Hall’s Cabernet Cookoff
Hosted by Vintner Kathryn Hall, the annual event will feature an impressive lineup of renowned Bay Area Chef teams vying for a chance to win proceeds for a charity of their choice by participating in a food and wine pairing competition. Fifteen chef teams are tasked to create a small dish that they feel pairs best with 2015 HALL Ellie’s Cabernet Sauvignon, a top-rated wine that has earned praise from the wine industry’s top critics. Sample all pairings to vote on the People’s Choice Awards! Participating chef teams include One Market, Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ, Brix, Goose & Gander,Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, Paula Le Duc Fine Catering, Archetype, Acacia House, KAIYŌ, Harvest Table, PRESS, Blossom Catering Company, Chef Ryan Barnett, and more. Natalie Morales, TODAY West Coast Anchor and Host of Access, has been announced as the official Emcee for the event. The 2019 Judging panel includes Actress Wendi McLendon-Covey, Television personality Shep Rose, Michelin-rated Chef, Ken Frank, La Toque, and Wine Critic Virginie Boone with Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Actress and star of the CBS’s The Neighborhood, Beth Behrs, returns to the event as the Charity Champion, sharing news about her non-profit organization, She Herd Power, as well as the other fifteen non-profits in attendance hoping to win funds from the event. Each chef team selects a charity of their choice for which they are competing – this year’s line-up of non-profits include: Napa Humane, Soroptimist International of Vallejo, Hands Across The Valley, Grace Cathedral, St. Helena Hospital, CIA Scholarship Fund, Voices – Foster Care for Independence, Community Resources for Children, Collabria Care, to name a few. 100% of ticket proceeds benefit non-profit organizations as selected by the winning chef teams. $125; Saturday, 12 – 3 pm; HALL St. Helena, 401 St. Helena Hwy. S, St. Helena, CA 94574; 707.967.2626
Jammin’ Reggae Cruise
Sail along the Marina harbor in a beautiful yacht while you enjoy a night of Reggae and Dancehall music, Caribbean food, cocktails and more. Your ticket includes unlimited food, desserts, and music by a live DJ with two floors of dancing available. Sunday, 5:30 – 8 pm; Dock 52, 13552 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, Ca 90292
Michael’s Santa Monica Celebrates 40 Years
Michael’s Santa Monica celebrates its 40-year anniversary with a tasting event benefitting No Kid Hungry, a nationwide campaign to end childhood hunger in America. Proprietor Michael McCarty welcomes back an all-star line-up of chef alumni, including Jonathan Waxman, Mark Peel, Brooke Williamson, Sang Yoon, Miles Thompson, Roy Yamaguchi, Kazuto Matsusaka, Ryan DeNicola, Zack Bruell, Dorte Lambert, Martin Garcia, Wendy Roskin, Mikey Stern, John-Carlos Kuramoto and Olivier Rousselle.
The chefs will serve dishes from stations set up throughout the lounge and lush garden patio. Michael’s beverage director Gabriel Pérez and former wine director Roni Ginach (Roni Selects) will offer wine pairings to complement each dish. The Michael’s kitchen team, led by chefs Jeff Lustre (Alimento, Palena DC) and Matthew Wilson (Augustine Wine Bar, Sqirl), will serve additional passed bites that highlight the restaurant’s culinary ethos under the guidance of Michael and son/co-owner Chas McCarty. Long revered for its museum-caliber collection of art curated by McCarty and his wife & artist Kim McCarty, you will also be able to view original works and prints by artists such as Helen Frankenthaler, Ed Ruscha, David Hockney and Analia Saban throughout the afternoon, as well as their quarterly exhibition of featured artists in The Gallery @ Michael’s located in their upstairs private event space. $150 (includes tasting event, wine, gratuity and a signed copy of the Michael’s cookbook); Sunday, 12 – 4 pm; Michael’s Santa Monica, CA
Guest Chef Elia Aboumrad & Chef Sammy Mounsour’s Special Dinner Series
Spread Mediterranean Kitchen introduces Spread The Love Dinner Series featuring Guest Chef Elia Aboumrad and Chef Sammy Monsour alongside New Arrivals Supper Club Chefs Maysaa and Abdul Kanjo at Spread Mediterraean Kitchen. The Middle Eastern dinner supports Miry’s List, a charity dedicated to supporting new refugee families resettling in California. The New Arrivals Supper Club seeks to support newly resettled refugee families by fostering opportunities to generate income, participate in their new communities, and share their culture through the intimacy of sharing a meal. 100% of the proceeds from the Spread The Love Dinner Series will directly benefit Miry’s List. The Five-Course tasting menu includes dishes: Man’oushe made with Elia’s dough, Sammy’s za’ater, heirloom tomato, Kalamata olives, and labneh; Colorado Lamb Ribs with Benne tahini, brown butter, pine nuts, allspice, and crispy bulgur; Liberty Farms Duck Breast with date marmalade, pistachio pesto, and crispy baharat yams;Elia’s Grandma’s Tajine Cod with Lebanese rice with roasted almonds, pine nuts, and fideos; and Cardamom Orange Flower Bun with orange blossom frozen custard. $65, $85 with optional wine pairing; Friday, 8 pm. Tickets are required for entry and may be purchased via Square. The Ticket price for the Five-Course Dinner is $65.00 per person, or guests may opt forthe Five-Course Dinner with a specialWine Pairing for $85; 334 S. Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013; 213.537.0284
California Poppy Festival
Head out to the high desert to take in an abundance of blooming poppies, plus hundreds of exhibits, food vendors, musical performances, car shows and a healthy living expo. Kids’ activities include a petting zoo, stingray and butterfly encounters. $10, $5/ages 6-12, seniors 62+, and active and retired military, free/ages 5 and under; Saturday & Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm; Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park, 43063 N. 10th St. West, Lancaster, CA
Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Simply diVine Returns to Hollywood Forever
Following its successful inaugural run at Hollywood Forever last year, the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s 14th annual Simply diVine will return to Hollywood Forever. Sample extraordinary food and drinks from L.A.’s most popular restaurants, wineries, distilleries, breweries, and more. All proceeds support the Center’s life-changing and life-saving programs and services. Those looking for a more intimate experience can get a one-hour exclusive early entry to the main event at 5 pm with a CLUP VIP Lounge ticket, which includes private bartenders; tastings of rare wines and Tito’s Handmade Vodka; live music; celebrity chef experiences; and more. Complimentary drive-on VIP parking included. Some of the restaurant partners include Border Grill, Bourbon Steak, Gracias Madre, hinoki and the bird, Hock+Hoof, Huntington Dining, Jaffa, Kismet, Lovely Eats, Pizzeria il Fico, Rossoblu, and Salazar. Wineries, craft beers, spirits, specialty coffees, and juicers include PRP Wine International, Seedlip Drinks, and Tequila Partida. Music and entertainment at the main event will be provided by DJ SACCS. $150, $500/VIP; Saturday, 6 – 9 pm; Hollywood Forever, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
One Colorado Happy Hour Week
One Colorado restaurants will be offering a little extra something-something to their already appealing Happy Hour offerings, including signature cocktails and nibbles. To accompany the merriment, there will be live music in the courtyard from 7 – 8:30 pm. Sit and sip whilst enjoying the talent of the following talented singer-songwriters: Tom Freund (Sunday), Neon West (Monday), Nina Storey (Wednesday), Malynda Hale (Thursday), and Holland Greco (Friday). Sunday through May 3; 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103; 626.564.1066
Public School Restaurant + Bar’s Brunch Deal
LA’s eclectic gastropub offers a myriad of comforting brunch classics every weekend including Biscuits & Gravy, Corned Beef Hash & Eggs and Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes. Plus, unlimited Bloody Mary’s, mimosas and for just $15! You won’t want to miss Public School’s Early Bird Gets the Brunch promotion this month. Receive 50% off any brunch item! Saturday & Sunday (also May 4th and 5th), 9 am – 3 pm (10 am for Sherman Oaks location).
Taste of the Eastside
The ninth annual food and drink festival showcases culinary hot spots and amazing newcomers from Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz and Atwater Village, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits. Taste dishes from eateries including Ample Hills Creamery and Same Same Thai. $50-$60, $15/ages 2-12, free/under 2, $85-$95/VIP; Sunday, 4 – 8 pm (3pm/VIP); Los Angeles River Center & Gardens, 570 W. Ave. 26, Los Angeles, CA
MLB FoodFest
We all know part of going to the ballpark is the food. Sample the best ballpark foods from around Major League Baseball all in one spot. Each of MLB’s 30 teams designated one concession item to represent them with this year’s menu ranging from ballpark classics to stadium-exclusive fan favorites. Taste toasted grasshoppers courtesy of the Seattle Mariners and churro dogs from the Arizona Diamondbacks. $45-$90; Friday, 4-11 pm, Saturday 11 am – 11 pm, Sunday 11 am – 8:30 pm; Magic Box at The Reef, 1933 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
Final Fridays Food Truck Festival
Final Fridays are back at The Greens at the Rose Bowl. Held the last Friday of each month through summer, this weekend’s vendors include Son Of A Bun, Border Grill, Heritage LA, Wise BBQ, Dina’s Dumplings, Triple Threat, Deli Doctor, Pizza, Chicken Fingers, Fish Tacos, Pretzels, AFTERS Donuts and Ice Cream, Kona Ice and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Plus outdoor games, moon bounces, photo opportunities, and Rose Bowl tours. Free; Friday, 4 – 9 pm; 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA
Jackalope Pasadena
The Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair’s spring fair has over 200 curated booth. Jackalope offers a perfect place to find a unique holiday gift for everyone on your shopping list, grab a bite from a local food truck, and participate in DIY crafting workshops. In addition to the 200+ indie artisans that will be selling their wares, there will also be a full schedule of activities for all ages available throughout the weekend. Both fair mornings will begin with free yoga classes at 10 am. Acoustic musicians will also perform throughout the weekend, and DIY making opportunities will be presented throughout the event. Saturday & Sunday, 10am-5pm; Free; Central Park2, 75 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena CA 91105
