Where is that rackin-frackin summer?
Friday, June 5
National Doughnut Day at Grace
Are you too fancy for Dunkin’ Donuts’ or Krispy Kreme’s free doughnut special? Fortunately for you Grace, much celebrated for its gourmet doughnuts, is doing up National Doughnut Day with its $18 tasting menu ($15 additional with wine pairing). Stuff your face, I mean, slice off a piece of the plain salted caramel glazed doughnut with bourbon pecan ice cream. Ooh, and that pistachio-cream filled one with a side of chocolate sorbet. Piece de resistance is the chocolate doughnut served with the world’s best nightcap, a mug of warm rum-enhanced milk. Drool.
- Friday-Sunday. Grace, 7360 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). (323) 934-4400.
The Hills: Staged Reading at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
After Speidi’s whinefest this week on that new NBC show that shall not be named here, you’re probably jonesin’ for them to get their just rewards. And you’ll probably get to see that happen, sorta, at the UCB’s staged reading of MTV’s The Hills. Sounds so awesomely hilarious. Sure, advanced reservations are already sold out but I’m thinking this will be worth waiting in that stand-by line. I’m sure all that dramz will translate well.
- 8pm. $8. UCB Theatre, 5919 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles (map).
Saturday, June 6
James Perse Sample Sale
Mmm, soft, soft clothes. Just in time for the warmer weather…whenever that shows up. Buy new cozy wear at this semiannual sale where you can score up to 80 percent off retail on men’s, women’s, and even kids’ cotton and cashmere basics.
- 9am-5pm. Siren Studios, 6063 W. Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood (map).
Venice Carnevale 2009
This free beach festival, an ode to its namesake’s notoriously colorful celebration, is going to be hoot. Join the drum circle, strut your weird stuff in the Dogtown Artists Group costume contest or just peruse the artsy vendors and the cast of eccentric beach characters. There will also be DJs and live acts and a pyrotechnical grand finale.
- 12-10pm. Free. Venice Beach Boardwalk, 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice (map).
LA Wine Fest 2009
If you’re a big ol’ wino, chances are you already have your tickets to this huge wine festival. Oh yesss, over 500 wines, beers, sake and booze to sample in two days! It’s normally $100 for the 2-day pass but you can still get it for $60 (+$7.50 fee) on Goldstar. The Saturday pass on Goldstar is sold out but Sunday’s ($33 Goldstar) is still available.
- Saturday-Sunday 2-6pm. $55-$100 regular or $33-$60 Goldstar. Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles (map).