MasterChef Viewing Party at Chaya Downtown
Aug. 26. MasterChef takes over Chaya downtown this Wednesday and you’re invited to the party (6-8 p.m.). Watch the contestants make recipes in the Chaya kitchen while you dine on a special $32 MasterChef bento that includes a sampling of each dish on the episode (think tuna tartare, American Wagyu risotto and seabass or venison). You can also sip a special MasterChef cocktail on special for $5 all night long. If you can’t make it to the party, you can dine on Chaya’s MasterChef tasting menu until Sept. 6 (three courses $55/four courses $70). 525 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.236.9577. thechaya.com
Los Angeles Food & Wine
Aug. 27-30. This epicurean event features a roster of world-class chefs, including Jet Tila, Curtis Stone and Thomas Keller. With a home base along Grand Avenue (in front of the Walt Disney Concert Hall) downtown, the festival offers cooking demonstrations, dynamic chef pairings at top dining destinations across L.A., a live performance by Questlove and The Roots and more. See website for a full schedule and pricing. 855.433.5239. lafw.com
Le Dîner en Blanc
Aug. 27. Take part in the chic Parisian-inspired secret picnic that is expected to draw more than 2,500 foodies and outdoor eating enthusiasts all dressed in white. Just pack your picnic and accoutrements (like your finest china and stemware) and wait for the final call that will lead you to the evening’s secret destination. Over the course of the night, you will eat and celebrate at this festive fete. 7-11 p.m. losangeles.dinerenblanc.info
Ment’or Young Chef Competition Series
Aug. 27. Dine on an exclusive menu of Bouchon’s signature dishes while watching four future rock star chefs compete in front of host Thomas Keller, and chef judges William Bradley (Addison), Josiah Citrin (Mélisse), David Hands (Bouchon Beverly Hills), Traci des Jardins (Jardinière), Timothy Hollingsworth (Barrel & Ashes), Walter Manzke (République) and Alan Wong (Alan Wong’s Honolulu). The L.A. stop of the series includes four cooks of extraordinary talent: David Kneller (Bartlett Pear Inn, Easton, MD), William Lansing (The Strand House, Manhattan Beach, CA), Skylar Stover (Hestan, Anaheim, CA), Michelle Tribble (Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, Dallas, TX). As a spectator, you will enjoy canapés, dinner (elegantly paired with wines from Spire Collection) and champagne while watching the contestants work their culinary magic in the kitchen for a $10,000 cash prize and the opportunity to stage at the restaurant of their choice. The event is $125/pp all-inclusive with proceeds going to benefit the ment’or BKB Foundation. A limited number of VIP Tickets are available at $200/pp and includes early arrival and a private champagne and caviar reception with guest judges, a behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen during the competition and a special gift bag upon departure. Purchase tickets at mentorbkb.org
Silver Oak Winemaker’s Dinner at Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails
Aug. 29. Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails teams up with Napa Valley’s Silver Oak Winery for a culinary experience with the perfect pairings. Enjoy an evening of Cabernet, conversation and culinary expertise. Chef Chris Crary has collaborated with Silver Oak Executive Chef, Dominic Orsini, to create a six-course menu paired expertly with Silver Oak Wines. $150/pp. 8117 Sunset Blvd., L.A. Tickets
Yin + Tonic at The Springs
Aug. 29. Who says yoga and cocktails don’t go hand-in-hand? This Saturday, downtown’s one-stop-shop for wellness, The Springs features an evening of Yin Yoga and meditation with tonic cocktails available immediately following at the bar. Led by former NFL athlete Grant Mattos and Yin Yoga Instructor Laila Garys, the session will consist of a combination of mindful breathing, relaxing postures, and a chance to quiet a busy mind. $35. 6-8 p.m. 608 Mato St., downtown, 213.223.6226. thespringsla.com
Sunday Funday Brunch
Aug. 30. Wrap up your weekend with a Sunday Funday brunch that includes all the mimosas you can drink. dineL.A. has partnered with FXX and seven popular restaurants to offer $25 brunch specials this week. When you dine at A-Frame, Abigaile, Love & Salt, Maximiliano, Plan Check Kitchen + Bar – Fairfax, The Church Key and Wildcraft you can order an entree, side or dessert and bottomless mimosas. The one-day-only event celebrates the second season of the FXX hit show You’re the Worst, a locally set romantic comedy that premieres on Sept. 9. discoverlosangeles.com
Fig & Olive
Aug. 27. Celebrate national pot de crème day at Fig & Olive with its signature chocolate pot de crème dessert. Showcasing the pure classic taste of chocolate, vanilla and butterscotch, the signature dessert is served with crunch praline financiers, vanilla cream and a shaving of orange zest. See website for hours. $9. Fig & Olive, 8490 Melrose Pl., West Hollywood, 310.360.9100. figandolive.com
Tropicana Cafe
If you’re hoping to beat the head by dining pool-side The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel has just launched Tropicana Cafe. Dine on all-day brunch dishes like the Power Protein Plate with egg whites, wilted spinach, grilled chicken tomato and avocado; California Kale Salad with currants, sliced almonds and Parmesan; Maine lobster roll; short rib grilled cheese; and a banana split for two. The menu also offers selection from the raw bar, cheese and charcuterie plates and plenty of cocktails. 7000 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 323.466.7000. thehollywoodroosevelt.com
Petty Cash
After getting into the downtown groove with a series of pop-up chef collaborations, Petty Cash Taqueria’s Arts District outpost is open for business. Executive Chef and Owner, Walter Manzke has once again partnered with Bill Chait for the location and is bringing on Chef de Cuisine David Chavez to serve a menu inspired by East L.A., Baja and beyond. Must eats are The bomb.com, Petty Cash’s supercharged guacamole complete with Santa Barbara sea urchin and chicharrones; oyster shooters with salsa water; crab toastadas with Tenerelli Orchard peaches and pig ear nachos with crema poblana and a soft egg. The rest of the menu is divvied up among selections of ceviche, quesadillas, nachos and tacos. Cocktails range from a signature house margarita that comes with your choice of tequila or mezcal to the Mustache Ride with single vintage mescal, sungold tomatoes, serrano chilies, lime and smoked salt. Also enjoy craft brews on tap and bottles like the 32 oz. Corona Familiar. 712 S Santa Fe Ave., downtown, 213.624.0210. pettycashtaqueria.com
Forman’s
The spirit of General Charles Forman, the Eastern native who settled and named Toluca Lake, is alive at Forman’s, a new food and whiskey spot with a hunting lodge feel in Toluca Lake. The new spot from ACME Hospitality Group (Beelman’s Pub, Laurel Tavern, Library Bar, Spring St. Bar) offers small batch whiskeys, cocktails and fare like shared plates, salads, double-ground burgers and main dishes that utilize the restaurant’s 801-lb smoker and a wood-fired grill. 10149 Riverside Dr., Studio City, 818.760.6900. FormansLA.com
Venice Whaler’s Crab Shell Bar
A year ago the Venice Whaler’s downstairs Crab Shell Bar debuted an all-new look, new culinary team and new bar program. To celebrate a year of welcoming the neighborhood to their new digs, they’re rolling out a new dining and cocktail menu. Taking center stage is a variety of seafood selections like a Maine lobster roll, crab cakes, grilled ahi tuna sandwich and chef Nick Liberato’s signature Beach Mussels stewed in a Thai-inspired kaffir lime cream broth and served with grilled bread. Also enjoy shimp Po’Boys, chicken ricotta meatballs and black Angus mini cheeseburgers. New cocktails include Chamomile Mai Tai, a chamomile-infused light rum, orgeat, Curaçao and Wray & Nephew rum; Citrus Pisco Sour with citrus-infused pisco and house-made cinnamon bitters; and more. 10 West Washington Blvd., Venice, 310.821.8737. venicewhaler.com