New Executive Chef at Water Grill

After an extensive search for a new executive chef, the Water Grill chose LA native, Amanda Baumgarten. Trained at La Cordon Bleu in London, she has cooked at Patina, Melisse and Ford’s Filling Station before being hired by the Water Grill as a sous chef. She also appeared on Bravo’s Top Chef Season 7. 544 S. Grand Ave. (213)891-0900.

Heart Healthy Month

Simon LA is teaming up with Children’s Hospital for Pediatric Cancer from now to February 28. Choose items off a special healthy heart menu and Simon LA will donate 10% of the proceeds to the Children’s Hospital Heart Institute of LA to purchase an echocardiogram machine. Some of the items on the special menu include bamboo steamed fish, roasted ostrich filet and a raw avocado chocolate mousse with coconut cashew cream and market strawberries. 8555 Beverly Blvd. (310)358-3979.

A Taste of Hawaii

There is a new restaurant in Hollywood with tiki-torches and a patio overlooking the Egyptian Theatre courtyard. Maui and Sons Bar & Grill is part of the successful Sunset Entertainment Group (SEG) and renowned surf brand, Maui and Sons. They serve 20 beers on tap at $3, tropical drinks in coconuts with tasty beach fare under $10. 6708 Hollywood Blvd. (323)463-3130.

National Wine Day

National Wine Day, “the day dedicated to wine” is Feb. 18 . Events are planned at various restaurants and bars, including Napa Valley Grille.  Wine aficionados can enjoy wines by the glass ranging from $4 to $6 at Napa Valley Grille’s two happy hours from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight. On Friday, Feb.18, wine director, Christina Sherwood will be hosting “Guess the Grape” with diners. Guests can request a taste of a mystery wine from Napa Valley that is not listed on their wine menu. If the grape varietal is guessed correctly, the patron will receive a complimentary glass of wine. 1100 Glendon Ave. (310)824-3322.

French Cooking Class

At La Cachette Bistro on Feb. 26, Jean Francois Meteigner invites the public to a cooking class from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. He leads chefs at all levels to prepare salt and fresh water fish. Learn how to recognize and buy quality fresh fish, and how to poach, grill and sauté whole fish. A lesson in sauces will enhance the class. The cost of the class is $125 and includes lunch with wine. 1733 Ocean Ave. For reservations, call (310)434-9509.

Caffeine Free Tea

The American Tea room is offering a “Tea-Vent” on Feb. 20 from noon to 1 p.m. Guests may sample five masterfully blended herbal teas and tisanes along with food pairings for $30. Included in the price is a tea-tasting cup ($10 value), goody bag and 20 percent off shopping coupon. Limited to 40 people.  401 N. Canon Dr. (310)271-7922.

Obika Mozzarella Bar

Enjoy the restaurant’s “aperitivo hour” and indulge in small bites and half-off wine from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Get 10 percent off your bill when you show your same-day AMC Century City ticket. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd. (310)556-2452.

New on Melrose

Craig Susser, the maitre d’ of Dan Tana’s for more than 23 years, has opened his own restaurant, Craig’s in West Hollywood. The all-American eatery offers an essence of Italy with an Italian wedding soup, Meldman’s honey truffle chicken and fig and prosciutto pizza. 8826 Melrose Ave. (310)276-1900. Open 5pm to midnight.

Kosher with a Twist

La Gondola offers traditional Jewish cuisine with a focus on Italian, and a little Japanese and American fare.  Some of the favorites include chicken matzo ball soup, chicken Marsala, veal picatta, bar-b-que ribs and black dragon rolls. Open for lunch and dinner. 9025 Wilshire Blvd. (310)247-1239.

More Wine Day

Corkbar is featuring a special $10 wine flight for National Wine Day from Hitching Post Generation Red, Brander Sauvignon Blanc, and JC Cellars Rose of Syrah Friday, Feb. 18. Corkbar also encourages guests to check-in on the networking site,  “Foursquare” with the goal of reaching 50 check-ins, allowing guests to unlock the “Swarm Badge.”  As an added perk for all who “swarm,” Corkbar will extend its happy hour specials— including $2 off draft beers, $8 glasses of wine, and half-priced select appetizers—for the remainder of the night. After tasting the various wines, try their new winter menu featuring a wild mushroom risotto, tri-tip chili and fettuccine with fennel, tomato and pork. The dishes showcase the quality of Corkbar’s farm-fresh products. 403 W. 12th Street. (213)746-0050.