Otium
Nov. 4. Get a taste of Chef Timothy Hollingsworth’s new dining destination that is next to The Broad downtown. The prelude to the restaurant’s opening has Chef Hollingsworth collaborating with Chef Michael Anthony (Gramercy Tavern, Untitled at the Whitney Museum). The evening includes passed appetizers and plated dishes from both chefs as well as a beverage station by mixologist Julian Cox. Chef Anthony will highlight dishes from his new cookbook V is for Vegetables and sign copies, while Chef Hollingsworth will showcase his elegantly rustic cooking style with the use of the wood-burning ovens and vertical garden. $125/pp (all-inclusive with cookbook). 222 S. Hope St., downtown. otiumla.com
The Bellwether
Shake away the Monday blues at the Bellwether in Studio City. The restaurant now offers Monday night fried chicken that includes half of a fried Mary’s chicken, housemade hot sauce, chow chow slaw and Mama’s Little Yella Pils for $18, or just $15 for just the chicken. While you’re there, you can also dine on the regular menu while you enjoy all-night happy hour. 13251 Ventura Blvd., Suite A, Studio City. thebellwetherla.com
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill
Whether you’re craving crispy fried chicken accented with wasabi honey or an eye-popping selection of sushi, you can find it tucked in next to Pacific Theaters at The Grove. The outpost of the award-winning Blue Ribbon dynasty is the first to open in California. Sushi—categorized by Atlantic or Pacific Ocean—takes center stage on the menu and is complimented by other signature dishes like the aforementioned fried chicken; oxtail fried rice with daikon, bone marrow and shiitake mushrooms; and Wagyu beef tongue topped with daikon and truffled teriyaki sauce. The restaurant also takes your dining experience to the next level by offering their own dedicated valet on West 3rd St. Avoid busy mall traffic and enjoy a stroll up Yokocho Alley when you drop your car with them. The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, L.A., 323.352.9300. blueribbonrestaurants.com
smoke.oil.salt
The Melrose Ave. go-to for Spanish cuisine launches Sunday tapas brunch this weekend. Dine on an eclectic array of offerings like an Tomate con Huevo de Mar (tomato toast with soft-scrambled eggs with uni and chili oil), Torrija (Spanish-style French toast with vanilla bean whipped cream, mixed berry compote and mint oil), Churrasco y “Huevos” (seared flat iron steak, egg vinaigrette and fresh greens) among many other options. The restaurant also offers a selection of bottomless Spanish cocktails like sangria, Bloody Marias, mimosas, cava and kalimotxo for $18. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 7274 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.930.7900. smokeoilsalt.com
Love & Salt
At the Manhattan Beach dining destination “Late Night Love,” burgers and pizza are a triumvirate made in heaven. Starting tonight, dine on the new Late Night Love menu that offers Chef Michael Fiorelli’s famed Downlow burger— two four-ounce patties topped with aged promontory cheddar, caramelized onions, housemade pickles, tomato aioli on a brioche bun—or any one of a variety of pizzas, a glass of wine or craft beer for $20. The menu will be available nightly at the bar and chef’s counter during the last hour of service. 317 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.545.5252. loveandsaltla.com
Kendall’s Brasserie & Bar
Nov. 4-29. Let Executive Chef Jean-Pierre Bosc take you on a culinary tour through Lyon, France. Born and trained in this illustrious culinary region, Chef Bosc shares his love for his heritage through a three-course prix-fix dinner menu. Highlights include Salade Frisée Lyonnaise, with bacon lardon, crouton and poached egg; Chicken Demi-Deuil, a half Shelton Farm chicken poached with truffles under the skin and served with broth-poached vegetables. The dinner begins with a Communard aperitif—a chilled crème de cassis and Beaujolais and you can also sip on Beaujolais Village by the carafe or bottle. 7:30-9:30 p.m. 35 North Grand St., downtown, 213.972.7322. patinagroup.com/kendallsbrasserie
Dog Haus
Just in time to kick off the holiday season, Dog Haus brings back their famed “Turducken” Haus Sausage for the entire month. The sausage is a mind-blowing mix of turkey, chicken, duck, fresh herbs, whiskey soaked cranberries and yams served on King’s Hawaiian rolls—this year it is also being offered topped with sage gravy, a Brussels sprouts, bacon slaw and crispy onions. doghaus.com
Salt & Straw
Nov. 1-25. Get your Thanksgiving fix in ice cream form. Salt & Straw’s new small-batch five-course lineup of ice cream flavors pays homage to America’s favorite foodie holiday in the following flavors: Sweet Potato Casserole (rich, full-bodied sweet potato ice cream balanced by a light ribbon of maple syrup marshmallow fluff); Buttered Mashed Potatoes & Gravy (smooth, creamy, delightfully salty buttery goodness laced with rich, golden-brown gravy); Quince & Walnuts Thanksgiving Stuffing (sweet quince jam, walnut cake stuffing, and a plethora of delicious fall spices); Salted Caramel Turkey (sweet and buttery turkey skin candy brittle folded into a turkey fat caramel ice cream); and Spiced Goat Cheese & Pumpkin Pie (a full bouquet of warm, pumpkin pie spices and crumbles of rich spicy chèvre). 40 N. Larchmont Blvd., L.A., 323.466.0485. saltandstraw.com
Komodo
Nov. 2-15. First there was ramen, then the ramen burger and now Komodo’s Pico and Venice locations will be serving a special Indomie Burrito. The burrito is Executive Chef Erwin Tjahyadi’s version of steak and egg Indonesian Mie Goreng ramen wrapped in a burrito. Get it while you can! komodofood.com
The Garden at the Tropicana
Tucked into a poolside palm tree oasis, is the newest bar at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The Garden takes its inspiration from traditional beer gardens, but with a Mexican twist. The main bar was built with 90-year-old reclaimed wood and 100-year-old steel. The space features Mexican beer on tap as well as an eclectic assortment of brews including Spaten Oktoberfest, 10 Barrell Apocalypse and Elysian Night Owl. It also served a simple menu of Mexican corn, churros and a selection of tacos. While you’re there enjoy a game of life size Jenga, ping-pong and beer pong. 7000 Hollywood Blvd., L.A. thehollywoodroosevelt.com
Lodge Bread
The L.A.-based bread company opens a new outpost in Culver City. Come for a variety of breads (country, seeded, whole wheat, olive, Khorasan and Runyan Rye) that sell by the loaf or by the slice at their toast bar. Also enjoy pastries, housemade nut butters and De La Paz Coffee (boutique brand owned by Four Barrel). The bakery is the project of chefs-turned-bakers—Alexander Phaneuf (Atelier Crenn, Morimoto Napa, TBD) and Or Amsalam (Spago, Mezze), who are driven by a passion for better bread: organically grown, seasonal whole grains and a naturally leavened process that allows for slow, wild fermentation. Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. 11918 Washington Blvd., Culver City. lodgebread.com