What You're Doing This Week: Nov. 4
As a new month begins, the first week of November offers events that will indulge your artistic side, whet your appetite and keep you on your toes. From scavenger hunts to gala fundraisers and ice skating, this week's events surely will not disappoint.
Monday, November 4
Staff Meal Mondays
Ray's and Stark Bar at LACMA
5905 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 857-6180
www.raysandstarkbar.com
Eat like the Ray's and Stark kitchen crew during Staff Meal Mondays. Each week, the menu at this LACMA eatery changes thanks to inspiration from Executive Chef Kris Morningstar. Offering several selections from breakfast to dinner to simple pastas that range from $7-15, the menu is one of a kind and a must to try. This week's menu features warm bread bowl soups for chilly weather, including New England Clam Chowder and Texas Chili. There is also a short selection of beer, wine and cocktails priced reasonably from $5-$7. Check the restaurant's Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates.
Tuesday, November 5
Kosher Baking with Paula Shoyer
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 North Sepulveda Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-4500
www.skirball.org
Learn how to make traditional and modern Jewish baked goods for the holidays under the direction of Chef Paula Shoyer on Tuesday November 5th. The former attorney turned pastry chef will demonstrate recipes from her new book, The Holiday Kosher Baker, which includes hammentaschen, babka bites and a mix of gluten-free, nut-free and vegan desserts as well. If you are a Skirball Member or full-time student, tickets are $15. General admission tickets are $18. Tickets can be purchased online or via phone.
Wednesday, November 6
VH1 Save The Music Foundation Gala
Bloomingdale's - Glendale Galleria
103 South Brand Boulevard
Glendale, CA 91210
www.vh1savethemusic.org
The Glendale Galleria welcomes the opening of well-known retailer Bloomingdale's to the shopping complex, and the store is hosting a gala fundraiser in support of VH1 Save The Music Foundation. From 6-9pm, there will be a performance from Cher Lloyd, music from famed DJ Samantha Ronson and bassist Miles Mosley, as well as a cocktail reception hosted by renowned chef Wolfgang Puck. Tickets are on sale for $150, and all proceeds go directly to the organization's efforts to restore or maintain music education in public schools. Visit the VH1 Save The Music Foundation website for more information and to purchase tickets.
Thursday, November 7
Ice Skating In Santa Monica
ICE at Santa Monica
1324 5th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Corner of 5th Street & Arizona Avenue
(310) 461-8333
www.downtownsm.com/ice
Downtown Santa Monica's enormously popular ICE at Santa Monica skating rink returns for its 7th year and will be open starting November 1 just in time for the holiday season. The grand opening celebration will be held on Thursday, November 7th at 6pm and will kick off the Winterlit celebrations in the city. Hosted by the city of Santa Monica and skating champion Randy Gardner, the ICE opening will feature performances from some of California's most elite ice skaters. The festivities include a free night of skating until 10pm as well as DJ music and tastings from local restaurants such as Rosti, Del Frisco's Grille, Kreation Juice and Real Food Daily. In addition, if you have a sweet tooth, sample treats from Hollywood Candy and Chocolate Opulence. If you're in the giving mood, donations of unwrapped toys will be accepted for the Santa Monica PAL Best Gift Ever charity. Skates are available for rental at the rink as well with children sizes ranging from 10-4 and adult sizes from 5-12.
Friday, November 8
Los Angeles Scavenger Hunt
Various Locations
(805) 603-5620
www.urbanadventurequest.com
The best way to get to know a city is on foot, even if it is your home city. Urban Adventure Quest kicks off another scavenger hunt adventure tour through March of next year with a three hour, team-driven exploration that involves quick-thinking and fast feet. You'll also learn a lot about the City of Angels as you go, starting with Downtown's Olvera Street. The best part is that you get to pick the day that you want to do your Quest, choose which one of the three races to complete, and of course, you can select your team members. The cost is only $49 for a team of 2-5 people. For more information, visit Urban Adventure Quest.
Saturday, November 9
NELAArt Second Saturday
Highland Park, CA
(805) 603-5620
www.nelaart.org
On Saturday, November 9th, The Northeast Los Angeles Art organization (NELAArt) hosts its monthly art exhibit featuring work from various independent artists, galleries and performance spaces in the neighborhood. Visit NELAArt for a map of participating galleries, which will help you plan several stops during the events hours of 7-10p. To make it easy on yourself, avoid traffic and take the metro which will get you there fast. Interested in learning more? Grab a copy of the NELA Art Newspaper from Eastside newsstands for more information about upcoming events.
Sunday, November 10
Japanese Food Festival
Hilton Los Angeles
555 Universal Hollywood Drive
Universal City, CA 91608
(213) 687-4055
www.jraamerica.com
This weekend, get your fill of sushi, ramen, sake and more at the 14th Annual Japanese Food Festival. From 11am to 3pm, a ticket for $60 provides an all-you-can-eat experience, along with jazz, Taiko and Koto music. Make sure to catch the tuna filleting demonstration, and if you're feeling like a champ, sign up for the sushi eating contest. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit The Japanese Restaurant Association of America.
Chrystal Baker is a freelance food and events contributor for CBS Los Angeles, Basil Magazine and Frugivore Magazine. She is the co-editor of a recipe blog, The Duo Dishes, and manages her own lifestyle and travel blog, Any and Everywhere.
