Christine ChiaoMemorial Day marks the beginning of the summer season, which means sunsets at 8 p.m. (or later), outdoor concerts around the city, and plenty of opportunities to party poolside from this weekend to roughly Labor Day. If you're not throwing your own barbecue or attending one, here are a few specials at restaurants and bars — and one hotel pool — to kick off the season. Look for updates as we learn of new specials.
Heading into Memorial Day, Dominick's is throwing a crawfish boil on Saturday, May 25 from noon to 4 p.m. Chef Brandon Boudet has arranged for 300-plus pounds of crawfish to be flown in from New Orleans. To accompany the crawfish, there will be roast beef po'boys and crowfish boiled artichokes available, as well as a limited brunch menu. 8715 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 652-2335.
Pascal Lorange has planned a $28 three-course prix-fixe brunch available all weekend long from Saturday, May 25 to Monday, May 27. Brunch selections include truffle mushroom croquette, lobster bisque and South of France poached eggs with salmon. 8490 Melrose Place, West Hollywood; (310) 360-9100.
It's happy hour all day at Ernesto Uchimura's gastropub on Monday, May 27, with a special Maui Brewing Co. Lemongrass Saison for $6. 1800 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 288-6500
Monday, May 27 marks the launch of WET Pool Party weekends at the W in Westwood. The special here is less about the food and drink, and more about the party poolside — with a live DJ spinning jams from noon to 5 p.m. The pool-adjacent restaurant The Backyard will offer sandwich and salad selections from chef Dakota Weiss, such as a blackened chicken po'boy and a cookie dough ice cream sandwich. The Sundays after the launch will feature the pool party from 11:30 .m. to 6 p.m. 930 Hilgard Ave., Westwood; (877) 946-8357.
Zengo and SubstanceLA are hosting a “Sunkissed Bottomless Brunch” for $35 per adult ($10 per child 10 and under) from noon to 3 p.m. It's unlimited small plates and brunch cocktails, which includes options such as Thai chicken empanadas, handi pandan waffles, and achiote-hoisin pork arepas. For an additional $5, signature cocktails are available. 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica; (310) 899-1000.
[Updated on May 24, 2013]
All weekend long, Osterial La Buca is offering a $5 negroni. 5210 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 462-1900.
Pono Burger is offering a two-person special for $33 on Monday, May 27. Each order comes with two burgers — choice of Posh, Sweet Mona, or Spicy Wahine — followed by two orders of fries sweet potato and organic Russet, as well as two glasses of freshly squeezed lemonade. Add $7 and you can get a pitcher of beer. Incidentally, the new restaurant is located in Quonset Hut, a WWII-era building om Santa Monica. 829 Broadway Santa Monica; (310) 584-7005.
And in related news:
– Where The Chefs Eat: 6 Favorites from Plan Check Kitchen + Bar's Ernesto Uchimura
– 10 Best Octopus Dishes in Los Angeles
– Where The Chefs Eat: Dominick's and Little Dom's Brandon Boudet
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