Michele StuevenIt’s restaurant week all over the Southland this month with dining deals everywhere. And whether you’re looking for a wet or dry January, here’s what’s popping up to quench everybody’s thirst.
Monday, January 6 through Sunday, January 12
Taco lovers looking for healthy options during Santa Monica Restaurant Week — celebrating the kumquat — can pop into Azule Taqueria on the 3rd Street Promenade to try out the duck carnitas tacos , topped with kumquat habanero marmalade, pickled radishes and Fresno chili for one week.
Courtesy Azule Taqueria
Tuesday, January 7
The “Tree of Wonders” to the ancient inhabitants of modern-day Mexico, agave has many virtues: medicinal, textile, food and, of course, mezcal. Since 2009, the Koch Group has pioneered the promotion of sustainably produced mezcals made in artisanal and ancestral styles. On Tuesday, Koch founder Carlos Moreno will be on hand at The Conservatory at Hollywood’s Ever Bar for a complimentary tasting of six mezcals — five single varietals and one blend — each a portrait in “liquid art.” Then enjoy Koch El Mezcal in a menu of three custom cocktails crafted by bartender Dan Rook. The tasting is free with RSVP: fareharbor.com/embeds/book/natfab-museum/items/118370/availability/382514324/book/?flow=65654&full-items=yes.
Seedlip’s dry January (Michele Stueven)
And if you’re going liquor-free this month: For its third annual Dry January, Malibu Beach Inn’s CBC (Carbon Beach Club) restaurant and Seedlip Distilled Non-Alcoholic Spirits have partnered to offer guests an assortment of handcrafted cocktails. From Matcha Matcha, with Seedlip Spice 94, espresso and liquid alchemist orgeat, to the No Booze Cruise, with passion fruit, grapefruit and peach, the menu of five cocktails is designed by CBC’s bar director, Josh Curtis, for sober seaside sipping.
Saturday, January 11
Yapa executive chef Richie Lopez opens the doors to the restaurant in Little Tokyo Saturday afternoon for a demonstration of how to make the Peruvian tamal classic, tamalitos verdes. After the program, guests can mix, mingle and sample. Admission is free with RSVP: fareharbor.com/embeds/book/natfab-museum/items/118373/availability/382522732/book/?flow=65654&full-items=yes.
Friday, January 24 through Friday, January 31
Downtown Alhambra is holding its third Annual Dine Alhambra Restaurant Week, part of the national Visit California Restaurant Month. Eateries are offering two- to three-course menus priced from $10-$25 for lunch, and $20-$40 for dinner. Participating restaurants included everything from Italian and Korean to Irish and Mexican, check website for full list of participants: dinealhambrarestaurantweek.com/participating-restaurants/.
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