Michele StuevenDin Tai Fung, the family-owned, global restaurant brand known for the art of Xiao Long Bao, will open its newest location for lunch and dinner at Santa Monica Place on Friday, Feb. 28.
With ocean views, the newest location will be unique to the others, with an airy, open approach that pays homage to the surrounding area. The outdoor patio has floating circular canopies inspired by the ancient Chinese philosophy of balance and harmony. The signature dumpling expo kitchen is the centerpiece of the dining area, offering an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at the art of Xiao Long Bao.
The restaurant will donate 100% of profits from its soft opening and grand opening weeks directly to local, independent restaurants impacted by the fires to help them rebuild. Reservations are Now Open.
Sidecar Doughnuts is turning its grand opening in Pasadena on Tuesday, March 4, into an opportunity to support fire relief efforts and uplift the Pasadena community. iHeart LA – A Give-Back Grand Opening Celebration will feature local vendors impacted by event cancellations, participate in raffles with 100% of proceeds benefiting fire relief efforts, and enjoy an evening of food, community, and giving back.
At the heart of the celebration is the spotlight on Sidecar’s limited-edition Strawberry Rose Doughnut—a flavor created in tribute to the City of Roses. A portion of proceeds from every sale will directly support fire relief organizations, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.
2025 Best Picture Cocktails at Fanny’s Restaurant, on Friday January 31, 2025 at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Los Angeles, California
It’s that wonderful time of awards season when Fanny’s at the Academy Museum serves its annual limited-time cocktail menu inspired by each of this year’s ten Oscars Best Picture nominees. Cast your vote and indulge in:
- A Complete Unknown (N/A) – Whiskey alternative, orange, sugar
- Anora – Crop Vodka, red wine, lemon, rose, beets, egg white
- The Brutalist – La Luna Mezcal, lemon, orgeat, creme de violette
- Conclave – Red Wine, sage honey, lemon, soda
- Dune: Part Two – Overholt Rye, graham cracker syrup, sweet vermouth, chocolate and orange bitters
- Emilia Perez – Arette Tequila, soda, lime, spiced syrup, grapefruit, cinnamon
- I’m Still Here (N/A) – Limeade, condensed milk, nutmeg
- Nickel Boys – Remy Martin 1738, orange liqueur, lemon
- The Substance – Ford’s Gin, apple, orchard fruit, lime
- Wicked – Crop Vodka, banana liqueur, strawberry, cream foam
The annual Fanny’s Oscars Watch Party is also back on Sunday, March 2. Chef Jun Bum Oh has created a special prix fixe menu that guests can enjoy while watching the show live on ABC from the comfort of their own table. Additionally, tickets include a champagne toast, tray-passed bites from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., and an alcoholic beverage of choice. Cocktails inspired by this year’s Best Picture nominees will also be available. Get tickets here.
City and local officials will join Westwood Village Improvement Association for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 22 for Broxton Plaza in Westwood, being billed as the largest pedestrian plaza in LA. The celebration will include free ShareTea boba for the first 100 attendees, appearances by the UCLA Spirit Squad and Marching Band, free roller skating and rentals with the Skate Hunnies, two beer gardens, children’s activities, and more.
Broxton Plaza at night
As part of the L.A. City Transportation Department People Street program, 14,000 square feet of Broxton Avenue, is now closed to driving and serves as a pedestrian-friendly area for outdoor dining, music, events, and activities. The Plaza features tables and chairs, games, and weekly activations.
The event takes place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Broxton Avenue in Westwood between Kinross and Weyburn.
The Ojai Food and Wine Festival kicks off on Thursday, March 13, and runs through Sunday, March 16, with a master chef lineup that includes dinners and seminars. Open to all ticketed patrons, the opening night walk-around tasting will feature more than 20 chefs and more than 25 wineries with a spotlight on regional California wineries along with some of the world’s best producers. Scheduled to appear are Andrew Zimmern, Cassidee Dabney, Claudette Zepeda, Deau Arpapornnopparat, Elizabeth Falkner, Evan Funke, Giancarla Bodoni, Jeremiah Tower, Jonathan Waxman, Maneet Chauhan, Mary Sue Milliken, Meave McAuliffe, Mei Lin, Melissa King, Michael Cimarusti, Nyesha Arrington, Nini Nguyen, Nancy Silverton, Philip Tessier, Ryan Pollnow, Stephanie Izard, Susan Feniger, Tiffani Faison, Thomas McNaughton, and Tyson Cole.
What’s Popping Up is a column in the L.A. Weekly that explores everything new in food and drink.
Strawberry Rose (Courtesy Sidecar Doughnuts)