Tis the Season for…the Holidays in LA pt.1

As fall turns into winter…or in LA as the weather chills down enough for you to justify your faux fur coat purchase that you’ll likely wear 2x out of the year, the city of stars also gives a bounty of fun to-do during the Holiday season.

From moonlit walks through festively strewn parks to annual magic at the happiest place on earth, add some cheery spice to your Thanksgiving through Christmahanakwanzika line-up.

Moonlight Forest

October 26th-January 6th

Aboretum’s Moonlight Forest

Location: The Arboretum, Arcadia

Enjoy the wonder of the season at the Arboretum’s Moonlight Forest, a full fledged winter spectacle for all ages. The event debuted at the end of October but churns on well into the new year featuring art, food trucks, “adult beverages, and a whole lot of fun.

Disney’s Festival of Holidays

Festive Holidays at Disneyland

November 9th- January 6th

Location: Disneyland and California Adventure, Anaheim

So this one is a given. There is nothing quite like celebrating the Holiday season at the happiest place on earth. From cinnamon scented “snow” flurrying through the air at the close of the holiday parade to Mickey’s jolly best, Disneyland is a festive no-brainer. A celebration of ALL holiday traditions is represented throughout both parks as the perfect day of fun for the entire family.

Pershing Square Ice Rink

Pershing Square Ice Rink

November 15th-January 21st

Location: Downtown

Certainly, one does not have to be Michelle Kwan or Adam Rippon to enjoy a day or night on the ice. That being said, Pershing Square’s DJ-led free skate sessions set the scene for their outdoor ice rink in the middle of DTLA.

Reindeer Village at the LA Zoo

Reindeer Village

November 16th-January 6th

Location: Griffith Park

How old were you when you found out Reindeer are real? If your answer is today years old, your welcome(if not congratulations on knowing your mammal species) and also your in luck. This holiday season you’ll find your antlered friends hanging out in Reindeer Village at Griffith Park. Along with Comet and Blitzen as the main attraction, the zoo will also be decked in bells of holly. Just Kidding. But it will be decorated in winter splendor during Zoo Lights, which includes NYE festivities, a happy hour lounge and more.

Turkey Trot

Turkey Trot

November 22

Location: Downtown

If your looking for something to combine giving back and the exercise you’ll need alongside your festive feast, the Turkey Trot answers that call.  A charity race through DTLA benefiting The Midnight Mission, give thanks this season to your cardio incentive.

 

The Queen Mary 

November 23-January 6th

Queen Mary Christmas

Location: The Queen Mary, Long Beach

The Queen Mary is a graceful step back in time. Whether you opt to enjoy their first class dining on Thanksgiving(November 22nd) or prefer to savor an extra day until the annual Christmas celebration begins. Decked out in twinkling lights that nestle perfectly with the night sky is a months worth of live music, food & drink, and family activities to delight the all aboard the iconic ship.

The Hollywood Christmas Parade

November 25

Location: Hollywood Blvd, Holllywood

Also, the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade is returning this month! The parade, which will be held November 25, will feature many performers including The Village People, Ruben Studdard, Tom Dixon, and many more! A great event to add to your things to do list! Also, attendees will enjoy a night filled with marching band shows, larger-than-life balloon figures, and even an appearance from Santa. A concert for ticket holders will be at 5 p.m., with the procession starting at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $32 – $85. More details HERE.

Los Angeles County Tree Lighting

November 26

L.A. County Tree Lighting

Location:  Grand Park

Looking for more things to do this month?  Head down to Grand Park to see the official L.A. County Holiday Tree lit up in a special ceremony. One of the most noteworthy events, the tree lighting ceremony is scheduled from November 26 from 5:30 – 8 p.m., and will include performances from local artists and community groups. Also, the event is free and all ages are invited to attend. For more details on this event, click HERE.

Langham Winter Festival

November 25th

Langham Winter Festival

Location: The Langham, Pasadena

The landmark Langham Hotel host their final Heritage with Heart event of the year. Already regarded as one of the premiere luxury resorts in southern California, the hotel will usher in the holidays stylishly. Enjoy the hotels tree lighting ceremony, a live performance by the Lythgoe Family, holiday food and of course Santa.

Here & Nows Blitzen

November 27-December 31st

Here and Now

Location: Arts District, DTLA

A fun winter pop-up helmed by Va’La Hospitality and Westbound’s original founder Sarah Meade, is Here & Now. The holiday themed limited engagement in DTLA’s Art district will feature a snow machine, themed entertainment and all the spiked hot cocoa and festive bites you can consume. Just remember to celebrate responsibly!

Wine Winter Wonderland

Wine Winter Wonderland

November 30th

Location: Hotel Constance, Pasadena

Holidays arrive early with this Wine enthusiast treat. Enjoy access to unlimited wine tastings(and some beer options) along with tasty bites at this vino centric festival at Pasadena’s Hotel Constance.

Looking for Pt.2? You’ll have to stay tuned until Dec. 1st for more on the Holidays in LA. So put away the festive decor, we haven’t even fried the Turkey yet!

 

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.

Out and About: Pacific Palisades

Over the hill and through the woods to Pacific Palisades we go! Heading down Sunset and past Brentwood, you’ll find this hillside-oceanview  neighborhood  abundant in luxury homes nestled perfectly into the bluffs. From stunning estates to the Getty Villa and Will Rogers State Park, why not make a day of it in L.A.’s westside escape.

 

In the morning hours

Getty Villa

What better way to start your morning then amongst the art found at Getty Villa. Based on the remains of Villa Dei Papiri in Herculaneum, the faux villa is the home of J. Paul Getty’s Mediterranean antiquities. Hours could pass as you tour through roughly 1,200 artifacts on display at any one time.

Eames House

If your historical interest is peaked then head to the next famed abode, Eames House. Designed by couple Charles and Ray Eames, it stands as one of Southern California’s most beloved examples of modernist design. The Pacific Palisades abode stuns with its Mondrian-style color-block exterior and environmentally-sensitive siting.

Will Rogers Historic State Park

If you’ve had your fill on architecture and art, fresh air should do the trick by making your way to Will Rogers State Historic Park. The grounds originally served as the former home of writer and first honorary mayor of Beverly Hills-Will Rogers. Maintained as it was in the 1930s, the 186-acre park is a destination spot for ocean views, polo matches, and horseback riding lessons if your feeling indulgent.

 

For a midday reprieve 

Pacific Palisades

By the time the afternoon hits, famished is an understatement. Make your way to the new Pacific Palisades Village for a range of dining options to appease your midday cravings.

General Porpoise

General Porpoise is L.A.’s first concept from James Beard Award-winning chef Renee Erickson.  The famed Seatle doughnut shop brings L.A. rows and rows of sugar-coated goodness freshly baked daily.

Hanks

Blue Ribbon’s first take on the sports bar fits cozily into one end of the Palisades Village complex at Hank’s. With the eatery brings flat-screen TVs, beers, cocktails and some serious burgers to the neighborhood.

Jennifer Meyer Jewelry

Before you leave be sure to check out the shops as the village also includes first time L.A. flagships from Rachel Zoe and Jennifer Meyer Jewelry.

Gladstones

If you prefer to grab a bite a bit closer to the cliffs then Gladstone’s will serve as your landmark destination. Situated where Sunset Boulevard meets the Pacific Coast Highway, it’s become a place of Southern California legend. Gladstones offers a menu plucked from the very ocean it overlooks, serving modern renditions of classic dishes.

Evening fete 

Parfumerie at Theatre Palisades

With what is likely a day of bites, sites, shopping, and Palisades fun, your evening should be spent somewhat scaled down. On the weekend catch a stage performance at Theatre Palisades. While the 2018 season comes to a close with E.P. Dowdall’s Parfumerie holding the spotlight through December, the 2019 season is sure to wow.

Il Ristorante di Giorgio Baldi

If your looking for your nighttime feast, indulge at Il Ristorate di Giorgio Baldi. This Pacific Coast Highway-facing trattoria has welcomed everyone from Tom Hanks to Tom Cruise. Once you’ve sampled the kitchen’s fresh pastsa dishes like the agnolotti with corn and white truffle sauce, you’ll understand why.

Shore Bar

For after dinner drinks we recommend anchoring down at Shore Bar, a cape cod inspired craft cocktail favorite for Palisades locals. Swim through  a sea of sophisticated cocktails, designed by Master Mixologist Vincenzo Marianella of Copa D’ Ora.

Whether you spent your day indulging in one destination or the other, there is no doubt that the Pacific Palisades serves as the perfect Oceanside spot to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. 

 

 

 

 

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

Best places for Thanksgiving Dinner in L.A.

Alright, so your no Curtis Stone in the kitchen and thats ok. With Thanksgiving creeping up sooner than Holiday songs on the radio, we’ve rounded up your go-to “go out” options to spare you the culinary turmoil. So put the deep fryer back in storage and ditch your Mom’s famous stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving the L.A. way.

Akasha

Akasha

Culver City

This Thanksgiving-Akaska in Culver City is dishing out their take on modern California inspired fair. The menu is pre-fixe and full of items like the persimmon-and-pomegranate salad, gluten-free cornbread and herb-roasted organic turkey. In the mood for dessert, enjoy an entire “pie buffet”. Need we say more? Reservations are from 1-8pm and prices are listed as $80 for Adults; $35 for Children (10 and under). 

Polo Lounge

Polo Lounge

Beverly Hills

Nothing is more quintessential Beverly Hills then the Polo Lounge and Thanksgiving in the Pink Palace is nothing short of luxury. Also offering a pre-fixe menu selection(like most restaurants in L.A. on a holiday), the pairings do not disappointment. Opt for the traditional Turkey-organic of course-or take a chance with something outside the box, there menu always pleases. And be sure to save room for dessert as the Sweets buffet will be serving a range of customer confectionaries courtesy of their in-house pastry team. Their Brunch will be hosted 11am-3pm with dinner commencing at 5pm-8pm, with the fixed menu priced at $175 per Adult, $60 per Child. 

Bourbon Steak

Bourbon Steak

Glendale

If Glendale is your local, Bourbon Steak is your destination this Turkey Day. Their three-course dinner will feature traditional-roasted heritage turkey with sage stuffing and cranberry compote. Or opt for the exotic like pan-seared scallops with roasted cauliflower and tamarind brown butter. Not feeling the bird, there’s also an 18-ounce dry-aged, bone-in ribeye. If that catches your feasting eye, reservations are available from 2-8pm at $75 with wine pairings available at an additional cost.

Craft

Craft Century City

Century City

Tom Colicchio’s acclaimed restaurant rings in the day of thanks with family-style starters like their pork belly with butternut squash and sage, and entrees like braised lamb, fish and pasta. Share a range of family-style sides such as sausage-and-raisen stuffing and Brussels sprouts. Lastly is of course a premium selection of Fall-inspired desserts, artfully whipped up by pastry chef Shannon Swindle. Reservations are available 1-8pm with menu pricing offered Ala Carte.

Crossroads Kitchen

Crossroads Kitchen

Melrose

For the none Turkey-Eaters (and just non-meat eaters in general), Crossroads is a perfect plant based option. While the idea of such may seem oft for this particular Holiday, Crossroads is a cut above the rest in offering dishes that beguile its patrons as to wether or not its just plants. This year’s menu is four courses of autumn-appropriate dishes like butternut squash bisque with nutmeg creme fraiche; spiced chickpea cake with cranberry cabernet sauce, and mashed potatoes with porcini gravy. Stimulate your dessert senses with delights like their pumpkin mousse verrine. Hours for the evening are noon-5pm with the menu priced at $75 pp.

Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant

Gwen LA

Hollywood

You didn’t think we’d mention the famed chef with out spotlighting his holiday menu? Chef Curtis Stone’s Hollywood outpost-Gwen already amazes with decadent classic fare every day of the week and the Thanksgiving Menu holds to that tradition. Dishes like the white onion veloute pair perfectly with traditional heritage turkey and his green bean casserole. Finish off the evening with a selection of perfectly prepared pies and your absolutely acceptable 4th glass of wine. This festive fete is offered 2-6pm at $75 pp.

Cecconi’s

Cecconi’s

Melrose

Your possibly thinking, Italian for dinner how strange? While the famed West Hollywood eatery dishes out the best southern Italian fare in the L.A. area, their thanksgiving feast is every bit as traditional as you would hope and savor over. Served family style, the courses provide the same familiar heartiness found in their comfort dishes mixed into America’s favorite cuisine. Indulge on porcini corn bread stuffing, squash tortellini and truffle mashed potatoes, as well as a selection of seasonal sweets including apple-pecan crostata. Thanksgiving with an Italian touch is served at $95 pp from noon-10pm. 

Cafe Pinot

Cafe Pinot

DTLA

This California-French restaurant with a gorgeous, tree-dotted patio will be serving your choice of a three- or four-course prix-fixe dinner with both traditional fare and a few brow-raising dishes, to boot. Find sliced turkey breast with heirloom cauliflower and mole; sunchoke soup with a red wine and shallot jam; and filet mignon au poivre. Finish with pumpkin mousse or an apple crumble to really get into the fall spirit. Dinner is served 2-8pm, with a $70 per three-course meal, $90 per four-course meal; and $29 per child 10 and under.

Playa Provisions

Playa del Rey

Take Turkey to the beach at Playa Provisions, which is offering a downright steal of a meal: just $38 to feast on roast turkey or honey mustard ham, plus a variety of sides, including chicory salad, roasted acorn squash and cranberry sauce. Finish with a selection of seasonal desserts including but not limited to pumpkin pie and cran-apple pie. This is a highly kid-friendly option, but if you’re looking for something a bit more adult, round the corner to Playa Provisions’ whiskey bar, Grain, which will be offering à la carte holiday specials in liquid form. Satisfy your turkey cravings from3-8pm at $38 per adult, $20 per child.

Saddle Peak Lodge

Saddle Peak Lodge

Calabasas

Head to this rustic mountain lodge for a four-course meal that lets you choose from hearty dishes like buffalo tartare, seared elk tenderloin with a foie gras and mushroom sauce, roast turkey with sausage-and-apple stuffing, and grilled quail with spiced cherries. Pro tip: Don’t leave before the pumpkin pie or banana-huckleberry bread pudding. Start off the day from noon-8pm, with the menu priced at $105 per adult, $65 per child 12 and under.

Tavern

Tavern

Brentwood

Suzanne Goin, Caroline Styne and chef de cuisine Joel Walsh are bringing a little something for everyone to their Thanksgiving table, with options for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike. Settle in for a three-course meal that offers herb-roasted organic turkey breast and stuffed leg with mashed potatoes, gravy, Brussels sprouts with pancetta and thyme, cranberry sauce with mint and orange, sweet potatoes with sherry, and sourdough stuffing with turkey sausage. There’s even the “vegan thanksgiving extravaganza” option, which offers sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, Italian broccoli and Suzanne’s stuffing and wild-mushroom persillade. Your day at the Tavern starts serving 1-8pm, with pre-fixe at  $95 per adult; $45 per child 10 and under; free for children four and under.

Catch

Catch Santa Monica

Santa Monica

Enjoy your Turkey Day seaside at Catch in the Hotel del Mar, because chef Gemma Grayis whipping up all the classics and even a few contemporary plates right at the beach. Look for a prix-fixe involving slow-roasted organic turkey with apple and chestnut stuffing, as well as roasted cauliflower pie with wild mushrooms, and Japanese snapper crudo with pumpkin vinaigrette. Spend the day seaside from 11am-10pm at $110 pp.

 

 

Giving Back: Your L.A. roundup of Charitable Organization

Already synonymous with the Holiday season is the urge to give back.  With November being the start of our season of giving, we present to you some of L.A’s charitable organizations to lend a helping hand to.

Rodeo Realty’s Betty Galvan Host Blood Drive

OPEN HEARTS FOUNDATION

MALIBU, CA – May 6 – Luna Simon, Willa Simon, Katie Flynn and Jane Seymour attend Open Hearts Foundation 2018 Young Hearts Spring Event on May 6th 2018 at Private Residence in Malibu, CA (Photo – Drew Altizer Photography)


Jane Seymour and daughter Katie Flynn carry on a legacy of community giving.

“If you can find a way to help somebody else, it’ll take you out of your own cycle of challenges, so you can find a purpose and impact others,” says Jane Seymour, OBE, and Emmy Award-winning actress, of her Open Hearts Foundation, a social impact accelerator providing resources and tools to nonprofits. Seymour passed along the legacy of giving to her daughter, Katie Flynn, who co-founded Young Hearts with friends Ella Freyinger and Adee Zach. An auxiliary branch of Open Hearts, Young Hearts aims to support young philanthropists.

HOLA

HOLA-Hearts of Los Angeles

Quinn Ezralow is committed to improving quality of life for all Angelenos.

Co-chair of LACMA’s Director’s Circle, third-generation Angeleno Quinn Ezralow is passionate about giving back to L.A. “I hope to improve lifestyle, health and education for anybody and everyone in the Los Angeles area,” she says of her work with a variety of charities, from the Junior League of Los Angeles to USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center to Heart of Los Angeles, the latter of which provides over 3,500 underserved youth with nurturing programs in academics, arts and athletics. HOLA is currently partnering with the Department of Recreation and Parks to build the environmentally friendly HOLA Arts and Recreation Center, where the Ezralow Family Pavilion will boast an indoor-outdoor multifunctional performance space.

EARTHECHO

Earth Echo International

Conservationists Philippe Cousteau and Ashlan Gorse Cousteau raise environmental awareness.

Grandson of legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau, Philippe Cousteau grew up with adventure in his bones. “My grandfather pioneered the environmental movement of the 20th century,” says Philippe. In addition to their conservation work and a forthcoming documentary on the future of Earth’s oceans, Philippe works with EarthEcho, founded in honor of his father, Philippe Cousteau Sr. The group seeks to bring youth awareness and activism to the conservation movement.

CAM

CAM-Community Academic Mentoring

CBS executive Catrice Monson is passionate about community outreach, helping others and… candy.

As senior vice president of corporate diversity and inclusion at CBS, Catrice Monson holds a critical role: helping attract a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive work environment. “It allows me to combine community outreach and my passion for working with people,” she says. That passion was instilled in Monson by her family. “Community, public service and caring for others was part of my DNA from the beginning,” she explains. Today, her nonprofit, Community Academics Mentoring emphasizes the importance of education, advocacy and outreach for the underrepresented. “My dad originally started a nonprofit called NEED, which focused on low-income housing and education,” she explains.

EIF

EIF-Entertainment Industry Foundation


New EIF CEO Nicole Sexton brings fresh ideas to a charitable Hollywood powerhouse.

Marking its 75th anniversary this year, Entertainment Industry Foundation has raised over $1 billion for health, educational and social issues by harnessing the power of celebrity to raise awareness and funds. EIF’s VP of development and corporate relations, Tracy Paul—whose company Tracy Paul & Company Inc. is a strategic alliance partner with EIF—adds, “EIF serves as a gateway to giving for the entertainment industry.” The depth and breadth of EIF’s reach means they’re behind powerhouse programs like Stand Up to Cancer, Hunger Is, and Revlon Run/Walk for Women. Their newest initiative finds the group partnering with Linkin Park on Music for Relief.

 

COURTESY OF: Modern Luxury's Angeleno Magazine