Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes multiple dog events, the return of Barnes & Noble, the final Endless Summer CAMP, a glowing review of Layla on Ocean Avenue, a new restaurant on Main Street and much more.
Taste of Runway Playa Vista: The event allows guests to sample food and drinks from a variety of eateries and bars at the Runway. Thursday, Aug. 22, 5:30–8pm at 12775 Millennium Drive, Playa Vista More info here.
Endless Summer CAMP (Community | Art | Music | Picnic) at Tongva Park (FREE): This final event in the series celebrates community, arts and culture. Bring a picnic and join as artists from across Santa Monica and the LA region share their culture through interactive music, performances, and hands-on crafts. Special performances by local youth will be featured. This week features "Animals from around the world with Conservation Ambassadors/Zoo to You along with mini rock concerts from the youth bands of KID ROW. Artist Dajin Yoon will lead a kite-making workshop." Open to all. Saturday, Aug 24, 11am–2pm. More details here.
The Network End of Summer Beach Bash: "Get to know your local queers and celebrate the glorious community we're creating together with a picnic, games, hanging, mingling, swimming, building sandcastles, and being queer!" Aug. 24 at Ginger Rogers Beach, between the Ppainted LGBTQIA+ towers 17 & 18. More info here.
Clear the Shelter Day at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. This Saturday, the Santa Monica Animal Shelter is hosting its annual Clear the Shelter Day, moreover the adoption rates have been lowered to just $20, so pop down to 1640 9th Street between the hours of 8-5pm and help transform the lives of all those little love bundles and you might even find your four-legged soul mate. Saturday, August 24, 1640 9th Street, Santa Monica, 8am–5pm. Would you like to know more?
The Dog Daze on Montana Avenue: The event encourages you to "Bring your furry best friend for a day of shopping, treats, and giveaways as you explore the charming boutiques and restaurants along Montana Ave." Saturday, Aug. 24, 10am–6pm. Details here.
Green Dog Vet Comedy Club: Get ready for a night of top-notch comedy that’ll have you and your pup in stitches featuring stand-up comedians who’ve been on Netflix, Comedy Central, Late Night and more. Saturday, Aug. 24 at 210 Main St. More info here.
Barnes & Noble Grand Opening: Celebrate the long-awaited return of the famous bookseller Wednesday, Aug. 28, 10am at 1318 Third Street Promenade. Would you like to know more?
What to Eat & Drink?
Layla Gets a Glowing Review: The Infatuation writes "Layla has waterfront views and pretty spectacular food." I’ve been a couple times and some of my favorites so far are the mezze sharing plate, marinated kohlrabi, short rib kebab, and the lamb mansaf. Great atmosphere and cocktails too! "After dinner, you can ride the old-school elevator up to The Coco Club, a calm new rooftop bar (from the same team) with panoramic views of the California coastline." 1301 Ocean Avenue in the Sonder Hotel More details here.
The Best Croissants In LA, Ranked: SaMo appears to be the king of croissants, grabbing three of the top 10 on this Infatuation list. Petitgrain Boulangerie nabbed the #2 spot, Tartine got #8, and Milo & Olive got #9. More details here.
Jin Cook: Glendale’s casual "Korean soul food" spot just opened at 3001 Wilshire Blvd. Expect hearty, shareable dishes like kimchi jjigae, army stew, braised short ribs, and pork katsu stuffed with cheese and jalapeños. Details here.
The Rose Venice’s 45th Anniversary Specials : Celebrate The Rose Venice's 45th anniversary with a special seafood experience crafted by Chef Ray Garcia. Indulge in seafood towers featuring a medley of Mariscos, including oysters with an aji amarillo mignonette, Peruvian scallops in tomatillo yuzu water, Leche de Tigre, and Bluefin Tuna Crudo. Seafood towers are available for 1-2 people at $45 or for 3-4 people at $79. Now through September 21. More info here.
Edgemar Restaurant & Lounge: It opened last week in the 1928 bowstring truss warehouse that is part of a 1980’s Frank Gehry-designed development on Main St. The menu features an array of seafood, vegetables, pastas, flatbreads and meats designed for sharing, including tempura oysters with yuzu, kombu cured hamachi, stracciatella flatbread with chili diablo, and much more. Would you like to know more?
Further Afield: Festival Chapin: This celebration of Guatemalan culture through traditions, marimba music, folk groups, crafts, and Guatemalan gastronomy is the largest Guatemalan festival outside the country. Aug. 24 & 25 at Lafayette Park, 2830 W. 6th St., LA. More info here.
Looking Ahead: The Pier’s Birthday Bash (9/6), Main St. Day of the Dog Festival (9/7), Opera at the Beach (9/21), Montana Ave. Art Walk (9/28); Americana in the Park (Sundays in September)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting around town, reach out to me at sean@smdp.com
