Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes a variety of Memorial Day Weekend activities like a Phish tribute concert, free pickleball lessons, a comedy night on the Pier and much more.
Salsa and bachata lessons at The Victorian: Dance enthusiasts can grab their dancing shoes on and meet at The Victorian every Thursday for salsa and bachata classes. They’ll enjoy music spun by The Victorian’s featured DJs and stay after the lesson to participate in open-floor dancing or indulge in this favorite nightlife spot’s menu inspired by Mediterranean-American fare. More info here.
The Great Divide – A Tribute to PHISH: Get groovy Friday, May 24, 9pm at Harvelle’s, 1432 4th St. Details here.
Beauty and the Beast returns to Santa Monica Playhouse: This 30th anniversary production of its celebrated original musical, an excitingly heart-warming adaptation of the original French tale, playing Saturdays at 2pm and Sundays at 12:30pm, through July 28 at 1211 4th St. Would you like to know more?
Free beginner pickleball clinic at PicklePop: This is a free two hour beginner clinic covering the basics on how to get started. Saturday, May 25, 10am–12pm at 1231 3rd St. Promenade. More info here.
Anna May Wong and the Golden Age of Asian American Cinema: Authors Katie Gee Salisbury (Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong) and Jeff Yang (The Golden Screen: How Movies Made Asian America), discuss Anna May Wong and other underappreciated Asian American pioneers of the Dawn of Hollywood. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Arthur Dong (Hollywood Chinese) moderates the conversation. Saturday, May 25, 2–3pm at SaMo Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Details here.
“The World is My Home” — The life of Paul Robeson: Celebrate Memorial Day as SaMo Playhouse pays homage to Paul Robeson with film, television and stage personality Stogie Kenyatta’s acclaimed NAACP Award-Winning solo show about the renowned African-American artist-activist. Saturday, May 25, 7:30pm at 1211 4th St. Would you like to know more?
Heal the Bay Aquarium Comedy Club: Where else can you watch comedy while the fish are swimming around you? And it’s BYOB. $28. Saturday, May. 25, 7pm at 1600 Ocean Front Walk.
Can I Kick It!!!….Shorts Sneakers & White Memorial Day Party: Dust off those sneakers, grab your favorite pair of shorts, and join for a day filled with music, dancing, and good vibes. Sunday, May 26, 9pm at 2020 Wilshire Blvd. More info here.
What to eat and drink?
Bourbon Tasting with Buffalo Trace at The Marina del Rey Hotel: Explore the timeless art of crafting fine bourbon whiskey as you savor the best from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Thursday, May 23, 7-9pm at Marina Del Rey Hotel 13534 Bali Way. Details here.
“La Belle Vie” weekly Rendez-Vous at LouLou: They have launched a weekly Thursday French themed programming with live band and DJ performances, food specials, French wines, and a good vibe. 395 Santa Monica Place. Would you like to know more?
Xuntos Xuntanza! Menu: Downtown SaMo Tapas bar Xuntos will launched “Xuntanza!,” a new happy hour where guests can enjoy a bar-exclusive pintxos menu crafted by Chef Sandra Cordero Xuntanza is available Monday through Saturday from 5 to 7pm. More info here.
Veteran LA Chef Michael Fiorelli goes back to basics with blistered, wood-fired pizzas: This Eater LA report details his “stellar new pizza spot serves inside the lush Cook’s Garden on Abbot Kinney in Venice.” Details here.
Holey Grail Donuts launches Taro Donut Holes: Their new “Holeys’’ are the first-ever taro-based donut holes introduced to the market and are made-to-order in organic coconut oil and are 100% gluten-free. They are available in their signature Original Sin flavor (with Hawaiian vanilla bean, maple and sea salt), as well as a weekly rotating special flavor. 2441 Main St. Would you like to know more?
The Infatuation lists Venice’s Dudley Market Burger as “Favorite Fancy Restaurant Burger in LA” This list of best burgers describes it as “a beefy, perfectly cooked patty, cheddar cheese, dill aioli, fresh arugula, and a caramelized onion-bacon jam on a brioche bun” and “if you skip the burger, you’re living a lesser existence.” 9 Dudley Ave, Venice. More info here.
Eater LA updated its list of Superb Santa Monica Restaurants: This list includes a good mix of high-end places like Citrin & Pasjoli and casual spots like Heavy Handed & Bay Cities. Details here.
Further Afield: LA County Fair This is the last weekend of the Fair, which is offering an enormous assortment of activities, musical performances, food and beverage offerings, and more. The fair runs Thursday to Sunday for the rest of the month, plus Monday May 27 at the Pomona Fairgrounds. Single day, advance tickets start at $15-$25 for adults. Would you like to know more?
Looking Ahead Around Town: Rosé on Rose Wine Fest (6/8),AIDS/LifeCycle Finish Line Festival (6/8), Eeeeeatscon (6/8-9), Movie Fridays on 3rd St. Promenade (6/14), Make Music Day (6/21), Pride on the Promenade (6/22)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting around town, reach out to me at sean@smdp.com