SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes Chez Jay’s 66th Anniversary Party, AJA Vineyards’ Yoga & WIne Tasting Event, multiple events at the newly reopened Getta Villa, and much more!
Santa Monica Public Library at the Beach: Southern California’s only beachside pop-up library is back featuring a no-library-card-required book sign out from the beach reads collection, a relaxing Surfside Lounge, games and a Seaside Storytime. All ages welcome. Friday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 PCH https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4rx664jzpj65275skchj9d3ycz/202508081000
Drunk Theatre - Wildest Improv Comedy Show: Witness a one-of-a-kind comedy show where a comedian takes five shots of whiskey before attempting to perform an improvised play with five sober comedians. Friday, Aug. 8, 9p.m., Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St. https://drunktheatre.com
Making Scents of the Ancient World: Pylos Perfume Workshop: Head to the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades for a hands-on workshop where you can learn about and create perfumes inspired by ancient Greece. Saturday, Aug. 9, 11a.m. - 3p.m., 17985 PCH https://www.getty.edu/calendar/making-scents-pylos/
Thrilla at the Villa Scavenger Hunt: Be among the first to revisit the Getty Villa in Malibu, which just reopened after six months. Explore the glorious re-creation of an emperor’s villa and its array of strange, splendid art from the Roman and Greek empires. As you follow a trail of clues and answer tricky questions about the museum’s vast collection, you’ll also uncover the secrets of this utterly unique place. Saturday, Aug. 9, 2 p.m., 17985 PCH https://watsonadventures.com/hunt/the-thrilla-at-the-getty-villa-scavenger-hunt/
Daybreaker - Have Fun Be Nice: Start your morning with a unique sober rave experience on the Santa Monica Pier. This event promises music, dancing, and good vibes. Sunday, Aug. 10, 8 - 11a.m. https://www.daybreaker.com/event/los-angeles-08-10/
Release & Take Flight - A Movement Class & Wine Tasting Experience: Join AJA Vineyards & Inspired Method for a fitness & wine event! Start with a movement & breath work class followed by wine tasting at AJA. Sunday, Aug. 10, 1 - 4p.m., 1417 2nd St. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/release-take-flight-a-movement-class-wine-tasting-experience-tickets-1467365944039
Sunset Picnic at Annenberg Community Beach House: Grab your picnic basket and your favorite people - or come solo and join a communal table - and enjoy a sunset evening at the beach. Vibe to musical duos and take in the glow of the summer sunset while enjoying complimentary s'mores and fun activities! Check out their calendar of events – including sunset swims, community picnics, youth/adult classes & more. Thursday, Aug. 14, 5 - 8p.m., 415 Pacific Coast Hwy. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/august-sunset-picnic-tickets-1412860326269
ONGOING: “Two Bit Circus” Pop-Up; LiteBrite Experience; Night Market at The Bungalow (through 8/28); David Bowie Art Exhibit at Santa Monica Art Museum (through 8/31); Wellness & Waves (through 10/11); Penmar Sunset Sessions (through 10/31)
What to Eat & Drink?
Wally's Summer Soirée - Chic in Black: Enjoy a sleek and stylish summer night out. Dress in your best black ensemble and enjoy a complimentary glass of Prosecco while DJ Nelson sets the mood with his signature sound. Elegant, effortless, and undeniably fun. Thursday, Aug. 7, 214 Wilshire Blvd. https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1020850&restref=1020850&experienceId=514832
Air-Fried Chicken & Champagne Day: Papille Gustative is offering a chicken and champagne combo for $35 and 50% off all bottles of bubbles. Thursday, Aug. 7., 2823 Main St. https://www.instagram.com/papillegustativela
Chez Jay’s 66 Year Anniversary Party: Festivities begin at 3p.m. and includes a vibrant mix of live music, classic cars, delicious food, specialty cocktails, and family-friendly fun. Enjoy the party outdoors or reserve a table inside Chez Jay's dining room. Saturday, Aug. 9, starting at 3p.m., 1657 Ocean Ave. https://chezjays.com/66anniversary
New York Bagel Deli & Bakery Gets A Makeover: “Hidden gem New York Bagel Deli implements an international bakery and interior makeover by husband-and-wife team, Lenny Rosenberg and Adaeze Nwanonyiri. The international and multicultural bakery includes chocolate dipped Danish Almond Horns, Italian Rainbow Cookies, French toast bagels and a gluten free Sprinkle Butter cookies." 2216 Wilshire Blvd. https://nybdbakery.com/
Hasi Bread Now at Sunday Main St. Farmers Market: The bakery focuses on turmeric & butterfly pea flower sourdough made with organic house-milled grains. Offerings include a vanilla bean kouign amann, chai rolls, the Frecker Farms strawberry danish, the bagels, and a sparkling Arnold Palmer. 2640 Main St., Sundays, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. https://www.instagram.com/hasibread
Heavy Handed on Main St. Makes The Infatuation's "Best Soft Serve in LA" List: Further proof that smashburgers and soft serve go hand-in-hand: Head to Heavy Handed in Santa Monica and Studio City for creamy chocolate or vanilla soft serve made with organic Straus Creamery milk. They also offer optional chocolate, butterscotch, or rainbow sprinkle dips that harden into a crackly shell, though if you're sticking with the classic vanilla, we prefer to add a side of their beef tallow fries for a sweet-salty combo. 2912 Main St. https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/best-soft-serve-in-la
Fig Tree Venice Happy Hour: Fig Tree in Venice brings beachy South American vibes to its weekday happy hour lineup. Snack on $3 oysters, $10 fishcakes, $6 chips and salsa, or a $15 smash burger. Drink specials include $12 cocktails—like a spicy margarita—and $6 draft beers. Weekdays, 3–5 p.m., 431 Ocean Front Walk, Venice https://www.figtreevenice.com/happy-hour
Further Afield:Hummingbird Ceviche House: I LOVE this spot that offers a unique take on Peruvian cuisine with a Japanese twist. Helmed by renowned Chef Ricardo Zarate, it offers some freshest, more vibrant ceviches around, creative hand rolls, and a menu that delivers a fine-dining experience in a casual atmosphere at a surprisingly accessible price. 1600 N Alvarado St. https://www.instagram.com/thehummingbird.la/
Looking Ahead: Dog Daze of Summer on Montana Ave. (8/23); A PIERfect Benefit (9/6); Thai Fest by the Beach (9/20-21); Abbot Kinney Festival (9/28); Main St. Day of the Dog Festival (10/18); OTH Santa Monica Seafood Festival (10/19)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting, you can reach out directly to me at sean@smdp.com. Here are my past columns and let me know if you have any feedback on Around Town: Chez Jay 66th Anniversary, AJA Yoga & Wine Tasting, & More!