L.A. Times Dinner Series

On Sunday, Nov. 8, enjoy a four-course takeaway dinner prepared by chef Dave Beran of Pasjoli and attend a virtual dinner party with a special guest appearance by Phil Rosenthal of “Somebody Feed Phil.” Tickets are $95 per person with a two-ticket minimum per household. The French-inspired dinner also comes with a cocktail pairing provided by Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer. The multi-course meal includes a market salad, fennel gratin, duck leg confit with braised beans and a pumpkin spice macaron for dessert. Pick up at Pasjoli in Santa Monica on the day of the event at the exact time that is emailed to you. The meal contains poultry, dairy and gluten, and some food preparation will be required at home. At 6:30 p.m., enjoy a virtual supper club online with live conversation hosted by the L.A. Times food team. Tickets are on sale now at eventbrite.com/e/la-times-dinner-series-somebody-feed-phil-pasjoli-tickets-126170524435. 2732 Main St., (424)330-0020.

Mora Italiano rooftop at Comoncy

Last month, the neighborhood go-to Comoncy refreshed their underutilized rooftop to become an intimate eatery with wood flooring, tall plants with romantic lights, shade umbrellas with heat lamps and white table cloths. The menu created by culinary director and executive chef Mindy Oh includes farmers market fresh salads, Manila clams, four types of high-heat-blistered pizzas, six different savory pasta dishes and hearty entrees that include roasted chicken, branzino, porchetta, ribeye and lamb chops. Be sure to try their tiramisu. Since Mora Italiano doesn’t have its liquor license yet, guests can bring a favorite bottle of wine and the restaurant will open it with no corkage fee. Mora Italiano dinner reservations are Wednesday through Sunday starting at 5:30 p.m. 8201 W. Third St., (213)588-0225.

Angelini Holiday Market

With Thanksgiving approaching, Angelini is making it easy for fans to enjoy customized and individually packaged meals for socially distanced and contact-free celebrations. Order three- or four-course pod meals to give as gifts or for your special pod dinner. Order a minimum of eight pod meals and receive San Pellegrino sparkling wine, Angelini placemats, custom-printed menu and utensils. The Angelini Holiday Market is stocked right now with specialty gift boxes filled with Gino Angelini bottled sauces and olive oil, dry Italian pasta and wine. These make great office and client holiday gifts. Other products from Italy include hard-to-find Panettone and other Italian holiday food items. Also, Angelini is offering large trays and whole portions of  Gino Angelini’s signature dishes and classic holiday favorites to serve at home. 7313-7321 Beverly Blvd., (323)297-0070.

Sidewalk dining at Toca Madera

Enjoy upscale, organic Mexican fare and flaming cocktails in the back al fresco patio or out front at tables on the sidewalk. Toca Madera offers signature curated sounds by resident DJs that create a club-like atmosphere. Start with one of their creative cocktails brought to the table flickering with flames, to enjoy with house-made plantain and tortilla chips, salsa and freshly made guacamole topped with pomegranate seeds. The new Chef’s Signature Menu includes a spectacular taco el padroni served smoking under a glass lid. Two new entree items include a 40-ounce chipotle-rubbed American Wagyu Toca Tomahawk steak and a butterflied crispy skin branzino. Save room for the visually spectacular tres leches cake with berries and a key lime tart. 8450 W. Third St., (323)852-9400.

Patio dining at Hermanito

The neighborhood Mexican restaurant in the heart of Sawtelle is offering simple, fresh food that is built around house made Sonoran-style tortillas. New and classic Mexican cocktails are available with subtle nods to the neighborhood’s Japanese heritage. Order one of their spicy margaritas, bottled palomas or a Staycation to pretend you are on vacation. On the food menu they offer Little Osaka sushi, grilled street corn, bao buns, loaded nachos and taco packs. Open on Monday through Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., and weekends from noon to 10 p.m. 2024 Sawtelle Blvd., (424)465-9029.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

New and returning holiday flavors are now at all L.A. scoop shops. Pick up a pint of Sugar Plum, Campfire Chocolate, Cognac with Gingerbread or White Chocolate Peppermint. They are available for local delivery to put you in the holiday spirit. 123 N. Larchmont Blvd., (323)745-0407; 1954 Hillhurst Ave., (323)928-2668; and 540 Rose Ave., (310)314-2024.

photo courtesy of PieCaken Bakery

PieCaken for the holidays

Celebrity pastry chef Zac Young, named one of the Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America by Dessert Professional, creates playful takes on America’s favorite desserts. During the upcoming holidays, order his PieCaken. It’s made with layers of pumpkin pie, pecan pie and spice cake all held together with cinnamon buttercream and topped with a sweet apple pie filling. It’s the kind of comfort food a lot of people need this year. You can order your PieCaken at Carlo’s Bakery on Third Street Promenade for $39.95. Slices are available in addition to full PieCakens. The PieCaken is also available for nationwide shipping on Goldbelly to send to a loved one. Carlo’s Bakery is open from noon to 7 p.m. 1354 Third Street Promenade, (424)333-9995.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

To honor those who have served our country, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is offering a free classic sandwich and side to any military service members who arrive in store or go online and order a $10 minimum purchase on Nov. 11. Use code “VETFREE.” For locations, go to dickeys.com/locations/California.

Gordon Biersch

This Veterans Day, all veterans who visit Gordon Biersch on Nov. 11 will receive one free complimentary top sirloin, beer-battered fish and chips, barbecue chicken pizza or Marzen barbecue burger with proof of service. This offer is for dine-in only. Additionally, 25 cents of every beer sold on Nov. 11 will be donated to a veterans’ charity.  For locations, go to gordonbierschbrewing.com.