Kendall’s Brasserie and Bar

Enjoy a French-inspired cocktail this Memorial Day weekend before or after a show at the Music Center. Award-winning mixologist Paul Sanguinetti has revamped Patina Restaurant Group’s premiere Parisian eatery with a new cocktail menu. Start with an aperitif to stimulate your appetite. “Death in the Afternoon” is made with La Clandestine Absinthe and champagne. Tequila aficionados will enjoy the “Don Javier Goes to France” made with Tequila Ocho Plata. Order a cheese plate or charcuterie plank with a French baguette. Lunch is served weekdays from 11:30 a.m. and on weekends when there is a matinee performance. Dinner starts at 5 p.m. 135 N. Grand Ave. (213) 972-7322.

Fig and Olive

Celebrate Memorial weekend with a new summer prix fixe brunch menu served Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27 for $28. Choose from 5 appetizers including truffle mushroom croquette to accompany one of the five main course dishes. Finish with a chocolate pot de crème. 8490 Melrose Place (310)360-9100.

3Twenty

During National Wine Month, 3 Twenty is offering a special wine flight of six varietals every Monday evening from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for $20. The restaurant and wine lounge now open at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday to accommodate early diners and theatre-goers;  6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. 320 S La Brea Ave. (323) 932-9500.

Badmaash

A new Indian gastropub opened for lunch and dinner service in downtown LA. Father and son duo, Chef Pawan and Nakul Mahendro cook with vibrant flavors of Indian street food. Located in the historic Higgins building, this two story restaurant offers classic Mumbai street fare and bar food. Try the spicy lamb burger, crispy tamarind glazed pork belly or chicken tikka masala poutine. 108 W. 2nd St. (213)221-7466.

The Tripel

Owner/Chef Brooke Williamson earned runner-up on Bravo’s Top Chef: Seattle. She and her husband Nick have collaborated on some “haute” new pub fare dishes. Some of the elevated, yet approachable dishes include crispy pig ear salad, squid ink spaghetti, and charred baby octopus. 333 Culver Blvd. Playa Del Rey, (310) 821-0333.

Fleming’sSteakhouse & Wine Bar

Ideal dining for the summer are small plates and big pours of wine. For a limited time until June 30, guests can match any of Fleming’s small plates with an oversized wine pour for $24.95. 800 W. Olympic Blvd. (213)745-9911, 2301 Rosecrans Ave. (310)643-6911, and 252 N. Beverly Dr. (310)278-8710.

Willows Historic Inn

From now until June 2 guests staying in one of the eight elegant guest rooms will receive champagne and strawberries upon their arrival. All rooms include a daily three-course gourmet breakfast for two, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres, and evening turn-down service. Palm Springs 412 West Tahquitz Canyon Way (800)966-9597.

RivaBella

Executive Chef/Partner Gino Angelini recently launched Sunday brunch. Sit out on the beautifully designed 2,800-square-foot patio, for a rustic Italian-style brunch buffet for $44 per person. Some of the dishes include an entire porchetta, whole salmon cooked in the restaurant’s wood burning oven, specialty charcuterie and cheeses and customized egg dishes. Pair this brunch with a Sunday summer cocktail or brunch Bellini. Brunch begins at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 9201 Sunset Blvd. (310)278-2060.

Palm Springs Desert Restaurant Week

Some of the best restaurants in the desert are offering gourmet three course dinners priced at $26 to $38 during Desert Restaurant Week. This offer is good until June 16. Desert area hotels and attractions are offering great rates too. Take a ride up the world’s largest rotating tramcar for a ten-minute ride to an elevation of over 8,500 above sea level. It’s at least 20 degrees cooler and the multi-million dollar views are spectacular. There is a fine dining restaurant and café to satisfy your hunger. During the Restaurant Week tramway fares are discounted to $18 for adults and $12 for children ages 3 to 12.To see all of the special deals, go to www.palmspringsrestaurantweek.com

New Item at Chipotle

Vegetarian Sofritas will debut on Monday, June 3 in all Southern California locations. It’s shredded organic tofu braised with chipotle chilies, roasted poblanos and spices. Sofritas are available in burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, and salads. 7660 Sunset Blvd. (323)952-5160, 121 N. La Cienega Blvd. (310)855-0371, 110 S. Fairfax Ave (323)857-0608 and 7101 Melrose Ave. (323)297-0334.