Michele StuevenHarvest is officially underway in Temecula, and California Wine Month is right around the corner, which means that CRUSH, Temecula Wines’ annual wine and culinary showcase, is back for 2025 at award-winning Monte De Oro Winery on Saturday, Sept. 27. General admission is $135 GA, early access $145. Taste wines from over 30 wineries across Temecula Valley in one evening, paired with chef-crafted bites, live music, and conversations with the winemakers themselves. Sip, savor, and celebrate Southern California wine country under the stars. Tickets HERE
Courtesy Temecula Wines
The grand opening of Bap & Bird, a casual new Korean fried chicken and omubap concept within Seoulmates from Founder Christina Hong, takes place on Sunday, Aug. 24, from noon to 4 p.m. The First 50 people will get free fried chicken and Omubap, a playful twist on the Korean kimbap and Japanese onigiri. There will be $2 Big Noise Beer (with proceeds benefitting Angel City Pit Bulls), a tattoo artist for flash tattoos for humans and labrabus, giveaways, and 40% off the whole menu.
A Night in Rome: Pasta Sauce Masterclass with Chef Maria Elena Calvi during a 2.5-hour Impastiamo hands-on cooking class dedicated to the city’s most iconic pasta sauces – Carbonara, Amatriciana, and Cacio e Pepe takes place on Saturday, Aug 23 at 8 p.m. Throughout the evening, Calvi will guide students step by step, sharing secrets, tips, and the stories behind each recipe. After cooking, the sauces will be served over artisanal Pasta Mancini and accompanied by Italian wine. A digital recipe booklet with all the techniques and recipes comes with the class. Tickets: Reserve your spot here
Tuesday, Aug. 26, is National Dog Day, and some fur-friendly hotels and resorts in LA will be celebrating dogs on this day, as well as all year long.
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills rolls out the red carpet for four-legged guests with its Pawsh Pet Program. Available upon arrival, registered dogs are greeted with a hydration station and treats at the valet and concierge desks, while their name is displayed on the VIP (Very Important Pup) board. For guests who register in advance, pups will find two dog bowls on a mat, and an in-suite copy of ‘Winston’s Menu’ – a dog-friendly culinary offering created by Executive Chef Anthony Keene featuring dishes like The London Pooch (fresh chicken, brown rice, potatoes and whole eggs), Doggie Bags Treats in peanut butter, veggie and fruit flavors, and Orijen dry food. Additionally, all furry friends of The London will receive a cozy dog bed upon request. The fur-friendly hotel welcomes dogs under 30 lbs., for a $20 nightly pet fee (with a $200 cleaning fee).
Courtesy The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood
Located a block from Sunset Blvd in the heart of Los Angeles’s Hollywood enclave, The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood will make your pup feel like a star, welcoming four-legged guests 35 pounds and under with perks, including a plush dog lounge, food and water bowls, and waste bags. Plus, canines will be gifted The Boxdog Box, filled with luxury doggie goodies. To book a stay, visit godfreyhotelhollywood.com/offers.
Us Friends, the collaboration series at Michelin-recognized and James Beard Foundation Award-nominated Poppy & Seed, located in Anaheim, will have its newest installment on Sunday, Aug. 24. Husband-wife duo chef Michael and Kwini Reed are welcoming their friends and acclaimed chefs Adam Sobel and Kevin Lee for a special night of creative exchange. Additionally, keeping with the Reeds’ commitment to ending childhood hunger, 15% of dinner proceeds will benefit their close charitable partner No Kid Hungry. Doors open at 5 p.m. with a cocktail reception and a meet-and-greet with the chefs, accompanied by light bites. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m., with a seven-course tasting menu; each chef will present their own dishes. Tickets are available on OpenTable here.
What’s Popping Up is a column in the L.A. Weekly that explores everything new in food and drink.