On Saturday, June 18, join the pickle man, Scott Kaylin, at the inaugural Pickle Palooza at The Original Farmers Market for a pickle-eating contest featuring Owen Han and Eat It Katie, with a panel of judges including Romy Raves, Sami Udell of Wholesam, and Darren Bousman, to crown the winners on both quantity of pickles eaten and technique. There will be three different competitions for those feasting on Kaylin’s specialty pickles: savory, spicy and sweet. 

Kaylin + Kaylin will partner with the American Cancer Society and a portion of pickle sale proceeds during the palooza weekend, June 17-19, will be donated to fund this year’s LA ResearchHERS, a campaign aimed to raise awareness, increase research funding, and inspire a new generation of women to consider a career in science. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the pickle-in-a-jar guessing contest will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

The Women of Food

Pickle Palooza at the Original Farmers Market (Courtesy Kaylin + Kaylin)

The Women of Food is coming to Los Angeles, a campaign spotlighting female under-representation in the industry and celebrating women powering restaurants. The events kick off on June 21 and activate in L.A. on June 22 with Stephanie Izard of Girl & the Goat, and other female chefs from around the globe including Ria Graham of Kokomo (NYC), Hillary Sterling of Ci Siamo (NYC), Amy Brandwein of Centrolina (Washington D.C.), Luciana Giangrandi of Boia De (Miami), Beverly Kim of Wherewithall (Chicago) and Selin Kiazim & Lauren Christie of Oklava (London). This year’s campaign also includes a first-time e-commerce platform for women-owned goods curated by Beverly Nguyen, stylist and founder of Beverly’s New York City, in partnership with the chefs and to benefit the National Women’s Law Center as well as an editorial takeover of Resy all June long.

After a 3-year hiatus, Downtown Culver City’s signature event, Third Wednesdays, is returning. Held every third Wednesday of June, July and August, the event kicks off on Wednesday, June 15 with additional events on Wednesday, July 20, and Wednesday, August 17. Participating businesses create spiked or virgin cocktails and serve up tastes to the summer crowds as they explore the streets of Downtown Culver City. June’s featured drink is Spiked Lemonade. Pick up a “Passport” at any participating business.

Visitors create their own self-guided tour by using the free “Passport” provided by the Downtown Business Association. Look for the green, white and yellow balloons to find participating businesses, and pick up a passport. The event also features live music on Town Plaza near the Culver Hotel, and by Starbucks across the street from Culver City City Hall. 

Hello, Gorgeous kicks off at Fanny’s at the Academy of Motion Pictures on Saturday, June 18. Curated by Jason Bentley, the hybrid live music series and supper club will begin with a performance from public defender-turned-singer/songwriter Danielle Ponder, who is fresh off a performance on Late Night with Seth Meyers and has a debut album due this August. In the months to come, Jason (who will also be DJing throughout each night, before and after the performances) will be tapping notable talent to grace the stage. There will be two seatings at 6 pm – 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm – 9 pm. Reservations are required (no walk-ins) and available in three tiers:

  • Up Close & Gorgeous (2 – 6 people): $200pp, includes chef-curated prix fixe menu and table seating.
  • Very Gorgeous (2 – 6 people): $150pp, includes chef-curated prix fixe menu and table seating.
  • Gorgeous (Bar and Viewing Tables; 2 – 6 people): $50pp, food and beverage not included.

    The Women of Food

    “COME4ME by Kim Chi (Courtesy Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts)

Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts has brought Kim Chi of RuPaul’s Drag Race to life with her very own donut called “COME4ME by Kim Chi.” The donut will be available at Danny Trejo’s donut shop from Friday, June 10 through Thursday, June 30 for $4 with a portion of the proceeds donated to Seniors Fight Back, a charity whose mission is to stop hate against AAPI seniors. “COME4ME by Kim Chi” is a Taro cream cheese-filled donut with a white chocolate taro glitter glaze, passion fruit buttercream, candied dragon fruit, and passion fruit flakes. 

Want to be the next big TikTok star? If the answer is yes, now you can make some bank just by making TikToks this summer. Seeds of Change is looking for a Chief Rice-Tok Creator to get paid $25,000 and get a year’s supply of product in exchange for creating 10 weeks’ worth of killer TikToks. 

They’re looking for one confident, everyday TikToker who has the culinary creativity to make a mouthwatering meal from the brand’s ready-to-heat rice varieties from stir-fries to sushi to puddings. If you think you have what it takes, apply by Monday, June 20 at www.SeedsofChange.com/RiceTok by sharing a TikTok video showcasing your ultimate rice recipe with the hashtag #BeASeedofChange.

What’s Popping Up is a weekly column in the L.A. Weekly that explores all that’s new in food and drink.