Cooking Class for the New Year

Chef Andreas Nieto is teaching a “simple but sensational” cooking class on Saturday, Jan. 22 at 1 p.m. Start in the grand kitchen of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel to prepare a frisée and fuji apple salad with shaved black truffle and port wine vinaigrette. Next, learn how to make a Maine lobster thermidor and finish with a chocolate ganache tart with raspberries. Chef Nieto will guide participants as they prepare their own meal to enjoy at the chefs table with a wine tasting. The cost is $45 per person.  RSVP by contacting Claudia Lambaren at Claudia.Lambaren@westin.com. 404 Figueroa St. (213)624-1000.

dineLA Restaurant Week

From Jan. 23 to 28 and Jan. 30 to Feb. 4, the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau and American Express are teaming up with some of our city’s premiere restaurants for the winter 2011 dineLA Restaurant Week. Three dining categories are offered for specially priced three-course lunch and dinner menus at hundreds of restaurants in Los Angeles. Each menu offers an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Deluxe Dining ($) is $16 for lunch and $26 for dinner. Premier Dining ($$) is $22 for lunch and $34 for dinner. Fine Dining ($$$) is $28 for lunch and $44 for dinner. Dine at three or more restaurants during dineLA Restaurant Week and receive a $20 statement credit when you pay with an American Express card. www.dineLA.com/RestaurantWeek.

Afternoon Tea at Boxwood Café

The London in West Hollywood offers high tea at the Boxwood from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The afternoon tea includes a sandwich selection, two scones and a selection of pastries for $28 per person. The champagne afternoon tea is $40 per person. 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd. (310)358-7788.

Healthy Bread

Breadbar is baking wholesome and handcrafted breads that offer nutritious grains, fruits, nuts and spices. Their redwood rye loaf offers a rich source of fiber and lignans, which is associated with anti-inflammatory effects and heart health.  The whole-wheat loaf with unprocessed flour is packed with iron, fiber and magnesium to regulate blood sugar and promote fullness. For gluten-free bread lovers, the buckwheat loaf packs eight amino acids and a rich supply of flavonoids. The breads range from $4 to $7. 8718 W. Third St. (310)205-0124 and 10250 Santa Monica Blvd. (310)277-3700.

Prix Fixe lunch at Bistro Garden

On Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. lunch starts with lemon chicken, sautéed zucchini and mashed potatoes or filet of sole Veronique with rice and assorted vegetables. For dessert, try one of their famous chocolate or seasonal flavor soufflés with fresh whipped cream or seasonal sorbet with berries for $28 per person. Tea or coffee is included. 12950 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, (818)501-0202,www.Bistrogarden.com

Roy’s Cooking Class

Roy’s in Pasadena is offering two cooking classes this month on how to make special sauces. The first class is on Sunday, Jan.16 and the second is on the Jan. 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $45 per person. Guests will enjoy a Hawaiian and Asian fused lunch, non-alcoholic beverage and a take home recipe packet. 641 E. Colorado Blvd. Call (626)356-4066 for reservations.

Malo

Chef Robert Luna has a second Malo restaurant on “Restaurant Row” at 7th and Grand streets. Besides his Silverlake location, his new restaurant is set in an historic 1923 era former jewelry store. It serves lunch and dinner in a hip vibe evoking Mexico City meets Los Angeles. Some of the specialty items include a spicy cucumber margarita, buttermilk corn and spinach pancakes with Piloncillo honey syrup and quarter roast chicken simmered in Mole Poblano. 515 W. 7th street, (213)985-4332.

The Conga Room

Basement Bhangra has been part of the New York club scene since 1997. On Jan. 20 at 8 p.m., DJ Rekha introduces the style of Bhangra and Indian pop to Los Angeles at The Conga Room in the LA Live. There will be Bhangra and Bollywood dance lessons at 8:30 p.m. Buy advance tickets online at www.congaroom.com.  800 W. Olympic Blvd. (213)745-0162.