Guests at Melrose Umbrella Co. in October can try the limited time “Nocturna Colada.” (photo courtesy of Black Lagoon)

Black Lagoon pop-up emerges for October

Black Lagoon, the award-winning Halloween pop-up celebration from industry veterans Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage, has revealed its full cocktail lineup and official spirit partners for the 2025 season. Now in its fifth year, the darkly imaginative bar takeover expands to 38 cities across North America this October, offering fans more sinister sips and haunted thrills than ever before.

Conceived in 2019 at The Dungeon, a cult-favorite dive bar in New Orleans, founders Hayes and Ramage knew they were onto something wickedly unique and deliciously dark. Black Lagoon officially launched its first bar pop-up in 2021. Five years later, it has now cast its veil of darkness over major cities throughout the U.S. and Canada, expanding to 38 locations for the 2025 season.

This year’s cocktail menu features spine-chilling originals including “Griselda’s Revenge” – Fords Gin, Lustau Vermut Blanco, Giffard Liqueur Mangue, tarragon, lemon, Bitter Queens Thai Spice and soda; “Nocturna Colada” – Kraken Black, Kraken Gold, Mr Black Liqueur, passionfruit, coconut, pineapple and Bitter Queens Coffee Cardamom Bitters; “Corpse Flower” – Lalo Tequila Blanco, ube, Giffard Banane, lime and Lustau Amontillado Sherry; and Death’s Door (non-alcoholic) –  spirit-free alternative, Giffard Pineapple, miso falernum, lime and soda.

For its fifth season, Black Lagoon continues its reign as North America’s premier Halloween bar pop-up. In Los Angeles, the Halloween-themed tour will pop-up in three bars: Melrose Umbrella Co., 7465 Melrose Ave., from Oct. 1-Nov. 2; The Corner Door, 12477 Washington Blvd., Culver City, from Oct. 1-Nov. 2; and The Ordinarie, 210 The Promenade North, Long Beach, from Oct. 3-Nov. 2.

For information, visit blacklagoonpopup.com.

BOA partners with Four Sixes Ranch

BOA Steakhouse, the upscale dining destination from award-winning restaurant group, Innovative Dining Group, has teamed up with legendary Texas-based 6666 Ranch to offer an exclusive 18-ounce ribeye. The allocated, premium cut is now available at all BOA restaurants, including West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach and Austin.

6666 Ranch, also known as Four Sixes and featured in the hit show “Yellowstone,” is an industry leader, recognized for raising elite Black Angus cattle, with a commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation. Until now, 6666 Ranch’s celebrated beef has only been available direct-to-consumer or through select pop-ups, such as at the Wynn Las Vegas. The partnership will bring the renowned steak to a wider audience in a fine dining setting worthy of its prestige.

“Innovative Dining Group and 6666 Ranch have a shared prioritization of excellence, while also balancing tradition and innovation, making this partnership a clear match,” IDG Founder and Co-CEO Lee Maen said. “We’re thrilled to offer something that will excite guests based on reputation alone, and delight them with a top-grade culinary experience.”

The exclusive 18-ounce ribeye is dry-aged and hand-selected, with an emphasis on marbling, tenderness and rich flavor. At BOA, the steak is presented on a custom plate and served alongside signature sides, such as the famous tableside Caesar salad, truffle mashed potatoes and lobster mac and cheese, adding to the unique and distinctive experience.

Continuing BOA’s mission to push the boundaries of modern steakhouse dining, the collaboration prioritizes ingredients, innovation and elevated hospitality. The BOA x Four Sixes Ribeye goes beyond a menu addition – it’s a partnership that sets a new standard for premium beef in fine dining.

For information, visit boasteak.com. BOA Steakhouse West Hollywood is located at 9200 Sunset Blvd.

Pink’s gives back with Union Rescue Mission Hot Dog

To honor its inspiring annual Over the Edge event, Pink’s is proud to serve up something special. For two full days – Sept. 26 and 27 – the iconic stand will feature the Union Rescue Mission Hot Dog for $8.88 (a $4 savings). The mouthwatering creation is a 9-inch all-beef stretch dog piled high with mustard, onions, chili and guacamole. One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to the Union Rescue Mission of Los Angeles.

“As a family business serving Angelenos for 85 years, Pink’s is deeply committed to giving back to the city we love,” co-owner Richard Pink said. “The Union Rescue Mission is the largest facility of its kind in the nation, providing shelter, food, clothing, medical care and job training to men, women and children experiencing homelessness. Their mission is simple but profound – to give people on the streets who ‘just need a break’ the chance to find hope, dignity and a way forward.”

For information, visit pinkshollywood.com. Pink’s Hot Dogs is located at 709 N. La Brea Ave.

Wake up with National Coffee Day at Dialog Cafe

National Coffee Day is Sept. 29, and Dialog Cafe is offering a special deal just for the day. The restaurant will offer $1 vanilla lattes served all day at both Dialog Cafe locations. Diners can order the lattes iced or hot, limited to one order per person. The special offer is only available to walk-in customers.

Owned by brothers Narbeh and Tadeh Ghazalian and helmed by Chef Gino Pineda (Barbrix Wine Bar, All’Acqua), Dialog Cafe has been in business for 18 years and went viral for its famous Dialog Breakfast Burrito ($13.95) and crowd favorite Chicken Caesar Wrap ($14.95).

For information, visit dialogcafe.la. Dialog Café is located at 8766 Holloway Drive.

Fall festivities abound at The Grove and The Americana

As autumn arrives, The Grove and The Americana at Brand are go-to destinations for seasonal fun. From festive food and drink specials to outdoor events, there’s something for everyone at the iconic L.A. outdoor shopping destinations.

Grab a friend for the final Pilates in The Park session at The Grove on Oct. 14 or toast to Bourbon Heritage Month at American Beauty at The Americana at Brand. Whether you’re planning a family day out or a weekend with friends, enjoy shopping, dining and seasonal experiences at both locations.

Visitors to The Grove can explore See’s Candies fall collection. The California-founded chocolatier offers seasonal favorites and festive packaging, perfect for cozying up or gifting – available through Oct. 31.

At The Americana at Brand, indulge in the apple series at Salt & Straw. The creamery’s September menu celebrates apple cider season with five cinnamon-spice-and-apple-inspired flavors, featuring cider in sorbet, donuts, spiked custards and more – available through Oct. 21.

For information, visit thegrovela.com and americanaatbrand .com. The Grove is located at 189 The Grove Drive. The Americana at Brand is located at 889 Americana Way, Glendale.

Voodoo Doughnut brews up Coffee Day magic

Voodoo Doughnut, a pioneer in creative handcrafted doughnuts, invites customers to celebrate National Coffee Day on Monday, Sept. 29. Guests can savor the bold flavors of Voodoo’s exclusive Magic Roast coffee and indulge in this year’s seasonal favorite – the pumpkin spice latte doughnut. Celebrate National Coffee Day with free coffee, limited-edition doughnuts and exclusive deals at participating Voodoo Doughnut locations.

Offers include a free cup of Brewed Magic Roast with any purchase, from 6 a.m.-noon (available in-store only).

Additionally, guests can enjoy a $2 pumpkin spice latte doughnut, filled with pumpkin spice fluff, dipped in exclusive Magic Roast espresso frosting and topped with a swirl of caramel frosting and a dollop of pumpkin spice fluff (available in-store and for online order pick-up). Voodoo Doughnut will also offer $5 off pink mugs and $5 off 12-ounce bags of Magic Roast Coffee (available in-store and via VoodooDoughnutShop.com).

For information, visit voodoodoughnut.com. Voodoo Doughnut is located at 7101 Melrose Ave.

Celebrate National Coffee Day with a pumpkin spice latte doughnut on Sept. 29. (photo courtesy of Voodoo Doughnut)