Would you eat at the restaurant of an abnormally long-tongued man who spews blood and and spits flames from his mouth? Yes, we're talking about Gene Simmons of Kiss. The rocker and reality television star is set to open a Rock & Brews in El Segundo April 3. more ›

The empty lot across the street from Angel City Brewing's nearly-open Downtown brewery will be transformed into an outdoor beer garden and gathering spot starting tomorrow and running for a total of six evenings on this and next weekend. more ›

Now in its 24th year, the Great Chefs of L.A. is a culinary event that easily ranks as one of the best of its kind, and it is happening this Sunday from Noon to 3:30 p.m. on the lot at the CBS Radford Studios. more ›

The 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest is but a distant hangover in Munich, Germany, but in Los Angeles, it's still chugging along. LA Beer Week continues through the weekend and so do many Oktoberfest celebrations and special events. Here are a few of the tastiest... more ›

The streets of Thai Town will once again be filled with celebration, food, activities, and fun on Sunday as the community gathers to celebrate Songkran--Thai New Year. Considered the biggest Thai cultural event outside of Thailand, Los Angeles' Thai Town will welcome locals as well as distinguished guests from all over the world to this annual event, now in its 7th year. more ›

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE*: Only in LA, right? Paws for a Cause L.A. presents "Cha-ching for Cha Cha" tonight at Safari Sam's. It's a party to benefit local residents who can't pay emergency vet bills when their pets are injured. On the bill tonight are various burlesque acts, including Miss Viva Las Vegas 2008 Dizzy Von DAMN!, Red Snapper, Vixen Violette, Fever Blister and Ava Garter. Rockabilly acts include Tony James and the Jamesons and The Coffin Draggers with the Fear Leaders. Tickets are $12 at the door. more ›

What's in the holy hell is going on at The Red Lion!? There is a black on white sign hanging on the door that reads "Closed Until Further Notice." The atrocity was discovered last night around 9pm by intrepid man-on-the-street and resident Silverlakian, "J," who prefers to remain anonymous during this trying time. Here's what we know: The lights are off. The gates are closed. The phone just rings and rings. And "J's" intern did... more ›

...the Beer Garden, that is. Back in June we applauded the impending summer opening of the New Otani Hotel's rooftop Beer Garden, and now that we've enjoyed some mugs of Kirin and some hibachi grilling, we're ready to laud this seasonal downtown hangout yet again. A few floors above the lobby level (not quite the roof, but a roof) is the hotel's lovely Japanese gardens, complete with waterfalls and streams, paper lanterns in bright colors, stringed lights, and modest skyscraper views through the treetops. It's rather quiet up there, and it's easy to forget that you're right on the edge of the civic center. Casual patio tables are set up, and a simple menu offers basic fare: Beer, Meat and Veggies to grill, and side dishes. We ordered a pitcher of Kirin (we hope you've gathered by now that we weren't alone!) a sampling of things to grill: Salted beef, chicken breast, shrimp, and veggies, and some rice and kimchi pickles on the side. The edamame is plentiful, and our bowl was constantly being refilled. The food appeared quickly, the grill was hot and oiled, and we set to searing our raw slices of meat and produce. Everything was quite tasty, and paired nicely with the beer, but most importantly, with the atmosphere. We were there as the sun went down on our lovely city, and we made our way (on foot!) back to the Metro Red Line station, which is just a couple of blocks up 1st street. The Beer Garden is a great place to go with a group of people, to unwind after work or to start an evening's celebration off with food and drink. We'll be sad to say sayonara to the Beer Garden when it closes down in September, but there's still plenty of time left to get us back to that garden...again! more ›