Descanso is highlighting tequila all month long. (photo courtesy of Descanso Restaurant)

July means Tequila at Descanso

Descanso Restaurant is toasting to National Tequila Day with a month-long celebration featuring chef-inspired premium tequila pairings every Thursday in July at its Costa Mesa and new Los Angeles locations, culminating in the ultimate fiesta with live music on Thursday, July 24. Spend summer evenings in Descanso’s vibrant dining rooms or lively outdoor patios, sipping fine tequilas and savoring Descanso’s artisanal regional Mexican cuisine, highlighting a bespoke menu of fresh seafood, specialty tacos and indulgent desserts.

“Our chefs have crafted elevated pairings that play off of each other, enhancing the tequila’s flavor profile and bringing out the bold flavors in each dish,” Descanso owner Rob Arellano said. “Tequila has always been a central piece of our menu, and we look forward to showcasing chef-favorite menu items alongside it.”

On National Tequila Day, July 24, all menus and pairings will be available, offering guests the option to reorder their favorites or try something new while enjoying live music and soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Each tequila pairing dinner offers a unique appetizer, entrée and dessert. Guests also have the option to order just the tequila flight for $28. For more information and to make a reservation, visit descansorestaurant.com.

Descanso is located at 5773 Wilshire Blvd.

Spend summer with Jeni’s ice cream

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams new summer collection, “Super Fun Times,” is inspired by the feeling

that only the first day of summer can evoke. With nostalgic delights like Pink Bubble Gum and Toasted S’mores, Jeni’s latest release captures the bliss of summertime with six limited-edition flavors.

The first six flavors in the collection are currently available online and in Jeni’s scoop shops.

On July 17, Jeni’s will launch their new Sundae Fudge Sauce in scoop shops nationwide. It’s a velvety chocolate sauce that, just like the Buttercrisp Waffle Cone, is made to specially pair with ice cream – rich and bittersweet with a sprinkle of sea salt that provides a sharp contrast to cool ice cream.

To celebrate, on National Ice Cream Day on July 20, customers can add sundae fudge sauce to any order for free. Giving ice cream lovers just one more reason to indulge this summer. Try the sauce on Jeni’s limited-edition, drumstick-inspired sundae that layers Honey Vanilla Bean and Salted Peanut Butter with sundae fudge sauce and whipped cream in a Buttercrisp Waffle Bowl.

For information, visit jenis.com. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Beverly Hills is located at 445 N. Beverly Drive.

WeHo’s rooftop pools bring summer fun

Nothing says summer in West Hollywood quite like a rooftop pool. With year-round sunshine, panoramic skyline views and a laid-back yet luxurious vibe, West Hollywood offers one of the most iconic rooftop pool scenes in the country.

Whether you’re in the mood to sip craft cocktails under the palms, catch a live DJ set at sunset or unwind in a private cabana, the rooftop pools deliver the perfect mix of relaxation and scene-stealing style.

The London West Hollywood: spacious, serene and effortlessly chic. The saltwater rooftop pool is lined with palm trees and private cabanas, making it ideal for a full day of lounging in the California sun.

Pendry West Hollywood: perched above the Sunset Strip, Pendry’s rooftop boasts panoramic views, plush loungers and crisp glasses of rosé – all paired with signature poolside service.

Mondrian Los Angeles: for a South Beach-meets-Hollywood vibe, Skybar at Mondrian is the ultimate poolside party. Expect lively crowds, top-shelf cocktails and unbeatable sunset views.

1 Hotel West Hollywood: the eco-luxury rooftop is where sustainability meets style. Surrounded by greenery and natural textures, it’s perfect for mindful travelers seeking peace with a view.

Petit Ermitage: a bohemian rooftop retreat exclusive to guests. Think candlelit cabanas, Mediterranean ambiance and a heated saltwater pool – pure West Hollywood magic.

Chamberlain West Hollywood: tucked away in a tranquil setting, the rooftop pool is a hidden gem for those looking to escape the noise while still soaking in the city’s energy.

Ètra launches new burger

Ètra has rolled out the new Doppio Burger, and it’s quickly becoming the star on Sundays – a special menu item available only that day.

The Italian-inspired take on the classic American burger features juicy Cream Co. patties, melty taleggio cheese, Calabrian chili, onion and pickle. It’s an elevated spin that gives diners their burger fix without firing up the grill – perfect for BBQ season.

Ètra chef Evan Algorri, a 2025 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef California, brings his signature approach to reimagining comfort food classics with premium Italian ingredients, making the Doppio burger a standout addition to summer dining.

For information, visit etra.la. Ètra is located at 737 N. Western Ave.

California Wine Festival returns to Santa Barbara

The California Wine Festival returns to its coastal hometown of Santa Barbara for two unforgettable days of wine, gourmet bites and seaside celebration on Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, the hallmark summer experience brings together wine lovers and epicureans for a sun-soaked weekend of elevated tastings, local flavor and laid-back luxury.

“Santa Barbara holds a special place in our hearts – it’s where this entire festival began,” said Emily Kaufmann, executive director of California Wine Festival. “There’s nothing quite like sipping California’s finest wines just steps from the ocean.”

The weekend opens with the exclusive Sunset Rare and Reserve Tasting, hosted at Hilton Santa Barbara’s stunning Plaza del Sol. Guests will be welcomed with a sparkling wine reception under the stars before sampling rare and reserve-level wines from premier California regions including Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara County. Each pour is thoughtfully paired with gourmet bites from top local chefs, artisan cheeses, fresh fruits and olive oils. Experience a silent auction benefiting the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and live music, adding to the ambiance of the elegant evening.

On Saturday, the signature Beachside Wine Festival transforms Santa Barbara’s stunning waterfront park into a bustling tasting experience. Guests will enjoy hundreds of fine California wines, regional craft brews and a dizzying array of gourmet food – from artisan cheeses and chocolates to fresh seafood and olive oils. The event also features the popular “Best Tri-Tip in the 805” BBQ Competition, where guests can sample and vote for their favorite tri-tip. Each guest receives a voting wristband tab upon entry. Voting closes at 3 p.m.

This year, Sommsation is powering the VIP Pavilion and providing wines from the world’s best independent wineries and gourmet bites from top chefs. VIP ticket holders can enjoy curated food and wine pairings, blind tastings and unique giveaways and special seating in the Pavilion tent.

Tickets start at $95 and are available at californiawinefestival.com.

The California Wine Festival will feature food and wine from all around the state on July 18 and 19. (photo courtesy of the California Wine Festival)