Wife and the Somm earns top wine honor

Glassell Park restaurant Wife and the Somm has received Wine Spectator’s 2026 Award of Excellence, recognizing its wine program among restaurants around the world.

The annual Restaurant Awards honor restaurants with wine lists that complement their cuisine and demonstrate a commitment to quality and service. The Award of Excellence is presented to restaurants offering at least 75 wine selections that reflect a well-curated range of producers and pair with the menu in style and price.

Owned by Christy Lucchese and Chris Lucchese, with Chef Frank Ryan Saporito leading the kitchen, Wife and the Somm is known for its seasonal California cuisine and extensive wine program. The restaurant’s wine list includes more than 75 selections from producers around the world, as well as an expansive Coravin program that allows guests to order premium wines by the glass.

“Receiving Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence is an incredible honor and a reflection of what we’ve worked to create every day at Wife and the Somm, where exceptional cuisine and exceptional wines come together in a warm, welcoming neighborhood setting,” Chris Lucchese, co-owner and sommelier, said.

Wine Spectator launched its Restaurant Awards program in 1981. In 2026, the publication recognized 2,083 restaurants worldwide with an Award of Excellence, along with 1,830 Best of Award of Excellence recipients and 99 Grand Award winners.

“The restaurant industry is rapidly transforming as diners become more selective about when, how and what they drink,” Wine Spectator Chairman and CEO Marvin R. Shanken said. “Congratulations to the 4,012 restaurants that earned a Restaurant Award and continue to elevate the wine experience for guests around the world.”

Wife and the Somm is located at 3416 Verdugo Road in Glassell Park.

For information, visit wifeandthesomm.com.

 

Found Oyster hosts book launch

Adam Weisblatt, co-founder of Los Angeles-based Last Word Hospitality, will celebrate the release of his new book, “For the Love of Restaurants: An Insider’s Guide from Daydreams to Opening Night,” with a launch party on Aug. 11 from 4-10 p.m. at Found Oyster.

Weisblatt, a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur, is the co-founder of Last Word Hospitality, the group behind Found Oyster, Barra Santos and Hermosín. His new book chronicles the process of opening and operating restaurants, drawing on his experiences building some of Los Angeles’ best-known dining destinations.

The launch event will include meet-and-greet book signings with Weisblatt, with copies of the book and related merchandise available for purchase. Organizers said guests can also expect an oyster boat, complimentary pours, pony beers and special dinner offerings during the evening.

“For the Love of Restaurants: An Insider’s Guide from Daydreams to Opening Night” will be released Aug. 11.

The event will be held at Found Oyster, 4880 Fountain Ave.

For information, visit foundoyster.com.

 

Prince St. Pizza debuts dessert pie

Prince St. Pizza is introducing its first nationwide dessert pizza, The Black Currant Big Apple Pie Pizza, for a limited run through Aug. 31.

Available at Prince St. Pizza locations, the dessert combines apple pie flavors with a black currant drizzle and McCormick Black Currant Finishing Sugar. The collaboration was developed with McCormick & Company and content creator Hannah Stocking.

The limited-time offering coincides with McCormick’s designation of black currant as its 2026 Flavor of the Year. According to the companies, the dessert pizza highlights the fruit’s growing popularity while offering a seasonal take on a traditional apple pie.

The Black Currant Big Apple Pie Pizza will be available throughout August while supplies last at participating Prince St. Pizza locations.

Prince St. Pizza is located at 9161 Sunset Blvd.

For information, visit princestreetpizza.com.

 

Santa Monica Place unveils August events

Santa Monica Place will host a month of community events throughout August, featuring live entertainment, family activities, culinary classes and wellness programming.

Western Wednesday returns every Wednesday in August from 6-8 p.m. in Center Plaza with complimentary line-dancing lessons led by professional instructors. The series will be held Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26. Participating restaurants, including LouLou Restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory and The Curious Palate, will offer happy-hour specials before the event.

The Makers Hive Marketplace will return on Aug. 9 from noon-5 p.m., showcasing local artists, makers and small businesses in Center Plaza.

The Sounds of Santa Monica concert series will feature complimentary live performances Aug. 14-16. Scheduled performers include Averi Mazi, DJ Abbiana, Trevan, Ish D, Mason Rygh and Kallitechnis.

The Gourmandise School will host several culinary classes during the month, including a sourdough starter workshop and a coffee tasting with Gnarwhal Coffee founder Nick Monica on Aug. 16, a cake decorating workshop on Aug. 23 and a farmers market tour and cooking class led by Chef Rose Wilde on Aug. 29.

Wellness on the Westside, presented by AI Wellness, will be held Aug. 23 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The event will include yoga, Pilates and fitness classes, recovery demonstrations, wellness vendors and educational presentations. Advance registration is required.

Cayton Children’s Museum will continue its Summer Friday Movie Nights through Aug. 28. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with films beginning at 6 p.m. The August lineup includes “Ratatouille” on Aug. 7, “Hook” on Aug. 14, “Coco” on Aug. 21 and “Matilda” on Aug. 28. Admission includes after-hours museum access, activities and movie snacks.

LouLou Restaurant Rooftop & Lounge will continue its weekly programming throughout August, including live music, brunches and rooftop dining experiences. Some events are limited to guests 21 and older.

Events will take place at 395 Santa Monica Place.

For information, visit santamonicaplace.com/events.

 

Black Lagoon haunts L.A. this fall

Black Lagoon, the annual Halloween-themed cocktail pop-up, will return this fall with activations at 34 bars across the United States and Canada, including a Los Angeles stop at Melrose Umbrella Co.

Created by beverage industry veterans Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage, the immersive pop-up transforms participating bars into Halloween-inspired spaces featuring themed décor, specialty cocktails, lighting, music and collectible glassware. The 2026 series will begin in select cities in late September, with additional activation dates to be announced.

“What began as a one-time pop-up has evolved into one of the most anticipated spooky season bar traditions,” Hayes and Ramage said in a joint statement. “Black Lagoon has always been a place where Halloween fans, cocktail enthusiasts and everyone in between can come together, and we’re excited to continue building that world through new venues, new creations and unexpected surprises this season.”

The Los Angeles activation will be hosted by Melrose Umbrella Co., one of several returning and new partner bars participating in this year’s event. Other California locations include Midnight Oil in Long Beach, The Snug in Sacramento and The Sea Star in San Francisco.

The 2026 cocktail menu will feature new seasonal creations including Abyssa’s Obsession, made with pumpkin-infused Kraken Black & Gold Spiced Rum, sherry, coconut, pineapple and lime; Bone Temple, a tequila-based cocktail with tart cherry and spiced oat orgeat; and Moon Shadow, an espresso martini variation made with nutmeg-infused vodka, coffee liqueur, banana liqueur, sherry and cold brew coffee.

Guests will also be able to purchase limited-edition glassware, including new designs created in collaboration with artist Kisira Hill and Tiki Farm.

Black Lagoon began as a one-night pop-up in Toronto following the COVID-19 pandemic and has since expanded into an annual seasonal event with locations throughout North America.

Additional details, including opening dates for individual locations, the complete cocktail menu and any additional participating venues, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Melrose Umbrella Co. is located at 7465 Melrose Ave.

For information, visit blacklagoonpopup.com.

 

Taste of Runway brings fresh flavors to Playa Vista

Runway Playa Vista will host the return of its annual Taste of Runway event on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 5:30-8 p.m., bringing together food, live music and local restaurants for an evening of community dining.

The ticketed event will take place on Runway’s outdoor green space, where guests will receive eight vouchers to redeem for food samples from participating restaurants throughout the property. Organizers said attendees will also have an opportunity to sample offerings from Dizzy Bird, a restaurant scheduled to open at Runway later this year.

Participating restaurants include Sol Cocina, LOQUI, Hopdoddy, PV House, Jeni’s Ice Cream, Joliet, Urban Plates and Dizzy Bird.

Live music will be provided by the band Undecided Future. Beer, wine and other beverages will be available for purchase during the event.

Taste of Runway is intended to showcase the variety of dining options available at the Playa Vista retail and entertainment destination while introducing guests to new culinary offerings.

The event will be held at Runway Playa Vista, 12775 Millennium Drive.

For information, visit runwayplayavista.com.