Michael’s new happy hour menu

Starting today, June 28, Michael’s Santa Monica presents a playful happy hour menu. Chef Miles Thompson’s highlights include “animal style” potato fries; Sichuan dumplings with black vinegar and chili oil; marinated olives with fennel; and calamari with Nashville hot salt and chili-spiced pork fat. Thompson also offers a limited muffuletta sandwich (10 per night; available exclusively at the bar, first-come, first-serve), featuring Peads & Barnetts’ cured pork, Mortadella, olive salad, provolone and Swiss cheese on house-made focaccia. Additionally, wine director Roni Ginach debuts a “chill” or “not chill” selection of wines. There are sparkling wines, orange wines, rosé and juicy reds available for $8 a glass or $40 per bottle. Bar director Meredith Hayman has also created some innovative, market-driven cocktails. Happy hour is available Monday through Saturday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the bar and lounge. 1147 Third St., (310)451-0843.

MiniBar Hollywood

In light of recent conflicts at the U.S. border, MiniBar Hollywood will donate $1 per tequila or mezcal drink to the ACLU during the month of July. MiniBar wants to help ACLU with its fight to stop family separations at the border and to support immigration legal defense funds. This special includes all drinks from Mexico, including the $6 margarita special on Mondays. 6141 Franklin Ave., (323)798-4939.

Del Frisco’s Grille brunch menu

Enjoy sweeping ocean views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica pier while tasting new beachside brunch and cocktail items. Highlights include lemon ricotta pancakes; greens with grains bowl; smoked salmon tower; short rib hash; and eggs in purgatory. New refreshing beverages include watermelon frozé blended with Jean-Luc Colombo rosé; Spanish gin tonic; white sangria topped with a strawberry-peach ice pop; and irresistible Crack Coffee spiced with chai and cinnamon flavors. Brunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 1551 Ocean Ave., #105, (310)395-7333.

Tuesday specials at The Buffalo Club

Chef Patrick Healy’s small plates are half-off on Tuesdays. Treat yourself to baby zucchini blossoms with crabmeat, shrimp mousse and Dolin Vermouth crème. The chef also makes braised oxtail dumplings and an oyster shooter with three oysters served with wasabi, caviar and lime, tomato horseradish, and ginger soy. The courtyard offers an English garden experience and the bar offers a 1920s rum-runner design with an inviting lounge. 1520 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, (310)450-8600.

Health-focused cocktails

The Raymond 1886 invites guests to put down the kale smoothie and pick-up one of the new tonics from its new “Wealth & Hellness” summer cocktail menu. Choose from eleven cocktails including the Purple Gold, an antioxidant-rich cocktail made with orgeat, Vida mezcal, homemade blueberry bliss syrup and lemon juice; Carol Does a Juice Cleanse featuring Vida mezcal, house-made strawberry-kiwi syrup, lime juice and egg white with Xocolatl mole bitters; and the Happy Place with Clément canne bleue, house-made coconut mix, mango purée, a Wray & Nephew float, lime juice, vanilla syrup, mint sprig and fresh cinnamon. During The Raymond 1886’s happy hour, from 11:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. every Tuesday through Friday, guests can partake in $5 wines by the glass, $4 draft beer and half-price well drinks. 1250 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, (626)441-3136.

Fourth of July at Viviane

Chef Michael Reed is preparing a gourmet feast of takeaway dishes for your Fourth of July party. Pre-order family-style salads, grain bowls and sandwiches for a picnic at the beach, park or however you plan to celebrate Independence Day. Viviane at the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. so visitors can enjoy dining poolside. 9400 W. Olympic Blvd., (310)407-7791.

The Larder’s Fourth of July takeaway menu

Let Suzanne Goin’s cuisine delight and wow your guests at your backyard Fourth of July party. The Larder in Brentwood and Burton Way offer takeaway menus for cookouts and picnics. A full array of appetizers, platters, fried chicken, barbecue-ready burgers with toppings, and Larder Baking Company breads and rolls are available. Be sure to pick up some cookies, peach pies with crème fraîche whip or a delicious cornmeal cobbler with summer berries. The Larder’s extensive à la carte menu includes seasonal salads, prepared foods, pastries and desserts. Wines curated by Caroline Styne are ideal for entertaining guests or gifting to a host and hostess. Wines can be added to any takeout order. All July 4 orders can be ordered in person, online or by phone by July 2. Both locations will be open for business on July 4 with limited hours. The Larder at Burton Way is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tavern is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and The Larder at Tavern is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Larder at Burton Way, 8500 Burton Way, Los Angeles, (310)278-8060. Tavern and The Larder at Tavern, 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, (310)806-6464.

Sparklers on July 4 at Vinovore

Coly Den Haan’s Virgil Village wine boutique is offering complimentary sparklers on top of 10 percent off every six-pack of wine. Stock up and bring some lady-made red, white and rosé wines, and Champagne to your Independence Day party. This female-driven wine shop is open on July 4 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 616 N. Hoover St., Los Angeles, (323)522-6713.

Fourth of July barbecue at Melody

On July 4 in Virgil Village, chef Justin Abram is grilling out on the patio from 4 to 10 p.m. The new “lazy French” restaurant is serving burger patties, veggies, oysters and wine. Sip red, white and pink wine while playing cornhole. 751 N. Virgil Ave., Los Angeles, (323)922-6037.

All-American barbecue at Prank

This fun DTLA location is hosting a barbecue with specials on beer and boilermakers on July 4. Chef Ricardo Sanchez is grilling racks of ribs and chickens to be served alongside mac and cheese, coleslaw and fries. This festive meal is from 2 p.m. to midnight. 1100 S. Hope St., (213)493-4786.

Best firework viewing in the valley

Celebrate Independence Day at Castaway in the scenic hills of Burbank to watch this year’s fireworks. The restaurant is offering a Fourth of July special celebrating some classic American dishes. In addition to Castaway’s à la carte dinner menu, chef Perry Pollaci is preparing a grilled peach salad with arugula, citrus and ricotta salata. His barbecue Jidori chicken has a Jack Daniel’s maple glaze. Baby back ribs are glazed with chipotle and brown sugar. Burger lovers will enjoy the Castaway house-blend beef burger with pepper jack cheese, smoked bacon, arugula, shallot marmalade and chipotle aioli. Finish with a warm apple pie à la mode. Reservations can be made at OpenTable. The celebration is from 5 to 11 p.m. There is a $20 fee for patio seating and $10 fee for window seating.  1250 E. Harvard Road, (818)848-6691.

Trejo’s Donuts for Fourth of July

For Fourth of July, Trejo’s Coffee and Donuts is making a lemon curd doughnut topped with meringue, and a pastry and Chantilly cream doughnut with strawberries, blueberries and toasted coconut. Bring a dozen to your red, white and blue-themed party. 6785 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, (323)462-4600.