Graham Elliot Dinners

For two nights, Son of a Gun will host the culinary stylings of Graham Elliot, chef-owner of the two-Michelin-starred eponymous restaurant in Chicago. The chef and his team will be offering a five-course tasting menu paired with regional wines. Reservations can be made by phone.

WHAT: Graham Elliot Dinner

WHEN: Monday, April 8, and Tuesday, April 9

WHERE: Son of a Gun, 8370 W. Third St., Los Angeles; (323) 782-9033.

COST: $100 per person not including tax and gratuity; additional $40 for wine pairings.

Taste the Future

The Hollywood HEART Youth hosts a fundraiser for youth affected by HIV/AIDS at Onyx Lounge downtown. Jamar Rogers from NBC's The Voice is among entertainers slated to perform during the evening. Onyx chef-owner David McGrath will offer a dish created especially for the event; a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Hollywood HEART.

WHAT: Taste the Future

WHEN: Sunday, April 7, 6-9 p.m.

WHERE: Onyx Lounge, 118 W. Fifth St., dwntwn.; (213) 891-1144.

COST: $75 for admission (includes hors d'oeuvres, entertainment and raffle tickets); $100 for admission plus open bar.

Chaya's Cherry Blossom Festival

For the next three weeks or so, Chaya Downtown will celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival by throwing one of its own. Chef Atsushi Kenjo is offering build-your-own Hanami Bento boxes ($22 for three items, $28 for four), which include options like Japanese baba ganoush with yuzu pepper and lemon oil, coffee barbecue mini pork shanks and duck confit spring rolls. There will be special cocktails like a cherry Bellini with cherry sorbet and boutique sake flights available to accompany the bentos.

WHAT: Chaya's Cherry Blossom Festival

WHEN: Monday, April 1, to Tuesday, April 19; Mon.-Fri., 4 p.m. to close.

WHERE: Chaya Downtown, 525 S. Flower St., dwntwn.; (213) 236-9577.

COST: No additional cost.

And in related news:

– Son of a Gun: 99 Essential Restaurants 2013

– 5 Essential Japanese Restaurants in Los Angeles

– 4 Places to Go for Bottomless Mimosas

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