Michele StuevenCool down with a red, white and blue spritzer on Independence Day, or grab a free piece of pie and the chance to win tickets to the Palomino Music Festival – Here are some ideas for a safe and sane 4th of July.
Hanging out by the pool? Gancia, producer of Italy’s first sparkling wine with 170 years of wine-making expertise, offers up delicate bubbles with aromas of green apple, oranges and lemons. Its fruity notes are the perfect match for an afternoon spritz.
RED WHITE AND BLUE GANCIA SPRITZER
INGREDIENTS
- ● 1 bottle of Gancia Prosecco D.O.C.
- ● 3 large apples
- ● 4 cups club soda, well-chilled
- ● 4 teaspoons of sugar
- ● 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced lengthwise
- ● 1⁄2 cup fresh raspberries
- ● 1⁄2 cup fresh blueberries
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place apples on a cutting board and slice 2-3 large pieces on either side of the core. Cut the pieces into 1⁄4-inch thick slices and use a small star cutter to cut out star shapes from the apples.
- In a large pitcher, stir together Gancia Prosecco D.O.C., club soda, and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Add apple stars, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries and serve.
Gancia’s Prosecco D.O.C. is available to purchase at retailers nationwide and online through Drizly.com and Wine.com. For more information on Gancia and its wines, visit www.gancia.com.
Red, White And Blue Spritzer (Courtesy Gancia)
The Pie Hole is celebrating July 4 with a bang of a celebration at its Pasadena location this year. On Sunday, July 3, starting at 10 a.m., The Pie Hole is hosting a pie giveaway, giving the first 100 guests a taste of red, white and blue with their choice of a free slice of Apple, Vegan Tart Cherry or Vegan Blueberry Pecan pie to celebrate Independence Day. Customers also will have the chance to take home a free pair of general admission tickets to the Palomino Music Festival on Saturday, July 9, at the Rose Bowl.
West Hollywood’s and Newport’s Mexican plant-based restaurant, Gracias Madre, will be extending its brunch hours on July 4, for vegans and non-vegans alike. Menu highlights on the patio oasis include fan-favorite huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and enchiladas verdes. Mimosas (bottomless option at Newport) and housemade palomas also will be flowing from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Monday, July 4, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sugar Palm at the Viceroy in Santa Monica will be hosting a California poolside barbecue, complete with a DJ, bourbon and local draft beer tastings, as well as Baby Back Ribs, the Poolside Burger (vegetarian option available), a Cabana Dawg smothered with all the fixings, and complimentary sides of potato salad and corn on the cob, with the purchase of an entrée. Special craft cocktails like “The Dad Bod” made with bacon-washed Jack Daniels, charcoal, and habanero infused black ice, also will be available to imbibe. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made through OpenTable, or by calling 310-260-7511.
Head out to Healdsburg (Rachel Ayotte)
If you’re heading north out of town, Rodney Strong Winery in Healdsburg is partnering with KinSmoke for a red, white & barbecue with brisket, ribs, smoked chicken, BBQ jackfruit, and a selection of sides to choose from, along with dessert provided by Mariposa Ice Creamery. There will be live music from HOOTENANNY, playing a set list of classic rock, pop, and country. Event is on Sunday, July 3, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; tickets are $65 and $30 for kids 12 and under. Purchase here.
Every year, hundreds of visitors and locals head to the downtown Healdsburg Plaza for Healdsburg’s annual Fourth of July Kids’ Parade and Duck Dash starting at 10 a.m. on July 4. The event features activities for all ages including duck dash races and lawn games, live music, face painting, prizes, and a parade around the plaza. In the evening, visitors can grab a chair and head to Healdsburg High School to enjoy the fireworks display starting at 9 p.m.
Adults can visit Breathless Wines for an Art of Sabrage experience at 1 p.m. or 3 p.m., and learn how to open a bottle of champagne with a saber, then toast to the holiday with their freshly opened wine. $75 per reservation.
Mama Shelter in the heart of Hollywood launches 4th of July specials for their upcoming celebration on both their rooftop and in the lobby bar. The day will consist of a special menu by Mama Shelter’s new chef and LA-native, Jonathan Kim. The custom Americana themed menu by Kim will include a choice of hotdog (Kosher frankfurter or pork sausage, stuffed with Emmental cheese), homemade french fries or potato chips, and apple pie flavored ice cream for $20, paired with a Bad Hombre Mexican Lager (from LA’s Boomtown Brewery) on the rooftop, or choice of draft beer in the lobby for an additional $5.
Courtesy Mama Shelter
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