Welcome to the weekend. Not only is it the first day of summer on Sunday, it’s fathers day weekend, so why not take dad out to do something fun? See a movie at the LA Film Fest, check out a bizarre circus, celebrate summer with Brazilian music, or knock back some tequila at the San Antonio Winery. On Saturday check out a culinary treat at an underground supper club, drink some micro brews in Temecula, or chalk it up in Pasadena. Then on Sunday take your Dad for a cheap steak dinner at Drago or for wine tasting and cupcakes in Culver City.
Friday, June 19
Los Angeles Film Fest
Westwood
Now in its fifteenth year, the Los Angeles Film Festival showcases the best in new American and international cinema and provides the movie-loving public with access to some of the most critically acclaimed filmmakers, film industry professionals, and emerging talent from around the world. Running through June 28th, ticket prices start at $12 for a single movie. Screening times and locations can be found online.
Cirque Berzerk
Los Angeles State Historic Park
Opening this weekend and running through July 5th, the twisted cabaret that is Cirque Berzerk returns to Los Angeles. Cirque Berzerk’s unique flavor of adult psychedelic vaudevillian tomfoolery takes place at the Los Angeles State Historic Park. It’s been called everything from “a circus on acid” to “French burlesque meets Sweeney Todd.” Their big top is bigger and better than ever, specially commissioned and imported from Italy, the new tent is four times larger than before and offers stadium-style seating. This event sold out last time it was in town. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online.
Summer Tequila Tasting at San Antonio Winery
Downtown Los Angeles (7-9pm)
At the Summer Tequila Tasting at San Antonio Winery sample tequila, wines from South of the border, and some excellent food pairings from the restaurant located inside the winery. Among the tequilas to be sampled are 7 Lenguas, Patron, Don Julio, Jose Cuervo Reserva, and 1921 Crema de Tequila. Sample wine from L.A. Cetto winery located in Baja California. Tickets are $80 and can be purchased by calling (323) 330- 8771.
16th Annual Brazilian Summer Festival 2009
Ford Amphitheatre (6-11pm)
The much-anticipated, annual LA tradition of Brazilian Summer Festival (now in its 16th year) erupts on Friday, June 19, 2009 at the Ford Amphitheatre. The 2009 edition features the rhythms of Rio de Janeiro through the Samba and Bossanova, plus the acrobatic Capoeira show with LA Legend Mestre Amen and dancers and the exuberant Brazilian choreography of the Vai-vai Sambaxé troupe. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased here.
Saturday, June 20
Taste of Pace Underground Supperclub
Hollywood (6:30pm)
Join Chef Pace Webb for the Taste of Pace Underground Supperclub in Hollywood on Saturday, June 20th at 6:30pm featuring seasonal produce sourced only from SoCal’s best farms. Menu items include Chilled Cucumber Mint Soup, Lamb Lollipops with Cherry Red Wine Reduction, and Spring Squash Cake for dessert. Price is $38 and this event is BYOB. Reservations can be made here.
Pechanga Microbrew Festival
Temecula (1-5pm)
Enjoy 60+ microbrew beers, food samples, a chili cookoff, comedy, and live concert at Pechanga Microbrew Festival in Temecula. Sponsored by Habitat for Humanity, they will also be a silent auction at the event. Your $40 entry fee includes all the tastings and a souvenir glass. Buy tickets here.
Pasadena Chalk Festival
Pasadena (10am-7pm)
For centuries artists have painted beautiful images on the boulevards and squares of great cities, using chalk as their medium and the street pavement as their canvas. The Pasadena Chalk Festival continue the legacy of the street painting art form by offering festival visitors an opportunity to shop, dine or see a movie as the artworks come to life. The chalk festival returns to Paseo Colorado Father’s Day Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21, 2009 from 10am – 7pm. The festival is open to the public and free of charge.
Sunday, June 21
Enoteca Drago’s Affordable Father’s Day
Beverly Hills (12-10pm)
Enoteca Drago is offering a Three Course June Lunch Menu for $20 and Three Course June Dinner Menu for $32 that will be available on Father’s Day. Enjoy some of LA’s finest authentic Italian cuisine right in the heart of Beverly Hills. Enoteca Drago in Beverly Hills has a wonderful menu which includes the renowned “Bistecca alla Fiorentina” a 16oz T-Bone steak grilled to perfection and pours over 50 wines by the glass, a terrific pairing – just like you and Dad. Call for reservations 310-786-8236.
Wine Tasting at Bluebird Cafe
Culver City (1-4pm)
Meet Owner/Winemaker Ardison Phillips of McKeon-Phillips Winery, Santa Maria. Enjoy 5 great wines paired with appetizers and famous Bluebird Cafe Cupcakes. Live Music! Drawings for wine, BBC gift Certificates and free wine tastings at the winery. The price for all this is just $28. Reservations and more info can be found on their web site.
Upcoming:
June 27 – In the Test Kitchen at Surfas from 1-2pm. Chef Andy Matsuda, Executive Chef and CEO of the Sushi Chef Institute demonstrates the basics of cutting fish for sushi and preparing Nigiri-sushi at home. Meet Chef Andy Matsuda and learn the basics of slicing the fish and assembling this Japanese favorite. Then from 3-4pm Sake Sommelier Yoshi Murakami de-mystifies sake with a side-by-side tasting and non-traditional pairings.
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.
Thu, Jun 18, 2009
City Beat