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It’s a very busy time of year in our city. We’ve got dineLA (ending tonight), the start of awards season, MLK parades, and of course, the Lunar New Year. Because Los Angeles celebrates such a wide diverse cultural population, this coming week and month is packed with colorful and exciting activities to honor the Year of the Pig on the Chinese calendar. Celebrants are hoping for a year of achievement, happiness and prosperity. On that note, let’s get to celebrating. Here are just a few of the best places in LA to celebrate Year of the Pig. Get ready for a spectacular Chinese New Year kick-off tonight in Beverly Hills . In its eighth annual celebration, audiences will be inspired by beautiful and traditional performances, taking place at the historic Saban Theatre . Acts include the Chinese Peking Opera and Peking Opera Fashion Show performed by the Beijing Liangxiang Culture, Chinese folk dance, martial arts and folk music performed by the Tianjin Folk Orchestra. Tickets are $10 - ...

The holiday season brings people together - it's called the season of giving, receiving and sharing for a reason. The one thing that is true to all three is the gift of food. Rich flavors combined with seasonal ingredients bring out the essences and tastes like no other time of year. Appreciated by any party guest, foodie, sweet tooth and wine lover, I have rounded up some of my absolute favorite foodie shops in Los Angeles where I always find just the right gift.  Season's Eatings . Christmas tree at The Original Farmers Market (photo courtesy of The Original Farmers Market) Joyeuses Fêtes Pitchoun Bakery imbues both French and holiday spirit throughout. Once you enter there is no stopping. One of everything, s'il vous plait. Fortunately, this is the time of year to share festive and favorite French pastries with amies (friends): sweet holiday mini Panettone, Christmas decorated eclairs, classic French Yule log, traditional butter cream and genoise sponge cake,...

photo by designpik While LA is bleeding blue this coming week (World Series starts tonight Dodgers v Boston), everybody still has eyes on pink. Pink as in October is Breast Cancer Awareness month . This month local businesses are supporting organizations that raise awareness for life-saving research, patient advocacy as well as raise funds to provide women in need with mammograms, breast health and self-breast-exam education. Whatever color you decide to support (pink, purple , or the entire rainbow), know that it makes a huge impact. Pretty in Pink photo credit: Tara Redfeld @thefood pervert Tocaya Organica is serving a Pretty in Pink specialty prickly pear margarita for $10. All of the proceeds are being donated to Breast Cancer Research Foundation   through Oct. 31, 2018. The "modern organic Mexican" restaurant has locations all over town including its newest at The Beverly Center. A Pink Getaway photo credit: Terranea Resort If you are itching ...

I love to taste. A little bit of this and a little bit of that. It’s why I seek out restaurants with small plates, tapas, community tables and all in all sharing. My dining partners know that I survey the dinner crowd to see what is being ordered. Naturally, I ask, can I taste that? (I usually don’t ask strangers but I’ve been known to ingratiate myself so much so that I’ve actually been offered to taste what’s on their table). I love Los Angeles for its amazing tasting festivals, outdoor markets, tasting menus and diverse food halls. So, let’s dive in and check out what you need to take a taste of this month. Here’s your food festival round up. 23rd Annual Huntington Beach Plum Festival Sunday, August 19, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (parking and admission are free) Old World Huntington Beach 7561 Center Ave., Huntington Beach Fresh plums from a Farmers Market Desserts devoted to plums. (photo courtesy of the Huntington Beach Plum Festival) I just can’t get enough of summer stone ...

#BestOf FARMERS' MARKETS IN LA photo by The Original Farmers Market Farm to table is here to stay, not a trend. Opting to bring diverse, fresh, organic produce and foods into their kitchens is what drives locals and visitors to more than 800 certified farmers' markets (CFMs) in Los Angeles. CFMs give access to farm fresh goods, and of course the opportunity to build relationships and community with the farmers. Many of the farmers markets are open rain or shine throughout the year making it possible for at-home cooks, professional chefs and  restaurants to shop seasonal produce. Bring a reusable bag and head over to one of  these fabulous five in L.A. all week long. Echo Park Farmers Market When: Friday 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., rain or shine The Echo Park Farmers' Market , which is run by SEE-LA (Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles is dedicated to making fresh healthy foods available across LA) offers an incredible array of produce and “value add...

Father’s Day has a much more chill vibe than some of the other holidays throughout the year. Backyard bbqs, 18 holes, honoring a favorite pastime and sharing a frosty mug or sipping an exclusive whiskey, there are so many enjoyable activities to plan for your favorite guy. If you haven’t already lined up something special for Dad, here are the #bestof activities to make him feel special. Cars and whiskey. Calling all dads, families and car fans - you’re invited to a Beverly Hills Father’s Day tradition. For the last 25 years, some of the most coveted automobiles make their way for display at the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance. This event is free and open to the public. Auto enthusiasts attend to get a close up look so they can admire automobiles like a 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom and a McLaren 12C. Luxurious new models are also on display. The event is also open to car owners who want to showcase their luxurious models. While in the neighborhood take Dad for a single malt S...