Best Of LA: Week Of September 29
Another month will soon be in the books, Los Angeles, but with this change comes a new and exciting October for you to enjoy. New seasons are about to kick off (not just on television), including the LA Philharmonic and Los Angeles Ballet, both beginning this week. Celebrate lesser known holidays this week, including National Coffee Day (Best Coffee Shops in LA), China's Golden Week, and National Seafood Month, as well as the beginning of numerous harvest festivals, beginning this weekend in Ventura.
Monday, September 29
Golden Week: Restaurant Reopening
Hakkasan Beverly Hills
233 N Beverly Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 888-8661
www.hakkasan.com
To celebrate China's Golden Week holiday and the re-opening of Hakkasan Beverly Hills, a limited edition Golden Week menu has been specially curated by Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon. Available through October 12, the menu items include Peking duck with caviar, dim sum platters, spicy Szechuan rib eye beef, and hand-made golden macarons.
National Coffee Day
Celebrate one of America's most beloved addictions: coffee. National Coffee Day not only encourages you to take a sip of your favorite cup of joe, but many retailers are joining in the festivities by offering samples, freebies, and discounts. Head to the Westfield Century City Mall for free NESCAFE samples all day long or visit any Krispy Kreme location for a free tall 12 oz. drip coffee (or $1 espresso drinks). Grab a free coffee at any McDonalds during breakfast hours or enjoy BOGO coffees at Peet's Coffee with your coworkers. Don't miss your favorite fall beverages at Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and if you are looking to break the big corporate cycle, explore the best coffee shops in Orange County & Los Angeles.
Tuesday, September 30
Opening Night Gala Concert: A John Williams Celebration
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 850-2000
www.laphil.com
Celebrate the opening of the 2014/2015 LA Phil concert season with a gala and concert in recognition of John Williams, one of the greatest film composers of all time. Having earned 49 Academy Award nominations, he is currently second only to Walt Disney himself. Master violinist Itzhak Perlman, who worked with Williams on films such as Schindler's List, will perform throughout the evening. The night begins at 7pm.
Wednesday, October 1
Kick-Off National Seafood Month
Barton G
861 N. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
(310) 388-1888
www.theatricum.com
Today marks the beginning of National Seafood Month, a month-long focus on the versatile and delicious fare from the salty waters that surround both Southern California and the entire world. At West Hollywood newcomer Barton G. LA - The Restaurant, you'll receive stunning and artful presentations before diving into your seafood meal of choice. Try the Tuna served alongside a Samurai sword or Lobster Pop Tarts brought to your table in a retro toaster! At Water Grill, located downtown, you can enjoy traditional seafood favorites or try something new like Wild Spanish Octopus charcoal grilled with tomato, pine nuts, and nicoise olives, or Whidbey Island Manila Clams with Chorizo.
Thursday, October 2
The Big Draw: Make Your Mark at Ocean Park
Santa Monica Public Library
Ocean Park Branch
2601 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
www.thebigdrawla.org
The Big Draw LA is coming to Los Angeles for the entire month of October. This month-long, hands-on artistic event will offer more than 60 individual events hosted throughout Southern California, including tonight's occasion at the Santa Monica Public Library where children and families will work together to create a community mural that will remain on display at the library. The Big Draw LA aims to encourage the public join together while drawing, regardless of age or skill level. Check the website for a date and time near you.
Friday, October 3
Aziz Ansari: "Modern Romance"
The Orpheum Theatre
842 S. Broadway St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(877) 677-4386
www.laorpheum.com
Aziz Ansari, the uber popular comic of Parks & Recreation fame, is in town for a one-night-only series of shows at The Orpheum Theatre. "Modern Romance" will offer an inside and hilarious look at the modern dating scene, with a special focus on texting, sexting, and third-party messenger services and how they electronic & social media communication has taken over an old-fashioned dating scene.
Saturday, October 4
"Swan Lake"
Los Angeles Ballet
Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
(310) 318-0610
www.losangelesballet.org
The ninth season of the Los Angeles Ballet opens this week with Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake which premiered during the 2011-2012 season with sold out shows. Performing tonight at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, patrons have a unique opportunity to see the stunning skill, precision, and grandeur of the ballet in an up-close venue. 7:30pm.
Sunday, October 5
2014 Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show
Ventura Fairgrounds
10 W Harbor Blvd.
Ventura, CA 93001
(800) 346-1212
www.harvestfestival.com
The 25th season of the Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft show runs this weekend only at the Ventura Fairgrounds. More than 24,000 original works from hundreds of exhibitors will be on display, selling everything from hand-pressed olive oil to handmade jewelry, clothing accessories and more. Live entertainment, a pumpkin patch, contests, Kidzone, and numerous demonstrations round out the weekend affair.
