Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes Cinco de Mayo on the Promenade, Bike Month events and much more.
Accidentally Wes Anderson photography exhibition: The exhibition arrives in Santa Monica after stops in Seoul, Tokyo, and London showcasing locations from all seven continents through the lens of Wes Anderson’s iconic aesthetic. Opens May 1 at 1219 Third Street Promenade. Details here.
Shop for Mother’s Day gifts at Conscious Market: Shop local jewelry brands, create DIY flower bouquets, meet designers, and take free fitness classes in Downtown Santa Monica on the Promenade. Saturday, May 4, 9am–6pm at the Third Street Promenade. More info here.
Art/punk guitar icon Joe Baiza to play Soundwaves concert series: He brings his new quartet to the Santa Monica Public Library’s Soundwaves concert series. Saturday, May 4, 3:30pm at the Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Details here.
Leela Dance Collective: Enjoy a blend of classic North Indian dance and contemporary influences with the internationally touring Kathak dance company set to perform on the Third Street Promenade as part of the AAPI Heritage Month Celebration! Saturday, May 4, 3pm & 4pm.
Cinco de Mayo on the Promenade: The community is invited to enjoy performances by UCLA’s Mariachi de Uclatlán, Academia de Danza BFFM and recording artist Danny Muñoz. Attendees will also experience outdoor dining from local favorites including Casa Martin, Cabo Cantina, 1212 and Ugo Trattoria. Sunday, May 5, 4–5:30pm on the 1200 block of the Third Street Promenade. More details here.
Superbloom Beach Club: This pop-up social club offers a full day of wellness activations, live DJs, beach games, and amazing connections. Sunday, May 5, 1–7pm at Ocean Park Beach. Details here.
Doris Kearns Goodwin “Live Talks” at New Roads School: “One of America’s most beloved historians artfully weaves together biography, memoir, and history. In An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, taking you along on the emotional journey she and her husband, Dick Goodwin embarked upon in the last years of his life.” Monday, May 6, 8pm at 3131 Olympic Blvd. More info here.
Gearing up: May is Bike Month. This SM Spoke post details its history and some of the events this month. Would you like to know more?
What to eat and drink Around Town?
Abbot Kinney First Friday Food Truck Fest: About two dozen food trucks are expected to line the street for the monthly event. Friday, May 2, starting at 5pm. Details here.
Petit Grain Boulangerie opening: This Eater LA write-up describes it as “LA’s Most Ambitious New French Bakery.” 1209 Wilshire Blvd. Details here.
Marmalade Cafe moves from Montana Ave to Downtown: Notable changes at its new 525 Santa Monica Blvd location is a “grab and go” menu along with the same, full menu that it has offered for years. More details here.
Half Baked Harvest's Tieghan Gerard IRL pop-up at FIG restaurant: This NBC4 report details her viral comfort dishes she is serving up until May 10 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel, 101 Wilshire Blvd. More info here.
Manchego on Main St listed among "the best bottomless brunches in LA": A Time Out write-up says "With an expanded patio parklet along Main Street, this casual Spanish tapas restaurant in Santa Monica is the ideal spot for some low-profile day drinking. The $25 bottomless mimosas and sangria pair well with the small brunch menu, which includes a chorizo omelette, torrijas (Spanish French toast) and sandwiches made with serrano jam, imported cheeses and other delicious ingredients from the Iberian peninsula."
SaMo Proper hotel reimagines afternoon tea: Time Out described it as one of "The Best Afternoon Teas in LA" and I agree. I went there last weekend and the food and service was top notch! “Each service includes a glass of Veuve Clicquot or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine, plus scones, sandwiches and a rotating array of sweets that put a California spin on classic flavors.” Cost is $75 but for $20 more, guests can also indulge in bottomless champagne. 700 Wilshire Blvd. More details here.
Further Afield: Taste of the Nation: This year’s all ages event features over 40 of the city’s top culinary talent to include award winning chefs, restaurants, mixologists and more to help raise funds for the No Kid Hungry campaign. Saturday, May 4, 1–4pm at Media Park, 9070 Venice Blvd. More info here.
Bonus Further Afield Around Town: Netflix is a Joke Festival: Netflix's annual city-wide comedy festival is back now through May 12 with ~300 individual shows at more than 35 locations, from large-scale concert halls to more intimate performance spaces. Acts include Chris Rock, Ali Wong, Hasan Minhaj, Bill Burr, Seth Rogan, Kevin Hart, and even a Dodgers Comedy night. More details here.
Looking Ahead Around Town: Movie Fridays on 3rd St. Promenade (5/10, 6/14), Montana Ave. Sidewalk Sale (5/18), MAINopoly (5/19), AIDS/LifeCycle Finish Line Festival (6/8), Eeeeeatscon (6/8-9), 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
