SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes Adoptapalooza pet event at Green Dog Dental, special dinner series at Lunetta and Rustic Canyon, and much more!
Local Author Dr. Laura Gabayan to Discuss “Common Wisdom” at Barnes & Noble Book Talk: Dr. Laura Gabayan, a physician, scientist and author of the award-winning book "Common Wisdom: 8 Scientific Elements of a Meaningful Life," will speak at Barnes & Noble Santa Monica on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 2:30-4 p.m. The free event at 1318 3rd Street Promenade will feature a 30-minute discussion about her book from 2:30-3 p.m., followed by a meet-and-greet and book signing until 4 p.m. https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/event/9780062191456-0
Pan African Beach Day: Join the Black Surfers Collective for a day of fun, community, and connection at Pan African Beach Day! This event is all about celebrating and empowering our community while creating a safe, inclusive, and inspiring space to enjoy the ocean. Saturday, July 12, 9a.m. – 12p.m., Dockweiler State Beach, 12000 Vista Del Mar Playa Del Rey https://www.blacksurferscollective.org/events/
Fridge Gold: A Guide to Preserving Freshness, Fighting Waste & Dabbling in Fermentation: Learn the basics and fun science of properly storing your food for nutrition, deliciousness and longevity. Explore creative ideas to reduce waste by making delicious condiments with things like those kale stems you were going to throw out. And get a fun primer on simple ways to ferment to expand your pantry and add new flavors to your repertoire. Saturday, July 12, 2025, 9 - 11 am Main Street Community Garden, 2318 Main St. Santamonica.gov/events
Adoptapalooza Pet Adoption Event: "Because summertime is the perfect time to get a new bestie." Saturday, July 12, 1 - 6p.m., Green Dog Dental & Vet Clinic, 210 Main St., Venice https://www.instagram.com/greendogdentalvet/
Sunset Picnics at Annenberg Community Beach House: Looking for the perfect way to unwind this summer? Grab your picnic basket and your favorite people - or come solo and join a communal table - and enjoy a sunset evening at the Beach House. Vibe to musical duos and take in the glow of the summer sunset while enjoying complimentary s'mores and fun activities. FREE. Thursday, July 17, 5-8p.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/july-sunset-picnic-tickets-1412856324299
ONGOING: “Two Bit Circus” Pop-Up; LiteBrite Experience; Penmar Sunset Sessions (through 7/18); Night Market at The Bungalow (through 8/28); Wellness & Waves (through 10/11)
What to Eat & Drink?
Summer Clambake at Lunetta: Chef Raphael Lunetta brings a taste of the East Coast to Santa Monica with a festive Summer Clambake now through July 12. The experience kicks off with spinach and artichoke dip with baked Parmesan potato chips, followed by a chicory Caesar. The main event is a hearty clambake platter piled high with Little Neck and Cherrystone clams, P.E.I. black mussels, Caledonian blue prawns, calamari, ahi tuna, apple chicken sausage, corn, fingerling potatoes, and summer squash—all simmered in a galangola kombu broth and served with grilled baguette. $65/person. https://www.lunettasm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CLAMBAKEJULY-2025.jpg
LA x LA - A Taste of New Orleans at Rustic Canyon: Enjoy some Southern soul inspired by their General Manager Lorenzo’s roots in both cities. Expect guest appearances from standout chefs like Mike Stoltzfus of @coquette_nola, Mike Gulotta of @tanaitalian, and Adolfo Garcia Jr. of @eatchichis, and more all cooking alongside Chef Elijah and sharing soulful, tradition-rich dishes that connect two coastlines through food and community. Thursday, July 17, 6:30p.m., 1119 Wilshire Blvd. https://www.instagram.com/rusticcanyon/
Rustic Canyon Weiser Family Farmers Market Dinner: Celebrate a 4-course meal from Chef Elijah Deleon highlighting produce from one of their closest partners, Weiser Family Farms. This will be a 20-person, family-style dinner served in their back garden patio. Thursday, July 17, 6:30p.m., 1119 Wilshire Blvd. https://resy.com/cities/los-angeles-ca/venues/rustic-canyon/events/weiser-family-farms-garden-dinner-2025-07-17
Pasjoli & Birdie G’s Make The Infatuation's "The Best Burgers In LA" List: "The fancy French burger at Pasjoli was once capped at ten orders per night, but after a menu makeover, their burger policy is now much more laissez-faire. And that’s great news. The thick, dry-aged patty is pan-seared and basted in herb butter, then blanketed with cheddar and bone marrow aioli. A handful of crisp shallots and a thick ring of sauteed red onion are the only vegetables in sight." https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/best-burger-la
Crudo e Nudo Team Opens Force of Nature: This is a speakeasy and creative gathering space upstairs at 1031 Abbot Kinney in Venice open Wednesday - Sunday beginning at 5pm. It’s “ an intimate bar designed as both a sanctuary for and an altar to women everywhere. This project highlights female winemakers, distillers, chefs, artists, and those who remind us how to create again and again. Offerings include a curated list of low-intervention wines, spirits, and a thoughtful non-alcoholic selection, all from women who reflect intention and terroir in their work. In addition to a collaborative dinner series, we offer apertivo and the incoming pizza pulley connected the Cooks Garden below, a community where beauty is always in bloom.” https://www.instagram.com/forceofnature.la
Calabra and Interstellar Make The Infatuation’s “Best Brunch Spots In LA” List: For Calabra at 700 Wilshire Blvd., it states "When it comes to brunch on the Westside, it doesn’t get dreamier for most people than views of the ocean, lots of sun, and a menu filled with shareable, Mediterranean small plates. Calabra has all three in spades." And for Intersteller at 109 Broadway, it states "In an area full of tourist trap brunch spots, this is a low-key option that keeps things simple and relaxed." https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/best-brunch-la-greatest-hits-list
Further Afield:Belly Laughs Festival at L.A. Live (July 11–12): A spotlight on Asian American and Pacific Islander stand-up comedy featuring 30 AAPI comics—like Kumail Nanjiani and Margaret Cho—alongside 20 food vendors offering Taiwanese night-market–style treats. https://www.lalive.com/belly-laughs-festival
Looking Ahead: Summer Venice Beach Run (7/19); 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: Summer Dinners, Adoptapalooza, & More!