Best Eats For Memorial Day
Chime the bells! Summer's here! Memorial Day marks the start of L.A's favorite season. Arguably, it's our only true, decipherable season, and it means long, sunny days, and numerous reasons to sit by the pool with a cocktail. With all those drinks, you'll need good food on the side. If you're looking for some quality bites this weekend, here are a few to add to the list.
AYCE Luau
Viviane
The Avalon Hotel
9400 West Olympic Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA, 90212
(310) 407-7791
www.vivianerestaurant.com
Viviane will celebrate the holiday with an all-you-can-eat, island-inspired luau on Monday, May 30. From 11am-10pm, nosh on a Hawaiian-style bbq menu. Dishes will include Hawaiian fruit salad, pulled kalua pork, tuna poke, garlicky fried rice, pineapple upside-down cake, and a caramel banana tart, to name a few. One price will score you a tropical-style buffet of grub. In light of the holiday, splurge on a few of the tropical à la carte drink specials. Reservations are required.
AYCE BBQ
Terrine
8265 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 746-5130
www.terrinela.com
Terrine's all-you-can-eat summer bbq series proved to be successful last year, and now it's back. On Monday, May 30, from 11:30am-9:30pm, the restaurant will serve its unique twist on American Southern bbq. Imagine smoked pork ribs, pickle-brined fried chicken with tomato salsa, swordfish brochettes, hot links, mac 'n cheese, and sticky toffee cornbread. Add all-day happy hour to this occasion, and you can take advantage of special drink prices as well. Memorial Day marks the first part of the series, which returns on Independence Day and Labor Day. Reservations are encouraged.
Grilled Dogs & Burgers
Playa Provisions
119 Culver Boulevard
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
(310) 683-5019
www.playaprovisions.com
In true cookout-style, Playa Provisions will be serving hot dogs and burgers straight from the grill. This party is all about the summer's return, as well as the restaurant's second anniversary. Purchase tickets at the entrance, and party in the parking lot on Monday, May 30 from 12pm-5pm. There will also be craft brews on tap thanks to The Stone Hop Wagon, a DJ and live music. Get your grilled meat on before heading to the beach, or stop by after a day in the sand.
Red Sun BBQ
Katana
8439 West Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 650-8585
www.innovativedining.com
Sunday, May 29 marks the start of Katana's weekly Red Sun BBQ, which has been a summer staple for the restaurant for thirteen years. Enjoy a prix-fixe surf & turf menu featuring shrimp with chimichurri, king crab legs with uni butter, lamb chops with soy garlic, beef short ribs and more. Choose your favorite three, and cook them to your liking on the tabletop grill. Order à la carte supplemental seafood dishes, dessert, or the featured house cocktail available by the glass or carafe.
Taste of Main Street
Main Street (Between Bay Street & Navy Street)
Areal Restaurant
2820 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
www.mainopolysm.com
Venture to Santa Monica for the 3rd annual MAINopoly: Taste of Main Street event on Sunday, May 29 from 3pm-8pm. Dress up in the spirit of the classic game, and collect stamps for your game board from each table. Everyone who visits every location will be entered in a drawing for the Taste of Main Street prize package. This year's participating restaurants include Areal, Ashland Hill, Bareburger, Bulletproof Coffee, Dolcenero Gelato, Knuckle & Claw, Pressed Juicery, Three Twins Ice Cream, and more. Purchase tickets for general admission or the VIP lounge in advance or at the door. Proceeds will benefit Summer SOULstice and Heal the Bay.
Fermented Ice Cream
Salt & Straw
1357 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90291
(310) 310-8429
www.saltandstraw.com
Salt & Straw continues to push the envelope with unique flavors, and this Memorial Day weekend, you can sample some of its most adventurous blends. With the current popularity of fermented foods, the ice cream shop plays with five new flavors - California Avocado & Cardamom with Fermented Carrot Custard, Sourdough with Chocolate & Strawberries, Fish Sauce Caramel with Palm Sugar, Cacao Nib & Red Miso and Dill Pickle Sorbet. You'll find these flavors, available by the scoop or pint, at all three locations starting this weekend through June.
Coconut Vanilla Vegan Gelato Sandwich
Beaming Superfood Cafe
1426 Montana Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 299-7622
www.livebeaming.com
Sunny days demand all the cold desserts you can consume. If they're on the healthy side, that's an added plus. This weekend, Beaming Superfood Cafe brings back two flavors of vegan gelato sandwiches. Try the dairy-free, gluten-free coconut vanilla gelato or mocha almond butter gelato between two housemade protein-packed chocolate chip cookies. Food allergies or dietary restrictions won't keep you from having a well-deserved treat this weekend.
American Way Burger
Little TART
740 South Western Avenue #116
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 387-2300
www.tartrestaurant.com
Koreatown's Little TART celebrates Memorial Day in the best way - low prices and burgers. The restaurant will be serving its classic American Way burger at 50% off. This is the house's own beef blend, cooked your way, with all the traditional toppings and spicy house sauce on a brioche bun. No burger's complete without a side, so request an order of sweet potato crack fries or crinkly garlic fries.
