by Dennis Richardson | Sep 13, 2024
It’s the official announcement we all secretly wanted: Summer is extended! Gladstones recently declared the extension with the start of NFL and NCAA seasons, and with this announcement comes culinary excitement.
The Iconic Restaurant on the Beach Kicks-Off Extended Summer with NFL Game Day Menu, Reverse Happy Hour and other Delectable Specials
September 5, 2024– Grab your flip-flops, sunscreen and appetite because Gladstones is not ready to wave goodbye to summer. The legendary restaurant on the beach has announced that due to Southern California’s love for summer and all-around warmer climate, that summer has officially been extended until November 2024. The extended summer at Gladstones will kick-off with a new special NFL game day First & $10 menu, all night Happy Hour on Fridays, and a variety of promotions going forward throughout each week.
“Summer is a state of mind, and at Gladstones, that state of mind is here to stay,” said Jim Harris, chef partner and co-owner, Gladstones Legacy Group. “Thanks to the unbeatable SoCal weather on our side, we’re extending the summer spirit with a series of promotions, special menu items, NFL game day promos, and endless fun right on the shore.”
Courtesy: Gladstones
Today also marks the start of the NFL season. Gladstones will be featuring all the big games on 10 big TV screens across the inside and outside bar areas, creating the perfect spot for guests to enjoy game day at the beach!
The new First & $10 menu is served during game time NFL and NCAA and includes:
- Gladstones House Nachos– $10 for bean and cheese or add chicken, steak or shrimp for $10 each.
- Pyramid of the Pacific Foot High Nacho Tower – $75 (Feeds 4-6) a foot-high stacked tower featuring grilled chicken, shrimp, steak and topped with a cold-water Australian lobster tail.
- Potato Boats – $10 with bacon, cheddar, sour cream and chives.
- Chicken Wings– $10 per half dozen with multiple sauce options weekly.
- Craft beer pitchers – rotating each week – $15.
Every week, now through November, extended summer promotions include:
- Mussel Mondays – all you care to eat Clams & Mussels. $30 per person; $2 oysters after 4pm.
- Taco Tuesday – Fish or Shrimp tacos. $7 each.
- Wine Wednesday – 50% off wines by the bottle.
- Throwback Thursday – Celebrating 50 years on the coast. Your choice of a Classic Burger or Chicken Sandwich with a cold beer or glass of wine for $19.72.
- Festive Fridays Happy Hour – 3pm-close.
Since 1972, guests have flocked to Gladstone in Pacific Palisades for breathtaking sunsets and seafood-centric dishes. Today, the Gladstones Legacy Group has embarked on a new era with a California fresh approach, enhanced culinary experiences and innovative events, while maintaining its traditional charm.
For more information, please visit www.gladstones.com.
About Gladstones
Gladstones is Malibu’s historic beachside restaurant, featuring the freshest seafood, classic cocktails, and timeless California sunsets. Opened in 1972, Gladstones is a favorite destination of Los Angeles residents and visitors from around the world!
by Randy Dunbar | Sep 13, 2024
Roaring Nights at the Zoo
Roaring Nights at the L.A. Zoo (September 14)
Enjoy a unique after-hours experience with 80s cover bands, a silent disco, food trucks, and pop-up zookeeper talks. A perfect evening for adults looking for some fun at the zoo.
Details and tickets
(c) Josh Daws
September 13 – November 3
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios
Kick off the spooky season with haunted houses inspired by Stranger Things, Ghostbusters, and more.
Event info and tickets
September 14
Taste of Gaslamp
Indulge in a culinary adventure in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, exploring over 20 local restaurants in a self-guided food tour.
More details
September 14, Encinitas
Solento Surf Festival
Celebrate surf culture with film screenings, art exhibitions, and live music in the charming beach town of Encinitas.
Event info
September 12–15, San Diego
FilmOut San Diego
LGBT Film Festival
One of the longest-running LGBTQ+ film festivals in Southern California, showcasing films and documentaries across various venues.
More details
Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Only in Costa Mesa: Kappo Sui
Kappo Sui Sushi • Orange County
“What a hidden gem, where it’s tempting to gatekeeper this place so it doesn’t get too popular.
Don’t be discouraged by the dated ambiance as the food is top notch. Personally I will choose this place over Nobu as they’re about quality.”
Kappo Sui • Costa Mesa
20070 Santa Ana Ave Costa Mesa, CA 92707
by Dennis Richardson | Sep 12, 2024
After a sizzling summer, Fogo De Chão isn’t turning down the heat, but rather turning it up! Just in time for fall, the famed and beloved steakhouse brand is introducing an assortment of new Fall Menu items that take advantage of the season’s bounty.
Credit: Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão, internationally renowned restaurant from Brazil known for its elevated churrasco dining experience, is inviting guests to experience new and seasonal menu innovations, available starting today at all U.S. locations. The new menu features the introduction of Fresh Whole Branzino, a first-ever for the brand. The Whole Branzino will be delivered fresh to all U.S. locations coast to coast and will be available Wednesday-Sunday for lunch, brunch and dinner.
The Whole Branzino can be added to any experience and is deboned then grilled on the churrasco grill over an open flame which blisters the skin, giving the fish a crisp and decadent flavor. The Branzino is then carved tableside and finished with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. Other new menu additions include Bar Fogo small plates and fresh, seasonal soup and salads to the Market Table suited for all dietary lifestyles including pescatarian, keto, paleo, gluten-free and more.
The Season, Captured
A snapshot of the New Menu Innovations includes:
- Whole Branzino – Approximately 2lbs. fresh, mild white fish, blistered churrasco-style and served tableside with extra virgin olive oil, lemon and parsley. Serves 4 or more. Available Wednesday – Sunday.
- Roasted Bone Marrow – Center cut marrow served with crispy toasts and chimichurri.
- Caviar Brioche – Brioche toast topped with egg salad, Tobiko black roe and parsley.
- Roasted Apple & Butternut Squash Salad – Roasted butternut squash and Fuji apples drizzled with honey and topped with lime zest.
- Seasonal Fall Hummus – Fresh hummus blended with beets and tahini and topped with orange zest, pumpkin and sesame seeds and fresh herbs.
- Carrot Ginger Soup – Fresh carrots and ginger blended with coconut milk and fresh herbs. Vegan.
Fogo remains dedicated to giving back to its communities and helping to eliminate childhood hunger in America through its 10-year relationship with No Kid Hungry. Guests dining in-restaurant or those placing online to-go orders will have the opportunity to donate to No Kid Hungry. As a gesture of appreciation, for every $5 donation Fogo will offer guests a Dining Card valid for $25 off two Full Churrasco Dinners on their next visit.* (*Dining Cards valid Tuesday, September 24, 2024 through Saturday, November 16, 2024. $1 can help provide up to 10 meals for kids in need. Learn more athttp://www.nokidhungry.org/onedollar.)
With every $5 donated through this promotion, No Kid Hungry is able to provide 50 meals to children in need of nutritious meals. Additionally, Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chão, has joined No Kid Hungry’s CEO pledge to end summer hunger and increase the number of children receiving summer meals from 2.8 million to 30 million nationwide.
About Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão (fogo-dee-shown) is an internationally renowned restaurant from Brazil that elevates the culinary art of churrasco – the art of roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame – into a cultural dining experience. Fogo is famed for its prix fixe Full Churrasco Experience that offers a continuous selection of premium cuts butchered daily by gaucho chefs, simply seasoned and grilled to create a craveable salty bark, then carved tableside. The naturally gluten-free Market Table offers a selection of seasonal salads, charcuterie, decadent fruit, superfoods and more. From celebratory to everyday occasions, Fogo provides selections for every daypart, including All-Day Happy Hour at Bar Fogo, Weekday Lunch, Dinner, and Weekend Brazilian Brunch. Guests can enhance their experience with offerings ranging from a shareable Wagyu New York Strip, South American wines, and more. For locations and to book a reservation to experience the fire of Fogo, visit fogo.com.
by Dennis Richardson | Sep 12, 2024
Kicking your feet up, watching the sun set, and sipping the finest wines probably sounds like a dream. Fortunately, it’s also a reality that’s within reach!
Temecula Winegrowers have geared up for one of the most exciting times of the year—California Wine Month, taking place this September. The much-anticipated harvest season is here, and they couldn’t be more excited to welcome visitors to Temecula Valley for a taste of the best wines Southern California has to offer. The month is filled with fantastic events and celebrations, and while CRUSH has come and gone, there is still even more on the horizon:
Photo Courtesy: Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association
CRUSH 2024 – The annual wine and culinary showcase of Temecula Valley Wineries
September 7 – 7:30 – 10pm
Hosted by Monte de Oro Winery, guests enjoyed culinary creations from 30+ participating Temecula wineries and local restaurants and caterers. It was a great opportunity to mix and mingle with winery owners and winemakers at this anticipated display of culinary delights and award-winning Temecula wines! This outdoor event included live entertainment with Jack French on acoustic guitar while guests enjoyed a walk-about tasting. CRUSH set the stage for what’s to come for the rest of September!
3rd Annual Great Taste of Europa Wine & Food Festival
September 15 – 11am – 4pm – purchase tickets
HERE | $149 per person
From the vineyards of Italy to the shores of Greece, immerse yourself in a world of flavor where every sip and bite tells a story. With over 50 exquisite European wines, a dedicated beer and spirits garden, and the opportunity to support local culinary talent, this is not just a festival—it’s a celebration of culture, community, and the finer things in life.
Photo Courtesy: Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association
22nd Annual Ponte Winery Grape Stomp
September 22 – 4-9pm – purchase tickets
HERE | $160 per person
Experience a spectacular harvest-Italian-themed dinner, music, dancing, and the Grape Stomp competition. Of course this means stomping grapes from our vineyard in a barrel with bare feet in a race while your partner fills up a wine bottle with the freshly squished juice.
In addition, Temecula Wine’s SIP Passport just got an upgrade! Guests can now purchase the SIP Reserve Wine Tasting Passport ($100 per person) which is good for 3 visits to any Reserve SIP participating wineries for a reserve wine tasting Monday-Friday (excluding holidays), and the current hours of pick-up are 11:00am – 5:00pm at Avensole Winery. Our classic SIP Passport is still available for purchase ($75 per person) and is good for 5 visits to any SIP participating wineries for a standard wine tasting Monday-Friday (excluding holidays), and the current hours of pick-up are 10:00am – 5:00pm at Fazeli Cellars.
If you’re a fan of the classic experience, the original *SIP Passport* is still available for $75 per person, offering five visits to SIP participating wineries for standard wine tastings, and also available Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). Pick-up is from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Fazeli Cellars. The full list of participating wineries for both SIP Passports can be viewed here.
Come sip, savor, and celebrate with in Temecula Valley this September with a farewell to Summer!
by Dennis Richardson | Sep 11, 2024
[Updated 9/12: Weekend times have been updated, moved from 11 am to 12 noon.]
Summer leaves us, but food comes to us in a decadent trend growing in popularity: food truck tours.
Coming soon to Los Angeles is the opportunity to indulge on the creations of a dynamic team, featuring some of the very best of Korea. Celebrated content creator and viral private chef, Rob Li (@broccoliRaab), is teaming up with two of the world’s leading Korean food brands, Jongga and O’Food, for a three day food truck pop up across Los Angeles.
Courtesy of Rob Li (@broccoliRaab)
Beginning on Friday, September 20th at Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade the “JO’Bunsik” food truck will serve a variety of Korean street food-inspired dishes created by Chef Rob, exclusively for the pop-up using Jongga and O’Food products. Afterwards, the food truck will make its way to Westwood throughout the weekend.
This month, globally recognized Korean food brands, Jongga (the number one Kimchi Brand in Korea since 1987) and O’Food (pioneers of Korean food and flavor), will take to the streets of Los Angeles with a food truck tour that celebrates K-street food culture and their most beloved products. With weekend-long stops in Los Angeles (9/20-9/22) and New York City (9/27-9/29), the “JO’Bunsik” truck will give city dwellers a taste of authentic Korean snack culture with unexpected twists. Each day, guests can indulge in a delectable menu of Korean-inspired dishes, featuring recipes developed by Rob Li exclusively for this experience.
A proudly self-taught cook who has been regarded as “the internet’s favorite private chef,” Rob has taken social media by storm with his inventive and delicious recipes. He’ll now bring this inventive talent to the JO’Bunsik truck, where he’s curated a menu of unique, yet accessible Korean comfort food crafted with Jongga and O’Food’s top products that are available in the U.S. Guests can expect fun takes on street food classics such as shrimp pancakes with Jongga’s white kimchi, Jongga’s cheesy tteokbokki with corn and bacon, fried rice with Jongga’s Napa kimchi, and more!
In addition to Rob’s creations, which will be complimentary and available on a first come-first serve basis, guests can enjoy free samples of some of Jongga’s and O’Food’s most popular products, exciting merch giveaways and other special surprises. Join in on the culinary journey celebrating Korean culture and cuisine—while supplies last!
See the full weekend schedule for LA and the upcoming New York dates below:
- Friday, September 20th – Rob Li on-site this day only!
- Saturday, September 21st
- Time: 12pm – while supplies last
- Location: Westwood Village (900 Broxton Ave)
- Sunday, September 22nd
*Following their debut in Los Angeles, the JO’Bunsik truck will head to the Big Apple from Friday, September 27th – Sunday, September 29th.
Courtesy of O’Food and Jongga
About Jongga
Regarded as the number one producer of authentic kimchi in Korea since 1987, Jongga is credited as the first brand to commercialize packaged kimchi globally, as well as the leading Korean kimchi brand in the U.S. Jongga Kimchi products are made with quality ingredients, are plant-forward, gluten-free, probiotic-rich, and are available across the world. For more information, visit www.jonggausa.com and follow on Instagram @jongga_usa.
About O’Food
O’Food is a leading Korean food company that is committed to making people’s lives and food more enjoyable by adding a Korean twist to surprise the senses. As its gochujang and tteokbokki products currently hold the number one spots in their respective categories on Amazon in the U.S., O’Food’s popularity continues to rise in the market, with no signs of slowing down. For more information, visit www.ofoodusa.com and follow on Instagram @ofoodusa.
About Daesang Corporation
Founded in 1956, Daesang Corporation has been one of the world’s largest producers of fermented food products for over 60 years and has grown to be the global leading Korean based food company by operating global brands such as Jongga, and O’Food which provides sauce, ready-to-eat meals, and many more products. Headquartered in South Korea, the company has also manufacturing subsidiaries in Poland, United States, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Visit www.daesang.com/enfor more information.
by Dennis Richardson | Sep 10, 2024
On August 28th, TIP celebrated the 4-year anniversary of their agency in true style, surrounded by family, friends, and collaborators who have been part of their incredible journey. Hosted at Damian DTLA, the evening was nothing short of special, with every detail, from the food to the ambiance, perfectly crafted to create an unforgettable night.
A Venue That Sets the Bar
Damian DTLA not only provided a beautiful backdrop for the celebration, but elevated the entire experience with their hospitality and service. Whether it was the thoughtful décor or the seamless flow of the evening, Damian DTLA proved to be the ideal location for an anniversary dinner. For anyone looking to host their own event or corporate gathering, the venue offers a sophisticated space that brings people together. Plus, their catering service with CASA MATA, is a must-try for larger events or business functions.
With a culinary experience nothing short of delicious, Damian DTLA delivered a menu that captured the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine with modern finesse. Each course reflected their dedication to quality and innovation, leaving guests impressed. From savory starters to decadent desserts, every bite told a story of the passion and creativity behind their kitchen. The food wasn’t just sustenance, it was an experience that tied the night together.
A Toast to the Future
What’s a celebration without a toast? Thanks to Altos Tequila, the guests enjoyed two signature cocktails crafted especially for the evening: the ‘No Hay Mañana Margarita’ made with Altos’ own recipe, and the ‘Hazlo Hoy,’ a refreshing Pineapple + Tequila cocktail. Both drinks perfectly complemented the spirit of the night; bold, refreshing, and full of life that served as reminders that Tomorrow Isn’t Promised and we must dream and do today!
Photo Credit: @jayanyse @tip.supply
Altos helped elevate the cocktail bar and brought their ‘Olmeca Altos® Plata Tequila’ to the table. As the night unfolded, it was clear that this was more than just an anniversary; it was a celebration of resilience, passion, and community. From heartfelt toasts to spontaneous laughter, the energy in the room was undeniable.
“The TIP team is beyond grateful to everyone who joined, especially the sponsors, Damian DTLA and Altos Tequila, for helping make this night a success. As we move forward into the next chapter, we carry the same values that have guided us through the past four years: community, creativity, and a commitment to building something meaningful. We are excited for the future and look forward to continuing this journey with all of you by our side,” said TIP founders Geza and Lucy Frey.
Interested in Hosting Your Own Event?
If you’re looking for the perfect venue or top-tier catering services for your next event, look no further than one of LA’s most iconic and beloved, Damian DTLA. Their team, setting, and intricate attention to detail make them the ideal choice for any special occasion. And if you’re in need of exceptional and smooth tequila to impress your guests, Altos Tequila is the way to go.
Photo Credit: @jayanyse @tip.supply
by Dennis Richardson | Sep 4, 2024
Celebration of surfing, film, art, and music comes to Encinitas from September 14-21
ENCINITAS, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2024) – Solento, the award-winning USDA-certified organic tequila, has announced the fourth annual Solento Surf Festival (SSF) presented by Outerknown from September 14-21. Curated by Solento founder, Surfer Magazine’s “25 Most Powerful People” and award-winning filmmaker Taylor Steele, SSF offers a week-long celebration featuring a Seaside Beach takeover, film festival, and cultural events that blend surf culture and Solento’s “take it slow” philosophy of living in the present.
Credit: Solento
Solento invites the community to live in the moment by immersing themselves in a series of unique events including:
- Seaside Beach Takeover: On September 14 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Solento Surf Festival will take over the iconic Seaside Reef with a surf contest, live music, local food vendors, a beach bar, partner activations, and more. This event is open to the public and free of charge.
- Film Festival: From September 19-21, the historic La Paloma Theater will host a film festival showcasing a curated selection of the year’s most exciting new surf films over three days. The festival will include screenings, panel discussions, raffles, live music, food, and drinks. Of note, tickets will be limited and available to purchase at https://solentotequila.com/pages/surffestival. Highlights include:
- Select films featuring talent, such as Kelly Slater, Noa Deane, Asher Pacey, Parker Coffin, Taro Watanabe, Levi Swanson along with the work of highly-esteemed directors, including Taylor Steele, Logan Dulien (Chucky), Keith Malloy and more. The full lineup will be updated on Solento Surf Festival’s website.
- A pre-screening meet and greet at Outerknown’s Carlsbad retail location held on September 21.
- Community Activations & Art Show: On September 17 at Four Moons Spa, the community is invited to enjoy works by Todd Glaser, Dave Muller, Jim Olarte, Oriana Poindexter, Mark Cunningham, and Schuyler Beecroft while sipping complimentary drinks from Solento, Kove, and Sydney Beer Co., and live music by Jon Swift.
Credit: Solento
“I am thrilled to bring the Solento Surf Festival back for a fourth year to my hometown of Encinitas,” said Taylor Steele, founder of Solento Organic Tequila. “Year after year, the festival continues to grow and provide a unique space for the community to come together and we’re excited to partner with Outerknown to offer an even more immersive experience. Each element is intentional in celebrating surf culture in its many forms while also being present and celebrating the slow.”
The Solento Surf Festival is supported by Outerknow, Yeti, Sun Bum, United Airlines, Vive Organic, and Electra Bicycle Company, along with local community partners. Raffle, surf contest, and drinks sales will support Surfrider Foundation, an environmental non-profit dedicated to protect and preserve the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches.
Tickets to the Solento Surf Festival are available for purchase at https://solentotequila.com/pages/surffestival.
About Solento Organic Tequila
Made for those who appreciate the ritual of slowing down and being present, Solento is an award-winning, USDA certified organic tequila range. The name Solento is based on the Spanish translation of the words “slow sun”. Solento celebrates the slow. Their certified organic agave grows slowly under the Mexican sun for seven years and is harvested in small batches from a single estate in Jalisco.
Credit: Solento
Championing field-to-sip organic craft, Solento’s award-winning team has been producing tequila for over 60 years. They practice a production process that respects the environment and favors quality over quantity. Harvesting in small batches from a single estate, our jimadors are meticulous in their technique; they carefully remove the bitter stem leaving behind only the naturally sweet parts of the agave.
