photo courtesy of Messhall Kitchen

National Oyster Day at Messhall Kitchen

Today, August 5, celebrate National Oyster Day at Messhall Kitchen with half dozen oysters and an IPA pairing for $24 or just the oysters for $18. Since today is also National IPA Day, Messhall Kitchen is offering two mini drafts for $6. Selections include Stone Delicious IPA and Elysian Full Contact Imperial Hazy IPA. 4500 Los Feliz Blvd., (323)660-6377.

Rappahannock Oyster Bar

Celebrate National Oyster Day at Rappahannock’s first in LA’s Warehouse District, just blocks from the Arts District and Little Tokyo. The emphasis is on sustainable, locally sourced, ethically fished and responsibly farmed ingredients. The restaurant also offers fresh produce, fish and meat sourced in Southern California. Rappahannock  is open Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. On weekends, it opens at 11 a.m. 1318 E. 7th St. (323)435-4004.

Coconut Cream Pie Cheesecake

The Cheesecake Factory has launched a new flavor – coconut cream pie cheesecake. It’s made with vanilla custard and a layer of chocolate atop a coconut macaroon crust. They are donating $0.25 to Feeding America for every slice of coconut cream pie cheesecake sold through July 29, 2022. 364 N. Beverly Drive, (310)278-7270, 189 The Grove Drive, (323) 634-0511, 4142 Via Marina, (310)306-3344, and 511 Americana Way, (818)550-7505.

Huckleberry Cafe Shabbat takeaway

Huckleberry Bakery and Cafe has been a go-to for Jewish holiday catering, Hanukkah, Passover and the High Holidays. Starting this Friday, August 6, it is now offering weekly Shabbat takeout dinners. The à l carte menu is filled with traditional Jewish fare, alongside comforting, seasonal dishes. Everything feeds two to four people and simple instructions are included for a heat and serve ready meal. Chef/Partner Jen Toomey is making  braised grass-fed brisket with onions; and whole roasted organic chicken with lemon couscous. Roasted carrots with honey date butter, pistachios and herbs and Huck’s classic matzo ball soup are sides. Pastry Chef Laurel Almerinda is baking up challah olive oil multi-grain loaves with poppy, sesame and fennel seeds, sumac and fleur de sel. For dessert, enjoy butterscotch pudding with strawberries and boxes of gluten-free and dairy-free coconut macaroons. Orders must be placed by 3 p.m. every Tuesday, for Friday’s pickup before 3 p.m. Order by calling directly or through Tock or  email catering@huckleberrycafe.com. 1014 Wilshire Blvd., (310)451-2311.

Ike’s Love & Sandwiches

Rewards members can celebrate Team USA this season with special offers. With every medal won by Team USA, Ike’s will reward app users with dollar credits throughout the Olympics. Rewards members can win dollar rewards when U.S. athletes and teams earn bronze ($1), silver ($2) or gold ($3) medals on a weekly basis. Medal count rewards can only be accessed and redeemed through the app. To join Ike’s Team USA promotion, download the free Ike’s Rewards app and sign-up with your email or phone number before the Olympics ends. 3895 Overland Ave., (310)204-7090.

The Tasting Kitchen celebrates 10 years

Celebrating 10 years in Venice, The Tasting Kitchen’s Chef Travis Passerotti and team have launched a summer menu inspired from weekly trips to the Santa Monica Farmers Market. Highlighting California’s coastline, rich in fresh produce and seafood, the chef and kitchen craft weekly menus based on what they find at the market to enhance handmade pasta handmade, different cuts of meats and to pair with an extraordinary wine list. Seasonal standouts include kanpachi crudo, striped bass, corn ravioli, spaghetti alla Nerano and dry aged ribeye. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m. On Friday and Saturday it stays open until 11 p.m. Reservations are available on Open Table. 1633 Abbot Kinney Blvd., (310)392-6644.

Farmer John Hot Dog Giveaway

The Farmer John food truck is on the road again to feed, celebrate and serve its Southern California family. For a second year, the Farmer John California Commitment Tour is embarking on a 12-week mission to deliver grab-and-go lunches to local heroes and essential businesses in the greater Los Angeles community. The team is also donating much-needed protein to local food banks. Hot dog enthusiasts can visit one of the tour stops between now and September 6 by submitting an entry form at FreeFarmerJohnFranks.com. While there, enjoy a “thank you” in the form of a free meal. The California Commitment Tour food truck will complete three to four stops per week at various healthcare facilities, youth empowerment centers, grocery retailers and postal establishments. To see where the Farmer John California Commitment Tour stops next, follow them on Facebook (@FarmerJohn), Instagram (@FarmerJohnLA) or Twitter (@FarmerJohnLA).

Luxardo new canned cocktails

One of the most iconic Italian liqueur and original cherry producers is entering the canned cocktail market. Founded in 1821 by Girolamo Luxardo, the company is still family-owned and operated. The three new Luxardo canned cocktails include a Bianco Spritz, Sour Cherry Gin & Tonic and Aperitivo Spritz. They are ideal for a picnic at the beach, poolside barbecue or Sunday brunch at home. Luxardo canned cocktails are at Total Wine & More for pick-up and delivery.

Soko opens at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

The iconic oceanfront hotel Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica opened their new Japanese restaurant Soko on July 30. Helmed by veteran Sushi Chef Masa Shimakawa, Soko is a tribute to the humble origins of sushi with a SoCal twist. The intimate 8-seat setting is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m. Guests can walk-in and take a seat at the bar for a one-of-a-kind sushi experience. Later in the summer, Soko will open sidewalk seating on Ocean Avenue, as well as service for the Lobby Lounge menus for locals and guests to enjoy. Menu highlights include a variety of appetizers, nigiri, rolls, and shareable Japanese cuisine. 101 Wilshire Blvd., (310)576-7777.

Mélange at the Le Meridien Pasadena Arcadia

Executive Chef Makoto Tanaka crafts an Asian-European menu at the new Le Meridien Hotel Pasadena Arcadia. Chef Mako opened Chinois on Main with Wolfgang Puck and was the Executive Chef at Spago before opening his own restaurant Mako in Beverly Hills, now closed. Located off the lobby of the hotel, guests will notice a two story glass wine cellar at the entrance of Mélange. Menu items include cold plates such as salmon carpaccio, hot appetizers like crispy oysters, crispy quail and barbecue baby back ribs. The garlic noodles and seafood risotto are very popular menu items, as are the fresh shellfish and fish options, like Diver scallops with uni. Meats and poultry offering include  a tender prime black Angus filet mignon, braised short ribs, lamb chops and a half roasted duck. 130 W. Huntington Drive, (626)777-6699.