6377
Can I Kick It
The organizers of this musical-comedy show describe it as “Biz Markie meets MST3K,” which sounds great to any old-school hip-hop fans. Expect a panel of comics from Chelsea Lately and Inside Amy Schumer commenting on classic music videos. $8; Saturday, 9 pm (doors: 8:45 pm); Nerdmelt Showroom, 7522 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90046; 323.851.7223
The Mac & Cheese Smackdown
If you didn’t get your fill of food last weekend, then this mac-&-cheese festival sounds right up your alley. All the restaurants will offer creative takes on this cheesy classic in the ultimate showdown to crown LA’s top mac. Your ticket includes mac and cheese tastings from each participating restaurant, one dessert tasting from Crème Caramel, tasting of Smoked Brisket with Curried Root Vegetables from GC Marketplace, one complimentary beer and one additional drink of your choice (wine or cider), music, games & more! $30; Sunday; Bank of America Plaza, 333 South Hope St, #100, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Same Same‘s Daily Happy Hour
Silver Lake’s Thai bar Same Same will be offering happy hour daily. You can enjoy Thai food & drink specials ranging from $3-$8, including: Singha (Lager, Bangkok, Thailand), Liliko’l, (Boulder, Colorado), Chang (Lager, Bangkok, Thailand), Chardonnay & Merlot, Laab (minced chicken, snake bean, cabbage, herbs), Shredded Papaya Salad with bird’s eye chili, garlic, dried shrimp, peanut, palm sugar, fish sauce, lime, tamarind, snake bean, cherry tomatoes, Chicken Wings with crunchy basil leaves, scallions, chili, and more! Daily, 5-6 pm; 2835 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026; 213.273.8424
Esters Wine Shop & Bar Unveils New Wine Monthly Club
Available now, you can bring the Esters experience home with the launch of a monthly wine club. Known for celebrating small producers from around the world, Esters’ sommelier team introduces club members to two different wines each month via three tiers: Savvy Sipper ($45/month): Good wine doesn’t have to be expensive, and this affordable option is ideal for those seeking that solid Wednesday night bottle or something unique to bring to a party; Adventurer ($75/month): From a funky, boutique producer in Santa Barbara to a winemaker in the Canary Islands, this is perfect for wine aficionados who aren’t afraid to try new things; and the Collector ($125/month): This is for those looking to stock their cellar with some age-worthy gems, and features two very special, allocated bottles from high-end producers. Each bottle in the club packages will come with a tag featuring background on the wine, pairing suggestions, when to drink it, and why the Esters team loves it. Additional membership perks include a 10% discount on all retail purchases the day of pick-up, a two-bottle Esters canvas bag; invites to pick-up parties held every third Monday of the month, where a special wine will be opened just for club members. The first pick-up party will be on Monday, December 19. The Wine Club currently offers in-store pick-up only, but local delivery arrangements can be made by calling 310.899.6900. Prices do not include tax or delivery. 1314 7th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Caffé Italia New Winter Menu
A hidden neighborhood spot in an inconspicuous strip mall in Sherman Oaks offers traditional Neapolitan and Sicilian Italian cuisine and a new winter menu! Start your meal with a variety of classic Italian Antipasti & Insalate, like Burrata with caprese tomato, oregano, basil, arugula with balsamic and olive oil; Pepata di Cozze alla Napoletana, with steamed mussels; Insalatina di Pere e Gorgonzola with greens, pears, blue cheese, and vinaigrette dressing; and the Antipasto della Casa with cold cuts, mozzarella, olives, roasted peppers, and artichokes. Lunch Paninis include the Vegetariano; Pollo e Vegetali alla Griglia; and the Caprese con Prosciutto with mozzarella, Pomodoro and Parma Ham. Caffé Italia has a generous pasta selection to choose from and they are all made in-house. There’s the Gnocchi al Ragu’ di Carne; Spaghetti al Sapore di Mare; and Risotto Vegetariano con Caprino with vegetables and goat cheese. Gluten-free? No problem! The Penne all’ Arrabbiata is also in a gluten-free option. There’s also Costolette di Agnello Scottadito, pan-fried lamb chops with Madeira sauce; Salmone alla Griglia; and Bistecca di Manzo alla Griglia, a grilled ribeye steak. Their traditional Italian Pizza include the Capricciosa made with tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham, anchovies, olives, artichokes, oregano; the Emilia, topped with mozzarella, arugula, and Parma Ham; the Tonnara, featuring tomato sauce, mozzarella, tuna, onions, olives, and basil; and the Diavola with tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy salami, and basil. Desserts include Cannoli alla Siciliana, the Torta di Cioccolato con Pere e Noci, a chocolate tart with pears and walnuts; the Crostata di Pesche e Mirtilli, a peach and cranberries tart; and the Torta di Ricotta. 1056 Burbank Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91401; 818.465.3690
It’s King of the Smoker Barbecue
In may be “freezing” in LA, but who doesn’t want a barbecue party? Head to Coachella Valley this weekend for King of the Smoker, which pits two dozen pit masters against one another for almost $100,000. Proceeds go to help fight pediatric kidney disease. $10; Saturday, 1 pm; The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa, 71333 Dinah Shore Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Barnsdall Art Center’s upcoming 2016 Holiday Sale + Fundraiser
Returning for it’s 5th year, the Barnsdall Art Center Holiday Art Sale & Fundraiser will feature a diverse range of original works by students and faculty. From prints to ceramics to jewelry, handcrafted cards and photography, you’ll find unique artwork for every taste and budget. Come join local artisans and browse amazing work while enjoying delicious wine, coffee, and food from local businesses including Sweet Lady Jane and Sprinkles Cupcakes. The annual raffle will be drawn hourly starting at 11 am, with a variety of prizes and gift cards available—including Disneyland Park Hopper tickets. All proceeds will support Arts Programming and Education for children and adults at Barnsdall Art Center. Raffle tickets: $5 each or 5 for $20; Sunday, 10 am-4 pm; Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Third Annual Artisanal LA Holiday Ma
In addition to mountain views and 70 local makers to walk and shop, there’s live entertainment, carolers, a horse drawn carriage, ugly sweater contest, face painting, balloon animals, raffle, a toy drive hosted by the Arcadia Fire Department, photos with Santa (dog and kid friendly) in front of Arcadia’s vintage fire truck, snow, gift wrapping hosted by the Girl Scouts, and craft wine and beer for the grown ups. They’ve also got beer, mulled wine and spiced cider, along with the Santa’s Filling Station hosting a handful of trucks including a few of our LA Food Fest faves – The Pudding Truck, Richeeze, Mad Pambazos. Luckdish Curry and more. Free; Saturday, 11 am-7 pm; N 1st St Huntington Blvd, Arcadia, CA 91006
Unique LA Holiday Market
This huge indie design show features handcrafted wares like jewelry, furniture and more, by 125 designers and artists. There’s also free DIY crafts, photo-booth portraits, drinks and snacks. $15, under 13 free ($6/parking); Saturday & Sunday, 11 am-6 pm; The 10th Floor at California Market Center, 110 E 9th St, Los Angeles, CA
Crafted at the Port of LA
This huge warehouse/exhibition space has local artisans displaying their wares year-round, but it’s really special during the holidays when the place has a ton of crocheted cloches, artisanal jams and lines for cupcakes for you and Fido. They are dog-friendly! After shopping, drive to the San Pedro waterfront, the southernmost tip of Los Angeles. Fridays-Sundays, 11 am- 7 pm, first Thursdays 4-8 pm; Warehouse 10, 112 E. 22nd St, San Pedro, CA
The Row DTLA
Check out the revamped railroad station with the Row DTLA. This season, it’s home to a holiday pop-up that has high-end lingerie to luggage to luscious garden and home accessories. Go on a Sunday to take advantage of the bajillion food trucks. through December 31; 777 S. Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA
Grand Central Market Holiday Marketplace
Grand Central Market’s third annual holiday marketplace features retail and culinary pop-ups, cookie decorating and live music. Pop-up participants include Birch & Bone, Brown Bag Books, Courage & Craft, Farm LA, Hedley & Bennett and more. There’s also holiday breads from Clark Street Bread, potato knishes from Wexler’s Deli, tamales from Chiles Secos. Saturday & Sunday, 9 am-6 pm; 317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA; 213.624.2378
The Mercantile
The Mercantile is a blended experience of commerce, cause, and community, curated and packaged into an unforgettable party! After fantastic shows in Detroit and Nashville, The Mercantile event is heading for the City of Angels. This event offers a platform for an elevated shopping experience around socially conscious brands. Partners on the event include Oaken Anchor, Hospitality Collaborative, Emily Henderson, and The Shadowboxers, (which is Justin Timberlake’s new project, a young band out of Nashville). Craft cocktails and appetizers will be passed around while you purchase from brands you love in a festive environment. Brands confirmed so far include: 3 strands global, 31 Bits, Cheeky Home, EPAMade, Equal Uprise, Fair and Simple, Fashionable, Krochet Kids, Local & Lejos, LSTN, Nisolo, Purpose Jewelry, Raven and Lily, Roma Boots, Rose & Fitzgerald, Soko, Spencer Devine, SSeko, The Citizenry, and The Giving Keys. $25, $30/door (tickets includes a welcoming cocktail from Pharmacie, delicious food provided by roomforty, and a performance by The Shadowboxers at 6:30 pm); Sunday, 2-8 pm; L.A. Hangar, 2627 Medford St, Los Angeles, CA 90034; 213.290.4610
A Conversation with Martin Scorcese and Irwin Winkler
Long-time collaborators, Martin Scorcese and Irwin Winkler, sit down to discuss their Oscar winning films and the genius behind their process. Saturday, 4:30 pm; The Egyptian Theater, 6712 Hollywood Blvd,Los Angeles, CA 90028
LA | Complimentary Flows | Y7 x The LINE
Y7’s residence at The LINE Hotel continues! Every Saturday from Y7 will be holding weekly classes at the hotel. If you haven’t experienced Y7 yet, get there. It’s my favorite yoga studio in LA and they are bringing their unique West Hollywood experience to Koreatown. Free, sign up here; Saturday, 10-11 am; 3515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010; 213.381.7411
Herschel Supply Sample Sale
Herschel Supply is hosting a holiday sample sale in DTLA. Join them at the Fashion Theater for unique discounts on their accessories like wallets, back packs, head wear, duffles, hip-packs, messengers, and more. Plus, drinks! Friday, 10 am; Fashion Theater, 110 E 9th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Frame Bi-Annual Sample Sale
This is your chance to dress to the nines on your basic budget. Celebrity fav FRAME is hosting their bi-annual sample sale guaranteeing discounts of up to 80% off on denim, sweaters, jackets, leather and more! Friday, 8:30 am; FRAME, 3578 Hayden Ave. Ste. M-5, Culver City, CA 90232
