Ayara Thai

Ayara Thai invites guests to explore each region of Thailand in August through their cuisine. Guests can visit the central region from Friday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 16 with nam prik kapi, an umami-filled fermented shrimp paste with chili relish paired with fried mackerel and an acacia omelet. From Friday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 23, diners can explore the northeastern region with nam prik pla la with roasted mushroom and fermented fish sauce relish paired with assorted veggies and kabocha. Guests are encouraged to take a photo of their nam prik dish and post it on Instagram using the tag @AyaraThai and hashtag #AyaraNamPrik for a chance to win a $200 Ayara Thai gift card; one entry per person. A winning photo will be selected randomly and will be announced on Monday, Aug. 31. 6245 W. 87th St., Westchester. (310)410-8848.

Taco and Beer Cruise

Island Packers in Ventura is offering a craft beer cruise on Saturday, Aug. 15 with Anacapa Brewery craft beers and Tacos Gourmet by Fernando. The menu features mini chicken tacos, beef tacos, and rice and beans. A harbor cruise runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., with live music and light appetizers. Rockin’ Rhythm & Blues with Halcyon by Paul Belgum & Dave Ackerman will perform. The fare is $44 for adults and $40 for guests 55 and over. Two drink tickets are included on the cruise. 1691 Spinnaker Drive, Ste. 105B. (805)642-1393.

Spiked Tropical Punch Tasting

Visitors are invited to stroll past historic buildings, boutiques, theaters, galleries and unique restaurants on tree-lined streets during a “Third Wednesdays” celebration on Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 5 to 9 p.m. in downtown Culver City. Samples of spiked tropical punch and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. Musical performers Island Rhythms and Nesta will fill the streets with the sound of Caribbean music. Participants can receive a “Third Wednesdays Passport” at participating businesses, and turn it in at the end of the evening at LaRocco’s Pizzeria, 3819 Main St., for entry in a raffle; no purchase necessary. Parking is free in municipal structures for up to two hours, and valet parking is available. The event is held along Culver and Washington boulevards, and Duquesne Avenue. (310)837-8345.

Abigaile Five-Course Dinner

Abigaile presents a five-course beer dinner on Wednesday, Aug.19 at 7 p.m., featuring pairings from Three Weavers Brewing in Inglewood. Founded by Lynne Weaver, Three Weavers Brewing boasts the only female brewmaster in Los Angeles — Alexandra Nowell. Chef de cuisine David Bartnes will prepare five courses of elevated British pub fare inspired by his visits to England. Diners can enjoy a British charcuterie board, Welsh rarebit, bangers and mash, fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding. Each dish is served with Three Weavers’ brews, selected by beverage director Dave Keenan. The dinner is $50 per person. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/three-weav3rs-beer-dinner-tickets-18044212726. 1301 Manhattan Ave. (310)798-8227.

Crossroads Tower

Crossroads Tower chef and owner Tal Ronnen and executive chef Scot Jones have created a plant-based interpretation of a classic fruits de mer seafood tower that is available through mid-September. The stars of the dish are lobster mushrooms grown in southern Oregon in limited quantities that are available during late summer and offer seafood-like flavors. Hearts of peach palms are used in place of calamari. Accoutrements of mignonette, house cocktail and tartar sauces complement the shitake mushroom “oyster” shooters poached in olive oil and kombu seaweed and served with a choice of tequila or vodka. Clams Casino are made with smoked shallots that evoke the flavors of bacon. A crab Louie salad, along with smoked “lox” made entirely of heirloom carrots and topped with kelp caviar, are also included. In the East Coast tradition, housemade Parker House rolls are served with the tower. It excludes eggs, dairy and high-cholesterol shellfish and seafood, and pairs well with cocktails or a glass of rosé. The tower is available during dinner service on Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight. The restaurant is also open from 5 to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. 8284 Melrose Ave. (323)782-9245.

National Filet Mignon Day

Mastro’s Restaurants are celebrating National Filet Mignon Day everyday with tender wagyu filets, New York strips, 24-ounce porterhouses and 22-ounce bone-in rib-eye steaks. Each dish is complemented with signature sides, such as the lobster mashed potatoes. Desserts such as the restaurant’s famous butter cake, are offered. Icy classic martinis arrive at the table amid a dramatic swirl of dry ice fog. 246 N. Canon Drive. (310)888-8782.

Brunch at Forma

Forma is offering a brunch menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with executive chef Piero Topputo preparing pizza and eggs, frittatas, ricotta pancakes and brioche French toast. Named in honor of formaggio, Forma offers a diverse, contemporary Italian menu in a modern setting. Small plates and entrées, wine, beer and cheese tastings are available. 1610 Montana Ave. (424)231-2868.

Dudley Market Opens in Venice

Dudley Market recently opened in Venice with a market, restaurant and retail space by chef Jesse Barber. The market serves grab-and-go, full service breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner items. The artisanal retail and dining haven also has a specialty retail shop. Located steps from the Venice Boardwalk at the corner of Dudley Avenue and Speedway, it’s housed in a historic 1900s building. Chef Barber’s dishes include eggs Benedict with lox; quiche with artichoke, spinach and gruyere; and crab omelets with soft-shell crab, chives and rapini. Lunch offerings include sandwiches such as banh mi and a variety of soups and salads. Dudley Market also offers an artisanal collection of wine and beer for guests who dine-in. Selected by Barber, the wine list spotlights organic and biodynamic wines from California. Bottled craft beers have a strong local focus, but are not limited to California breweries, and will rotate weekly. The curated retail offerings include items from Portland Bee Balm, PF Candle Co., Fog Linen Works, Del Mar Organics Sunscreen, Vitrified Ceramics and LSTN. 9 Dudley Ave. (424)744-8060.

Mussel Fest at Morel’s

(photo by Jill Weinlein)

Morel’s French Steakhouse & Bistro at The Grove brings the flavor of the ocean to Los Angeles with Mussel Fest. Executive chef Diro Shiferaw has created five new mussel dishes that are offered through Sunday, Aug. 30. The mussels with anise pairs nicely with an Addigem Blonde Belgian blonde ale. The mussels tarragon goes nicely with Duvel, a Belgian single, and heartier fare includes mussels chorizo with beef chorizo, shallots, garlic, red curry, coconut milk, cilantro, white wine and crostini. The dish is paired with Gavroche French red ale. Diners can enjoy the dishes during lunch and dinner for $18. A side of pommes frites can be added for $2.50. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Friday; and 10 a.m. to midnight, Saturday and Sunday. 189 The Grove Drive. (323)965-9595.