Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes includes the Venice Art Walk, lot’s of Mothers Day food options and much more.
Free Movie Fridays on the Promenade — Mamma Mia: On Friday, May 10, the events begin at 6:30pm with fun photo ops, complimentary popcorn and a DJ playing music before the movies, which include singalongs, start at 7:30pm. Guests can bring low chairs (tall chairs are not permitted), pillows, blankets and picnic essentials to relax with family, friends and even furry companions.
Venice Family Clinic Art Walk: For 45 years, Venice Family Clinic has celebrated the artists and collectors whose talent and generosity raises money for vital health care in our community. This milestone edition of Venice Family Clinic Art Walk + Auction explores the intersection of History, Health and Home. May 10-19.
Celebrity Opera Series Elīna Garanča: She “is one of the most sought-after singers on Earth; among mezzo-sopranos she has few peers, vocally, musically, or dramatically.” Friday, May 10, 7:30pm at Broadstage, 1310 11th St.
Malibu Comedy Night Rosenthal Wine Bar: Enjoy sips and giggles under the stars in the heart of Malibu. Comedians from Netflix, HBO and Comedy Central. With heat lamps. Friday, May 10, 8pm at 18741 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu
MANGo Milestone Community Ride: Enjoy a free five-mile social bike ride with Metro Bike Share, Santa Monica Spoke, and the City of Santa Monica! This ride is the perfect way to learn more about the Michigan Avenue Neighborhood Greenway (MANGo). This ride is “no-drop,” meaning we will maintain a comfortable and inclusive pace for all participants. Saturday, May 11, 10am–12pm at 17th/SMC Station (accessible via E Line).
Wellness & Waves: Get ready to ride the wave of rejuvenation on the pier with yoga, light running, and mindfulness exercises with the ocean’s chill vibes as your backdrop — all for free. It’s like a beach party for your soul! Saturday, May 11–June 29, 9 – 10am.
Beach Walk & Sketch: Guided by a naturalist, join others in this peaceful pursuit to sketch on our beautiful coastline. “We’ll provide the binoculars, drawing boards, pencils, and newsprint, or bring your own easy-to-carry sketching tools.” Saturday, May 11, 9 –11am.
Fire Service Day / Open House at Fire Station 1: Open house activities for families and children include fire apparatus and trucks available to explore, tours with firefighters, emergency preparedness information and Hands-Only CPR with American Red Cross. Saturday, May 11, 10am–pm at 1337 7th St.
Beck Headlining Venice Family Clinic’s Inaugural HEART Gala: The HEART (Health + Art) initiative is a celebration of creativity and compassion coming together to advance health care for all. The Gala recognizes individuals who have enabled the Clinic’s services for over four decades with a star-studded lineup of attendees from the entertainment industry and art world, including Anjelica Huston, Chuck Lorre, Elisabeth Shue, Richard Chamberlain, Robby Krieger, Tom Morello. Saturday, May 11, 6pm at 3Labs in Culver City.
Free Fitness Events Meets Plastic Elimination Efforts: Join eco-warrior Cleancult for their inaugural plastic intervention event focusing on eliminating plastics and holistic workouts. Tuesday May 14, 12:30pm at 6:30pm and Wednesday May 15, 9:30am. More info here.
Pizzana Scopa Collab: For one night only, Scopa chef and Food Network star Antonia Lofaso is joining forces with Pizzana’s head chef and pizzaiolo, Daniele Uditi, for a “a dining adventure as they blend their Italian roots with LA’s eclectic vibe to whip up a feast that is daring, delightful and delicious. The four course meal features a curated wine pairing that beautifully elevates each course.” Wednesday, May 15, 5:30pm.
Mother’s Day Eats:
1 Pico: Celebrate with a 3-course pre-fixe brunch featuring selections like Oysters on the Half Shell, Smoked Salmon Benedict or Savory Crepes. Shutters Hotel, 1 Pico Blvd. More info here.
Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont: Full-service, 3-course afternoon tea on the Sunset Terrace is $120/person, including a glass of champagne & special chef dessert added on top of regular menu items. 101 Wilshire Blvd.
Calabra Rooftop: Indulge in Mediterranean fare, garden-fresh cocktails, and Ocean views with a 3-Course Menu for $85/person. 700 Wilshire Blvd.
The Georgian Room: Spaghetti Momsday is celebrating Mom with three-course dinner with a complimentary glass of Ruinart Champagne or Scribe wine. Spaghetti Sunday classics include Grandpa Tony’s Meatballs, Chicken Parmesan and a special Burrata from Puglia. I ate here recently, and loved the food and atmosphere and thought it was a good value for the price. 1415 Ocean Ave.
LouLou: DJ Ara and live performances will begin at 11:30am with a special buffet and Seafood Tower at $85 per adult and $45 for children.
Pasjoli: Splurge with a family-style prix fixe brunch, starting with deviled eggs and tartelette assortment before indulging in a spring salad, baguette, butter poached salmon, hangar steak and spring vegetables. Finish with chocolate profiteroles and vanilla ice cream for dessert. They are also offering a special kid’s menu. 2732 Main St.
Sirena: Enoy 3-course brunch menu to celebrate Mommy Dearest, that begins with a glass of champagne or wine, a spread of appetizers including an artisan bread basket, Farmers Market fruit platter, burrata, and butter lettuce salad, guests’choice of a frittata primavera, grilled king salmon, lobster benedict, or prime filet steak and eggs and finishing with a mixed berry crostata with Mascarpone Whip and a Basil Cream strawberry granita for dessert. 1415 Ocean Ave.
The Surfing Fox: Celebrate with their new brunch menu, mimosas, Foxtails, and chef’s special Crab Cakes. Aperol will be providing Aperol Spritz and cocktail specials and a Instagram-worthy flower wall for photos! Chef will also prepare a special dessert surprise for moms to take with them after dining. 120 Colorado Ave.
Further Afield: Wild Things Are Happening Late Night at The Skirball: In celebration of the new exhibition The Art of Maurice Sendak, explore Sendak’s imaginative worlds with special late-night gallery access and programming at the Skirball. Get after-hours access to see over 150 artifacts showcasing the depth and breadth of Sendak’s creativity, plus enjoy food trucks, a cash bar, live music, a DJ set, and Sendak-inspired activities. Friday, May 10, 6:30–10:30pm at 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Looking Ahead Around Town: Montana Ave. (5/18),MAINopoly (5/19), “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