SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes the return of Dine LA Restaurant Week, Spazmatics concert, Esters Wine Shop & Oyster Bar 10 Year Party, and much more!
Library Celebrates Women of Marvel Comics with Author Event: The event features YALLWEST Book Festival co-founder and Santa Monica-based author Margaret Stohl, along with co-authors Judith Stephens and Jeanine Schaefer, presenting their new book "Super Visible: The Story of the Women of Marvel Comics." Thursday, July 24, 6 - 8 p.m., Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. https://smpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events
Thierry Lefort Exhibit - Step into the world of California Blue: Gallery33 is presenting a solo exhibition by renowned French artist Thierry Lefort. The FREE opening party is Thursday, July 24, 6:30-9p.m., 1415 Ocean Ave. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thierry-lefort-california-blue-exhibition-tickets-1475241911269
The Spazmatics: They are bringing their signature ’80s new-wave spectacle to The Venice West, promising high-energy covers, nerd-chic theatrics, and crowd-pleasing nostalgia. Friday, July 25, 8p.m., 1717 Lincoln Blvd. https://www.tixr.com/groups/thevenicewest/events/the-spazmatics-150480
Westside Chamber Orchestra Free Summer Series: Join The Westside Chamber Orchestra this summer at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Santa Monica for these terrific free programs. Saturday July 26, 7p.m., 958 Lincoln Blvd. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-westside-chamber-orchestra-albinoni-ibert-rossini-schubert-tickets-1329193376169
Alice and the Wonderful Tea Party: The zany show returns to the Santa Monica Playhouse this summer with shows each Saturday and Sunday afternoon from July 13 to September 28. The interactive musical comedy invites audiences to join Alice as she accepts a party invitation to return to the Wonderland of her youth. 1211 4th St. https://www.santamonicaplayhouse.com/alice-and-the-wonderful-tea-party.html
SaMo Library Summer Film Series: The Farewell: Awkwafina stars in this touching dramedy about a woman who learns that her grandmother has only a few weeks to live. She conspires with her family to travel to China under the facade of a family wedding, giving them one last chance to say goodbye to their Nai Nai. Tuesday, Jul 29, 5 - 7p.m., Montana Branch Library 1704 Montana Ave. https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4x0jv23m94a22skdc4qxnek5xt/202507291700
ONGOING: “Two Bit Circus” Pop-Up; LiteBrite Experience; Night Market at The Bungalow (through 8/28); Wellness & Waves (through 10/11); Penmar Sunset Sessions (through 10/31)
What to Eat & Drink?
Dine LA Restaurant Week(s) from July 25–Aug 8:
47 SaMo eateries are participating, including:
- BOA: Enjoy a multi-course lunch ($45) or dinner ($75), featuring BOA favorites like the Caesar Salad, Chicken Parmesan, Chef Dana’s Wagyu Philly Cheesesteak, Chef Cones with Spicy Tuna and more. 101 Santa Monica Blvd.
- Citrin: They are offering 5 courses (amuse, starter, 2 mains, dessert) for $99. Highlights include Vermillion Rockfish “ikejime”, Snake Farms Sirloin and Yellow Peach and Yuzu “Pie”. 1104 Wilshire Blvd.
- Fia: They are offerings 4 courses (starter, pasta, main and dessert) for $95. Highlights include Shrimp & Halibut Watermelon Aguachile, Cavatelli, and Madeira Braised Short Rib. 2454 Wilshire Blvd.
- Fitoor: Focusing on fire-based Indian cooking, it is offering a 3-course lunch menu at $45/pp, and a 3-course dinner menu at $65/pp. Lunch includes your choice of starter, small plate, and entree, and dinner includes your choice of small plate, entree, and dessert. Options include the scored Open Fire Chicken Kebab, followed by Alleppey Fish Curry (soak it up with some naan), and finishing off with the rich Chocolate Nemesis. 1755 Ocean Ave.
- Luke’s Lobster: The lobster shack is offering a lunch tasting from 11 am - 4 pm for $25 (2oz mini lobster roll, small lobster bisque, poppyseed slaw) and three-Course Dinner from 4 pm to close for $45 (6oz lobster roll, small clam chowder, poppyseed slaw, soft drink). 200 Santa Monica Blvd.
- Lunetta: The market-driven restaurant has a $35 Lunch and $65 dinner, with such items as a Greek wedge, Summer corn chowder, Maine lobster, rock shrimp roll, and a nectarine & blueberry Crumble with vanilla ice cream. 2420 Pico Blvd.
- Orla by Michael Mina: the new Egyptian-Mediterranean restaurant located inside the Regent Santa Monica, is offering a multi-course prix-fixe lunch for $35 and/or dinner starting at $65. 1700 Ocean Ave.
- Fig & Soko at Fairmont Hotel: “Indulge in a carefully curated multi-course menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients inspired by local farmers’ markets. Whether you're a devoted local or a curious visitor, it's the perfect opportunity to experience the acclaimed culinary artistry of FIG and Chef Masa Shimakawa at Soko.” 101 Wilshire Blvd.
- Sushi Roku: Enjoy a sushi plate for $45 featuring Tuna, Salmon, Albacore, White Lotus Roll, shrimp tempura, and more. 1401 Ocean Ave.
- Terrazza at Hotel Casa del Mar: Enjoy lunch and dinner menus for Dine LA Restaurant week at Terrazza, as well as a special menu at Patio del Mar. 1910 Ocean Way
- https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/dinela
The Lobster’s Sunset Jazz & Pizza Night: Enjoy a summer evening filled with smooth jazz, handcrafted pizzas, $5 OPEN Brewing beers, and a breathtaking oceanfront sunset as your backdrop. Every Thursday, starting July 24, 6 - 9p.m., 1602 Ocean Ave. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-lobsters-sunset-jazz-pizza-night-tickets-1471502326069
Andrew's Grilled Cheese and Wine Trivia Night: Join a fun twist on their classic grilled cheese night. For this pop up dinner, they'll be pairing their decadent open-faced grilled cheeses with unique and interesting wines. Plus, they're adding trivia to the mix. Friday, July 25, 7p.m., 728 Montana Ave. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/andrews-grilled-cheese-and-wine-trivia-night-tickets-1447413636149
Aspen Vodka Cocktail Class in the Potting Shed at Fig Restaurant: Join an evening of creativity and craftsmanship at FIG’s exclusive Cocktail Class Series, held in their private dining room – Potting Shed. This hands-on experience is for cocktail enthusiasts and beginners alike. You’ll learn the art of crafting signature cocktails that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Two cocktails and bar snacks included. $45. Tuesday, July 29, 6p.m., Fairmont Hotel, 101 Wilshire Blvd. https://www.fairmont-miramar.com/explore/event-calendar/#!/event/7e2959cc-fd4a-4cb4-a896-85044eff2764
Esther‘s Wine Shop & Oyster Bar 10 Years Celebration: They are celebrating with live music, free champagne toasts, caviar bumps, special pours, and house cocktails. July 30, 1314 7th St. https://www.instagram.com/esterswine
Su Casa Coffee x Juneshine: A new café concept arrives at 2914 Main St. as local coffee brand Su Casa takes over JuneShine Santa Monica during the day, transforming the popular kombucha tasting room into a daytime gathering spot for all to enjoy. The café residency welcomes guests Wednesdays - Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a low-key and relaxed environment serving expertly brewed Su Casa coffee by day and refreshing JuneShine hard kombuchas each evening. https://www.instagram.com/sucasacoffeeclub/
Turn Dough Opening: The popular European-style chimney‑cake and soft‑serve dessert shop, has opened its third SoCal location at 215 Broadway, just steps from the Santa Monica Pier. The new outpost offers Instagram-ready treats—from Nutella-filled “Unicorn” cones to Belgian waffles and crepes—with generous hours for indulgent seaside snacking. https://turndough.com/
Further Afield:Brewsology Beer Fest: This is the boozy hybrid of your middle school museum field trip. Taking over the California Science Center after hours, the event features free samples from dozens of local craft breweries and cideries, food trucks, and access throughout the museum, including exhibits, science demonstrations and access to brewery reps. Saturday, July 26, 7 - 11p.m., 700 Exposition Park Dr. https://www.brewsology.com/los-angeles
Looking Ahead: National Night Out (8/5); Festival of Chariots (8/3); Thai Fest by the Beach (9/20-21); Abbot Kinney Festival (9/28); Main St. Day of the Dog Festival (10/18)
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: Dine LA Restaurant Week and More Food Events