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An Early Oktoberfest, A Pork Showdown & More Weekend Food Events
The weekend is in sight and we're already hungry. From an early Oktoberfest celebration to yet another Asian street food festival, we've tracked down some of the best events going on around town. And don't forget to check our weekend planner for more fun activities.
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Poolside Rosé Sorbé and Thai Iced Tea from OddFellows Ice Cream Co. (via Instagram)
FRIDAY, MARCH 11
Halftoberfest at Alpine Village
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For the thirsty among us who just can't wait until Oktoberfest to throw back steins of beer and chicken dances, head to Torrance's Alpine Village for Halftoberfest. Celebrate the halfway mark with a scaled down version of their yearly fest, which will feature stein-holding competitions, the Alpine Allstar Oom-pah Band, costume contests and, of course, plenty of beer and German grub. Don your finest lederhosen, dirndl or other Bavarian outfit for free admission, otherwise tickets are $10 at the door or $8 in advance. The festivities kick off at 8 p.m.
NYC's OddFellows Ice Cream Co. Pop-up With Funky Flavors
Beloved NYC ice cream purveyors OddFellows—known for deliciously quirky flavors—are making their West Coast pop-up appearance this weekend on the rooftop Altitude Pool deck at the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills. The crew will be scooping up some of their unique homemade ice creams like rosé sorbet topped with sparkling rosé, grapefruit jalapeño ice cream, chorizo caramel swirl and tarragon margarita pop on a stick. Like we said, funky. The pop-up is happening Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
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$1 Oysters at Knuckle & Claw (via http://rnrpub.com/">Instagram)
SATURDAY, MARCH 12
Big Cap Beer & Cider Fest
Even if you're not the biggest fan of horse racing, this historic race day offers the chance to sample quality craft beer and cider trackside. Hang out and drink by the homestretch and Clocker's Corner, while enjoying bites from food trucks. Heck, you may even get into the races and fancy a wager. The $35 general admission ticket gets you 8 (3oz.) beer or cider tastings, plus one 12 oz. pour and a commemorative glass. The $65 VIP package will double your tastings, include the 12 oz. pour, glass, plus a fast pass to skip tasting lines and a $10 food truck voucher. The event takes place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. More information and tickets can be found here.
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Electric Asian Night Market
This SGV street food fest—not to be confused with 626 Night Market—will feature a host of Asian-inspired food trucks and vendors, a craft beer garden and live music. some of the vendors include Kogi BBQ, India Jones Chow Truck, Streets of Thailand, Phantom Food Truck, and Big Wave Grill. The event takes place at 29 South Electric Avenue in Alhambra, and admission is free. You can find out more and follow them for updates here.
$1 Oysters and Champagne at Knuckle & Claw's 1st Anniversary
Celebrate the first year of Silver Lake's popular spot for lobster rolls and other East Coast fare with $1 oysters and $9 half-bottles of champagne. It's a birthday, so party down! The even runs throughout the day.
Knuckle & Claw is located at 3112 W. Sunset Blvd., (323) 407-6142
Rock & Reilly's 5th Annual St. Paddy' s Block Party
Head to West Hollywood to get St. Patrick's Day started early with the fifth annual block party at this rollicking Irish pub. The event will feature food trucks, over 100 kegs of green beer, eight full bars, and DJs spinning music. They expect upwards of 5000 guests, so be prepared for a crowd and plenty of drunken Irish revelry.
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Rock & Reilly's is located at 8911 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, (310) 360-1400
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Pork and whiskey at Cochon 555 (via Facebook)
SUNDAY, MARCH 13
Cochon 555 at Hotel Viceroy Santa Monica
This annual nose-to-tail celebration of all things porcine pits an impressive lineup of chefs who are vying for a spot to at Grand Cochon this June. Winner of Grand Cochon goes on to get crowned "King or Queen of Porc." Each chef will prepare a maximum of six dishes from one whole hog. This year's competitors include Carlos Salgado of Taco Maria, Bruce Kalman of Union, Jason Neroni of Rose Cafe, Brooke Williamson of Playa Provisions and returning champ Walter Manzke of Republique. There will also be plenty of cocktails, live music and entertainment, and pork-related antics. The event also benefits Piggy Bank, a genetic sanctuary that will offer free heritage breed pigs and business plans to emerging family farms. You can learn more here and purchase tickets here.
Italian Sunday Suppers at aestus
This new Santa Monica farm-friendly restaurant is kicking of their new Sunday supper series that will take you on a tour through the flavors of Italy. For $45 you'll be treated to a four-course feast inspired by the family meals that executive chef Andrew "Dru" Betita O'Connor grew up eating, only with a modern twist. The supper will start with an antipasto platter, and main course options this weekend include housemade tagliatelle with slow-cooked pork ragu, grilled branzino with braised treviso and roasted potatoes, or fire-roasted chicken with artichokes and olives. Italian wine pairings are available upon request from owner and wine director Kevin O'Connor, including an amaro option with the dessert course. Kids under 12 can join the family-friendly meal for $20. Reservations are encouraged and the supper is available from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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aestus is located at 507 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, (424) 268-4433
"Spring Break" Wine Tasting at Esters Wine Shop & Bar
If you're looking to expand your wine knowledge or just unwind in the afternoon, head to this super casual tasting at Esters Wine Shop from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. For $25 a person, you'll get a flight of wines and an array of quality cheese. This week's tasting will feature "Spring Break Wines"—perfect for any road trips or picnics this spring, or for just sipping on the couch at home. No reservations are required and you can just drop in during the two hour window. Plus, all wines from the tasting will be available with a 10% discount that day.
Esters Wine Shop and Bar is located at 1314 7th St, Santa Monica, (310) 899-6900
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