New Salt & Straw floral flavors

Salt & Straw ice cream will debut its May flower series just in time for Mother’s Day. The limited-edition flavors from co-founder and head ice cream maker Tyler Malek are available in scoop shops starting Friday, May 4. Offerings marry Salt & Straw’s small batch ice cream with floral ingredients and infusions such as anise, wildflower honey, organic blossoms, white petal tea and chamomile. Guests picking up pints for mom can skip the long line. 240 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, (323)466-0485. 829 E. Third St., Los Angeles, (213)988-7070.

Lei Day at Crackin’ Kitchen

Now until May 5, diners receive a free lei when they come into Crackin’ Kitchen, Pasadena’s new restaurant serving up Hawaiian-Cajun seafood. The first 50 customers each day will receive 30 percent off their total food bill during dinner service. Whoever pays the bill receives a $20 gift card toward his or her next visit. 115 E. Colorado Blvd., (626)714-7227.

Kentucky Derby in the Polo Lounge

On May 5, participate in the traditions and pageantry of the Kentucky Derby with a fun-filled brunch and viewing party at the Polo Lounge.  Wear your most stylish hat from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. while enjoying a three-course themed meal and watching the race inside the Polo Lounge or outside on the garden patio. Brunch is priced at $115 per person and includes one Kentucky Derby-themed cocktail. The bar is making mint juleps, old fashioneds, Manhattans, Kentucky bucks and bourbon lemonade slushies. The afternoon festivities include a best hat contest with the lucky winner receiving brunch for two in the Polo Lounge at a future date. 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310)273-1912.

Baltaire’s Kentucky Derby party

Starting at 1 p.m. on May 5, come to a special viewing party at Baltaire Restaurant in your finest derby attire. Be sure to enter the derby hat contest before 2 p.m. There are raffles and special derby-inspired dishes prepared by executive chef Travis Strickland. He is known for his elevated take on the race’s classic Hot Brown sandwich. It pairs nicely with a mint julep. A portion of the proceeds goes to No Kid Hungry. 11647 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, (424)273-1660.

Derby viewing at Horse Thief

Grab a beer and some tacos at Horse Thief BBQ at Grand Central Market and watch the Kentucky Derby on the outdoor patio on May 5. Since it’s also Cinco de Mayo, breakfast tacos will be served all day long. Enjoy house-made red or green micheladas for $8, or sip on a refreshing Dos Equis draft beer for $5. 324 S. Hill St., Los Angeles, (213)625-0341.

Tallula’s first Cinco de Mayo

Hang out at the beach and then walk across to Tallula’s at 2 p.m. to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with blood orange margaritas and palomas. Snacks include organic chicken wings, nachos sencillo and a special Cinco de Mayo XL taco. On Wednesday, May 9, enjoy the restaurant’s one-year anniversary with a mariachi band during dinner, as well as with some fun food and drink specials. 118 Entrada Drive, Santa Monica, (310)526-0027.

Asian street fare

Three chefs across three continents unite for the first time for an evening celebrating the best in modern Asian street fare on Sunday, May 6, at E.P. & L.P.  From 6 to 9 p.m., executive chef Louis Tikaram is teaming up with internationally recognized chefs and longtime friends Dan Hong and Matt Abergel. Together they will prepare a seven-course, family-style dinner. Tickets are $85 per person and include a complimentary Chang beer. 603 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, (310)855-9955.

Multisensory culinary experience in Beverly Hills

At the SLS Hotel Beverly Hills, a new dining adventure, Somni, has opened. ThinkFoodGroup culinary director Aitor Zabala and chef José Andrés developed this new experience, naming it after the Catalan word for “dream.” Guests embark on an immersive journey while sitting at the 10-seat counter and observing the chefs craft plates. Tickets for this unique dinner are $235 per person. The next round of reservations will be released on May 7 at 10 a.m. There are two seatings each night at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Visit exploretock.com/somni. 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., (310)246-5543.

Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air’s visiting chef series

On Tuesday, May 8, Wolfgang Puck and renowned chefs Walter Manzke and Jean-François Piège will prepare a special dinner at Hotel Bel-Air. Chef Hugo Bolanos, executive chef of the hotel, will join Puck in preparing two courses, with Manzke and Piège also preparing plates that showcase their individual culinary talents. Then on Thursday, May 10, Puck will join Manzke and Piège again for another extraordinary dining occasion at République. Each evening is priced at $195 per person excluding tax. Both offer an optional wine pairing for $95 or ultra-wine pairing for $195. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit Chefs to End Hunger. Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/2KrMeCJ. Hotel Bel-Air, 701 Stone Canyon Road, Los Angeles, (310)909-1644. République, 624 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, (310)362-6115.