09-05-2025
May Food News: Pop-Ups, Openings and Mother's Day Brunches
Pasta | Bar Los Angeles x i Clivi Collaboration Wine Dinner
Pasta | Bar Los Angeles will be hosting an exclusive, one-night-only dinner on Thursday, May 22 in collaboration with i Clivi — with a special appearance by Mario Zanusso, owner and winemaker of the celebrated Friulian Italian $345 per person, the evening includes a 9-course tasting menu paired with i Clivi's elegant, terroir-driven wines from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Northeastern Italy. Known for its purity, balance and mineral-driven complexity, the wines will be thoughtfully matched with dishes from the Pasta | Bar the evening, Zanusso will share insights into his winemaking philosophy and the traditions that shape i Clivi, offering guests a rare opportunity to engage directly with the producer. Seatings are available from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and reservations are currently bookable here. A curated selection of wines will be available for purchase following the dinner.
Hanky Panky Bar Pop Up
Fairmont Century Plaza is bringing Mexico City's acclaimed speakeasy Hanky Panky — ranked among North America's 50 Best Bars — to Century City for a special pop-up event happening only two nights at The Bar Century Plaza on Thursday, May 8 from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Friday, May 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 Panky's acclaimed bar manager, Gina Barbachano, is leading the two-night experience. Barbachano is a 2023 Spirited Awards Top 4 nominee for International Bartender of the Year. Under her direction, guests will be treated to four craft cocktails — each reflecting a unique global destination — served at Fairmont Century Plaza. Cocktails include the Noongar, Imperio, True North and Apapacho (inspired by Australia, Portugal, Canada and Mexico).
Mother Wolf L.A. x San Felice Wine Dinner
Mother Wolf — acclaimed chef Evan Funke's ode to Cucina Romana — is hosting a special wine tasting dinner in the heart of Hollywood on Wednesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. The dinner will be presented by Leonardo Bellaccini, winemaker of the storied San Felice Vineyard in Tuscany. Guests will enjoy a four-course, chef curated menu paired with five exceptional wines from San Felice's award-winning portfolio, presented by Bellaccini himself. Tickets are $187.50 per person (plus tax), and seating is limited.
Dessert favorite SusieCakes and Summer Water are launching Rosé Season with their limited time only Rosé Cupcake from May 6 to May 18. This offer is available at SusieCakes locations nationwide. This delicious collaboration pairs flavors of fresh strawberries along with Summer Water's Rosé for a delicious refreshing summer treat.
An exclusive afternoon tea will be held from May 9 to 11 at the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel. This event is in collaboration with Tealeaves' x Pantone Color of the Year Collection. Select teas will be featured at this multi-course event. The menu is inspired by the 2025 Pantone Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse.
California Surf Club is a brand new members-only lifestyle club and public restaurant by founders Allen Sanford and Rob Lissner that opens its doors today (May 8) in Redondo Beach. The latest project from BeachLife co-founders and South Bay locals Allen Sanford and Rob Lissner — the team behind BeachLife Festival, BeachLife Ranch, BeachLife Grotto Restaurant and the BeachLife General Store — California Surf Club already has 450 founding members. The development is a 22,000-square-foot adaptive reuse and reimagination of two iconic harborfront buildings, and includes a members-only lifestyle club and a public restaurant on the Redondo Beach waterfront. For membership details, visit or contact memberships@
Pasjoli, chef Dave Beran's Michelin-starred French bistro in Santa Monica, is now offering tiny cocktails to welcome in summer. These petite drinks offer customers the opportunity to taste test delicious cocktails without committing to a whole beverage. The menu of MAR-TINYs & PETIT DAIQUIRIS includes smaller-sized cocktails like the PJ (magellan gin, dolin vermouth blanc and angostura orange bitters, for $14); and the Jasmine (rhum barbancourt 15-year, jasmine green tea, lime and orange blossom bitters, for $16).
Modern American steakhouse, Bourbon Steak Los Angeles, is inviting guests to enjoy a one-of-a-kind series of culinary events all month long. Head Chef Michael Mina will host these delicious events in The Americana at Brand. A decadent three-course Mother's Day Brunch will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 11. Tickets are $125 each. The menu is set to feature a Black Truffle Ceaser, Za'atar Spice Prime Rib, Pastrami Short Rib Benedict and more. Reservations can be made via Sevenrooms. On May 16, Mina presents a multi-course menu, The Mina Experience: A Bourbon Steak Tasting Menu, for $175 each. Signed copies of his cookbook 'My Egypt' will be offered, along with complimentary access to an after-party at the Bourbon Lounge. Reserve a seat for this special one-night experience via Sevenrooms.
The 20th anniversary of Pride & Prejudice is bringing the film back to theaters this month. On May 22, Focus Features is hosting a Pride and Prejudice Ball at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena. Tickets can be purchased historic Langham ballroom will be filled with lively music and entertainers, along with immersive activations for guests to be transported back in time. Cocktails and light food will also be served.
Hollywood's Laya — the second restaurant from Top Chef Middle East winner Charbel Hayek, following his WeHo hit Ladyhawk — is launching a new brunch service starting May 18. Enjoy the beautiful garden atmosphere of Laya along with decadent brunch flavors and cocktails. The brunch menu will be offered Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information can be found on
Ippudo V is officially opening in West Hollywood May 11 in what marks the vegan concept's first West Coast venture. The new Ippudo V location will serve vegan dishes, vegan sushi and plant-based ramen. The brand focuses on fermentation, smoking and other Japanese techniques to incorporate vegan flavors with Japanese tradition. Ippudo also just opened a location in Culver City.
Shake Shack is adding a BBQ menu to jump into summer. New dishes include Smoky Classic BBQ Burger or sweet-and-tangy Carolina BBQ Burger with Fried Pickles — and they're a crave-worthy twist on summer favorites, available exclusively via the Shake Shack app and in-shack all summer long. Add on favorite shakes and lemonade.
Saltie Girl is teaming up with Found Oyster for a seafood-forward restaurant collaboration. Following Found Oyster's pop-up at Saltie Girl, Saltie Girl will coming to Found Oyster on May 13. The Found Oyster menu will feature items like Oysters Royale, with caviar, vodka and creme fraiche; a tuna stuffed squid; and a fried clam roll. Reserve now for the meal on Tuesday, May 13 from 4-10 p.m. at Found Oyster at 4880 Fountain Ave.
The Beverly Hilton's Jazz Brunch is right around the corner. On May 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., brunch is set to be held on the rooftop of CIRCA 55. Guests will have the unique opportunity to enjoy a delicious array of spring brunch foods and enjoy a live jazz band. Guests will be able to enjoy the beautiful sites of the L.A. skyline while celebrating mothers with a delicious brunch. Reservations are from $155+ per person, $65+ for children 12 and under.
