From dinner parties in the middle of nowhere to a last-minute Los Olivos getaway, these ideas will have you wondering, “Is it summer yet?”
Words by JESSICA RITZ
While East Coast city dwellers are preparing to pack up and head out to, say, the North Fork, or upstate, Californians tend to stay put during Memorial Day. But that doesn’t mean ushering in longer days should feel any less special. Below, a few ideas to get your out-of-office wheels turning.
TO CHOW DOWN
The monthlong L.A Times Food Bowl means epic eats across Los Angeles. The festivities get turned up a few notches over Memorial Day weekend with events such as the Wine Bowl, hosted by actor and oenophile Eric Wareheim (Master of None) on Saturday, May 25, at Highland Park Bowl. Sample wines from local shops, including Domaine LA and Helen’s Wines, and wineries like Las Jaras, Scribe and Broc Cellars, among others, while noshing on burgers by Oakland patty master Chris Kronner.
Over Memorial Day weekend, Outstanding in the Field (you know, those long dinner tables in dreamy, open-air settings you’ve seen on Instagram) is teaming up with Food Bowl so folks can break bread at Weiser Family Farms in Tehachapi on Sunday, May 26, with guest chef Rodolfo Guzmán of Boragó in Santiago, Chile.
The wine-centric small town of Los Olivos near Solvang just got an extra boost of charm, thanks to the new Liquid Farm Tasting Room and Mercantile. Sip the label’s Santa Barbara County-made chardonnay, rosé and pinot noir varietals in a light-filled space designed and curated by L.A.-based Kim Salmela. Peruse pieces from Salmela’s own furniture and accessories line, along with goods from brands like Yoshiko Home and Lucia candles.
FOR A CULTURE FIX
Because one can never have too much Warhol, set aside ample time to take in the three floors of SFMOMA galleries that comprise “Andy Warhol — From A to B and Back Again.” The comprehensive retrospective drew crowds when it was on view at the Whitney Museum in New York City earlier this year, and it’s now open for West Coast art lovers through Sept. 2.
“Fearless Fashion: Rudi Gernreich” at the Skirball Cultural Center shines a spotlight on the cutting-edge designer whose sensibility ignored prevailing social mores. The exhibition showcases clothing, accessories, sketches, photographs and other media examining the impact of the L.A.-based, Vienna-born Jewish refugee and pioneering gay activist who brought us the thong and unisex caftan — among less relatively scandalous but no less groundbreaking sartorial creations.
Meanwhile, Bottle Rock Napa returns with a stellar lineup in a uniquely California backdrop May 24-26. Imagine Dragons, Neil Young, and Mumford & Sons headline, while well-known names like Michael and Bryan Voltaggio and Ludo Lefebvre are on deck to round out the culinary roster.
Get your blankets and best picnic gear ready for Cinespia’s outdoor movie season at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. This year’s summer screening fest begins with Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and the projector turns on at 8:30 p.m. Whether you choose to BYO artisanal cheese board and orange wine is entirely up to you.
TO CHECK IN AND CHILL OUT
Perfectly situated for an easy escape from L.A., the newly opened Hideaway Santa Barbara is ready to welcome guests to its nine guest rooms and suites centered around a 1908 Craftsman bungalow, with contemporary coastal chic style interiors designed by Michelle McClory. Use the tiny retreat as an easy way to access a few o f our favorite spots here.
Feature image: On location with OUTSTANDING IN THE FIELD.
May 21, 2019
