What The Duck? Beachwood BBQ Brings Back Meatloaf Night

Have you ever taken the time to fully comprehend your palate? I refer to more than just your taste buds and what you prefer to eat – your palate encompasses anything and everything you have or plan to consume. The human palate involves more than just taste – it involves the entire experience of sight, smell, temperature, texture, consistency, ingredients, and more. When you consider the possible ingredients, a plethora comes to mind. Having a variety of ingredients makes for a more pleasant experience, and the master crafters at Beachwood BBQ have capitalized on that notion.

Last week, Beachwood BBQ brought back their Meatloaf Night, following the success of their past food events that featured dishes like ribs, mac & cheese, and poutine. Unlike the mac and poutine nights, guests could not actually construct their own meatloaf. Instead, Beachwood offered a menu containing five different types of meatloaf: Beef, Duck, Venison, Wild Boar, and Elk. Torn between all the meats, Beachwood knew their customers would struggle to select one meatloaf, so they offered a “flight” of four types of meatloaf PLUS all the sides. Unlike the last time Beachwood BBQ held this event, they did not curate a specific beer-pairing menu that paired certain beers with each type of meatloaf, thus this menu did not mention any beer flights. Regardless, Beachwood BBQ still had a full lineup of beers available to choose from, including their Greenshift DIPA that had just released in draft and bottles the previous day.

How beautiful does that look? Beachwood took an ordinary white plate and turned it into a centerpiece. Every meatloaf paired with one of the sides and a craft beer creates a blissful serene experience for your palate. You may not witness culinary synergy like this again in a while. Human palates have to expand beyond everyday “comfort foods” that we all grow up to eat. With a world of foods you may have never even heard of, why settle for routine? Break out of routines that lead to nowhere, and find something new and interesting to eat, like these different types of meatloaf from Beachwood BBQ. Your palate will thank me later.

Upcoming Events: November 16-22, 2015

Ritual Brewing’s 3rd Anniversary Celebration Week
November 16-21
Ritual Brewing, Redlands
http://ritualbrewing.com/

Ritual Brewing turns three years old this week, and to celebrate, they will have festivities at their tasting room in Redlands all week long. The week will culminate with a beer festival this Saturday from 12pm to 4:30. General admission costs $30 and starts at 1pm, while VIP admission costs $40 and starts at 12pm. All attendees receive an anniversary glass and unlimited beer pours while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend this event.

12th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
November 16-22
Various locations, San Diego
http://www.sandiegowineclassic.com/

All week, check out all things food & wine all over San Diego County. From wine tastings to cooking classes to seminars to food sampling, if it has to do with food or drinks, it will happen during this time. On Saturday, experience the grand finale with a massive food & wine tasting festival at Embarcadero Marina Park North in Downtown San Diego. General admission to this festival costs $135 and starts at 12pm, while early admission costs $165 and starts at 11am.

Meet The Brewer: Artifex Brewing @ The Factory Gastrobar
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 18
The Factory Gastrobar, Bixby Knolls, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/1060392040657796/

Artifex Brewing will travel up from San Clemente to Long Beach this Wednesday evening for a tap takeover, beer pairing, and meet & greet with the brewer. This night has no admission fee – simply show up, and pay as you go.

Meatloaf Wednesday
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 18
Beachwood BBQ, Seal Beach
http://beachwoodbbq.com/events.html

Following the success of their ribs, mac & cheese, and poutine special events, Beachwood BBQ will now hold a Meatloaf night this Wednesday. Choose from multiple different meat types, and enjoy it as a meal or as a flight paired with craft beers.

Beaujolais Nouveau Day
November 19
Worldwide
http://www.beaujolaisnouveauday.com/

Every year on the third Thursday of November, wine enthusiasts worldwide celebrate the arrival of this passionate wine with fireworks, music, festivals, and more. Check in with your favorite local restaurant, bar, or winery to see if they will participate in the celebration of this glorious wine.

Belgium Beers Tap Takeover
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 19
Alpine Village, Torrance
http://www.alpinevillagecenter.com/upcoming-events/tap-takeover/

Alpine Village will tap a bunch of Belgian beers this Thursday night for your enjoyment. This event has no admission fee – simply show up, and pay for beers as you go.

2015 Los Angeles Auto Show
9:00 am – 9:00 pm, November 20-29
Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles
http://laautoshow.com/

Check out the newest and latest cars, trucks, exotics, and more. General admission costs $12 on weekdays or $15 on weekends.

Progressive International Motorcycle Show – Long Beach
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, November 20
9:30 am – 8:00 pm, November 21
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 22
Long Beach Convention Center, Downtown Long Beach
http://www.motorcycleshows.com/city/long-beach-ca

See all-things motorcycles this weekend at the Long Beach Convention Center. Admission varies, with a one-day adult general admission costing $15.

Pairing Is Caring 2
7:00 pm – 10:30 pm, November 20
Monk Space, Los Angeles
http://www.insidethecellar.com/

Enjoy a night of food, beer, and wine in Koreatown this Friday night. General admission costs $50 and starts at 7:30, while VIP admission costs $65, starts at 7pm, and includes access to a VIP lounge. All attendees receive unlimited food, beer, and wine while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Escape From The Time Travel Lab
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, November 20
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, November 21-22
Edm Hall, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles
http://realescapegame.com/rerla_ttlab/

Put your brain to the test at this real-life escape game. Participants of this event have 90 minutes to solve multiple puzzles of varying difficulty, and combine the solutions to unlock additional puzzles, which will eventually lead to the final solution that will solve the entire game. Each session can only have up to 11 participants, and teamwork will get your group through the puzzle to the final answer. Registration costs $26 per person.

Pancakes & Booze Art Show
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, November 20-21
Lot 613, Los Angeles
http://www.pancakesandbooze.com/

For just a $5 cover, guests get treated to unlimited pancakes and many artists from across the country showcasing their works. Guests can also witness body painting, stencil art, art battles, sculptures, graffiti, and more. Guests can park on the street for free, or park in the adjacent parking lot for $5. No one under 21 may enter.

The Color Run 5k – Orange County
7:00 am – 1:00 pm, November 21
Huntington State Beach, Huntington Beach
http://thecolorrun.com/orange-county/

The color run that started it all returns to Huntington State Beach this Saturday morning. This fun run takes the racing out of a 5k or 10k, and places participants in a running course where they will get showered with bright colors. All runners should wear white for this run, as they run through the course and absorb all the colors flying through the air. Registration for this color run costs $50 per solo participant, or $45 per person if registering as a team of four or more. Waves of runners will start at 9am and launch every few minutes following that for up to two hours, so do not fret about getting there on time.

Bubble Run – Lake Elsinore
8:00 am – 12:00 pm, November 21
Diamond Stadium, Lake Elsinore
http://www.bubblerun.com/upcoming-locations/socal/

Tired of the same 5k run everywhere? If you have had your fill of color runs and glow runs, try your hand at the Bubble Run. Participants wear all white and run through colored foam bogs in this 5k race around the Sleep Train Amphitheater. Registration costs $40, and all levels of runners may participate. Space will fill up fast, so register early, and try to carpool to this event.

2015 Designer Con
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, November 21
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 22
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://www.designercon.com/

This design event takes place this weekend in Pasadena. What started as an expo for designer toys and collectables has evolved into including apparel and accessories. Designer Con now features toys, apparel, art, crafts, and more, ranging from fine, traditional, modern, urban, and contemporary. Presale tickets cost $5, tickets at the door cost $7, while arrivals after 3pm cost nothing.

30th Annual Elves’ Faire
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, November 21
Pasadena Waldorf School, Altadena
http://www.elves-faire.com/

This FREE and all-ages fair will allow visitors to enjoy medieval activities, games, live music, food, entertainment, and more.

Hermosa Beach Holiday Sidewalk Festival
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, November 21
Downtown Hermosa Beach
http://business.hbchamber.net/events/details/holiday-sidewalk-festival-3147

Check out this free and all-ages event this Saturday in Downtown Hermosa Beach. Visitors will find arts & crafts, live entertainment, music, dancing, games, sidewalk sales, food & drink specials, and more.

Taste of Autumn Beer Festival
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 21
Shark Club, Costa Mesa
http://www.tasteofautumnbeerfestival.com/

An autumn beer tasting event will take place at the Shark Club in Costa Mesa this Saturday over two sessions. General admission costs $40 and runs 1pm to 4pm or 7pm to 10pm. VIP admission costs $50 and starts an hour earlier than general admission. All attendees receive unlimited beer tastings while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Hops & Hounds: Packinghouse Brewing’s 5th Anniversary
1:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 21
Packinghouse Brewing, Riverside
http://www.pbbeer.com/

Packinghouse Brewing turns five years old this week, and to celebrate, they will have a free celebration at their tasting room in Riverside this Saturday. Throughout the day, Packinghouse will have live music, special beer releases, and mobile food vendors. A portion of the day’s sales will go towards the American Cancer Society.

Old Town Seal Beach Main Street Chili Cookoff Crawl
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, November 21
Main Street, Seal Beach
http://www.sealbeachrestaurantweek.com/events.html

Around a dozen Seal Beach restaurants will participate in a chili cookoff this Saturday afternoon. Visitors of all ages can purchase a wristband for $10, which will allow them to sample as much chili as they like from participating restaurants up and down Main Street. The Hennessey’s Grill parking lot will function as the hub, where visitors can purchase wristbands, observe raffle prizes, and vote for their favorite chili.

Orange County’s 3rd Annual Beard & Moustache Competition
3:00 pm – 11:00 pm, November 21
The Rinks, Irvine
http://www.dubswashere.com/

Movember participants, listen up! Show off your wicked facial hair at this competition for all things hairy this Friday night in Huntington Beach, featuring a handful of categories to enter into to win cash prizes. In addition to the fabulous styles, visitors will find food, a full bar, live music, vendors, and more. Registration costs $15, while spectators may enter for $5.

The Crowd @ Alex’s Bar
8:30 pm – 1:30 am, November 21
Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
http://www.alexsbar.com/event/989049-crowd-long-beach/

Rock out to some local old-school punk rock bands this Saturday night in Long Beach. Tickets to this show cost $8 presale or $10 at the door. No one under 21 may enter.

25th Annual Encinitas Fall Street Fair
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, November 22
South Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
http://www.encinitas101.com/events/fall-festival/

This FREE street fair takes place this Sunday in Encinitas. Featuring 450 unique food, arts & crafts vendors, five music stages, rides & games, and a beer garden hosted by Stone Brewing and Port Brewing, people of all ages will enjoy this street fair. Due to the compact nature of this area, parking can get extremely difficult to locate. Arrive early, or take public transportation to arrive safely.

23rd Annual Arroyo Arts Collective Discovery Tour
9:30 am – 5:00 pm, November 22
Southwest Museum, Mount Washington
http://www.arroyoartscollective.org/

This Sunday, check out homes and studios of artists and craftspeople around Highland Park, Eagle Rock, and surrounding areas. This self-guided tour costs $10 presale or $15 on the day of the event, and allows access to art purchasing, building tours, and more. While strolling, check out some of the great places to grab a bite or sip, such as Fusion Burgers, Donut Friend, The Oinkster, and more.

Artisanal LA: West Elm Holiday Pop-Up
10:00 am – 3:00 pm, November 22
West Elm, Beverly Grove
http://artisanalla.com/

Head over to West Elm in Beverly Grove this Sunday for a small popup of Artisanal LA. Free to attend for all ages, this popup gives visitors a sample of Artisanal LA’s semiannual event at The Reef. Visitors will find a handful of local artisanal food vendors plus some local arts & crafts vendors.

Beer & Pie with Firestone Walker
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, November 22
Select Beer Store, Redondo Beach
http://www.selectbeerstore.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1483421438653814/

Enjoy some handmade pies and Firestone Walker brews this Sunday afternoon at Select Beer Store in Redondo Beach. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, and pay for food and drinks as you go.

What The Duck? Beachwood BBQ’s Meatloaf Night

Have you ever taken the time to fully comprehend your palate? I refer to more than just your taste buds and what you prefer to eat – your palate encompasses anything and everything you have or plan to consume. The human palate involves more than just taste – it involves the entire experience of sight, smell, temperature, texture, consistency, ingredients, and more. When you consider the possible ingredients, a plethora comes to mind. Having a variety of ingredients makes for a more pleasant experience, and the master crafters at Beachwood BBQ have capitalized on that notion.

Two weeks ago, Beachwood BBQ hosted their first-ever Meatloaf Night, following the success of their ribs, mac & cheese, and poutine special event nights. Unlike the mac and poutine nights, guests could not actually construct their own meatloaf. Instead, Beachwood offered a menu containing six different types of meatloaf: Duck, Veggie, Ham, Buffalo, Venison, and Seafood. Each meatloaf paired with a craft beer also mentioned on the menu. Torn between all the meats, Beachwood knew their customers would struggle to select one meatloaf, so they offered a “flight” of four types of meatloaf PLUS all the sides for just a dollar more. In addition, guests could add beer pairings to that flight for just $6 more. With this kind of deal, who could pass up the chance to eat meatloaf without questionable meats?

Clockwise from top left: Duck, Ham, Buffalo, Venison

How beautiful does that look? Beachwood took an ordinary white plate and turned it into a centerpiece. Every meatloaf paired with one of the sides and a craft beer creates a blissful serene experience for your palate. You may not witness culinary synergy like this again in a while. Human palates have to expand beyond everyday “comfort foods” that we all grow up to eat. With a world of foods you may have never even heard of, why settle for routine? Break out of routines that lead to nowhere, and find something new and interesting to eat, like these different types of meatloaf from Beachwood BBQ. Your palate will thank me later.

Upcoming Events: November 12-18, 2012

Radioactive Chicken Heads: Free Show @ Gamestop Manhattan Beach
10:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 12
Gamestop, Manhattan Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/170809876392292/

Free show for the midnight launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2!

Dishcrawl Los Angeles
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, November 13
Los Feliz, Los Angeles
http://dishcrawl.com/LA/

Imagine a pub crawl, but with food instead of drinks. This idea will pan out this Tuesday night in Los Feliz, as attendees will visit restaurants to try the food. Attendance costs $39 per person, and will sell out fast, so anyone interested should buy tickets immediately, as the crawl cannot accommodate such a large group.

Meatloaf Wednesday
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 14
Beachwood BBQ, Seal Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/383305551746398/

Following the success of their ribs, mac & cheese, and poutine special events, Beachwood BBQ will now hold a Meatloaf night this Wednesday. Choose from six different meat types, and enjoy it as a meal or as a flight paired with craft beers.

Still Life Stout Release Party
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm, November 16
Beachwood Brewing, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/244120412383695/

Beachwood Brewing will celebrate the release of their latest smoked double oat stout, as well as the 1 year anniversary of Still Life Tattoo in Seal Beach. Guest will find special appetizers on the menu, and enjoy music from DJ Dravidian, and an art show curated by Still Life Tattoo owner/artist Tim Shelton.

Beaujolais Nouveau Passions
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, November 16
Mercedes-Benz, Beverly Hills
http://www.beaujolaispassions.com/

Celebrate a night of French foods, wines, and entertainment in beautiful Beverly Hills. At this one-night fest, guests get treated to French food samples, merchandise, live music, silent auction, caberet dancers, and more. Presale tickets cost $20, while tickets at the door cost $25. VIP presale costs $50, and $75 at the door, and comes with preferred seating, a 4-course meal, complimentary wine & other drinks, and covers tax & tip. Guests may find free street parking surrounding the venue, while the venue will provide valet parking as well.

43rd Annual Holiday Arts & Craft Faire
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, November 17-18
Torrance Cultural Arts Center, Torrance
http://www.facebook.com/events/156184074505655/

Over 75 local artists will sell their handmade items at this FREE fair running all weekend in Torrance. Find accessories, merchandise, apparel, trinkets, toys, jewelry, and more gifts for the holidays while supporting independent artists.

The Artisan Faire
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 17
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, November 18
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
http://www.theartisanfaire.com/

More than just your typical art fair, The Artisan Faire provides two days’ worth of books, beauty, art, gifts, toys, and more with an emphasis on high quality. Guests may enter the fair for free, while parking costs $4 per vehicle.

Greater LA Artisan Chocolate Festival & Wine Tasting Expo
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, November 17
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, November 18
Aviation Park Gymnasium, Redondo Beach
http://www.chocolatefestivalsamerica.com/
http://redondobeach.patch.com/events/greater-la-artisan-chocolate-festival-wine-tasting-expo

You may have eaten chocolate before, but probably not as sophisticated as the artisanal chocolates you may find at the Greater LA Artisan Chocolate Festival. Featuring the highest quality chocolates from around the world, this festival costs only $30 per person and provides all-access to chocolate and wine tastings (21+ for wine). The industry’s foremost experts will speak and perform demos throughout the fest.

Getting Our Just Desserts
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, November 17
International Culinary School @ Art Institute of California, Santa Monica
http://www.ccapinc.org/locations/los-angeles/2008/08/news-4/

Like desserts? Check out this dessert fest this Saturday, which will feature pastries, chocolates, candy, baked goods, coffee, tea, and other specialties. VIP tickets cost $100 and enter at 1pm, while general admission enters at 2pm and costs $50 presale and $75 at the door. All guests receive all-access to tastings, demos, and a goodie bag.

Downtown Santa Ana Art & Music Festival
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 17
Blue Lot, Santa Ana
http://www.downtown-santaana.com/

This all-ages festival costs $5 per person to enter, and features live music, art, foodtrucks, local restaurants, and other local businesses. Nearby parking structures charge for parking, so guests looking for street parking may need to park a few blocks away.

Manic Hispanic, Swingin’ Utters, Union 13, Anarchy Taco @ The Observatory
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 17
The Observatory, Santa Ana
http://www.observatoryoc.com/events/manic-hispanic

This all-ages punk rock show costs $15. The surrounding area contains plenty of free parking.