Anne HamnerFrom chocolate Tastings at andSons Chocolatiers, a margarita showdown at HomeState, National Ice Cream Day at CREAM and an all-white affair at White Light White Night’s charity event — here’s what’s popping up in LA this week.
Friday, July 19-Saturday, July 20
Tokyo offers so much when it comes to culinary creations, creative cocktails and culture. This year, I’m excited to share that Go Little Tokyo is bringing back their annual Delicious Little Tokyo event hosted in heart of downtown L.A. for its fourth year. This event runs Friday through Saturday with 20 different events, including interactive workshops — like learning about Japanese tea ceremonies, sake and food pairings, and demonstrations curated for curious foodies and professional culinary masters alike. Their Sake on the Rocks event is already sold out, but Saturday they offer plenty of workshops such as Create Your Own Mini “Buzzfeed Tasty-Style” Video (10:30-11:30 a.m.), Miso Ball Making 101 (11-12 p.m.) Meet Hello Kitty in her Cafe Chef Coat with Sanrio (11a.m.-3 p.m.) and Craft Beer & Chicken Wing Pairing (2-3 p.m.) just to name a few. Prices for these workshops range from free to $20. Don’t miss this favorite foodie event!
To register for demos and workshops and for more information please visit golittletokyo.com/delicious. All events are held around Little Tokyo from 9 a.m-8 p.m. on Saturday, July 20.
(Courtesy of Go Little Tokyo)
Friday, July 19 to September
Sophie Kipner’s Nina Simone (Courtesy of the artist)
Hotel Figueroa always seems to be popping up with beautiful ways to incorporate local artists. This summer, they’re excited to share that former USC graduate and LA-based blind contour artist, Sophie Kipner will be showcasing her work as their Summer 2019 Featured Artist. Kipners current ongoing project DONTLIFTUPDONTLOOKDOWN features pieces of iconoclasts of music throughout the decades, including Nina Simone, Diana Ross, Patti Smith and David Bowie, to name a few. Her style of portraiture is emotional because she comes from a family of songwriters and musicians. Their influence has shown through in all of her creations.
Kipner’s pieces will be on display from July through September at Hotel Figueroa (939 S Figueroa St., downtown) for visitors to enjoy and purchase should they be interested. For more information find Kipner on Instagram @skipner or visit her website at sophiekipner.com
Saturday, July 20
Life’s better with chocolate. This upcoming Saturday, enjoy sweet and savory chocolate sensations at a unique tasting event hosted by Projet Chocolat & andSons Chocolatiers. This event will be held from 2:30-4 p.m. and you’ll have the chance to meet chocolate sommelier Sophia Rea and master foodie Mara Papatheodorou as they share all about the history of cacao. Guests will be able to sample raw ingredients such as single-origin chocolate and will learn more about all of the elements that go into cultivating and creating chocolate.
(Courtesy of andSons Chocolatiers)
Tickets are $40, and in addition to the chocolate tastings this comes with a 10 percent discount code that can be used at the andSons Chocolatiers boutique. For more information and to buy tickets, eventbrite.com/e/fine-chocolate-tasting-tickets-64641861548?aff=website. Event will be hosted at the andSons Chocolatiers location at 9548 Brighton Way Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
Saturday, July 20
Need another reason to celebrate with margaritas and Texas inspired food here in L.A. this Saturday? Look no further than this year’s 1st Annual Margarita Showdown hosted by HomeState and created by the producers of Eastside Food Festival. In honor of #nationaltequiladay, this festival will bring together margarita maker’s around the city to find out (or at least attempt to): Who can make the best margarita in Los Angeles? Guests will be able to taste competing margs and eat delicious bites from vendors like Moo’s Craft BBQ, Triple Beam Pizza and of course tacos from HomeState. Upgrade to VIP to get in an hour early and get all-you-can drink tastes from the margarita vendors. There will be music bumping from DJ’s and special guests attending like Stones Throw Records Peanut Butter Wolf and Portlandia actor Fred Armison. A portion of ticket sales will also go to PATH (People Assisting the Homeless).
1st Annual Margarita Showdown (Courtesy of HomeState)
Tickets range from $20 to $95 and are 21+. The event takes place on July 20, from 4- 8 p.m.. Behind HomeState, 5609 N. Figueroa St., Highland Park. For more information and to purchase tickets visit eventbrite.com/e/margarita-showdown-tickets-62829848769?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
Saturday, July 20
Cancer unfortunately has touched many of our lives, but we are taking steps to support communities, just like with Walk With Sally, which mentors and empowers children who experience trauma through a parent, guardian or sibling’s cancer journey. This Saturday, they’re hosting their 13th Annual White Light White Night Fundraiser to raise funds for their organization to help support families and mentoring programs. The star-studded evening is centered around great food, cocktails and performances. Previously celebrities like Lisa Vanderpump, Heather McDonald and Dr. Drew Pinksy, to name a few, have attended and its expected that some big names will be in attendance for its final year. This year they are featuring over 25 restaurants, including South Bay staple The Strand House, with bites from chef Austin Cobb, beloved Oaxacan restaurant Madre and many more. South Bay Duo will be there with live entertainment as people dance the night away in all-white attire.
This fundraiser runs from 5-11 p.m. and will be on top of the Plaza at Continental Park at 870 S. Nash Street in El Segundo. Tickets start at $250; e.givesmart.com/events/cn3/
Sunday, July 21
Happy National Ice Cream Day! Come celebrate at CREAM (Cookies Rule Everything Around Me), where they are offering 2-day BOGO (by one scoop, get the second free) at participating locations. Choose from flavors like Mocha Almond Fudge, Cin-Ful Churro, Pink Peach Bellini, Butterscotch Brew and new Soy Strawberry. I’ll scream for ice cream!
Locations are across California, but in SoCal check out their Hollywood and Ontario spots. For hours and more information visit creamnation.com/
Thursday, July 25
Clearman’s North Woods Inn in San Gabriel is hosting their first ever Wine and Dine event. North Wood is famously known for being a place where people can throw peanut shells on the floor, but for this evening they’re getting bougie and highlighting Wagner Family Wines. This five-course dinner includes dishes like bacon-wrapped scallops, sliced Angus rib-eye with chimichurri sauce and finishes with a chocolate mousse cake. All paired with wines from Caymus and Conundrum. Reservations are $79 per person.
Clearman’s North Woods Inn is located at 7247 Rosemead Blvd., San Gabriel. For more information call (626) 286-3579.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.