Best Activities To Do This Week In LA - May 2
It's a big week with both Cinco de Mayo on Thursday and Mother's Day on Sunday. But don't worry as there's plenty going on the rest of the week to take part in. Behind-the-scenes busboys take center stage in a play revealing what goes on in the kitchen of an upscale restaurant, and a special sneak peek of the biggest little play festival in the world will be held in Hollywood. A Wednesday wine tasting and book signing dinner will have you sipping some of the best American wines, and if you're still in the mood to drink the next day, we've got some great places to go for Cinco de Mayo. National Public Gardens Day is the perfect day to get out and visit the Getty, while Saturday's Kentucky Derby is the perfect day to stay in to watch the ponies. Sunday is of course all about mom, and we've got some great suggestions on where to take her out for the meal she deserves.
"My Mañana Comes"
The Fountain Theatre
5060 Fountain Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 663-1525
www.FountainTheatre.com
Peek behind the curtain of a Manhattan french dining room and see what goes on behind the scenes in Elizabeth Irwin's "My Mañana Comes." Four busboys in the kitchen bring the minimum wage crisis and rights for undocumented workers to the forefront in this fast-moving and funny new play. Navigating pay cuts, competition for shifts, and difficult customers, the men have to learn how to deal with extremes that not only jeopardize their friendships, but also their future dreams. Through it all, they must expertly juggle entrees, and the back-of-house grind that comes with the job. Monday is a great day to see it, as the theater offers a Pay-What-You-Can ticket option, as well as Margarita Mondays in the Fountain cafe.
Short + Sweet Hollywood
Stella Adler Theatre
6773 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90028
www.shortandsweet.org
Tonight is your chance to get a sneak peek at the biggest little play festival in the world. A reception and sampling of performances from the existing Short+Sweet repertoire will take place this evening at the Stella Adler Theatre. The 10-minute performances will give audiences a glimpse of what they'll see later this fall during the world's largest short play festival. The Australian powerhouse festival has already gained worldwide notoriety, so don't miss this L.A. debut.
"American Wino" Wine Tasting
Del Frisco's Grille
1551 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-7333
www.delfriscosgrille.com
In honor of Dan Dunn's new book "AMERICAN WINO: A Tale of Reds, Whites, and One Man's Blues," Del Frisco's Grille will hold a fun and casual wine tasting event. Author, tv personality, and award-winning journalist Dan Dunn will be on hand to drink and discuss his experiences. Gain a new understanding and appreciation for wineries around the country as Dunn recounts his epic three-month road trip visiting wineries from Sonoma to South Carolina. Along the way, Dunn was able to taste and learn about winemaking from an "everyman's" perspective, and he is ready to share it with you tonight. Hear about Dunn's experiences, taste a selection of his favorite American wine and food pairings, and receive a signed copy of the book for just $50. Seating is limited, so be sure to RSVP here.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Various Locations
www.theatricum.com
Often charmingly referred to as "Cinco de Drinko," Cinco de Mayo brings great drink and food specials to restaurants all over L.A. Organic and plant-based Gracias Madre will be whipping up an artisanal blended margarita and sangria, chimichangas, and complimentary cotton candy. Head there for dinner and enjoy a mariachi band with serenade revelers on the patio from 5pm - 9pm. Chef Anne Conness will be serving up Mexican Hot Dogs wrapped in bacon alongside Margarita Snow Cones and Calle 23 tequila flights at Sausal, while over at Hey 19 Public House, renowned mixologist Demi Stevens will be offering up her famous and award-winning "120 Margarita" today only. Casa Vega will be offering their weekly Throwback Thursday "Tacos & Tequila" promo, with the option to pair "The Boss" margarita with a 60¢ taco. For even more places to dine out and get your drink on, check out our round-up of the Best Food & Cocktail Specials in LA for Cinco de Mayo.
Celebrate National Public Gardens Day at the Getty
Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-7300
www.getty.edu
Today is National Public Gardens Day, and what better place to celebrate than a garden that's practically a work of art. Aimed at helping raise awareness of the botanic gardens, arboreta, conservatories, and public gardens across the country, the day will be celebrated at the Getty with special tours and unique food options. A tour led by Getty Gardens Supervisor Michael DeHart at 10:30am will include the annual release of aphid-eating ladybugs into the garden, the Museum Store will offer a special souvenir boxed set of photography books, and the restaurant will be serving up a "Garden Party" cocktail. Take advantage of the Getty's Pay Once, Park Twice program and visit both the Getty Center and Getty Villa (which will also be celebrating the day) for a one-time parking fee of $15. Admission and tours are free.
Kentucky Derby Viewing Party
Baltaire
1647 San Vicente Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(424) 273-1660
www.baltaire.com
Grab your fanciest fascinator or fedora, don your most daring Derby day duds, and head to Brentwood to watch the big race. For the second year in a row, Baltaire will host a Kentucky Derby Viewing Party in the bar and lounge. The race may only last two minutes, but the restaurant will be offering specials from 1pm - 4pm, including a signature Baltaire Julep and Kentucky whiskey flights. Derby-inspired dishes like a Hot Brown Sandwich, Benton Country Ham with Housemade Biscuits, and Deviled Eggs. Seating is first-come, first-served, and Derby attire is highly recommended.
Brunch with Mom for Mother's Day!
Various Locations
Leave the cooking to the professionals as you celebrate mom today. Usually closed Sundays, Hinoki & the Bird will be open with an exclusive brunch menu available today only, giving guests a rare chance to enjoy breakfast at the restaurant. If you still need to pick up a gift for mom, FIG & OLIVE offers not only prix-fixe brunch and dinner menus, but also a nice retail collection, while Sonoma Wine Garden is the perfect alfresco eatery to take the mother who loves a little vino (or bottomless mimosas) with her meal. Bring out-of-town moms (or moms just looking for a little extra pampering) to Mr. C Beverly Hills hotel where they can enjoy a decadent brunch followed by complimentary beauty touch-ups, and optional spa and overnight stay packages. Or for something different, head to Theatricum Botanicum's rustic outdoor amphitheater for brunch followed by a show of aerial and circus performers, dancers, and musicians.
Do you want more great options for Mother's Day? Visit our list of the Best Restaurants To Eat At For Mother's Day in LA.
