Anne HamnerFrom the Razorcake Chili Cook Off, Citrin’s new happy hour and Lady M’s return of their Red Bean Mille Crêpes for the Lunar New Year to National Bagel Day and the return of Smorgasburg, here’s what’s popping up this week.
Saturday, January 11
Punk rock isn’t dead, and neither is great chili. This Saturday from 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Razorcake (your local L.A. progressive, positive and community-friendly DIY punk magazine) is hosting their 3rd annual chili cook off at local bar Footsies to kick off their happy hour that happens every 2nd Saturday. Organized by Razorcake contributor Joe Dana, this third year will be sizzling with meaty chili and friends with vinyl records spinning. Contestants pay $20 to compete, but if you want to sample these chili’s it’s only $10. If you’re a vegan you’re in luck. This year, three out of the eight contenders will be vegan-friendly and you get to vote for favorite — but only one lucky chef will win the People’s Choice Award. Their celebrity chili judges this year are Ronnie Barnett of the Muffs, Desi Jedeikin (author and host of podcast Hollywood Crime Scene) and Teddyboi Bloom (bartender, DJ and chef).
Razorcake Hearts Drinking Beer & Listening to Records 3rd Annual Chili Cook Off. Located at Footsies, 2640 N. Figueroa, Cypress Park.
Razorcake Chili Cook Off (Joe Dana)
Sunday, January 12
The only perk of the holidays being over in L.A. is that Smorgasburg is back. After a three-week hiatus, Smorgasburg returns this Sunday, and it’s bringing six new vendors as a new year’s present to excite Angelenos. Joining SoCal’s largest weekly outdoor food market will be Burmese, Please (think tea leaf salad and roti with potato curry and mohinga), Chinese Laundry (known for their roasted duck and hand-pulled noodles), Dante’s Fried Chicken (self-explanatory, but they also do tofu nuggets, say what?!), Los Cochinitos (Michoacan-style carnitas, you can choose from pork butt, skin, stomach, ear and pretty much every other part you can think of), Man Po (known for their Chicken inasal and Manila BBQ chicken), and last but not least Paratta (known for their buttery paratta, of course, wrapped around halal meats and veggies). Come hungry.
Smorgasburg, 777 S Alameda St., downtown; Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; for more information check out their Instagram @smorgasburgla or website la.smorgasburg.com.
Red Bean Mille Crêpes (Courtesy of Lady M)
Monday, January 13
Celebrate the Lunar New Year all month long at luxury cake boutique Lady M. Starting on January 13, they’re bringing back Red Bean Mille Crêpes. This cake is essentially numerous creamy layers of Hokkaido red bean pastry cream with crepes sandwiched between to creative a luscious layer. Happy New Year!
Lady M has numerous locations surrounding L.A., but their most central location is at 8718 West 3rd Street, Beverly Grove; for more information go to ladym.com.
Tuesday, January 14
For anyone looking to update their post work hangout, the newly opened Citrin is kicking off their highly anticipated happy hour this week. Curated and created by its namesake, chef Josiah, Citrin is now sharing the space with Melisse; while its neighbor is tasting-menu-only, Citrin is geared toward progressive California cuisine. Citrin’s happy hour is being called “Evening Glass Off” alluding to his love of surfing. Guests can enjoy $10 select cocktails and wines and beers ranging from $7-10. Besides libations, you can also indulge in some of chef Josiah’s well known creations like his lobster bolognese ($12) and exclusive Melisse Burger ($10) alongside new creations like the chicken mornay ($9) and UFO Oyster with cucumber, sorrel, green mango and trout pearl ($4.50) This writer might just give up Whole 30 this month for this!
(Courtesy of Citrin)
Citrin Happy Hour is from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. (open Tues.-Sun., from 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.), 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Suite A Santa Monica.
Wednesday, January 15
Happy National Bagel Day! Noah’s New York Bagel is celebrating by offering anyone a FREE fresh-baked bagel with schmear with any purchase, no coupon necessary. This means with a cup of coffee, juice or anything, you get a bagel at no charge. Did we mention there are up to 28 different bagels to choose from as well as 10 creamy schmears? The choice is yours, but choose wisely, aka get the everything bagel with smoked salmon to really get in the N.Y. spirit.
Most locations are open from 5 a.m-5 p.m.. daily, but check your local Noah’s NY Bagels for more information at noahs.com. This offer is valid at any Noah’s for January 15 only.
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