Fourth of July and More…

Great Place to Dine And Watch Fireworks

Take an elevator 21 floors up  to the penthouse of a high rise in downtown’s financial district to watch this year’s fireworks. Takami Sushi and Robata restaurant offers 260-degree views of LA’s skyline. To celebrate Independence Day, chefs will prepare a TNT roll with spicy yellowtail tuna inside romaine lettuce and wrapped in soy paper, topped with spicy Yellowtail and sweet corn sprout with a dot of sriracha (Thai hot sauce) sauce to look like a firecracker ($13).  The dessert special is a chocolate lava cake topped with chocolate covered pop rocks candy ($8).  Pop rocks will also be poured tableside into a firecracker cocktail for a popping fireworks display in a martini glass ($12). 811 Wilshire Blvd. 21st Penthouse Floor, (213)236-9600, www.takamisushi.com

Venice Beach Bash – July 4 weekend

Chaya Venice will celebrate Independence Day with live reggae music by Jah Moon. An American-themed menu and signature cocktails including red, white and blue martinis and a colorful daiquiri with dark rum, strawberries, coconut milk, pineapple juice and fresh lime juice, blended atop chilled Hpnotiq (a fruit liqueur made from vodka, cognac, and tropical fruit juices).  The patriotic menu includes Stars and Stripes sushi ($12), albacore sashimi salad ($5), Dungeness crab cigar ($9) and steamed Mediterranean black mussels with lemongrass coconut curry ($22). Chaya Venice Beach bash begins at 4:00pm until closing.  For reservations, call (310)396-1179 or visit www.opentable.com. 110 Navy Street, Venice.

Fourth of July Pool Party

Dine next to an Olympic size pool with its one-of-a-kind underwater mural by David Hockney, at the Tropicana in the gardens of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.  On July 4 from noon-5:00pm, there will be a poolside BBQ station serving guests a choice of an American burger, hot dog, or BBQ chicken with grilled corn on the cob, chips and a choice of potato salad or Caesar salad for only $10.  A special live DJ performance is scheduled throughout Independence Day weekend. 7000 Hollywood Blvd., (323)466-7000. Dinner Show in Glendale

On July 3, the Glendale Centre Theatre is having a special BBQ dinner before their live stage show of The Will Rogers Follies. From 6:30-8:00pm, nearby Damon’s Steakhouse will cater the event, while a live Country band provides listening enjoyment. The festivities begin in the lot next to the theatre. The Will Rogers Follies is a Tony award winning musical with music by Cy Coleman. Tickets are $35 per person for the dinner, music, and the show. For tickets, call (818)244-8481. www.glendalecentrertheatre.com

Watch Fireworks at Sea

On the Fourth of July, climb aboard the Inland Packers tall-ship, Bill of Rights to sail along the coastline. The sailing ship leaves the Channel Islands harbor at 6:00pm and sails for a few hours before retuning back to the harbor to watch the fireworks at 9:00pm. Bring a picnic dinner. Chips and soda are sold onboard. Tickets are $45 for adults, $40 for (55+) and $35 for children, 12 and under.  Call (805)642-1393 for reservations.

Summer Getaway Package at the Beach

Situated right on the beach, the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort is offering a special value July 4 until September 12. Stay one-night in a deluxe suite and receive a $25 dining credit at the signature restaurant, Capistrano’s. Breakfast and happy hour cocktails and snacks are always complimentary. Receive an in-room movie or one-hour of Nintendo play, two bike rentals and free self-parking and Internet service for $264 per night.

Families enjoy swimming in the tropical pool and soaking in the small hot pools. Other activities include kite flying on the beach, playing lawn and beach disk golf and finding color-coated coins in the sand for prizes.  During movie night, guests receive popcorn, snow cones and snacks. For reservations, call (805)984-2500 or visit www.mandalaybeach.embassysuites.com.

Support our Troops

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is having their fourth annual “Support from Home” campaign beginning June 28-September 12. When customers purchase a special “Support From Home” coffee blend ($9.95), or a $25 “Support From Home” gift card, or an insulated tumbler cup ($7.95), Coffee Bean & Teal Leaf will donate $1 from each sale to the Fisher House Foundation, which supports military families by donating “comfort homes” built on the grounds of military and VA medical centers. These homes allow families to be close to loved ones during hospitalizations Customers can donate their bag of coffee or tumbler with a handwritten note to men and women overseas.  Last year Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf donated $60,500 to veterans’ services and over 35,000 bags of coffee to active duty soldiers.  Visit www.coffeebean.com.

Award Winning Summertime Peaches

For those who adore the delectable peach, various chefs in Santa Monica recently entered a challenge to create their best dish using sweet peaches from locally grown farms in the form of a appetizer, cocktail, entrée and dessert.

Chef Sal Garcia of Fraiche won the appetizer category for his poached Farmers’ market peaches with red and yellow endive, wild arugula, candied walnuts, blue cheese and a red white vinaigrette.  Also on his summer lunch menu, he prepares a peach champagne watercress chicken salad. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy his peach fritter with a port wine sauce and peach ice cream or sorbet. 312 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, (310)451-7482.

Pier Food Fridays

Coast restaurant at Shutters on the Beach is serving up whimsical retro bites every Friday. Inspired by the newly popular food trucks, Coast is offering clam chowder in a sourdough boule, gourmet hamburger with BBQ sauce, bacon, caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese, French fries with salt and apple cider vinegar and Truffle popcorn. For dessert, try their unique Guinness Milkshake. One Pico Blvd., (310)458-0030.