Your Thanksgiving Cocktail Guide

Maybe you enjoy avoiding(or barring through) deep conversations about your life with your Aunt Esther… Or simply love the holiday occasion to indulge, we’ve rounded up the best beverage recipes this season. So take a seat and a sip, because this Top 10 list is sure to make you the Thanksgiving MVP.

Pecan Pie Martini

Pecan Pie Martini
INGREDIENTS
  • 6 oz. Rumchata
  • creme de cocoa
  • bourbon
  • Ice
FOR GARNISH
  • 3 tbsp. caramel, microwaved until pourable
  • 1/4 c. toasted chopped pecans
  • Cool whip, for garnish
  • whole pecans, for garnish
  • Sprinkle of cinnamon, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
  1. Place caramel and toasted chopped pecans on separate small shallow plates. Dip the rim of each glass first into caramel and then into chopped pecans to coat.
  2. Combine Rumchata, creme de cocoa, and bourbon in a large cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake until cold, 30 seconds. Pour into martini glasses and top with a dollop of whipped cream, a whole pecan, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Apple Cider Mimosas

Apple Cider Mimosa
INGREDIENTS
  • 2 tbsp. sugar
  • 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 c. apple cider
  • (750-ml.) bottle bubbly
DIRECTIONS
  1. On a small plate, combine sugar and cinnamon. Dip champagne flutes in water to wet the rims, then dip in cinnamon sugar mixture.
  2. Fill champagne flutes 1/4 full with apple cider, then top off with champagne.

Cranberry Mules

Cranberry Mules
INGREDIENTS
  • 2 oz. cranberry juice
  • 2 oz. vodka
  • 1/4 c. lime juice, plus extra for garnish
  • 3 oz. ginger beer
  • Handful fresh or frozen cranberries
DIRECTIONS
  1. Combine cranberry juice, vodka and lime in a glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer, whole cranberries and garnish with a lime wedge.

Caramel Apple Spritzers

Caramel Apple Spritzer
INGREDIENTS
  • apples
  • Lemon wedges (to prevent apples from browning)
  • 1/2 c. Caramel
  • 1/4 c. cinnamon-sugar
  • 750-ml bottle moscato, chilled
  • 1 c. green apple vodka, chilled
  • 1 c. Sprite, chilled
DIRECTIONS
  1. Make apple cups: Slice off the top of each apple. Use an apple corer to remove the inside of the apple until you’re about 1/2″ from the bottom of the apple. Squeeze lemon juice inside the apple cups to prevent apples from browning.
  2. Dip the rims of the apple cups in caramel then coat in cinnamon-sugar.
  3. Make spritzer: In a large pitcher, combine moscato, green apple vodka and Sprite and stir. Pour spritzer into apple cups and serve immediately.

Pumpkin Spice Oreo Spiked Milkshake

Pumpkin Spice Oreo Milkshake
INGREDIENTS
  • 1 1/2 oz. vodka
  • pumpkin spice Oreos, plus more for garnish
  • scoops of vanilla ice cream
  • 1/2 c. milk
  • Salted caramel, for drizzling
DIRECTIONS
  1. Place vodka, pumpkin spice Oreos, vanilla ice cream, and milk in a blender.
  2. Pour mixture into serving glass and drizzle with salted caramel sauce.

Maple Bourbon Cocktail

Maple Bourbon
INGREDIENTS
  • 2 ounces bourbon (I used Makers 46)
  • 1 ounce fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 ounce pure maple syrup
  • 1-2 dashes of angostura bitters
  • orange peel + maraschino cherry for garnish
DIRECTIONS

Add ingredients to an ice filled cocktail shaker and shake until chilled. Strain into ice filled glass. Garnish with orange peel and cherry. Serve and enjoy!

Apple, Pumpkin Beer Cocktails

Apple Pumpkin Beer
Ingredients
  • 8 ounces good-quality bourbon
  • 9 ounces apple cider
  • 2 1/2 ounces lemon juice
  • 12 ounces pumpkin ale
  • ice
  • Cinnamon sticks and cranberries for garnish
Directions
  1. In a cocktail shaker, shake together the bourbon, apple cider and lemon juice. Pour into 4 glasses filled with ice.
  2. Pour the beer evenly into each glass.
  3. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and cranberries. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pear and Thyme Fizz

Pear and Thyme Fizz
Ingredients:
  • 2 cups good-quality apple juice
  • 1 ripe but firm pear, very thinly sliced
  • 12 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1/4 cup orange-flavored liqueur (I like grand marnier)
  • 1 bottle sparkling wine (champagne, prosecco, cava, etc.)
Directions

1. In a pitcher, combine apple juice, pears, thyme and liqueur. Stir together, then refrigerate for 2 – 4 hours to allow the pears and thyme to infuse the juice with flavor.

2. Divide between 6 champagne flutes, discarding thyme, then fill remainder of each glass with champagne. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh thyme. Bottoms up!

Cava and Pomegranate Cocktail

Cava and Pomegranate
Directions
  1. Fill 12 flutes with cava.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of the pomegranate juice to each flute
  3. garnish with pomegranate seeds and serve.

Hard Cider Sangria

Hard Cider Sangria
Directions
  1. In a pitcher, combine the apples with the orange, apple juice, lemon juice and brandy.
  2. Just before serving, add the hard cider(Angry Orchard, Stella Artois, etc..).
  3. Serve in tall glasses over ice.

 

 

LAX Eats: Your Airport Travel Bites Guide

With Thanksgiving mere days away there is one crucial guide you’ll need for your holiday travels. Where to eat? Spare yourself the Cinnabon and take your flight bites to new heights(Double Points for Rhyming!). Below is your LAX  cuisine guide by terminal. So read on and quench your cravings. Because there hasn’t been a sorting this good since Harry Potter chose Gryffindor(If your not watching HP with the fam is it even the holidays?!?!).

Terminal 1

Trejo’s Tacos

Trejo’s Tacos
Gate 11a

Fans of the film actor will know these tasty tacos have been making wave in the city if angels. With locations citywide, it is no wonder Trejo Tacos has set up shop at LAX. You wont find all of the menu offerings your used to at his other locations, but all the favorites are accounted for. Try the steak asada or vegan optioned cauliflower and jackfruit. With bowls, burritos, and quesadillas, there is plenty to chose from Trejo’s.

Cassell’s

Cassell’s
Gate 11a

In the same newly added food quarters as Trejo Tacos is the 60-year-old iconic burger counter–Cassell’s. Order diner style classics with their patty melts and cheeseburgers, and enjoy added extra’s like fried egg and sweet potato fries. To keep it retro, finish off with an old-fashioned milkshake which is sure to send you into dessert beverage paradise.

Terminal 2

Sealegs Wine Bar

Sealegs
Gate 28

Looking for something a bit more in the sit-down restaurant realm and less on the grab and go don’t miss your flight vibe? Well you shouldn’t miss your flight but you should enjoy stylish decor, quality food and appropriately priced wine at Sealegs Wine Bar. While the food is not quite the bites from the sea you’d assume from it’s title, you will find delicious “California-esq” cuisine.

Built Custom Burgers

Built Custom Burger
Gate 24A

You will find no shortage of burger joints in our bustling LA airport, but you will find a craft your own option at Custom Built Burgers. Choose bun or bowl, beef, turkey, chicken or vegan patty and a full range of free toppings to make your pick of.

Slapfish

Slapfish
Gate 23A

Up your breakfast game and stop by Slapfish for their take on the morning meal. Choose between shrimp and grits, lobster-egg-avocado tacos and a smoked salmon-veggie-and-herb-topped bagel. Missing the am cut off time, their lobster roll or New England clam chowder is an equally satisfying midday match.

Terminal 3

The Parlor

The Parlor
Gate 37A

To all true sports fanatics, no fret on missing your teams play by play(unless your mid-air, you’ll catch it when you land)! The Parlor has set-up the perfect offshoot of its Melrose spot to help you keep score. Enjoy great cocktails and a grilled four-cheese sandwich on parmesan bread in the comfiest leather lounge you don’t need mileage points to enter.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack
Gate 34

So everyone from NYC to LA and yonder knows the “dealio” with Shake Shack. If you don’t allow us to educate you. Born out of the city that never sleeps in a hot dog cart(really the original food truck) is everyones favorite burger joint. Keep it basic with a ShackBurger smothered in their famed Shack Sauce. Or venture down the fast food road with a griddled flat-top dog stacked with tomatoes and pickles! Orrrrrr the underrated super crispy Chicken Shack and an over-the-top-in-all-the-right-ways frozen custard. Ok we’re done now.

Terminal 4

Real Food Daily

Real Food Daily
Gate 44

Whether you’ve joined the plant-based fan club, really don’t want another greasy burger, or are actually vegan–Real Food Daily is here to appease all. So don’t tire yourself on a mediocre Kale Salad from Airport Snack Shack that shall not be named(more HP jokes, your welcome!)  and appease your taste buds. Try the seitan-and-tempah club or veggie-miso soup along with all of their other vegan goods to grab and go. Your natural, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-gmo foods gods will thank you.

Cole’s

Coles
Gate 44

Local’s will know Cole’s as DTLA  most classic French Dip sandwich joint and those not from LA now also know it as the above. Whether your new or old to the famed spot(est. 1908, crazy right?), it’s LAX shop dishes out a equally delicious take. Pair yours with a side of spicy garlic fries and bacon potato salad to complete the meal and wash it down with their signature Old Fashioned.

Terminal 5

Lemonade

Lemonade
Gate 50B

As we have said intermittently throughout this article, if your over the airport norm of cuisine, we have your covered. Or to be more precise, Lemonade has you covered, at least in the fresh marketplace seasonal offerings realm of things. With various salads and veggie heavy dishes to chose from like the roasted broccoli with ricotta and chile-roasted butternut squash…need we go on?

Ford’s Filling Station

Ford’s Filling Station
Gate 55A

Modeled after its Culver City predecessor, Ford’s Fueling Station is the gastropub inside an airport you’ve been searching for. While it’s La County locations are long gone, you will still find all the classics at this last standing outpost. From the pub burger, to bacon wrapped dates and their Cubano flatbread, you’ll wish you traveled more often.

Terminal 6

Osteria

Osteria
Gate 64A

One of the many eateries that have come courtesy of Top Chef fan favorite Fabio Vivani, Osteria your attractive LAX option. With its orange leather cushioned seating, glass wine wall, and elegantly tiled pizza oven, its has fun to eat in as it is to lounge in. The semi-italian menu offers bites from panini to marina meatballs along with bar style choices like their truffle potato skins and veggie burger. Molto buona!!!

Earthbar

Earthbar
Gate 64A

Those of us with an Equinox membership will know it as our power-up spot and those of us who don’t will at least have juiced up at the original juice bar at some point in our LA lives. Earthbar is your pre-flight go to. Have a mix of berries, hemp milk, almond butter, and maca along with their signature Earthfusion protein to sooth or aid your air-bound jotters. They also offer Acai bowls, tasty trail mixes, fresh fruit, and other feel good food options.

Terminal 7

B Grill by BOA Steakhouse

B Grill by BOA Steakhouse
Gate 73

This more relaxed version of the swanky steakhouse BOA is the place to hit when you want more elevated airport fare (especially if you have an expense account at your disposal). Think NY strip, petit filet with red wine butter, and the same signature stacked Chop Chop salad that’s served at the Santa Monica and West Hollywood restaurants. You can also expect gussied-up gourmet burgers, wraps, and a few pastas, as well as a thoroughly respectable wine list.

BLD

BLD
Gate 72B

For something food-court-fast, sidle up to this spot that does serviceable American fare of turkey clubs, grilled chicken salads, and bacon-and-egg sandwiches on sourdough as well as vegan options including a soyrizo breakfast burrito, Impossible burger, and grain bowl.

Terminal 8

Engine Co. No. 28

Engine Co. No. 28
Gate 83

The good news is you’re just a terminal away from the pinnacle of LAX dining at Tom Bradley International terminal. The bad news is you’re in Terminal 8, and your options are lame and limited to mainly fast food like Carl’s Jr. and Panda Express. If you want a proper drink, you can get it here in addition to a range of food items like corn chowder, an ahi tuna salad, and veggie chili.

Tom Bradley International Terminal

The Great Hall

Larder at Tavern-The Great Hall
gate 148

This 15,000-square-foot dining and retail behemoth is one of the best things to come out of the billion-dollar-plus renovation that turned this terminal into one that actually looks like it belongs in an airport servicing the country’s second biggest city. Here you’ll find a lot of fast-casual versions of LA restaurants you know and love (or in some cases loved). Grab brick-oven pizza at 800 Degrees; tacos, tamales, and tortilla soup at the city’s last standing Border Grill; baked goods and lattes at Larder at Tavern; and an above-average sandwich selection at Michael Voltaggio’s Ink Sack.

Petrossian Caviar & Champagne Bar

Petrossian Caviar and Champagne Bar
gate 148

You’re already plunking down several months’ salary on a trip out of the country, so you might as get the baller ball rolling at the airport with champagne and crazy amounts of caviar at this den of decadence. Sure, you can grab a to-go “Caviar Picnic in the Sky” that starts at $200 and runs upwards of $1,000, but if you want to start off a bit tamer with a more reasonable bite onsite, go for the “Petit Petrossian” caviar plate (for a bargain $48), caviar flatbread, or caviar deviled eggs.

Vanilla Bake Shop

Vanilla Bake Shop
Gate 150

The cupcake trend may be on life support, but airports have their own culinary rules, and that glass case of mini confections with perfectly piped frosting can look mighty good when you’re wandering aimlessly during a delay-induced stupor. What the heck, you’re on vacation…

 

LA Eats of the Week

With as many restaurants as there are Bird scooters, we’ve decided to simplify your options of the week by dishing out the best places to grab a bite from power lunches to elegant fare. Read below for our nosh worthy eats throughout L.A.

“Breakfast is the most important deal of the day…”

Donut Bar

Donut Bar

Location: 445 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101

Time: Mon-Fri /7am / Sat-Sun / 8am

The famed San Diego shop has recently opened its doors in Old Pasadena. Known for wild flavors and unique menu creations, Donut Bar brings you the most Instagrammable breakfast you can achieve at 7am in Pasadena. Featured on Ellen, Conan, and the Food Network, why not stop in for “The Worlds Most Award-Winning donut”

The Pan

The Pan

Location: 57 E Holly St, Pasadena, CA 91103

Time: Mon, Wed-Fri /9am / Sat-Sun /8am/ Tues / Closed

While The Pan has already made waves in South Bay and their other L.A. locations, they also recently debuted in Pasadena. A casual comfort food spot, you’ll have your pick of great eats from pancakes to pizza and tasty sandwiches in between.

Gjelina

Gjelina

Location: 1429 Abbott Kinney Blvd., Venice, 90291

Time: Mon-Sat / 8a-12a / Sun 8a-11p

This Abbott Kinney hot spot is the perfect start to your day on the westside. We recommend avoiding peak times but promise Gjelina is worth the wait. With their one-of-a-kind dishes and impeccable ingredients, its no wonder it’s helmed as a Venice icon. Try the Moroccan Baked Eggs with Merguez Tomato Sauce and yogurt for a spice to your daily breakfast routine.

“Lunch, Brunch, 2nd Breakfast!”

Ippudo Ramen

Ippudo Ramen

Location: 1403 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Time: Mon-Sat / 11a and Varies

Word famous Ippudo Ramen has recently opened up shop in Santa Monica. Having made waves in NYC and SF, the Japanese staple is sure to be equally satisfying to the LA area. Try their Karakacchan-a shoyu base filled with a unique mix of ground pork, bold umami essences, and a medley of spices! Is it lunchtime yet?

Cloudy Garlic

The Cloudy Garlic

Location: 2750 Colorado Blvd Ste 4, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Time: Mon-Sun / 11a-9p

If your a fan of all things garlic spiced or flavored don’t forget to pop a breath mint after lunch. But also, you should try Eagle Rocks trendy new sandwich shop The Cloudy Garlic. Offering up everything from garlic meatball rice bowls to Korean BBQ sandwiches, its the perfect combo of comfort and spice.

Baco Mercat

Baco Mercat

Location: 408 S. MAIN ST., Los Angeles CA 90013

Time: MON-THUR/ 11:30a-2:30p/ FRI-SAT 11:30a- 3p/ SUN 11:30a-3p

 “Bäco Mercat were any more of the moment, it would be a Pinterest page devoted to Tumblrs of itself, so that restaurant and metarestaurant could devour one another”-Jonathan Gold

Described by the late Jonathan Gold as a menu that reads like “a graduate exam on culinary poststructuralism”, Baco Mercat is just that. An education in Euro-Asian and South American fusion, the DTLA eatery brims with flavor. They are best known for their creation, the Baco-a signature flatbread sandwich served with various meats and sauces of your choice. With a full menu inspired by flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean, north Africa, southern Europe, and Asia, sit down and enjoy!

“Whats for dinner?”

Heritage Beverly Hills

Heritage BH

Location: 467 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Time: Mon  / 11:00a– 6:00p / Tues-Sat / 11:00a– 11:00p(Special Event Times vary)

At the corner of Canon on the intersection of Santa Monica Blvd sits a hidden Parisian gem you might miss if your not in the know. Heritage Fine Wines labels itself as an organic fine wines shop and tasting lounge, and is anything but. From their John Legend pop-up(he legitimately pops in) shop to their Michelin Chef dinner engagements, you’ll wonder where its been all your life. While this can’t be your every evening dinner go-to, it is a soiree worth planning for. Catch Michelin Star Chef, Martin Simonart and his 5-course tasing menu this Saturday! Space is limited!!

The Nomad

The Nomad

Location: 649 South Olive & 7th Street, Los Angeles, 90014

Time: Sun – Thur / 5:30p – 9:30p / Fri – Sat  / until 10pm

Culinary enthusiast will be familiar of the name The Nomad from its successful roots in NYC. The hotel brings new elegance to DTLA and the Chef Daniel Humm run restaurants bring award-winning cuisine to the city of stars. Guest can opt for more casual bites in The Lobby or venture to an elevated experience from the Mezzanine. Share the Roasted Chicken with Black Truffle and Brioche Stuffing paired perfectly alongside abby turnips and a crisp Belgian Brown Ale.

Here’s Looking at You

Here’s Looking at You

Location: 3901 W 6th St, LA, CA 90020

Time: Sun – Thur  /  6p – 10p Fri – Sat  /  6p – 11p

No not the Hollywood Classic film noire but the K-Town popular joint that serves up deliciously unpredictable cuisine. Here’s Looking at You serves up a diverse and vibrant blend of seasonally choice food touched by Pan-Asian influence. If the cocktails are swoon-worthy. Enjoy their Foie gras & unagi bowl with daikon, scallion, yolk, wasabi, and tobiko. Or the White corn ribs sautéed in poblano, cotija, and lime ending with a Cognac semifreddo drizzled in blueberry and caramelized white chocolate.

10 Best Happy Hours for Fall

While it’s warm as ever in LA, there’s no better way to cool down than with a cocktail at one great happy hour or another in Los Angeles. All over the city, bars and restaurants are offering great options for full-on dining, grazing with friends, or just grabbing a beer solo on the way home.

Luckily there’s no shortage of great options for happy hour dining and drinking right in one’s very own neighborhood. Here now are the best places to slip in for an early evening (or all night long) happy hour bite, presented from west to east.

Tallula’s

Talulla’s
118 Entrada Dr
Santa Monica, CA 90402
(310) 526-0027

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This beachy entrant by the Rustic Canyon group was meant to host happy hour crowds. The menu available weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. offers steep discounts on favorites like the nachos sencillo, alongside new dishes like steak tostadas and a variety of tacos. Of course, there’s a requisite $8 margarita.

Tumbi

Tumbi
115 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 829-7200

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This modern Indian restaurant just steps from the beach in Santa Monica features happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays with mini kabob burgers and two kinds of dosas either stuffed with fried chicken or mozzarella, tomato, and basil chutney. Burgers or dosas come with a beer for $11.

E.P. & L.P.

E.P. & L.P.
603 N La Cienega Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 855-9955

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E.P. & L.P. have a new rooftop happy hour on weekdays from 5 to 7 p.m. with $8 cocktails and $5 Asian-inspired street snacks. Bites include fried chicken sliders, szechuan fish tacos, and soy caramel popcorn to go along with a drink called Pineapple Skies, with tepache pineapple liqueur, ginger beer, and lime.

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
8500 Beverly Blvd #112
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 250-8034

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This Southern-inflected restaurant has all the mores of a chain restaurant, which it is, but with an expansive Beverly Center dining room and a wide menu of comfort dishes, it’s hard not to recommend as an after work hangout. It serves $7 bites from 3 to 7 p.m. such as brisket biscuits, barbecue shrimp, and disco fries, plus cocktails like a Frenso watermelon mojito for the same price.

Connie and Ted’s

Connie & Teds
8171 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 848-2722

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There’s a new late night happy hour for West Hollywood denizens at Santa Monica Boulevard mainstay Connie & Ted’s, with $1 oysters Sunday to Thursday evening from 9 to 10 p.m. Connie & Ted’s also has an afternoon happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m., but the late night is the only time to get those dollar oysters. Afternoon happy hour features $5 beers, $6 wines, and a $7 margarita, too.

Gusto

Gusto
8022 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 951-9800

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There’s a new happy hour at this high-ceiling Italian restaurant on West Third from 5 to 7 p.m. daily with $10 pizzas, 6 oysters for $12, and the excellent polpette al forno for $8. Nab an Aperol spritz or Negroni for $7, which makes a post-work hangout pretty darn affordable.

Gesso

Gesso
801 N Fairfax Ave #101
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 544-6240

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West Hollywood locals have a new after-work go-to thanks to Gesso’s weekday happy hour. From 5 to 7 p.m., an eclectic set of everything from hummus plates to anchovy toast to pate banh mi is all on the menu for $10. Specialty cocktails and wine by the glass also float around the $7 mark.

Spartina

Spartina
7505 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 782-1023

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This Melrose standby encourages diners to get social with its extended “Social Club,” available all day Monday and at the bar Sunday through Thursday. It’s surely a pleasant way to bring people together over $8 classic and specialty cocktails and $5 antipasti.

The Mermaid

The Mermaid
428 E 2nd St
Los Angeles, CA 90012

This intimate cocktail lounge in Little Tokyo has a low key bar bites menu that’s even more reasonably priced during happy hour. Running from 5 to 8 p.m. daily, drinks are $1 off while the kitchen churns out some snacks like nori guac and pickled eggs. For something more substantial, there’s tangy chicken wings at just $1 each.

Bone Kettle

Bone Kettle
67 N Raymond Ave
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 795-5702

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With a sleek dining room and welcoming bar, Bone Kettle prepares Indonesian-inflected bites from 5 to 6 p.m. in Pasadena with $7 drinks. Food includes the highly regarded oxtail dumplings, steak tartare, bone marrow with scallion confit, and chicken wings.

Courtesy of Eater LA

L.A. Eats of the Week

With as many restaurants as there are Bird scooters, we’ve decided to simplify your options of the week by dishing out the best places to grab a bite from power lunches to elegant fare. Read below for our nosh worthy eats throughout L.A.

“Breakfast is the most important deal of the day…”

Spring Place

Spring Place BH

Location: Beverly Hills

Chef Mirko Paderno has a new gig at the fancy culinary edition to the BH dining scene. There’s only one hook: It’s not open to the public.  Spring Place restaurant is part of a private co-working/art community of the same name (sort of like a Soho House) which recently debuted it’s west coast outpost in 90210. The cuisine will offer the same rustic Italian cuisine those familiar with Chef Paderno are used to(think Estrella). Still, the place is rather upscale with some 200 seats indoor and out, so apply for membership and call it your new business go-to.

Little Ruby

Little Ruby

Location: Santa Monica

Breezy Australian import Little Ruby has all the friendly vibes that makes it a morning meal go-to. Thankfully it serves “brekkie” daily, which means the restaurant’s airy ricotta hotcakes layered with honeycomb-inflected butter and fresh bananas can be had on the regular.

 

Destroyer

Destroyer

Location: Culver City

Destroyer, whose name references a comet, is a tiny, 16-seat breakfast and lunch space in the Hayden Tract, an industrial zone turned design district known mostly for its experimental architecture. The café is counter service only, with a menu that changes daily. For breakfast you might have a slice of Icelandic rye with cultured butter and preserves, or a bowl of oatmeal — which looks more like a Scandinavian snow globe than a bowl of porridge — studded with wild foraged currants and topped with a frozen disc of skyr.

“Brunch, Lunch, 2nd breakfast?!”

Uovo

Uovo

Location: Santa Monica

This reasonably priced pasta destination in Santa Monica takes a lot of inspiration from Italy’s greatest restaurants and puts them in a casual, bar-like setting. Using pasta hand made by artisans in Italy then flown in weekly, Uovo serves tonnarelli al arrabiata, tortellini in brodo, and ragu around $16 to $18 a serving when they can go for nearly twice as much in other restaurants.

Mizlala

Mizlala

Location: Sherman Oaks

Sherman Oaks option Mizlala has taken the Valley lunch scene by storm. Owners Danny and Justine Elmaleh are turning out Middle Eastern fare that competes with the best that LA has to offer, and all from one very colorful space.

Hasiba

Hasiba

Location: Los Angeles

Right in the heart of Pico-Robertson’s predominantly Jewish neighborhood, the Lodge Bread team has opened up Hasiba, an Israeli cafe with hummus, pita sandwiches, and more, in a casual, reasonably priced storefront. Everything’s vegetarian too, with a few vegan options as well, which makes it a great pick for those avoiding meat.

“Whats for Dinner?”

Michael’s

Michael’s

Location: Santa Monica

Chef Miles Thompson is steering a pretty big boat these days with Michael’s in Santa Monica. The long-standing restaurant has been in the hit-making business for decades, helping to launch the career of countless well-known chefs, but it’s all now in the hands of the eager wunderkind who navigates between classic menu items like foie gras and all-new interpretations like hamachi collar with fish-sauce caramel. Add in the gorgeous leafy patio, the always eclectic crowd, and the fun-loving Michael McCarty himself working the room, and it’s smooth sailing at one of LA’s most iconic restaurants.

n/naka

n/naka

Location: Los Angeles

Niki Nakayama’s phenomenal California-Japanese kaiseki might possibly be the most impressive restaurant to visit in Los Angeles. If the Michelin Guide were still rating in LA, n/naka would be a strong contender for three stars. The hidden-in-plain-sight building in Palms hosts one of the warmest, loveliest dining rooms, with fantastic wine pairings and pristine seafood prepared with a master’s touch. Reservations required, often weeks in advance.

Shaanxi Garden

Shaanxi Garden

Location: San Gabriel

There are so many phenomenal restaurants in San Gabriel Valley, but this one has a great mix of hand pulled noodles, stir-fried specialties, and regional Shaanxi favorites with plenty of space to bring a crowd. Order the biang-biang noodles, lamb “burgers”, and more.

Weekend Events: Nov. 9th-11th

With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.

Discover your inner Angeleno!

Limited engagements taking place this Nov. 9th-11th

FRIDAY NOV. 9th

PASADENA CRAFTSMAN WEEKEND (OPENING DAY)
Pasadena Craftsman Weekend

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: THE GAMBLE HOUSE, Pasadena

Taking place Friday Nov 9th-Nov. 11th at The Gamble House is a tribute to Pasadena’s unique contributions to the American Arts & Crafts Movement. Craftsman Weekend is the largest most comprehensive celebration of the Craftsman Movement in the Western United States
ALISA WEILERSTEIN, CELLO
Alisa Weilerstein, Cello

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: The Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts, Beverly Hills

The young cellist Alisa Weilerstein, a recipient of a 2011 MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, has justly earned international acclaim for emotionally resonant performances of both traditional and contemporary music. Weilerstein will bring her technical precision and impassioned musicianship to the extraordinary task of performing all six of Bach’s solo cello suites in one evening.
L.A. Coffee Festival
LA Coffee Festival

Time: Time varies based on purchased pass

Location: Magic Box at The Reef, DTLA

Alright all you Cup-O-Joe drinkers, this weekend will serve as the debut of LA’s first ever coffee festival. Yes you heard that right. Kicking off on Friday and spanning the entire weekend, is a caffeine-obsessed day of fun. Patrons will enjoy Barista competitions, samplings, demos, workshops, chefs, music and food from LA’s coffee/dining stars. Join them Friday for their Industry Day Trade show with Saturday and Sunday offering up a jolting dose of available sessions for the coffee bean enthused.

Saturday NOV. 10th

 

POMONA ART WALK
Pomona Art Walk

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: DOWNTOWN POMONA: POMONA 

More than two dozen galleries feature the work of hundreds of local artists covering media ranging from painting to photography to ceramics and jewelry.
Taste of Art: Los Angeles Restaurant Menus

 

The statue entitled ‘Love, the Captive of Youth’ surrounded by an 18th-century French stone tempietto inside the the Rose Garden at the Huntington Library in San Marino.
///ADDITIONAL INFO: pasc.huntington.xxxx.dak 06/30/14 – Photo by DREW A. KELLEY, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, Pasadena

Explore iconic Southern California architecture of the 1920s and ’30s in the exhibition “Architects of a Golden Age,” then prepare a meal inspired by menus from some of the era’s most popular L.A. restaurants, including the Musso & Frank Grill and the Brown Derby. Maite Gomez-Rejón of ArtBites leads this cooking workshop.

AFI Fest
AFI Fest

Time: Varies

Location: Throughout LA

AFI Fest presented by Audi features red carpet galas, acclaimed international films and the best of independent cinema. It also presents conversations and panels with notable filmmakers, as well as a tech showcase featuring immersive virtual reality experiences.  The complete schedule of events is listed online, but highlights include centerpiece galas; special screenings; as well as world cinema, shorts, virtual reality films and a competition for first- and second-time filmmakers.  All film tickets are free, but limited. Special packages that include such privileges as priority access, reserved seats, access to the VIP lounge and invitations to festival parties are available for $400–$2,500.

 

SUN. NOV 11th

ART WITHOUT WALLS: THERE’S MORE TO ME THAN WHAT YOU SEE

 

Art Without Walls

Time: 11:00 AM

Location: HAMMER MUSEUM : LOS ANGELES, CA 

Join Karina Esperanza Yánez in challenging stereotypes and celebrating your identity in this workshop inspired by the art of Adrian PiperART WITHOUT WALLS is co-presented by the Felipe de Neve Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. Families create art inspired by social justice issues, literature, and Hammer exhibitions. The same activities are offered at each site. The Hammer program includes storytelling in the galleries. The library program is bilingual in Spanish and English. Recommended for children ages 5+, teens, and grownups.

Raw Wine FAir

 

Raw Wine Fair

Time: 10a.m.-6p.m.

Location: City Market Social House, DTLA

If there is one thing we love in LA it is our all-natural, certified organic bounty of food and beverage options. With that in mind the 2nd annual Raw Wine Fair returns to DTLA showcasing the best of the best in natural wine goodness. The organic and biodynamic festival will include winemaker dinners, tutored tastings, as well bites from restaurants like Helen’s, Tabula Rasa and Kismet.

West-Eastern Divan Orchestra
West-Eastern Divan

Time: 7:30

Location: Walt Disney Concert Hall, DTLA

Daniel Barenboim unites young musicians to create one of the musical wonders of the world. One of the wonders of the world, Daniel Barenboim’s West-Eastern Divan Orchestra brings together young musicians from Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Spain to make music at the highest level.

***Pre-Concert Talk: Upbeat Live
With Derrick Spiva Jr. –  6:30pm
Enhance your concert experience with a pre-concert talk starting at 6:30pm

Thanksgiving to-go

Thanksgiving to-go? We aren’t talking about featured bites on Grub-Hub. This curated list of LA restaurants offering an entire feast to your door will save you time on learning how to bast a Turkey and more time avoiding awkward family questions. Hang up your apron and call ahead because these birds are flying fast(last corny joke of the year…maybe).

The Belvedere

Beverly Hills

This fall, The Belvedere’s iconic Thanksgiving at Home is back by popular demand. Offering complete reprieve from the kitchen, the family-style feast will feature three hearty courses and a bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne. Created by Executive Chef David Codney, the plentiful spread combines Thanksgiving classics, such as a 12 lb. Roasted Free-Range Natural Turkey, with Belvedere favorites like the Charred Caesar Salad and a Whole Baked Pumpkin Pie with our House-made Vanilla Ice Cream.

Price: $390 for 4 guests

Order by: November 19th

Pick up: November 23, at Valet 11:30am-4pm

 

Barrel & Ashes

Barrel & Ashes
Studio City

This Studio City BBQ outpost is going full-on comfort food for this year’s Thanksgiving menu, offering the full spread à la carte and brimming with hearty classics. Opt for an entire smoked turkey, then fill your table with hoe-cake stuffing, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, candied sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and more, for an indulgent and smoky Southern feast.

Price: whole turkey, $80; sides, $10-$45; whole pumpkin pie or apple crisp, $35
Order by: November 22 at noon
Pick-up: November 23, noon-2pm

Belcampo

Belcampo
Santa Monica

Leave it to a restaurant with its heart in the butcher shop to do Thanksgiving right. Belcampo’s Luxegiving is one of this year’s most decadent options, with a full spread for up to 14 people and a bottle of champagne. Begin with a Belcampo-made charcuterie board, then proceed to a menu of butternut squash soup; kale salad; a roasted 22-to-26-pound Belcampo Farms turkey; truffled mashed potatoes; mustard-and-whiskey-braised Brussels sprouts with guanciale; green bean casserole with a trumpet mushroom Béchamel; and both a pumpkin pie and caramel apple pie, among other dishes.

Price: $899
Order by: November 13 by 5pm
Pick-up: November 23, by around noon, at Belcampo in either Santa Monica or Larkspur. DoorDash delivery is available in select zipcodes within 15 miles of either location.

Got Kosher?

Got Kosher?
Westside

Put an entirely kosher and dairy-free meal on the table with a little help from Fairfax’s Got Kosher? This Tunisian and Moroccan restaurant is preparing a prixe-fixe meal that includes salt-roasted turkey with rosemary pan gravy; cranberry sauce with orange, almonds and dates; spinach gratin; roasted vegetables; pretzel rolls; apple, pecan and cranberry cornbread stuffing; and three choices of dessert. There are even plant-based alternatives to the turkey, which makes this a killer vegan option, to boot.

Price: $40 per person
Order by: November 20 at 5pm
Pick-up: 10am-1pm

Maple Block Meat Co.

Maple Meat Block Co.
Culver City

The Culver City BBQ restaurant will be offering whole wood-smoked, all-natural, free-range, antibiotic-free turkeys in three sizes, so you’re covered no matter your party size. And hey, if you order the largerst—a 17-to-18-pound bird—you’ll probably have some for Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches the next day. Score. Don’t neglect the bevy of sides. Think: cornbread-and-sausage stuffing; buttermilk biscuits with whipped honey butter; roasted root vegetables; braised greens; and of course the dessert, chocolate bread pudding.

Price: turkey, 12-14 pounds, $217; turkey, 15-16 pounds, $252; turkey, 17-18 pounds, $276; sides, $14.50-$90; dessert, $45-$90
Order by: November 15
Pick-up: November 23, noon-3pm

Wexler’s Deli

Wexler’s Deli
Downtown Historic Core

Wexler’s Deli usually serves hefty pastrami sandwiches and bagels with lox, be it in Grand Central Market, Santa Monica or Century City, but this Thanksgiving, they’re offering an entire 10-to-12-person dinner that includes an entire smoked turkey, challah stuffing, gravy, salad, squash soup and cheesy pull-apart rolls.

Price: Smoked bird Thanksgiving Dinner, $350; whole-pie add-on, $40
Order by: November 19, call 424-744-8671, ext. 1
Pick-up: Available for delivery or Santa Monica pick-up on November 23

WOLF

Wolf
Melrose

Marcel Vigneron’s thoughtful and hyper-seasonal dishes are getting ready to land on your home table. Choose the more traditional brined-and-spatchcocked turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy, or swim upstream and opt for the salmon with cauliflower cream and romanesco. Either way, you’ll also enjoy kale salad, squash soup, cranberry sauce, chestnut stuffing and roasted root vegetables, and to top it all off, a pumpkin-and-banana bundt cake.

Price: dinner for 2, $250; dinner for 4, $300; dinner for 6, $450
Order by: November 19 by 9pm
Pick-up: November 22, noon-5pm or November 23, noon-3pm

Lawry’s the Prime Rib

Lawry’s Prime Rib
Beverly Hills

This year, why limit yourself to turkey? Prime-rib and spice institution Lawry’s is giving you the best of both worlds with full Thanksgiving feasts that have a little something for all. Opt for turkey or prime rib, whether you’re buying your mains à la carte or as part of a family-style meal. Then add your sides, including the options of Yorkshire pudding batter, extra jus, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, whipped horseradish, creamed corn, cranberry sauce and cornbread stuffing.

Price: Family-style turkey dinner, 10-12, $255; family-style prime-rib dinner, six-eight, $300; family-style prime-rib dinner, 12-15, $495; sides $3-$20; whole pie, $25
Order by: November 21 at noon
Pick-up: November 23, 11am-4pm

Courtesy of TimeOut LA