Elina Shatkin
Robert Burns Day
Celebrate the Ploughman Poet's 253rd birthday (and the Tam O'Shanter's 90th) with bagpipes players, the traditional Slaying of the Haggis and a reading of Robert Burns' famous Address To a Haggis. (We can't help but love a man who wrote an ode to haggis.) The Tam O'Shanter welcomes all Scots, whether by birth or by affection. NOTE: This event usually sells out, so make your reservations as early as possible.
WHEN: 5:30 and 8:15 p.m., Jan. 25 and 26
WHERE: Tam O'Shanter Inn
COST: Reservations required
Fresh Pasta Demo
Executive chef Ian Gresik will demonstrate how to make, roll and cook fresh pasta dough, sharing tips and techniques for making perfect al dente noodles. Class fee includes pasta tastings and a drink.
WHEN: 5 p.m., Jan. 25
WHERE: Drago Centro
COST: $55; reservations required
Who's Hungry
Part of a series of experimental puppet plays that give a voice and face to hunger, this installment weaves together the oral histories of five very different homeless and hungry Santa Monica residents. Presented on a large, specially built dinner table, the audience views the play as if they are banquet guests.
WHEN: 8:30 p.m., Jan. 27 – 28, Feb. 3 – 4
WHERE: Highways Performance Space
COST: $15-20 (buy tix here)
Eagle Rock Brewery's 2nd Year Anniverary Party
The local brewery will celebrate its second year by featuring several of its special beers on tap in an outdoor beer garden. The Grill Em' All and Mandoline Grill trucks will be onhand. Attendees receive a commemorative taster glass to take home (while supplies last). No pets or children permitted.
WHEN: 12 – 4 p.m., Jan. 28
WHERE: Verdugo Bar
COST: $12 admission
German Beer and Food Pairing
Sample three courses of food — rabbit stew, pork wellington with mashed parsnips and pretzel bread pudding for dessert — paired with a flight of five German beers.
WHEN: 6 – 10 p.m., Jan. 31
WHERE: Wirtshaus
COST: $40 (tax and tip not included)
ROC National Diners' Guide 2012 Release
To celebrate the release of their National Diners' Guide 2012, a report on the wage, benefits and promotion practices of the 150 most popular restaurants in the U.S., the Restaurant Opportunity Center of Los Angeles hosts this nosh and panel discussion about food justice. Featuring Natan Zion (co-owner, The Gorbals), Ashley Robey (controller, Craft Los Angeles), Darius De La Cruz (serve/bartender at Chaya) and Cathy Dang (ROC). Ticket includes a five-dish light dinner.
WHEN: 6 – 8p.m., Jan. 31
WHERE: The Gorbals
COST: $25, advance; $35, door. (buy tix here)
Elina Shatkin is a staff writer at LA Weekly. Follow her at @elinashatkin or contact her at eshatkin@laweekly.com. To be considered for print, events must be submitted at least two weeks in advance.
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