The Turtle Races are Back at Brennan’s & other Tasty Tuesday News Bites

Who’s ready for the return of the slowest / weirdest race in Los Angeles? Brennan’s in Marina Del Rey is re-opening today after an extended renovation, and opening night will feature their most famous signature event: turtle racing.

Elsewhere: Check out our roundup below of the best Christmas Eve and Christmas menus to book this week. On top of that, you’re going to need a good cocktail to go with all that holiday cheer/stress so we’ve put out a list of the best holiday cocktail offerings around town you’ll want to sample.

As always, enjoy the rundown of all the tasty news bites below, along with the best food events happening this week.

Bon Appétit and happy holidays!

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Brennan’s is Open Again!

Brennan’s in Marina Del Rey will re-open this Tuesday, December 19 with a fresh look and a ramped up bar menu by Culinary Director Trevor Faris. The westside pub, which was recently acquired by the Artisanal Brewers Collective, has been closed down since May for renovations. Of course the bar would not be complete without their signature turtle races, which will debut on opening night, and then continue monthly on every third Thursday. Races start at 9 p.m. on. For more information and a break down of the new look and menu check out this Eater LA profile.

Holiday Cocktails to Drink Now

We rounded up 15 Places in L.A. to Get an Amazing Holiday Cocktail from funky egg nogs to smoky mezcal, the best cocktail creators in the city are taking their winter drink menus to the next level. Cheers to that!

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Christmas Eve & Christmas Dinners to Book Now

1. Current Top Chef contender, Bruce Kalman of Union Pasadena will host his annual Feast of Seven Fishes dinner on Christmas Eve. Now in it’s third year, the feast will feature olive oil poached abalone, uni risotto, halibut steamed in fig leaves and more. Reservations can be made by calling Union at 626-795-5841 or via email at [email protected]. Advanced ticket sales only and all reservations will be confirmed via email. The meal cost $125 per person with a $40 wine pairing option.

2. Tintorera will host a special brunch and dinner on Christmas Eve. Both will be served family-style with brunch available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5-10 p.m. Guests will enjoy a selection of classic Tintorera dishes complemented by signature drinks like Michelada and house mezcal. Both meals cost $60 per person.

3. Downtown CHAYA’s Amuse & Four-Course Christmas Eve Prix-Fixe Menu is a Japanese style meal that starts with Kumamoto Oyster with caviar and gold flake, and Kinmedai and Wagyu Nigiri to cleanse the palate. Courses to follow include Grilled Spanish Octopus; Hudson Valley Duck Breast; Togarashi Ora King Salmon; Angus Filet Mignon served with a wasabi au jus and Macha Opera Cake served with yuzu anglaise and fresh raspberries. The dinner cost $75.00 per person and service is held between 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.

4. Executive Chef Tony Esnault will prepare a Three-Course Christmas Eve Menu de Noel at Spring. The meal begins with hors d’oeuvres and moves onto your choice of Salmon, prepared with beets Hawaiian heart of palm, scallions and crostini or Magret de Canard, a maple leaf duck breast with sweet potato, pomegranate and kale, or the Flat Iron Steak, a Strauss Farm grass fed beef with forest mushrooms, pee wee potatoes and celery. Finish your evening with desserts like the Buche de Noel Traditionnelle made with a Valrhona chocolate log, orange marmalade and kumquats, and the Vacherin, with meringue, mango, passion fruit, and coconut sorbet. The dinner will be served from 5-8 p.m. and cost $76.00 per person with the option of wine pairing for $38 per person.

5. Plant based restaurant Beelman’s in DTLA will be open on Christmas Eve. Chef Caroline Concha will host a Tiki Themed Christmas with specials throughout entire day starting at noon till the late hours of 2 a.m.

6. Christmas Eve at Craft Los Angeles will offer a festive prix-fixe dinner menu served part family-style with main course choices that include apple tortelli with pine nuts; sage and roasted quail; parmesan risotto topped with truffles and more. Pastry chef Shannon Swindle will provide dessert options for the table to end the meal. Sweets include a spiced persimmon pudding, seasonal ice cream and sorbets, as well as a hazelnut, cranberry and pear tart. Reservations can be made between 5-8:30 p.m. The prix-fixe cost $135 per person.

7. Have a cozy meal inside a historic Craftsman cottage when The Raymond 1886 hosts a delectable Five-Course Christmas Eve Dinner. The feast begins with a choice of Wildhead Stealhead Roe with Lemoncello sorbet, and pickled lemon, or the Micro-Farmed Massachusetts Oyster with Yuzu-jalapeno, and Hungarian carrot. What comes next are choices of Wild Albacore from Fiji; Hand Harvested Scallops; Prime Iowa Beef; Roasted Duck Breast; Wild Caught Salmon and more. End the evening on a sweet note with a Chocolate “Blackout Cake” with chocolate malt balls, and Bailey’s Cremeux. The Raymond 1886 will be open for Brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for Christmas Eve Dinner from 4-7 p.m. the Five-Course Christmas Eve Dinner cost $120 per person.

8. The Restaurant at Mr. C will host a “feast of the seven fishes” theme Christmas Eve menu featuring a four-course meal of coastal inspired dishes. Choose from a Trio of Marinated Scottish Salmon; Tuna Tartare; Lobster Risotto; Pan Roasted Alaskan Halibut and more. Dinner service begins at 6 p.m. On Christmas Day the restaurant will continue the seafood inspired menu starting at noon. The four-course menu includes King Crab Salad with soft avocado and citrus dressing; Baked Cipriani Mezze Maniche pasta; Pan Roasted Chilean Seabass with white wine sauce served with artichokes alla Romana; and a holiday favorite, a Panettone with mascarpone cream and chocolate fondant. Both meals cost $95 per person with an option for wine pairing at $35.

9. The Mar Vista will offer a three course prix-fixe Christmas dinner with two seatings available at 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Inspired by California’s seasonal ingredients the menu will include Mushroom Fundido; Kurobuta Pork Chop with corn bread dressing; Duck Confit with lime-spiked sweet potatoes and Persimmon Bread Pudding and horchata ice cream. Reservations can be made via OpenTable or by calling the restaurant at (310) 751-6773. The prix-fixe cost $50 for adults and $20 for kids.

10. Live large this holiday. Mastro’s will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas from 2-9 p.m. serving all their fan favorites like mouth watering steaks, seafood towers and decadent sides like the Alaskan King Crab Black Truffle Gnocchi Gorgonzola Mac & Cheese and Lobster Mashed Potatoes. Treat yourself to a Winter Whisper seasonal cocktail and the popular Warm Butter Cake as well.

11. Lost at Sea in Pasadena will be open for Christmas dinner featuring prime rib as a main course this Monday.

Where to See Life Sized Gingerbread Houses

It seems like every year the holiday decorations get bigger and better in Los Angeles. We found a handful of life sized gingerbread houses for you and your family to check out this holiday season. Check out our post here. Happy Holidays!

Food Events for this Week in L.A.

Tuesday December 19th, 2017

Caffe Luxxe will grand open in downtown Brentwood with free drinks from 10 a.m to 2 p.m.

Long Beach seafood concept Roe will host a week long culinary Feast of the Seven (Sustainable) Fishes from December 17-24. Prepared by Chef Arthur Gonzalez, the event will focus on one sustainably sourced seafood dish per night, served alongside a dish “Catch Card” detailing the fish species, catch location or fish origin, and the names of both the fisherman and the boat.

In anticipation of The NoMad opening in DTLA in January 2018, bar director Leo Robitschek, bar manager Dave Purcell and team will takeover the Walker Inn in Koreatown for The NoMad Holiday Spectacular. The holiday pop-up will offer a festive cocktail menu, featuring “Naughty” and “Nice” selections, candy cane piña colada or pumpkin-spiced Mai Tai anyone? The series wraps up this Tuesday December 19.

Wednesday December 20th, 2017

Miracle on Santa Fe continues at Westbound now through December 31. The seasonal series will transform the craft cocktail bar into an over-the-top holiday extravaganza, complete with falling snow, specialty cocktails and a visit from Santa.

Good Housekeeping hosts a Nightmare Before Christmas Cocktail Pop Up every Wednesday now until December 27, 2017. Themed speciality cocktails, a horror holiday corner and Grasshopper Jello Shots are just a few fun things happening for the evening.

Thursday December 21st, 2017

Andaz West Hollywood’s restaurant Riot House will host a “Winter Wonderland” Chef’s Table dinner. There will only be eight exclusive seats and featured Chef Justin Taylor will prepare an impressive nine-course meal. Tickets are $70 per person and includes valet. Choose the option for a cocktail/wine pairings for a total of $125.

Friday December 22nd, 2017

Come dressed in an ugly sweater and get a free mini martini or mini Manhattan from 5:30 p.m. to close during Little Dom’s Ugly Sweater Christmas Party.