Best Of LA: Week Of November 3
(credit: Plan Check Kitchen + Bar)
With a season of pumpkins and goblins behind us, Los Angelenos have a bright and fun fall week ahead of them. The L.A. dining scene is about to get happier, with a new restaurant, anniversary drink specials, and even a Hello Kitty cocktail that is capitalizing on the kitty-focused fever that has taken over the city. In addition, you won't want to miss three epic theatrical performances this week including epics straight from London and a comedic and ingenuous mashup of one of today's most famous writers and directors.
(credit: Chaya Downtown)
Celebrate Hello Kitty
Chaya Downtown L.A.
525 S Flower St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 236-9577
www.thechaya.com
L.A.'s gone Hello Kitty crazy. Celebrating her 40th anniversary this month, the cat is honored with a first-of-its-kind (and sold out) Hello Kitty Convention (wrapping this past weekend at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA), and the "Hello! Exploring the Super Cute World of Hello Kitty" exhibit at the Japanese American National Museum through April 2016. Through November, grown up fans can head to Chaya Downtown to enjoy an adorable Hello Kitty Sour Cocktail made with Plymouth Gin, simple syrup, homemade yuzu juice, cage-free organic egg whites and an Aperol mist. A mocktail version is also available!
(credit: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County)
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 763-DINO
www.nhm.org
L.A.'s Natural History Museum, located in Exposition Park, features a wide variety of permanent and rotating exhibits focusing on animal and land history across the globe and in California. You won't miss the massive presentation of dinosaurs, including recreations and actual dino fossils, and special rotating exhibits get your family into and involved in the history of animals and man. Best bet? Admission to the museum is free today, the first Tuesday of the month.
(credit: DYLAN + JENI)
Restaurant Opening: Plan Check Kitchen + Bar
1111 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 403-1616
www.plancheck.com
Celebrating their success in other locations throughout the city, Plan Check Kitchen + Bar has just opened their third location in the growing downtown Wilshire district. Serving up American comfort food by Executive Chef Ernesto Uchimura, signature Plan Check favorites are being featured, as well as a new selection of location specific dishes including the KBBQ Burger, a "kimcheese" topped Bacon Western Cheeseburger; Meat & Potatoes beef short rib pot roast; and Spicy Tuna Salad with Sriracha vinaigrette, served with avocado, puffed rice, sesame, black radish, yellow frisée, nori, and garlic flowers. The extensive happy hour at this popular eatery runs from 4-6pm and 10pm to close nightly.
(credit: Dominick's)
66th Anniversary Celebration At Dominick's
8715 Beverly Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90048
(310) 652-2335
www.dominicksrestaurant.com
It's hard to believe its been that long, but West Hollywood's legendary rat pack hangout, Dominick's, is celebrating their 66th anniversary. And, they're doing it in style, with and old-fashioned deal. Russian Standard Martinis will be offered for 66 cents all night long in honor of the celebration, while special dishes from Executive Chef Brandon Boudet will also be featured including signature wood grilled items.
(credit: Chris Godley)
Celebrate National Doughnut Day
Tanzy
10840 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 307-7004
www.tanzyrestaurant.com
To celebrate one of American's most important holidays, head to Tanzy in Westwood for a National Doughnut Day celebration with a tasty Italian twist. Normally offered by Executive Chef Bryan Podgorski on weekend brunch, Bombolina, crisp Italian doughnuts, will be available all day in three different varities: nero niociola bombolini, a bittersweet chocolate rice pudding doughnut with hazelnut nayou and orange marmalade; piccolo spingi, filled with Pink Lady apple cider marmalade; and zeppoli tuffo filled with lemon zabaglione cream and dusted with fennel sugar.
(credit: DBA Hollywood)
"For the Record: Tarantino"
DBA Hollywood
7969 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(855) 367-7969
www.DBAHollywood.com
After a sold-out six month run, a limited return of the popular "For the Record: Tarantino" continues this week, tonight only. Running on Thursdays through November 23, the show features a band of performers curated from LA's unique talent landscape celebrating the life and works of Quentin Tarantino including "Reservoir Dogs," "Pulp Fiction," "Jackie Brown," "Kill Bill Vol. 1" and "Kill Bill Vol. 2," "Death Proof," "Inglourious Basterds" and "Django Unchained."
(credit: Pistola)
Whiskey & Cigars
Pistola
8022 W 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 951-9800
www.pistola-la.com
Los Angeles' Italian steakhouse, Pistola, has partnered up with Twelve Five Rye for a night of whiskey and cigars. The evening, which begins with a welcome punch-cocktail, will include a whiskey presentation by Twelve Five Rye's Lead Distiller Kolin Brighton, as well as a three-course dinner by Chef Vic Casanova with whiskey and cigar pairings. $150.
(credit: Theresa Chavez)
"Properties of Silence"
Los Angeles Theatre Center
514 S Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(626) 396-0920
www.aboutpd.org
In celebration of the LATC's Encuentro 2014 Latin Theater Festival, gather a sneak peak at the critically acclaimed drama, "Properties of Silence" before it hits the stage this coming spring. Following the life of famed Mexican poet Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, reality will be bent as poetry, science, and history spiral out of control through a multi-layered dream sequence that unfolds to the audience. Written and directed by Theresa Chavez, with Rose Portillo and Alan Pulner.
(credit: Citadel Outlets)
13th Annual Tree Lighting
Citadel Outlets
100 Citadel Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90040
(323) 888-1724
www.citadeloutlets.com
Citadel Outlets is thrilled to be hosting the 13th Annual Tree Lighting on November 8.
Join Citadel Outlets as they offer L.A.'s first holiday season festivity with the 13th annual lighting of their annual Christmas tree. The event, which lights the world's tallest Christmas tree at 115 feet, features a live two-hour concert, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, a toy donation drive benefiting Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and of course the tree lighting finale. Over 20,000 are expected to attend.
(credit: Celebrity Cruises)
West of the West Wine Festival
Honda Center, Grand Terrace
2695 East Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806
www.orangecoast.com/wowoc
Sample more than 30 wines from the cool coastal climate of the West Sonoma Coast, one of the world's leading regions for pinot noir, chardonnay, and syrah varietals. Sponsors Celebrity Cruises and Orange Coast Magazine will join together with the West Sonoma Coast Vitners to produce the event that promises fine wines, a vacation planning zone, the chance to win a Caribbean cruise, and plenty of wine swag and giveaways. 10am. Enter code WOWOC for a limited-time ticket discount.
(credit: Royal Shakespeare Company)
"King Lear"
The Broad Stage
1310 11th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 434-3200
www.thebroadstage.com
Don't miss The Broad Stage's artistic exploration of humanity through Shakespeare's classic tragedy, "King Lear." This production, direct from Shakespeare's Globe in London, features members of the Royal Shakespeare Company, including Joseph Marcell. The limited engagement continues its U.S. tour on November 17th.
