Events
Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival
March 1-3. The L.A. Wine & Food Festival, making its debut this weekend in Santa Monica, features a lineup of distinguished chefs such as Justin Pichetrungsi of Anajak Thai, Timothy Hollingsworth of Otium and celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern. You will have the opportunity to enjoy unlimited tastings from over 30 chefs daily and discover a diverse selection of beverages from more than 50 premier beer, wine and spirits brands. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 12:30 p.m. 1550 Pacific Coast Highway, Lot 1-North, Santa Monica. lawineandfood.com
Women’s History Month Celebration
March 1. First Fridays on Atlantic Avenue in Long Beach launches its March edition in celebration of Women’s History Month, featuring live music and DJ sets across more than a dozen venues. This monthly event also offers extended hours and special discounts at participating businesses, creating a fun atmosphere for an eventful evening of dining, drinks, live entertainment, shopping and art. Friday, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Bixby Knolls, Long Beach. bixbyknollsinfo.com
A Robotic Celebration at the Japanese American National Museum
Mar. 1. Giant Robot and the Japanese American National Museum are collaborating once again for the latest installment of their exhibition series, celebrating the influence of Asian American alternative culture through the Giant Robot Biennale 5, showcasing contributions from artists such as Sean Chao, Felicia Chiao and Luke Chueh. An opening party is scheduled for this Friday, offering free gallery access, DJ sets and food trucks on site. 6-9 p.m. 100 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles. janm.org
Conscious Market Returns
Starts March 2. Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. and Fit Girl Club LA have partnered to bring the Conscious Market back to the Third Street Promenade, highlighting over 40 local businesses that emphasize sustainability with a commitment to zero waste and self-care. Participate in free fitness classes hosted by local studios, with a reminder to bring a yoga mat, towel and water. The market will also offer complimentary healthy snacks and drink samples. Every first Saturday of the month, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica. consciousmarketla.com
Food + Drinks
Stella West Hollywood
Now Open. Nestled in West Hollywood’s Art and Design District within the mid-century modern Richard Dorman building, Stella emerges as a fusion of cuisine, art and design. You can anticipate specialties such as branzino crudo, wood-fired pizza pinsa alla romana and their special Su Filindeu pasta, alongside a selection of curated olive oils and collaborations with select vendors. Wednesday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. 8899 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood. stellawesthollywood
Baar Baar L.A. Launches New Tasting Menu
Now Serving. Experience Chef Sujan Sarkar’s new three-course tasting menu at Baar Baar L.A., starting with dahi puri canapé and moving to small plates like avocado bhel and chicken malai tikka. Choose from main courses such as butter chicken, Goan shrimp curry or beef short ribs, served with saffron rice, garlic naan and dal. Finish off with desserts, which includes options such as a ragi brownie or coconut payasum cassata. Hours vary. 705 W. 9th St., Los Angeles. More Information
A.O.C. Debuts Five New Seasonal Cocktails
Now Serving. Ignacio Murillo has crafted a new cocktail menu for A.O.C., welcoming the season’s change with winter produce and cooler temperatures. The menu includes signature drinks like the Fire & Smoke (mezcal, blood orange, lime and chile), the Paloma Blanca (tequila, lime, oro blanco and house kumquat liqueur), and the Marzapán Espresso Martini (aged rum, house amaretto, almond and espresso). Hours vary. Priced at $18-19. Brentwood location, 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles. aocwinebar.com
Fresh Seafood Selections at Mastro’s DTLA
Now Serving. During Lent, running through March 30, Mastro’s in Downtown L.A. is introducing an array of new seafood dishes, including herb-roasted branzino and Chilean sea bass. You and your guest can also savor a wide selection of seafood offerings, such as jumbo shrimp, crab, lobster, sea scallops, sushi and more. Open daily, 5-10 p.m. 1200 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. mastrosrestaurants.com
Arts + Culture
Ballet’s Timeless Love Story
Starts March 7. Les Ballets de Monte Carlo makes a triumphant return to SoCal with their latest masterpiece, Coppel-i.A. The extraordinary dance company with the rich history transports us into the future, into the era of artificial intelligence, delivering a stunning new vision of the classic romance. Don’t miss Les Ballet de Monte Carlo’s Coppel-i.A, March 7 – 10 only at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787.  www.scfta.orgÂ
Dianne Reeves
March 3. The LA Phil’s inaugural Creative Chair for Jazz, Dianne Reeves, returns to the Walt Disney Concert Hall to showcase her vocal talent and stage presence for audiences everywhere. As a five-time Grammy award-winning artist celebrated as one of the world’s foremost jazz vocalists, Reeves has collaborated with luminaries ranging from Wynton Marsalis to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Sunday at 7:30 p.m. 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
Double Feature: Highway 1, USA, and The Dwarf
Now Showing. The LA Opera stages a compelling double feature exploring themes of love through two one-act operas. “The Dwarf,” inspired by an Oscar Wilde story, portrays an unrequited love, set to a romantic score that brings its impossible romance to life. In contrast, “Highway 1, USA,” composed by African American William Grant Still, tells the story of a hardworking Black couple striving for a better future, only to discover their sacrifices may have been in vain. For showcase times visit website. 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laopera.org
At the Edge of the Sun
Now Open. Jeffrey Deitch’s Hollywood gallery is set to celebrate Los Angeles’ diverse perspectives with “At the Edge of the Sun,” an exhibition featuring works from twelve local artists. This collective, bound by a decade of artistic dialogue and shared city experiences, presents pieces exploring themes such as underground economies, California landscapes, surveillance and public transit. Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. 925 N. Orange Dr., Los Angeles. deitch.com
Photo credit: Ignacio Maurillo courtesy of credit Suzanne Lanza. At The Edge of The Sun courtesy of Deitch. Dianne Reeves courtesy of the L.A. Phil. Food/Bev by Jakob Layman All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
