Los Angeles Weekend Roundup
Friday
New Year, New Me(nus) at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse (with an all-new Pizookie®!)
A new year means new specials, and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is excited to announce additions to its Lunch Specials, as well as a brand-new Pizookie®, available now! For a fresh twist on classic fried chicken, BJ’s introduces the Smothered Southern Chicken lunch special, a hand-breaded buttermilk fried chicken breast served with pepper cream gravy, a mountain of white cheddar mashed potatoes, and a corn and fire-roasted red pepper succotash. A lighter lunch special also makes its debut this month: the subtly sweet Strawberry Chicken Salad with baby field greens, fresh strawberries, juicy mandarin oranges, bleu cheese, candied pecans, and a balsamic vinaigrette drizzle. To round out the enhanced lunch specials, the Bacon Chicken Ranch Piadina is an irresistible new addition of applewood smoked bacon, seasoned grilled chicken, creamy ranch, tomatoes, and cheese in a crispy wrap. For dessert lovers, BJ’s is rolling out a brand-new, limited-time Pizookie® that is a fresh take on a nostalgic classic: the Banana Split Pizookie®! It is made with a rich chocolate cookie with chunks of Ghirardelli® chocolate, baked-in banana slices, and topped with rich vanilla bean ice cream, whipped cream, crunchy candied pecans, caramel drizzle, and, of course, a cherry on top! Various prices, hours, and locations
Great White Collaborates with Artist Randy Perez
Great White, the casual all-day café with a focus on fresh local cuisine, great coffee, and drinks, announces the first in a series of artist collaborations throughout 2023. The first collection is from artist Randy Perez, with whom the restaurant group previously collaborated on the label artwork for their in-house wine A Horse With No Name. The limited-edition artwork will be available across all three Great White locations (Venice, Larchmont, and Melrose) and online starting today and will feature across pizza boxes, menus, and a spin on the brand’s signature baseball hat. Various prices; Sundays – Thursdays, 8:00 am – 10:00 pm and Fridays – Saturdays, 8:00 am – 11:00 pm; Various locations
Warm Up with Piccalilli’s New Winter Menu
With the cold and rainy weather in Los Angeles sticking around a bit longer, we wanted to share a great way to stay warm with Piccalilli’s new winter menu! Culver City’s creative Asian-fusion restaurant now offers new, seasonal cold-weather dishes that incorporate the freshest winter produce and warm, flavorful broths. Created by co-owner and executive chef Macks Collins, Piccalilli’s winter dishes provide two ways of staying warm: heat and spice. Vietnamese noodle dish Cao Lau Pork warms the soul with an aromatic broth, fish sauce, and fresh herbs, while the Chilled Sichuan Beef heats up the taste buds with a chili oil kick! The Winter Chicory Salad highlights the cold-season vegetable, winter chicory, that Piccalilli sources weekly from local farmers markets and pairs with a perfect runny 7-minute egg. $19+; Mondays – Thursdays, 5 – 10:00 pm, Fridays – Saturdays, 4 – 11:00 pm, and Sundays, 2- 9:00 pm; 3850 Main St., Ste A, Culver City, CA 90232
Michelin-Starred Scratch Restaurants Group Expands Presence in L.A. with New Sushi Location Featuring an Immersive 17-Course Feast
The new Sushi by Scratch Restaurants is now open in Los Angeles. The location is built around an intimate, dimly lit dining room, where 10 guests find themselves face-to-face with three chefs at the sushi counter. With three seatings offered a night, guests are guided through an immersive 17-course nigiri tasting menu experience—showcasing fish and shellfish primarily flown in twice a week from Tokyo’s world-famous Toyosu Fish Market. The menu will feature new creations along with some of Chef Lee’s signature pieces that have helped shape the city’s sushi scene, including Hamachi painted yellow with sweet corn pudding and topped with a fine sprinkle of breadcrumbs made from Kallas-Lee’s famous sourdough, aged Blue Fin Tuna served simply with Lee’s homemade soy sauce and fresh wasabi; Albacore wrapped in sake-soaked nori and topped with ponzu, fresh wasabi, and crispy onions; as well as Lee’s signature 1-2 punch of Roasted Bone Marrow nigiri seasoned simply with soy sauce, sea salt, and freshly grated wasabi root; followed by a fan favorite of Unagi that’s fried crispy in the rendered bone marrow fat from the previous course and then dressed in poblano yuzu kosho, soy sauce, ponzu, lemon, and sea salt. For dessert, guests enjoy Chef Margarita’s Matcha Bon Bon with makrut lime, white chocolate, and shortbread paired with a Hot Green Tea brewed with a bit of umeshu plum wine, smoked lavender honey, and fresh yuzu to round out the dinner. Reservations are required. $165 and $105 – $125 (3 different beverage pairings – the first includes three sakes, two micro cocktails, and a beer; option two includes six pours of sake; and the third option includes six pours of Japanese Whiskey), Beverages are also available a la carte; Reservations are released on the first of the month with seating times – 5:00 pm, 7:15 pm, and 9:30 pm; 16101 Ventura Blvd, first floor, Los Angeles, CA 91436
Festivities All Month Long at Tulsi Indian Eatery
Tulsi Indian Eatery is not done celebrating. The upscale, fast-casual Indian eatery will be celebrating two upcoming Indian festivals, Lohri, a Punjabi folk festival celebrated primarily in North India on 1/13, and Pongal, a multi-day Hindu harvest festival celebrated by Tamils in South India. Each festival will feature a specialty dish from the region of India where the festival is celebrated. Various hours at DTLA, Northridge, and Westwood locations
- (1/13) Lohri Festival (North India): Today, celebrate Lohri with a traditional and hearty vegetarian specialty, Sarson Ka Saag, served with Makki di Roti ($8). Sarson Ka Saag is a traditional dish from the Punjab region of India that is made with mustard greens and a blend of spices and is often served with Makki di Roti, a type of unleavened bread made with cornmeal. The Makki di Roti is housemade at Tulsi with stone-ground cornmeal and cooked on a griddle until it is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It perfectly complements the Sarson ka Saag to soak up all the flavor.
- (1/14 – 1/31) Pongal Festival (South India): Tulsi Indian Eatery will celebrate the Pongal Festival with a special Banana Leaf Combo ($15). The Banana Leaf Combo will feature a selection of South Indian specialties such as Mini Uttapam, a small savory pancake made with fermented rice and lentil batter topped with vegetables; Masala Idli, steamed rice cakes made with a fermented batter and flavored spices paired with sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew) and chutney; Small Vada, crispy, savory donuts made with a mixture of lentils and spices; and finally, Pongal, a traditional South Indian dish made with rice and lentils, cooked until it is creamy and flavorful, which is also paired with sambar and chutney. One can wrap up their combo with an included dessert, Payasam, a creamy sweet treat made with milk and vermicelli.
Lights, Camera, Fairmont Century Plaza! Get Glowing Skin with an Award-Season Facial
Get Award-Season ready at Fairmont Century Plaza this January. Home to the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday and numerous prestigious Hollywood award shows, the all-new hotel provides the premier destination to walk the red carpet and get glowing at the 14,000-square foot spa. The luxury hotel will offer the ultimate glamour package, Lights, Camera, and Century Plaza! for guests staying on the property during Award-Season. The package will include accommodations of their choice, a $100 F&B credit at Lumiere Brasserie for a sparkling evening in the City of Stars, and the “Red Carpet Radiance” Facial that will leave guests feeling their best. Mondays – Sundays, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm; 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90067; 310.424.3030
Award-Season facials at the spa include:
- The Dr. Rita Rakus “Red Carpet Radiance” Facial is an award-winning treatment that uses the 4-step protocols of the Dr. Rita Jetlift system to improve the lips and the eye contour lines. Those struggling with wrinkles caused by aging will automatically see excellent results that guarantee an award-show-ready look. $450
- The Avenue of the Stars “Super Power” Facial was created for those in a hurry who want to get the maximum results in the minimal amount of time. Using the Dr. Rita Jetlift system this treatment is customized to the individual needs, using the most exceptional and powerful active ingredients: Growth Factor Serum and Argireline (also known as Liquid Botox), will be used to achieve maximum results with glowing skin, reduced wrinkles and a soft lift. This exclusive to Fairmont Century Plaza facial promises to leave your skin with an immediate glow from the moment you walk out the door, and onto the red carpet. $850
Cheers to 100 Years! La Venta Inn Celebrates Centennial Anniversary Throughout 2023
The Historic La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes Estates, CA, is officially celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023! In late 2021, Meg Walker, CEO & executive chef of Made by Meg, became the newest operator and exclusive caterer to La Venta Inn, and since then, she has remained committed to respecting the beloved venue’s rich history while ensuring its continued legacy. Throughout this centennial year, Meg and La Venta Inn will host a myriad of engaging, food-filled events for the community, such as Valentine’s Day, an elaborate Easter Celebration, Mother’s Day Brunch, a 4th of July fireworks viewing party, and more! 796 Via del Monte, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274; 310.373.0123
Saturday
Negroni 3rd Street Launches Weekend Brunch Service
Beverly Grove neighborhood’s world-renowned Negroni 3rd Street restaurant launches weekend brunch! Menu highlights include Truffle Eggs (with scrambled eggs, truffle stracciatella, and sautéed mushrooms over sourdough toast), Tofu Scramble (with scrambled turmeric tofu, spinach, roasted peppers, sliced avocado, and pickled red onion over grilled sweet potato), and French Toast (made with brioche bread covered with banana, blueberries, and whipped cream). Classic brunch cocktails such as Nikkei Bloody Marys (with vodka, vegan tiger milk, tomato juice, orange juice, togarashi, and oyster sauce), Bottomless Mimosas, and Aperol Spritzes will be available in addition to a full cocktail, wine, and beer menu. Various prices; Saturdays – Sundays, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm; 8022 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048; 323.497.4069; Cover Photo Credit: Jakob Layman
The Los Angeles FitExpo Returns to the Convention Center
The Los Angeles FitExpo is back at the Convention Center this weekend. Attendees can meet their favorite fitness gurus and influencers, access free fitness and cooking class demos, discover new health and wellness products/services, witness live fitness competitions, and much more. $30 – $50; Saturday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Los Angeles Convention Center – 1201 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 888.348.3976/213.741.1151
Sunday
The Return of HÄAGEN-DAZS® Shops Real Fruit Smoothies
HÄAGEN-DAZS Shops lineup of crave-worthy, real fruit smoothies is back and will be available at shops nationwide. These very berry blends include an entirely new flavor, Strawberry Mango Smoothie; along with Aloha Mango, Pomegranate Berry, Strawberry Banana, and Wildberry. Various prices, hours, and locations
Coming Soon
(1/17): OTOTO’s Floating World Nama Dinner
OTOTO will be hosting a very special evening where Floating World Imports Founder Linda Tetrault and OTOTO sake maven Courtney Kaplan will be highlighting the special nama (unpasteurized) sake of three breweries: Yucho Shuzo, Uehara Shuzo, and Moriki Shuzo. All of the sakes being featured are made with very little intervention – without pasteurization, dilution, or charcoal filtration. Chef/Owner/Ninja Charles Namba will be creating a special Franco-Japanese “bistrokaya” (if a bistro and izakaya had a baby) 5-course menu to pair with these very special sakes. Dinner highlights include Oysters On The Half Shell, Chef’s Selection Of Sashimi, and a Steak Dinner. $150; Tuesday (1/17), 6:00 pm; 1360 Allison Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026; 213.784.7930
(1/18): Caldo Verde Hosts an Evening Inspired by Somebody Feed Phil The Book
Caldo Verde, the Portuguese-inspired restaurant helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne continues its series of events spotlighting chefs and restaurants from around the globe that have inspired them throughout the years. On 1/18, Caldo Verde will host an evening inspired by Phil Rosenthal’s Somebody Feed Phil The Book. The menu includes the Collard Green Melt, the Holy Burger, Pork Smφrrebrφd with rhubarb relish, Quesadillas with epazote and salsa verde, Chili Fried Chicken, Pink Pad Thai, cocktails, and more! Books will also be available for purchase on-site. $85; Wednesday (1/18), 5 – 10:00 pm; DTLA Proper – 1100 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213.806.1023
(1/25): Esters Hosts Guest Chef Pop-Up with Chefs Elizabeth Heitner and Nestor Silva
Esters is excited to announce the return of the Guest Chef pop-up series. They’re kicking off 2023 with friends and chefs Elizabeth Heitner and Nestor Silva (formerly of sister spot Rustic Canyon) behind the Mexican and Jewish-inspired pop-up, Malli. Reservations are encouraged (You can be added to the “Notify” list on Resy), and Esters will also accept walk-ins at the bar. Various prices; Wednesday (1/25); 5:00 pm; 1314 Seventh St., Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.899.6900
(1/25): Visionary Women Hosts Female Founders & Entrepreneurship Salon With Sprinkles Founder Candace Nelson And Drybar Founder Alli Webb
Visionary Women, the premier Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization focused on the advancement and empowerment of women and girls, announces a Female Founders & Entrepreneurship Salon. Several prominent women will be featured, including Sprinkles founder and New York Times bestselling author of Sweet Success Candace Nelson and serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and Drybar founder Alli Webb. The thought-leadership event is sponsored by Bank of America and The Wall Street Journal, and will be moderated by CNBC’s Senior Media & Tech Correspondent and bestselling author of When Women Lead Julia Boorstin. The event will include a panel discussion and will benefit Visionary Women’s grants given to organizations and programs that advance the status of women and girls. Co-founders three-time Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse and author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Angella Nazarian created Visionary Women for just these types of gatherings. “Members of our giving circle come together to learn and give back while doing so,” Bosse said. “What could be better?” $70; Wednesday (1/25); 5 – 7:00 pm; Brentwood Country Club – 590 S Burlingame Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90049; 310.451.8011
(1/26): Black Angus Steakhouse Brings Back its Popular, One-Night Bourbon Dinner Experience
Black Angus Steakhouse, the original American steakhouse since 1964, has announced the return of their popular one-night Bourbon Dinner Experience at all steakhouse locations. Fans of Black Angus Steakhouse will experience a curated bourbon cocktail pairing menu that features the highest quality 21-day aged steaks and barrel-aged whiskey cocktails. The menu features Ribeye Cap and Fries with Birria Butter and Lime paired with Ancho Reyes Old Fashioned. Espresso Chili Rubbed Eye of Rib, Red Skin Mashed Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts paired with Apricot Brandy Smash, and Bananas Foster over Vanilla Ice Cream paired with Bourbon Espresso Cocktail for dessert. $51.99; Thursday, 1/26, 7:00 pm; Various locations
(1/28): Chef Christopher Kostow and The Mascot by the Harlon Family Partner with the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills for a Dinner and Wine Pairing
Jean-Georges, the world-renowned restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills welcomes you to an immersive hearth centric dinner prepared by Three Michelin Star Chef Christopher Kostow (The Charter Oak, The Restaurant at Meadowood in Napa Valley). The family style, seasonally driven menu is an exquisite ode to elemental cooking, featuring a selection of wines from The Mascot by the Harlan Family. Each course is perfectly paired with exclusive vintages for an exceptional tasting experience. $225; Saturday (1/28), 5 – 10:00 pm; Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills – 9850 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(2/11): Jean-Georges Beverly Hills Cooking Class
Jean-Georges Beverly Hills inside Waldorf Astoria will host its monthly cooking class and 3-course lunch on 2/11. Guests will enjoy a cooking demo by Culinary Director Steve Benjamin and Executive Chef Peleg Miro on the Jean-Georges Beverly Hills Patio, before eating a 3-course curated lunch. $115; Saturday (2/11), 11:00 am – 1:00; Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills – 9850 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(4/2): Tickets are Now On Sale for the Masters of Taste
Mark your calendars, the date for the 6th annual Masters of Taste has been announced. 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, Kiini 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; Sunday (4/2), 3 – 7:00 pm; Pasadena Rose Bowl – 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103; 626.791.6677
