Talk of the town Tastings

Tequila Connoisseurs

Sample the world’s finest Tequilas and snack on scrumptious hors d’oeuvres at Lawry’s next Wednesday, August 18 from 6-8pm. Tastes of both domestic and imported tequilas will be offered with specialty cocktails, while live mariachi music from “Mariachi Mexico en America” will put everyone in a festive mood. Reservations can be made at (310)360-6181. 100 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills.

Roy’s Fine Dining & Now Gifts! Dining at Roy’s is a uniquely Hawaiian experience. Dishes like the delectable spicy ginger steamed Hawaiian shutome are one of Roy’s specialties. Have your next dinner party at Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine. When you spend $500 or more, guests will automatically receive 10% off and each guest in attendance will receive a $20 dining certificate to use at a future visit. 800 South Figueroa Street, (213)488-4994; and also in Pasadena at 641 E. Colorado Blvd., (626) 356-4066.

Vodka-centric Menu

To celebrate his 30 years in the industry, Larry Nicola and the Nic’s Beverly Hills team are offering a 30th anniversary prix fixe menu for $30. Premium vodka (3 tastes for $15) and luxury vodka flights (3 tastings for $30) are available until August 30. They have added full dinner service on their outdoor patio and nightly “Nic’s at Nite” entertainment. 453 N. Canon Dr., (310)550-5707.

Summer Jazz Nights

Maison 140 is offering the sultry sound of jazz artist Matthew Maze at Bar Noir every Wednesday from 7-9pm, now through September. Beer, wine and spirits start at $7. Parking is complimentary and there is no cover charge. RSVP at (310)281-4003. 140 Lasky Dr., Beverly Hills.

Kosher Cuisine at Four Seasons Westlake Village

There is a new partnership between the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village and Tierra Sur restaurant at Herzog wine cellars in Oxnard. Executive chef Mario Alcocer and Tierra Sur’s executive chef, Todd Aarons, collaborate to provide Glatt kosher menus for weddings, social galas, bar and bat mitzvahs in a dedicated kosher kitchen located adjacent to the 11,600-square-food Grand Ballroom. To inquire about kosher weddings and events (818)575-3052. 2 Dole Dr., Westlake Village.

New Italian Chef

Often touted “the most romantic restaurant in Los Angeles,” Il Cielo has a new chef, Davide Giani from Florence, Italy serving up country Italian dishes. One of his new appetizers is a tuna tartare Napoleon with cherry tomatoes and kalamata olive confit ($16). The landmark restaurant calls itself “a country restaurant in the city”. 9018 Burton Way, Beverly Hills (310)276-9990.

Gonpachi Restaurant located in the Miyako Hybrid Hotel - a LEED certified Building - invites guests to experience modern Japan in an all new green environment. The hotel offers several packages to dine and stay. Visit www.miyakohybridhotel.com for more information. (photo courtesy of Miyako Hybrid Hotel)

Cinq à Sept at Comme Ca

Enjoy the French tradition of “Cinq à Sept” from 5-7pm at Comme Ca. Traditionally held before the formal dinner hours, a selection of beer and wines by the glass are available from $4 to $9. The $6 cocktail specials include: Vodka Daisy, a libation of vodka, lime, and house-made curacao, Mojito, and Rye Smash with rye, lemon wedges, honey and mint. A new menu of delectable bites includes Peruvian bay scallops ceviche with caramelized peaches and fennel, or vegetable “à la Grecque” with tarragon mustard and pretzel bread, or Pouline with pomme frites, Vermont white cheddar curds, sausage gravy and sunny side egg. Join them for $20 prix fixe for lunch, Mon.-Fri., or dinner and weekend brunch. 8479 Melrose Ave., (323)782-1104.

New Breakfast Menu at SimonLA

Start your morning at SimonLA to try their new breakfast menu. Some favorites include lobster benedict on rosemary foccacia, sautéed spinach, confit tomato and hollandaise sauce ($20) and four brioche French toast with homemade raspberry jam, lemon mascarpone, nutella and berries ($13). Breakfast is served from 6:30-11:30 a.m. (310)358-3979, 8555 Beverly Blvd. at the Hotel Sofitel LA.

Picnic Bento Boxes

Maison Akira in Pasadena is preparing boxes for picnics at the Rose Bowl, Descanso Gardens, and the Hollywood Bowl. Start with a soba pasta salad, shrimp cocktail, house smoked duck breast and salmon, French cheese, salami & garlic sausage, ratatouille, and assorted vegetables. For the main course, choose miso marinated Chilean sea bass, grilled sliced chicken or Kobe Steak (add $8). Dessert includes an apple tart with caramel sauce. Each box is $25 with a minimum order of two. All orders must be pre-paid and ordered 24 hours in advance. 713 E. Green St., (626)796-9501.

Rejuvenating Spa and Lunch Deal

The new spaRelaken and Gonpachi restaurant located inside the Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance is offering a special spa-and-lunch-package for $45. Relax in America’s first hot stone day spa that features the SGE bedrock bath treatment. After a dip in a warm spa bath, change into Japanese style cotton pajamas and enter a sanctuary-like room. Lie on heated “super growth energy” stones to restore cells and encourage beneficial detoxification through perspiration. In Japan this legendary and beneficial spa treatment is known to improve circulation and metabolism, giving people a sense of healing and rejuvenation from the inside out.

Afterwards, stroll over to the adjacent Gonpachi restaurant for a healthy bento box lunch of house-made soba noodles, seasonal appetizers, tempura or fresh tofu, and a California roll. The lunch includes a visit to the East-meets-West salad and soup bar.

Gonpachi restaurant offers its signature fusion cuisine which is an intriguing combination of authentic Japanese cooking influenced by California’s unique culinary flavors and styles. They use the finest Japanese ingredients brought in locally and from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market. At the bar, enjoy a wide array of rare Japanese sake and shochu, as well as wines and beer.

Spa Healthy lunch packages must be booked between 10am to 1:30 p.m. Call spaRelaken (310)212-6408. Gonpachi Torrance
21381 S. Western Ave.
Torrance, (310)320- 6700, www.globaldiningCA.com.