The Rogue Experience
This new dining experience from chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck offers and intimate and nontraditional tasting menu experience for eight guests each night. Find it in the test kitchen of his corporate headquarters in West Hollywood. Menus will vary from week to week, but you can always expect an immersive two-and-a-half-to-three-hour dining experience in which traditional tasting menus and ordering are put aside. Each night, test kitchen chef-in-residence Dave Beran will collaborate with a rotating group of chefs from across Puck’s international empire. On occasion Puck, as well as other creatives will join in on the evening show. The first series of experiences will draw inspiration from 1982, the year Puck opened the original Spago on Sunset Boulevard. Wed.-Fri., 7:30 p.m. seating. 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. rogue-exp.tocktix.com
So Long, Hi
David Tewasart (Sticky Rice, Side Chick, Matcha Matcha, Monkey Bar and the upcoming RBTA) and Bryan Sharafkhah-Sharp (White Guy Pad Thai) are bringing a taste of Thai street food to the heart of downtown LA. The menu is a combination of Thai bar food and traditional comfort food. Menu highlights of the 30 select dishes include Thai jerky served with a spicy tamarind dipping sauce; green curry with deep fried roti (their version of chips and dip), and traditional pad Thai. 11 a.m.-midnight. Happy hour from 3-7 p.m. features $2 beer, $3 bar food and $5 pad Thai. 518 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.537.0333.
Tasty Tunes at Union
March 27. Get your groove on while you dine on a three-course prix-fixe dinner at Union. Chef/owner Bruce Kalman and owner Marie Petulla tee up the Tasty Tunes event that features the dinner and dessert paired with with select music via wireless headphones, in partnership with silent disco production company HUSHconcerts. Kalman, who moonlights as a member of chef cover band foie grock, curates the playlist that complements the flavors of the dinner dishes and synchronizes the senses. $65/pp., $25/pp option wine pairing. Seatings at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Email for reservations: info@unionpasadena.com. 37 E. Union St., Pasadena, 626.795.5841. unionpasadena.com
The BoardRoom
The new speakeasy concept within recently redesigned Kendall’s Brasserie at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles celebrates an era of post-war French artistry, invention, and imagination. Discover a sleek, dark interior, decadent Parisian bites and literary-inspired cocktails. They also will feature live music on select nights. 135 N Grand Ave., downtown. theboardroomla.com
The Ponte
Now you can fully take advantage of one of LA’s best patios during brunch at the new restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur Scott Conant teams up with Stephane Bombet of Bombet Hospitality Group. Look forward to dishes like polenta and eggs in purgatory; citrus-cured trout and spelt pancakes with espresso syrup and whipped ricotta. Make day drinking a priority with Head Bartender Ryan Wainwright’s cocktail menu that includes drinks like his award-winning Lucano Correcto with coffee-infused Amaro Lucano, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum, Café Moka, cream, chocolate bitters and shaved bitter chocolate. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 8265 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.746.5130. thepontela.com
The Mar Vista
The new westside spot moves into high gear with its new brunch. Dine on signature morning dishes like Egg Hot Pot with applewood smoked bacon; Spanish Tortilla with chorizo; and Goat Cheese Chilaquiles (vegan alternative available). Also indulge in house sangrias and Mar Vista mimosas. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 12249 Venice Blvd., L.A., 310.751.6773. themarvista.com
Commerson
March 27. Commerson executive chef Sascha Lyon opens his kitchen to collaborate with chef Alison Trent (Ysabel), chef David LeFevre (Manhattan Beach Post, Fishing with Dynamite and the Arthur J), chef Vartan Abgaryan (71 Above), chef Sherry Yard (The Tuck Room Tavern), Chocolatier Melissa Coppel (Atelier Coppel, Las Vegas), and Commerson Pastry Chef Elizabeth on a-multi course feast, with each chef contributing one course that celebrates the foods and cuisine of Guatemala. The dinner is to benefit Habitat for Humanity and their Healthy Homes program in Guatemala, that installs water filters, latrines, and smokeless ovens in disadvantaged homes there. $150/pp. 788 S. La Brea Ave., L.A. Tickets.
Be Our Guest Dining Experiences
Tres by José Andrés and the Bazaar by José Andrés are taking inspiration from Disney’s new Beauty and the Beast movie with unique dining experiences, from a 10-course tasting menu to an enchanted afternoon tea. Spend your afternoon sipping Mrs. Pott’s premium teas and movie-inspired collections of sweet and savory bites like Lumiere’s Culinary Cabaret and Chip’s Sweet Delights at Tres (through April 10). The Bazaar’s 10-course tasting menu showcases a variety of visually stunning dishes including a Foie Gras Floating Island soup and Enchanted Rose dessert (March 17-26). (Photo by Dustin Downing.) 465 S La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.246.5555 (The Bazaar), 310.246.5551 (Tres).