Summer Dining, Bastille Celebrations & More

Curbside Caviar

Chef Benjamin Bailly at Petrossian boutique and restaurant is offering French-inspired California cuisine for picnics, a day at the beach or dinner at the Hollywood Bowl. Put a twist to a simple picnic meal with his caviar dip and sweet potato chips ($14); blinis with crab, crème fraiche and salmon roe ($18) or smoked salmon tartine with goat cheese, capers and caviar ($16). The staff will package the items in a stylish cooler bag or in your own picnic basket. Order in advance and pay by credit card, and they will deliver your items to your car. 321 N. Robertson Blvd. (310)271-0576.

Celebrate Bastille Day on July 14

Delice Bistro is celebrating France’s national holiday with French music, organic French food and a 15-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower. Julian Bohbot opened Delice Bistro adjacent to his French and Kosher bakery two years ago. The restaurant appeals to epicureans, French at heart, and people who appreciate quality organic foods. Open for dinner from 5:00–11:00pm, Sunday through Thursday. 8581 W. Pico Blvd. (310)289-1702.

Another fabulous French spot to celebrate Bastille Day is Monsieur Marcel’s at the Farmers Market. Whether you choose to dine at their charming bistro under umbrellas, or take home your French feast, Marcel’s offers everything français! A huge selection of imported cheese, and charcuterie are tempting selections from the deli, and their wine bar offers bottles from around the world. A live accordian player will be on hand for the grand celebration! 6333 W. 3rd St., Farmers Market; (323)939-7792.

Thursday Night Happy Hour BBQ

Nick & Stef’s in downtown LA is offering burgers and bites fresh off the grill from 4:30 to 9:00pm on Thursdays. Known as one of the “best steakhouses in LA,” they serve steakhouse sliders with vine-ripened tomato, butter lettuce, aged cheddar, dill pickle and Thousand island dressing on their Happy Hour menu for $2 each. Oysters on the half-shell with sherry ginger mignonette and cocktail sauce are only $2. During Happy Hour from 3:00pm to closing, Monday through Friday, many of the cocktails are $5. 330 S. Hope Street, (213) 680-0330.

Sunday Supper

Culina is serving a three-course, Italian family-style supper on Sundays from 6:00-10:30pm for $30 per person. Begin with an antipasti of Roman fritters, followed by pasta quills with basil pesto or halibut with cherry tomatoes, black olives and capers, or eggplant parmigiana, and a dolce with a cup of organic coffee. 300 S. Doheny Drive, (310)860-4000.

Ribs on the Roof

Enjoy a summer BBQ on the chic outdoor Roof Garden of The Peninsula Beverly Hills every Saturday and Sunday evening. The heated limestone-tile floors makes dining outside warm and comfortable. Executive Chef James Overbaugh prepares his signature-barbecued pork with a 24-spice rub. A three-course barbecued menu is available from 4:00 to 9:00pm for $55 per person. Guests may choose entrees ranging from grilled T-bone steak with abalone mushrooms and Jamaican jerk barbecue sauce, grilled duck sausage with charred summer pineapple, or whole grilled Maine lobster with orange-honey butter (an additional $15). Entrees are served with baked Okinawa sweet potatoes and southwestern pepper and corn salad. A platter of Roof Garden desserts is presented at the end of the evening. Valet parking is complimentary for dinner guests. 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd. (310)551-2888.

Happiest Hour in Redondo Beach

After a day at the beach, how about a mango margarita for $4? Hudson House in Redondo Beach is offering their “Happiest Hour” weekdays until 7:00pm and on weekends from 1:00 to 5:00pm (drink specials only on weekends). Quench your thirst with a $2 Hudson Ale or $4 blueberry, blood orange or pear cava cocktails. Nibble on a pail of fries, cauliflower fritter, roasted nuts and olives, or edamame and shishito peppers for only $3 a plate. 514 North PCH, (310)798-9183.

Dive-in Movie Series at the Beverly Hilton Hotel

Classics and romantic comedies are being screened at the Aqua star pool every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:15pm. Sandra Bullock won the Best Actress Academy Award for the movie, “The Blindside”, scheduled to screen on July 8 (tonight). “Singing in the Rain” is scheduled on July 15. Cabana servers will stroll the pool area with light fare, popcorn, mai tai’s, sodas and Milk Duds for purchase. Admission is free and seating begins at 7:00pm. Reservations are recommended by calling (310)285-1300. 9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills.

Venice Eco-Fest

Volunteer or attend the 3rd annual Eco-Fest in the Venice Beach Plaza and recreation area near the end of Windward. It’s free to the public from 10:00am-6:00pm on July 10. If you volunteer for the event, you will receive free parking, food, and drinks. Bring your own reusable water bottle to fill at the ionized water stations. The event will feature a vegetarian food court, sports and fitness demonstrations, vendors, and a recycling station for small e-waste: cell phones, batteries, iPods, and laptop batteries.

There will be an exotic animal area and live music on a solar powered sound stage. Learn how to reuse, recycle and reduce to be more energy efficient.

For details and volunteer information www.veniceecofest.com.

Support Cancer Research

On July 10, the New York back lot inside Paramount Studios is transformed into “Under the Big Top” for Concern Foundation’s 36th annual block party. This year the doors open at 6:00pm with over 50 restaurants, wineries and coffee purveyors providing tastes of their specialties. Live music will be playing on four stages, while guests play traditional casino style gaming, bid on over 150 silent and live auction items, or participate in interactive activities. Individual tickets are $350. Concern Foundation has raised over $42 million for cancer research. 95 percent of the net proceeds goes directly to further the careers of gifted cancer researchers. www.concernfoundation.org