Katsuya Hollywood Omakase Dinner Series
Jan. 23. The chic sushi restaurant in Hollywood ups its offerings with a more than nine-course omakase menu served at their 10-seat bar on Monday nights. Chef de cuisine David Lespron spearheads the menu that works in eclectic ingredients with an artful presentation. The menu will change monthly and now features dishes like confit of kabocha squash with nitro-fozen parmesan; miso corn elote with kewpie mayo and ichiimi chile; pazole ramen and three sushi/sashimi courses. There is one seating per week, beginning promptly at 8 p.m. Tickets are $85/pp. Katsuya Hollywood, 6300 Hollywood Blvd. (entrance on Vine), L.A. sbe.com/khvomakase
Brunch Celebrating David Bowie with Photographer Mick Rock at the Polo Lounge
Jan. 22. Join legendary rock photographer Mick Rock at the Polo Lounge for an exclusive brunch celebrating David Bowie. The brunch is teamed with an exhibition that showcases a selection of original prints from Rock’s 1972 photo shoot with Bowie at The Beverly Hills Hotel. Guests who reserve the VIP brunch package will be invited to attend an inspired discussion with Rock about his celebrated rock music imagery and celebrated career capturing images of rock and roll royalty from the golden age of music. The package includes a three-course brunch featuring themed menu items and Bowie’s music; complementary mimosa or Ziggy Stardust martini; post-brunch conversation with Rock; and signed copy of Rock’s new book. The Rise of David Bowie 1972-1973. $150/pp. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, 310.887.2777. dorchestercollection.com
Gastro Garage
Jan. 19-Feb. 11. The fully immersive, interactive dining experience, where unique chef meets mechanic, lights up LA with a 12-night pop-up in Hollywood. Gastro Garage deconstructs classic dishes and reconstructs them into signature “tanks,” made from savory brioche donuts that are filled with nitrous foam in a variety of flavors and then torched with gourmet toppings, finishing oils, purees and spices. The chef’s four-course Torch Me menu starts at $50; you can also order any three tanks for $12 at the grab-and-go Gastro Counter and lounge in the garage in a more casual setting. Thurs.-Sat. 7065 1/2 Sunset Blvd., L.A., 310.993.3979. thegastrogarage.com
SpireWorks
The highly addictive fast-casual döner American-style concept that first opened in Westwood in November, launches their newest outpost in Eagle Rock Jan. 24. On opening day, stop by the new location for a free SpireWorks Destination, SpireCake and beverage. SpireWorks Destinations are spit-roasted beef, chicken or vegetarian köfte meatless meatballs in a variety of bases like freshly baked bread, wild rice and fresh greens. You can build your own or opt for one of their recipes inspired by destinations around the globe and crafted by consulting chef Kuniko Yagi (Comme Ca, Hinoki and the Bird). Just choose your base and pick an option like the Baja California (cabernet tomatoes, tomatillo sauce, cotija cheese, baked tortilla strips, pickled red onions and green onion shreds), New York (Russian dressing, sauerkraut, shaved parmesan, cucumber spirals, angel hair beets and New York shaker spices) and Peking (hoisin sauce, crispy onions, angel hair carrots, cucumber spirals and Rayu shaker spices), among others. Leave room for sides like twice cooked baby Dutch yellow potatoes with your choice of shaker spice topping, and SpireCake—sweet confections that come in array of flavors from honey mascarpone to tiramisu. 1061 Broxton Ave., Westwood, 424.220.6299; 4945 B Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle Rock, 323.895.7888. spireworks.com
American Tea Room
Southern California’s premier tea purveyor re-opens its doors in Beverly Hills. This outpost, unlike the Arts District’s tea lounge, will primarily focus on their more than 200 premium teas from around the world, including those that are exclusive to the location. Also find high-end tea accessories, gifts, brewed tea and artisanal coffee by the cup, as well as sweet and savory snacks to-go. 401 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, 310.271.7922. americantearoom.com
KronnerBurger + FOXíE Spritzer at Bar Bandini
Jan. 19. The sought-after Oakland burger concept from Chris Kronner (former Bar Tartine Chef) pops up along with FOXíE Spritzer at Bar Bandini in Echo Park. Stop by for their legendary burger (a freshly ground dry-aged, organic beef patty from Mindful Meats, cheddar-mayonnaise, house pickles, caramelized red onions and lettuce on a soft potato bun—served rare) served with Kennebec fries, salad and a glass of FOXíE for $23. FOXíE is a naturally carbonated wine spritzer from winemakers Andrew Jones (Field Recordings) and Josh Rosenstein (Hoxie Spritzers). 6 p.m. until the burgers are gone. Bar Bandini, 2150 West Sunset Blvd., L.A. barbandini.com
L & E Oyster Bar
Jan. 22-27. In honor of the restaurant’s five-year anniversary, L & E Oyster Bar in Silver Lake will be celebrating with week-long specials including free oysters, a complimentary paella party and executive chef Spencer Bezaire’s favorite menu specials from the last five years. Here’s a breakdown of the schedule: Jan. 22, complementary paella upstairs beginning at 5 p.m.; Jan. 23-27, complementary oysters upstairs beginning at 5 p.m.; Jan. 23-27, dine on one of chef Spencer’s menu specials downstairs starting at 6 p.m. 1637 Silver Lake Blvd., L.A. leoysterbar.com
Vinoteca
Celebrate Wine Wednesday with bivalves at Vinoteca at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Vinoteca’s BUCK-A-SHUCK oyster/wine pairing special ($20) includes a half-dozen (Beausolei and/or Kusshi) oysters in addition to a glass of Laura Aschero Vermentino (Liguria, Italy) every Wednesday for the rest of January. 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Vinoteca, 300 S Doheny Dr., L.A. fourseasons.com
Popped! Popcorn & Cocktails Party
Jan. 19. Celebrate National Popcorn Day with a gourmet popcorn battle. LA area chefs, home cooks and spirit brands will compete for the title of Best Popcorn, with flavors like rosemary, truffle, sea salt, caramel and more—think Bravo’s Top Chef, but with popcorn. Guests will taste popcorn from competitors like Ocean Prime and Scratch Bar and vote for their favorite, while mixologists shake up cocktails made with Perfectomundo Tequila to pair with the popped treats. $20. 7-10 p.m. Private loft space in Santa Monica; address revealed with ticket purchase. poppedsm.eventbrite.com
Winter dineL.A.
Jan. 13-27. More than 300 of the county’s top restaurants offer specially priced menus for lunch and dinner. Discover new restaurants like Geoffrey Zakarian’s Georgie, Plan Do See’s Paley and Tony Esnault’s Spring, or revisit notable favorites like Lucques and CUT. You can also splurge on fine dining with dineL.A.’s exclusive series at Providence, Melissé and Patina. See website for all participating eateries. Lunch menus are $15, $20 and $25, with dinner menus priced at $29, $39 and $49, or beginning at $95 for the exclusive series. discoverlosangeles.com
Redondo Beach Restaurant Week
Jan 13-27. Explore Redondo Beach dining during the second annual event that features specially priced menus and deals from 12 restaurants like A Basq Kitchen, Orlando’s Pizzeria & Birreria and Sea Level at Shade Hotel. visitredondo.com/restaurant-week