InterContinental DTLA gives back for the holidays

With the Season to Soar program running through the end of the year at the InterContinental Los Angeles, order a select menu item and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support the Alzheimer’s Association Southland Chapter. The November Season to Soar cocktail, named Winter is Coming, is made with Eagle Rare bourbon, Amaro Montenegro, apple juice, cinnamon syrup and lemon juice, garnished with nutmeg and dried apple. The December cocktail, Rose-Merry Bubbles, is made with Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, crème de menthe, rosemary syrup, white cranberry juice, rosemary sprig and Villa Sandi prosecco. It’s garnished with cranberries and Peychaud’s bitters. Both cocktails are available at Spire 73, La Boucherie, Lobby Lounge, Dekkadance and Sora for $18. 900 Wilshire Blvd., (213)688-7777.

The new Maple at Descanso Gardens

The Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens is on display now through Jan. 6, 2019. (photo courtesy of Descanso Gardens)

To celebrate Maple’s full interior refresh, chef Philip Mack, of Patina Restaurant Group, is offering a soulful Enchanted: Forest of Light menu now through Jan. 6. The special menu is available exclusively to ticket holders before or after exploring the garden’s annual installation Enchanted: Forest of Light. À la carte items include a warm farro salad; baked mac and cheese; Maryland fried chicken with blue crab-stuffed beignets; whiskey short ribs with garlic mashed potatoes; mushroom and cheese tortellini; tomahawk pork chop with sweet potato and collard green gratin; and herb-broiled salmon with roasted root vegetables. For dinner and Enchanted: Forest of Light reservations, visit bit.ly/2el2nMo. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, (818)949-4200.

West Third Street Holiday Party

On Saturday, Dec. 1, select businesses and eateries along West Third Street from Fairfax to La Cienega will offer specials from 2 to 6 p.m. This annual holiday shopping event includes a complimentary cup of mulled wine for attendees 21 years and older. There will be snacks, dinner specials, food carts, in-store trunk shows and live DJ entertainment. Visit Alexis Bittar Jewelry, Le Labo Fragrances, Magnolia Bakery, Joan’s on Third, BedHead Pajamas, New Form Perspective, Face Haus, Vanderpump Dogs and more. Some stores will offer a special gift with purchase. Additionally, post on Instagram in honor of the party tagging The Orlando Hotel @TheOrlandoHotel and #theorlandohotel to win a night at the boutique hotel and dinner for two at its restaurant Cleo. 8384 W. Third St., (323)658-6600.

Holiday festivities at Jean-Georges Beverly Hills

Assemble and decorate gingerbread estates on Dec. 2 and Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Jean-Georges pastry chefs will bake delicious gingerbread for guests to create one-of-a-kind homes. The event is $65 for each fully assembled house. While there, enjoy a decadent three-course lunch for $38 per person. Executive chef Steve Benjamin has introduced a new fall dinner tasting menu with sea urchin and caviar, hamachi and Little Gem salad, butternut squash ravioli, poached cod, lamb chops and a stunning caramelized apple tower with crème fraîche and almond frangipane. Leave with a bag of tiny mignardises sweets. Wine pairings include Laurent-Perrier brut rosé Champagne, the 2015 Dr. Loosen Ürziger Wurzgarten riesling and Kistler Vineyards Vine Hill Ranch chardonnay, among others. 9850 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310)860-6566.

Hanukkah dishes from The Larder

Bring home appetizers, sides, Larder Baking Company breads and desserts during the holidays from Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s The Larder. Order a complete Hanukkah dinner serving eight guests at $48 per person starting Sunday, Dec. 2, through Monday, Dec. 10. Dishes including potato latkes with apple sauce and crème fraiche; braised beef brisket with horseradish cream; duck fat-roasted potatoes; Moroccan beets with labneh, pine nuts and olives; Italian broccoli with garlic and chiles; roasted root vegetables; braided challah; and for dessert, a chocolate torta with chocolate whipped cream. Three curated wines are offered for $90. For a customized dinner, try the à la carte menu with appetizers like Julie’s spiced nuts, marinated olives, or the smoked fish platter with goat cheese and rye crostini. Dinner selections include slow-roasted salmon with cucumber and mint yogurt, red wine-braised beef short ribs, braised beef brisket with horseradish jus, oven-ready standing rib roast and organic turkey. Combine the dishes with a plenty of sides, sauces, and fresh Larder Baking Company rolls and artisanal breads. For dessert, executive pastry chef Noubar Yessayan is baking tempting sweets and festive cookies. To order, visit thelarder.com. All orders for Hanukkah must be placed 48 hours in advance and paid by credit card. 8500 Burton Way, Los Angeles, (310)278-8060. 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, (310)806-6464.