OFF THE HOOK Seafood Festival
Oct. 1. The second annual festival showcases the city’s best restaurants and chefs and their favorite underwater ingredients, all while raising money for those in need. Attendees will enjoy seafood tastings from restaurants such as Maré, The Lobster, FIG, Herringbone, BOA, Sushi Roku, Spinfish Poke, Yamashiro, Del Frisco’s Grille, as well as drinks, live music, games, Shock Top beer gardens and a sustainable seafood VIP Lounge presented by Santa Monica Seafood. 3-7 p.m. Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica. offthehookseafoodfest.com
DTLA Oyster Festival
Oct. 1-2. The Oyster Gourmet will again convene oyster farmers from around the country for the second annual DTLA Oyster Festival at Grand Central Market. Meet the farmers, taste their half-shells and learn about the distinctive “merroir,” or taste of place, that distinguishes oysters grown in different waters. Sucking goes from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. both days. 317 S Broadway, downtown. More Info.
Maple at Descanso Gardens
Opens Oct. 1. Chef Joachim Splichal and Patina Restaurant Group debut of Maple this week on the gorgeous grounds of Descanso Gardens. Discover and elevated yet rustic restaurant concept that opens with weekend brunch with seasonal dinner service to follow Nov. 25. Executive Chef Mark Salazar offers dishes like fried chicken n’ beignets; huevos rancheros with Guajillo-braised short rib; and their signature Maple burger with a beef patty, aged cheddar cheese, leafy greens, garden vegetables, and a signature maple red wine dressing. 1418 Descanso Dr., La Canada. More Info.
Mr. Holmes Bakehouse
Be prepared to line up for the cruffin. The confection is the signature of Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, who will be bringing their signature bakes (which also include churro croissants and jalapeño cheddar claws) to Highland Park later on this week. The third location of the beloved San Francisco bakery will offer their signature treats, in addition to a few new items. The Art Deco building right off Figueroa will feature the infamous “I Got Baked” sign, this time ending in “Los Angeles.” 111 S. Ave. 59, L.A. mrholmesbakehouse.com
Tabula Rasa Bar
The new East Hollywood/Thai Town neighborhood from Bestia alums Zach Negin and Daniel Flores features dynamic beer and wine selections, and food that includes Negin’s signature Cuban sandwich. Find a gritty-yet-inviting space that is both minimal and thoughtfully appointed with a mahogany bar, rich burgundy leather booths and an exposed glass encased wine room. 5125 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 213.290.6329. tabularasabar.com
Bourbon Steak
Sept. 29. Bourbon Steak at the Americana at Brand is throwing the ultimate cocktail party to cap off Heritage Bourbon Month. The restaurant has partnered with distillers including Breaker, Knob Creek and Bookers giving you a chance to sample different bourbon varietals and speak with master distillers from each brand. Also find live music and passed appetizers including duck spring rolls and blue cheese sliders with truffle aioli; whole roasted pigs and Peking duck; and seasonal sides. $69/pp. 237 S. Brand Ave, Glendale, 818.839.4134. michaelmina.net
CAST Restaurant
The dining destination inside the Viceroy Santa Monica welcomes new executive chef, Larry Monaco. The SoCal native debuts new menus at the restaurant featuring local, sustainable and in-season proteins and produce and new new vegan and gluten-free menu options. Signatures include cured lamb “bacon” wraps with crisp bibb lettuce, pickled radish, feta and harissa aioli; Viceroy burger, a house-blended patty with Point Reyes Toma fondue, housemade pickles and 1000 Island dressing (you can also opt to add bacon or an egg); and Santa Monica 310 Blonde Ale mac & cheese with cheddar, chilis and roasted thyme bread crumbs. 1819 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, 310.260.7500. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/santamonica
Demitasse Little Tokyo
Celebrate five years of the downtown coffee shop that has grown into an empire. From now until Oct. 1 you can enjoy $2 latte specials every day. Sip them in flavors like ginger (Tuesday), maple (Wednesday), orange-thyme-cardamom (Thursday) and rosemary maple (Friday). Also find 25 percent off all bags of coffee and raffle entry with purchase of $10 or more. 135 S. San Pedro St., downtown. cafedemitasse.com
Same Same
Stop by Same Same’s “We Love This Industry Night” every Sunday night for $5 appetizers and $5 bottles of Chang all evening. All you have to do is show your “Industry Special” card. 2835 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A., 213.273.8424. samesamethai.com