Michele StuevenThe legendary Clifton’s Republic in downtown L.A. will reopen again in phases in the coming months, beginning with the reopening of four bars in June. In the meantime, Clifton’s Republic provides a sneak peek of its programming beginning with the residency of AirOtic Soirée, a cirque-style cabaret and dinner show, performed by aerial acrobats in the historic space. Performances are held every Friday and Saturday night. The Illustrium show has been developed specifically for the location, with acts that are an extension of the Clifton’s Republic themes. Highlights include mermaids representing the Pacific Seas bar and more sneak peeks of what’s coming this June and beyond. Tickets can be purchased via FeverUp here.
Osteria Mamma, will launch a Vino Voyage Wine Flight on National Wine Day, starting Saturday, May 25. Available throughout the summer for $25, Vino Voyage is a special curation of the best Italian wines for summer, representing different regions of the country.
Wines were selected from Osteria Mamma’s collection boasting 4,000 bottles and 300 labels by the restaurant’s co-owner and sommelier Filippo Cortivo, who spearheads the award-winning wine program. Osteria Mamma received the Green Glass award for the most valuable wine list in Los Angeles from Wine Spectator and the Award of Excellence for 10 consecutive years.
The flight includes Prosecco Superiore DOCG Asolo Villa Sandi Extra Dry n/v, Soave Broia DOC Roccolo Grassi 2021 100% Garganega, and Merlot Riserva DOC Colli Euganei Vignalta 2016 100% Merlot.
AirOtic Soiree (Courtesy Clifton’s Republic)
The Wayfarer DTLA will host a bourbon-tasting event with Buffalo Trace to showcase the craft of making fine bourbon whiskey at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, May 22. Part of Wayfarer’s “Meet Your Makers” events held monthly, the evening entails a welcome cocktail, three spirits tastings that include Sazerac Rye, Buffalo Trace and Blanton’s Bourbon, three small plates from executive chef Victor Morales including a brie corn dog, fried cauliflower, and a melted mocha chocolate cake with bourbon-infused vanilla ice cream. There’s also a take-home souvenir.
Chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne at Caldo Verde will welcome Phil and Lily Rosenthal to the Downtown LA Proper for a family-friendly brunch on Sunday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In celebration of Rosenthal’s latest book, “Just Try It!: A Phil and Lil Book,” co-authored with his daughter, Lily, the Rosenthals will join Goin and Styne to showcase a special daytime menu inspired by the book, along with dishes inspired by “Somebody Feed Phil: the Book” and Caldo Verde favorites in Goin’s signature Californian style. The event will include a book signing session with Rosenthal, offering guests the opportunity to engage with the author and television personality.
The 9th Annual MAINopoly: Taste of Main Street returns on Sunday, May 19th. The all-ages tasting event is an interactive twist on the classic board game, offering a culinary walking tour of Main Street in Santa Monica. Attendees will receive an official gameboard and exchange their “MAINopoly dollars” for tastings at more than 20 restaurants, bars, and eateries. They can stop by the “Go to Jail” VIP Beer Garden at The Victorian and the “Just Visiting” photo booth and complete their game board to win a Prize Package valued at $1,000. Participating locations include Ashland Hill, Holey Grail Donuts, Alfalfa, The Victorian, JuneShine, Jameson’s Pub, Tavern on Main, Papille Gustative, Pasjoli, Jinya Ramen Bar, MUD\WTR, and Lula Cocina Mexicana. Get tickets here.
What’s Popping Up is a weekly column in the L.A. Weekly that explores all that’s new in food and drink.
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