Welcome to the weekend. Plenty o’ parties and events this 4th of July weekend. If you’re looking to be safe and sane check out this great listing of firework shows around LA and several in Orange County. If you’re not headed to a BBQ or a show, there are some other great events this weekend, like wine tastings, boat parades, oyster shucking, BBQs, live music, and more. See you after the Holidays!
Friday, July 3
Pourtal Wine Bar “United Grapes of America”
Santa Monica
This Independence Day, Pourtal Wine Bar in Santa Monica salutes America’s most intrepid winemakers with the debut of “United Grapes of America,” a patriotic Tasting Tour of at least 30 wines from 30 different states. Each wine will be available by the taste through Pourtal’s state-of-the-art Enomatic system, along with tasting notes and pairing suggestions. Tasting prices vary, and are based on the wines selected. More info on their web site.
Saturday, July 4
Oyster Fest at Cafe Del Rey
Marina Del Rey (1-4pm)
Café Del Rey is hosting a dockside Oyster Fest in Marina Del Rey with shucking from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For $35 you get a dozen oysters and 2 drinks – either Perrier Jouet champagne or Russian Standard vodka – and live music with a view of the boats. Guests may reserve window tables for dinner overlooking the Marina’s fireworks show and receive a special extra dish from chef Jason Travi. Call 310-823-6395 for reservations.
Independence Day Menu at BLT
West Hollywood
Chef Brian Moyers is offering a festive Blackboard Menu at BLT Steak on Independence Day. Items will include smoked pork spare ribs with peach barbecue sauce and fennel slaw; adobo marinated flatiron steak with charred green tomato chimichurri; and red, white and blue confetti cupcakes. Diners can order dishes individually or select one appetizer, main course, side and dessert for $60. BLT Steak. Call 310-360-1950 for reservations.
Pool Parties at the Standard
Downtown & Hollywood
Party on the rooftop at the Standard Downtown at the Swimming with Sharks summer pool party with performances from Blu Jemz, Unemployed Lloyd, DJ Hoff, Posso, Kim Anh and Anon. Other fun installments include portraits by Jiro, Watergun battles and a $35 champagne special. Door’s open from 1pm – Sundown the first 100 people are free and thereafter a cover charge of $10 will apply. If you’re in Hollywood, party poolside and participate in a Ping Pong Tournament with prizes & cute referees. Enjoy live performances by DJ Max Vanville the party will also include a BBQ. The event is free and doors open at 11am-7pm.
American Wine and Hotdogs
Signal Hill (1-4pm)
An all-American lineup at The Wine Country in Signal Hill, including our favorite sparkling, red, white & Blues Cuvée. They will be offering mini hot-dogs and great mustard to get you in the mood for the firework show. Cost is $20 per person.
Summer of Music
Redondo Beach (5-8pm)
The Summer of Music concert series is returning to the Redondo Beach Pier and will feature a wonderful variety of music backed by truly amazing sunsets. The free bi-weekly concerts are presented by the Redondo Pier Association. Over 20 bands will perform music of many genres including Blues, Country, Hawaiian, Jazz, Rock, Salsa, Swing and Surf. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a light blanket and beach chair for better enjoyment of the music and sunset.
Old Glory Boat Tour
Newport Beach (1-5pm)
The Newport Harbor is full of boats adorned in red-white-&-blue, with engines purring, flags unfurled and Sousa marches blaring, as the lead Newport Beach Harbor Patrol’s red fire boat turns on the firewater monitor, announcing the beginning of the time-honored Old Glory Boat Parade. The event is free, just find a spot to view the beautiful boats cruise the harbor. Then stick around for the Newport Beach fireworks display.
Sunday, July 5
Tour de France at Pinot Bistro
Studio City
In honor of the annual Tour de France bicycle race Pinot Bistro in Studio City is featuring dishes from a handful of French regions from July 5th through July 26th, offering a four-course dinner tasting menu for $45 ($65 with wine pairings). Dishes include a traditional Provençal pistou soup, shellfish steamed in saffron broth from Perpignan, pan roasted trout in vin jaune sauce from Le Jura, and a traditional Parisian Pomme “Bonne Femme,” an oven roasted golden apple, almond and honey dessert. Call 818-990-0500 for reservations.
Upcoming:
July 12 – Celebrate Bastille Day in Elysian Park from 12-10pm (corner of Stadium Wy. and Scott Ave.) where the Consulate General of France in Los Angeles will host the event with all-day festivities, live entertainment, music, dance, food and wine from France. In its eighth year, the event will feature a Parisian Waiter’s Race, street performers, Tahitian dancers, a Petanque Tournament, scenic and portrait painters, comedians, singers and dancers amongst market vendors and sidewalk cafés.
July 16 – Summer cooking classes at The Larchmont Larder, taught by owner Michael Beglinger, celebrate seasonal ingredients. “Summer Baking” takes place July 16 at 7 p.m., and will incorporates fresh fruits into crisps, cobblers, shortcakes, pies and tarts. “Just Tomatoes” is set for On August 13 at 7 p.m., and will teach how to put heirloom tomatoes in soups, salads, tarts and sauces. Classes are $75 each. Reservations are required. 323-962-9900
July 17-18 – Lots of wine, food, music, sea and sun at the California Wine Festival in Santa Barbara. A unique wine tasting experience with hundreds of California’s best red and white wines, live blues music, dozens of top chefs and specialty food purveyors, gourmet appetizers, fresh cut fruits, grilled meats, artisan breads and cheeses and much more.
July 19 – AMMO partners with California’s best farmers to present a seasonal series of farm-to-table dinners. These intimate meals draw together slow-food enthusiasts and restaurant industry insiders for a rare opportunity to savor the finest in local produce and engage with the farmers who grow it. The event will include a four-course prix-fixe menu inspired by the featured farm’s best produce, with optional wine pairings for each course. Seating is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Price is $55 per person; plus $30 for the wine pairing. Call 323-467-3293 for reservations.
August 1-2 – 21st Annual Taste in San Pedro at Point Fermin Park showcases gourmet foods, beer & wine, live entertainment, children’s activities, craft boutiques, an artists pavilion and a tribute to our Military. Over 30 restaurants, wineries, breweries will be in attendance.
August 6 – The Celebrity Chef Tour Benefiting the James Beard Foundation, features Award-Winning Chefs and once in a lifetime dining experience with the worlds best chefs all in one location. The LA details have yet to be announced, but tickets will probably be around $175 each.
August 8-9 – Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive Ins and Dives hits the stage at the Celebrity Food Show. Taste gourmet foods, sample fine wines, and spend the weekend having a good time with family and friends. Tickets start at $35, additional info on the web site.
Wed, Jul 1, 2009
City Beat