5 Shareable Appetizers in the Los Angeles Area You Must Try This Winter

Reminiscing back to our childhoods, we recall all the good times and bad times that significantly impacted us as children. Everyone remembers certain moments during their childhoods that has permanently affected our personalities today. Even without anything to capture those moments, we can still reminisce about the good old days through photos taken way back then. In fact, today’s society has accepted Throwback Thursdays as an homage to the good old days, when life did not bear so much worry, and we could live out our days without fear or oppression. These days, society has to deal with corruption on many levels, from governments to the internet to bullies in school and more. Like the human immune system, society reacts to these corruptions by implementing methods to combat those problems by either minimizing problems or eliminating them altogether. This may not restore the good old days, but as a society, we still like to look back to what paved the way for us to stand here today. Significantly, we remember the foods we once ate as children, even recalling the low prices. Those old signs advertising $0.10 French Fries did not lie – food stands actually sold items that now cost ten times more, or even more than that! Though we can still buy the same fast food items as back then, we have much better options today as far as finer dining without the inflated price tags. If you miss those $0.10 fries, wait until you see some of the appetizers that you can share with friends or enjoy as an entrée. I have discovered five different shareable appetizers that you can find in the Greater Los Angeles Area, and you can either enjoy these on its own or share them among the table.

5. Plan Check Kitchen‘s Sweet Potato Waffle Fries

Many of us grew up with French fries as a classic side. During the turn of the century, restaurants started to utilize sweet potato fries instead of regular fries. They do not cost that much more, have a completely different flavor, and have more health benefits than regular potatoes. Some of us may even remember waffle-cut fries, or as one fast food chain calls it, criss-cut fries. What does all this mean? Head over to Plan Check Kitchen to find out. With three locations around Los Angeles, Plan Check Kitchen serves up delicious faire out of their small kitchen. While each location has a slightly different menu, you will always want to check if they have the Sweet Potato Waffle Fries available. Simple yet fulfilling, this plate of waffle-cut sweet potato fries gets fried in beef tallow and served with a side of peach ketchup made in-house. While the above photo makes it appear small, it can easily satisfy two people at just $6 per order.

4. The Oinkster‘s Piggy Fries

A certain Californian fast food institution has an ever-popular off-menu item that nearly every Californian has tried at least once. Most people who have tried it swear by it and nothing else, albeit many local places make something just as good, if not better. If you have heard of The Oinkster, then you know about what I refer to. As its name suggests, The Oinkster specializes in meaty foods and delicious sides to go along with them. At both of The Oinkster’s locations, you can find Piggy Fries on the menu. Contrary to its name, these fries do not have any meat in them at all, though you can get crafty and add the meat in yourself. For just $4, this boat of fries comes with housemade thousand island dressing, caramelized onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. If you want to make this truly piggy fries, unload a sandwich onto these fries for the ultimate meal.

3. Dolce Bistro & Bakery‘s Spicy Maple Bacon Popcorn

Americans have a strange fascination with bacon. Something about this small strip of pork drives people to spend obscene amounts of money to add it on to something. Fast food restaurants routinely charge a dollar more to add a piece of bacon, while some restaurants charge up to $4 more to add some bacon. I will never understand why people do this, but I do know that if I crave the flavor of bacon, it had better taste good, so I go to Dolce Bistro & Bakery in Montclair. As their name suggests, in addition to a full-service restaurant, they also have a bakery full of delectable desserts, but I shall talk about that in another post. For now, we focus on the restaurant side where they have lots of great food such as the Spicy Maple Bacon Popcorn. Dolce Bistro tosses popcorn with chili powder and cumin, then mixes in maple bacon for an easy snack that everyone around the table can enjoy. Enjoy it with friends, enjoy it on its own, or enjoy it for the occasion for just $5.

2. The Hat‘s Pastrami Chili Cheese Fries

Never neglect the hole-in-the-wall businesses. Small mom & pop shops exist all over the place, and most people simply drive right by them never noticing them. Some mom & pop shops can hold the greatest hidden gems ever, but it takes word-of-mouth to get the news out there, especially if that mom & pop shop has no website, no social media, or no internet presence at all. With no marketing power, mom & pop shops have to deliver something so good that the constituents will do the marketing for them, such as with The Hat. This traditional diner now has eleven locations throughout Southern California all serving up their famous pastrami, but to truly savor their pastrami, go big with the Pastrami Chili Cheese Fries. Beware: the $13 price tag paints the picture that you simply must share this with others. No sole person can possible tackle all of this in one sitting, so if you have a hungry group, satisfy all their hungers with this mountain of meat.

1. Leadbelly’s Barbecue‘s Loaded Pork Garlic Fries

While I can understand food allergies preventing people from enjoying certain foods, I could never understand the people who cannot eat certain foods due to their religion. Red meat simply tastes too good to pass up, so I feel bad for the people who do not eat beef or pork or both. They miss out on the goodness of these meats, cancerous or not. For those who crave the meat, look for a barbecue restaurant, such as Leadbelly’s Barbecue. Tucked away in a corner between Fullerton and Placentia, this restaurant slings lots of meat in many different styles, even on top of fries like on their Loaded Pork Garlic Fries. Leadbelly’s tosses French fries with garlic and then tops it with pulled pork, bacon, pork belly, Parmesan cheese, jack cheese, and chives, which they serve with a side of gravy to pour over the top. At $12.95, this massive plate can easily feed a group of four or more. Go easy on the gravy – its richness can make one full fast.

5 Burgers in the Los Angeles Area You Must Try This Fall

When the seasons change, many more things change than just the weather. Looking at the weather alone, Southern California currently experiences a massive heat wave that may make you believe that the seasons had not turned yet. A deadly virus threatens human civilization that broke out. A drought threatens the inhabitation of California. As a society, we cannot accurately predict what radical event will change the world next, but we can brace ourselves for anything, as we always have in the past as an enduring society. We can also fall back on what we typically associate with this time of the year. Fall, as we know it, indicates pumpkins, red wine, NFL, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the fall harvest, especially the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, giving us a reason to gorge on Mooncakes. Looking at all these opportunities to feast on favorable foods, we should not overlook outdoor grilling, nor the foods prepared that way. Though the winds will chill the air more so than in the summer, many folks will still utilize the grill up through Thanksgiving. In homage of the veritable fall feast, take a look at these five burgers in the Greater Los Angeles Area that I highly recommend seeking out this season.

5. Belcampo Meat Company‘s Belcampo Cheeseburger

Have you ever visited collective gatherings of food businesses? I do not refer to strip malls or a food court or food truck spots. I refer to a full public market dedicated to providing real estate to local entrepreneurs seeking to enter the food & beverage industry. For example, the historic Pike Place Market in Seattle hosts countless independently-owned businesses, many of which serve unique foods found nowhere else. The Anaheim Packinghouse, which just opened earlier this year, houses a plethora of local food & beverage businesses all serving something unique such that no business competes with each other. Another highly-populated public market exists in Downtown Los Angeles known as Grand Central Market. This dense and compact market holds so many businesses and attracts so many people daily that you literally have to elbow your way through the crowd to get anywhere. If you do that, you may discover great hidden gems, such as the Belcampo Meat Company. This counter, along with its other four California locations, fully functions as both a butcher shop and a restaurant. Their offerings change based on the seasons and the market, but some menu items remain a constant, such as their Belcampo Cheeseburger. They grill a 5.5oz dry-aged & grass-fed beef patty to medium rare, then top it with cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, butter lettuce, and what appears to taste like thousand island dressing that they call house sauce. This burger makes it to number five on this list because, although the beef tastes amazingly juicy, the rest of the burger looks rather dull. The lettuce especially gives it a “cheap” look, reducing the overall experience. Honestly, with beef this juicy and full of savory goodness, they can do away with the lettuce, and the burger would look so much better. The price of this burger varies based on the location, but the burger in Downtown LA costs $12.50.

4. Slater’s 50/50‘s Cubano

The empire continues to grow! Now sporting seven locations, the Slater’s 50/50 collective has since expanded outward from its original location in Orange County, with spots now in Rancho Cucamonga and San Marcos. Any Southern Californian local will have heard of Slater’s 50/50, while out-of-towners will want to visit any Slater’s 50/50 location for their namesake, the 50/50 burger – a burger patty consisting of 50% beef and 50% ground bacon. While they sell their trademark 50/50 patty the most, they still sport a large menu of other great items. Their menu claims that they have the “World’s Greater Turkey Burger,” a bold proclamation since typically turkey burgers never quite match up to that of beef or even pork burger patties. I advise you to keep an open mind for their October burger-of-the-month, The Cubano. Slater’s 50/50 builds this massive burger-sandwich hybrid starting with their 2/3 lbs turkey patty, which they top with Swiss cheese, carnitas-style pork, pickled red onions, banana rum mustard, and mint leaves, all on toasted sourdough bread with a side of sliced pickles. Basically, you will receive a panini-style Cuban sandwich with some twists. The mint leaves especially stand out, providing a distinct tease with each bite. For a craft beer pairing, stick with the middle ground, nothing strong or light, such as a pale ale, amber ale, or brown ale. The Cubano makes it to number four on this list because of a few issues. Glaringly, I cannot say that I approve of the bread choice. Sourdough itself bears a flavor that one must savor on its own, so in this sandwich, it would sometimes lose its sourdough flavor with center bites, or overpower the sandwich with edge bites. The choice to toast the bread also brings out two problems: the crunchiness may harm those with sensitive gums, and the bread gets soggy if the cooks do not layer the ingredients correctly, which will happen more often than not. For a burger list, I rarely feature a non-beef patty, as I simply prefer a beef patty unless the patty truly glorifies the burger, such as a chorizo patty. If you seek a Cuban sandwich on an actual burger…

3. Grill ‘Em All‘s Midnight A.K.A. The Konnan

Music truly does hold the title of the most universal language. Lyrics aside, once you have the instrumentals, you can capture an audience from any corner of the globe. From Kawaii metal to fart metal, music resonates well with any individual, even if the music physically assaults anyone listening to it. Much like with music, certain foods gain positive reception around the world. While we can find common foods like burgers and pizza in nearly every country, certain styles also carry over quite well. For example, the typical Cuban sandwich consists of ham, carnitas-style pork, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles. Modifications heavily exist to this, as proved by Grill ‘Em All. Consistently shattering culinary perceptions, Grill ‘Em All knows that keeping with traditions will only keep them in the past. For that reason, they think progressively by reinventing stereotypical foods into amalgams of frenzied burgers that look like they took a spin in a mosh pit or two. For the month of October, Grill ‘Em All reimagines the classic Cuban sandwich into their burger-of-the-month, The Midnight A.K.A. The Konnan. Named after a Cuban professional wrestler, The Midnight takes its name from Medianoche, Spanish for midnight, which also refers to the type of sandwich. Unlike standard Cuban sandwiches, The Midnight follows in the footsteps of the Medianoche by utilizing a Hawaiian bun as the sweet bread. Following that, we have a half-pound burger with black forest ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, dijon mustard, pickles, and whole-grain aioli. The resulting burger tastes like a traditional Medianoche sandwich, but with the added surge of the beef patty. This burger pairs very well with the Iron Maiden Trooper ale that they have on tap here! Do keep in mind that you can only obtain this burger this month only, which explains why this burger only makes it to number three on this list.

2. Dolce Bistro & Bakery‘s Not So Classic Burger

Who can resist a cute little sweet treat? Nobody can deny that dessert tends to come across the minds of everybody at least once a day, especially around mealtime. In recent years, bakeries have soared in popularity, whether they make baked goods, cupcakes, pastries, or whatever. When locally famous Porto’s Bakery announced plans to open in Orange County, the entire county clamored in excitement as a testament to the people’s love of sweets. Plenty other bakeries have had to up their game to make them stand out in the crowd, aside from harsh marketing. Up in Montclair, Dolce Bistro & Bakery upped their game by expanding their bakery into a café and restaurant. Tucked away past the Montclair Plaza shopping center, Dolce Bistro & Bakery essentially combines two of my favorite things into one place: a gastropub and a bakery. On one side, you have the bakery where they dole out cronuts, macarons, cupcakes, cookies, and more. On the other side, you have a full-service restaurant representative of today’s typical gastropubs. Aside from their rotating list of craft beers, Dolce Bistro & Bakery deploys a menu that both sounds and tastes delicious. A handful of the menu items gives off an Asian-fusion vibe, but when you look at their burgers, none stand out quite as much as the Not So Classic Burger. While you may expect a meal, the combination of roasted tomatoes, red onion marmalade, Fontina cheese, aioli, and bacon jam will trick your mind into treating this like dessert, what with this sweet lineup of ingredients. A bakery that also serves a sweet burger? Who could have seen that coming? For those bold enough to attempt to pair a craft beer with this, very few beers can stand up to the intensity of this burger. If they have it, go with a stout, Belgian (tripel), or barleywine, as you need that extra strength to stand toe-to-toe with this burger.

1. Stout Burgers & Beer‘s Stout Burger

When determining the desirability of a business, consumers will often research the longevity of a business. If a business has remained open for at least a handful of years, then you can tell that they have endured the hardships of the first couple of years in business, the period where the entrepreneurs hope to break even with their investment. For many years, I have searched for the best of foods that I can find, asking numerous colleagues and strangers everywhere I travel. During those years, a sole burger restaurant has remained at the top of my to-do list that I have never thought to visit. One day, I told myself: I would finally muster up the courage to make the trek up to Stout Burgers & Beers. Located smack dab in the middle of Hollywood, this gastropub does not beat around the bush, and they follow exactly what their name indicates: burgers and beers. They picked one thing to do, and they do it right – I cannot ask for anything more. Here at Stout, they ground the beef in-house daily, so you can expect a fresh burger every single time you visit. Though their menu contains a handful of choices, I encourage everyone to immediately look at their namesake, the Stout Burger. This burger features such a diverse cast of ingredients that all contribute to the greater picture, a picture of a thousand colors. With blue cheese crumbles, Gruyère cheese, rosemary bacon, caramelized onions, horseradish cream, and roasted tomatoes, each ingredient delivers something different to the palate. From the ingredients alone, you get a sour, nutty, salty, sweet, bitter, and tart, respectively. Oh, and this burger patty? It rivals that of Umami Burger. Yes, I said it. People know how much I swear by Umami Burger, but wow do the folks at Stout know how to prepare a burger. At least I can drive to Umami Burger in less than ten minutes from my place, as opposed to Stout where I have to drive about 45 minutes to get there, then pay for parking. I struggle to find free parking anywhere near Stout, which prevents me from visiting them more often whenever I find myself near Hollywood. Perhaps this represents a sign that I must not overindulge in Stout, and that I should consider it an occasional treat. But please, do not put off visiting Stout like I did for many years – you ought to go very soon to devour one of the best burgers you will ever lay your hands on!

Upcoming Events: August 18-24, 2014

Costa Mesa Restaurant Week
August 15-22
Various locations, Costa Mesa
http://www.travelcostamesa.com/costa-mesa-restaurant-week/

The annual Costa Mesa Restaurant Week returns! Numerous restaurants in Costa Mesa will feature special prix fixe meals or other discounted items during this time. Many of these restaurants have amazing food, so I encourage you to check out at least one of the restaurants during this week.

25th Annual Taste of MainStreet – Encinitas
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, August 19
Main Street, Encinitas
http://www.encinitas101.com/events/annual-taste-of-mainstreet/

Sample food from 34 restaurants in Encinitas this Tuesday night. Douse your thirst at the 16 sip stops along the street as well. You can gain all-access to this for $35 presale, or just $25 for food-only. This taste tends to sell out each year, so purchase your tickets soon if you wish to attend.

Tall Ships Festival LA 2014
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, August 20-22
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, August 23-24
Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro
http://www.tallshipsfestivalla.com/

Some of the world’s tallest ships will dock at the Port of LA this week, allowing visitors of all ages to come gawk at them. In addition, the world’s largest rubber duck will float on in to the port. Ticket prices vary for everything during this festival, ranging from $4 all the way up to $150.

Smog City Tap Takeover @ The Factory
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 20
The Factory Gastrobar, Bixby Knolls, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/688169924608595/

South Bay brewery Smog City Brewing will bring nine different beers to take over the taps of The Factory, plus their cask tap. Stop on by this Wednesday evening to enjoy a cold brew.

2014 Naples Island Street Fair
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, August 21
Naples Fountain, Naples Island, Long Beach
http://www.naplesislandbusiness.com/

Bring your family out to this free street fair on Naples Island this Thursday evening. Complete with food, music, and plenty of activities, all visitors will find plenty to do, including raffles, face painting, sidewalk sales, live music, and more. Visitors should park in the neighborhood north of 2nd Street, as the southern neighborhood will close off to traffic.

Mad Caddies – North America Tour 2014
8:30 pm – 2:00 am, August 21, Soda Bar, Normal Heights, San Diego http://www.sodabarmusic.com/calendar.php?event_id=2069
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 22, M15 Concert Bar & Grill, Corona http://www.m15concerts.com/events/mad-caddies/
5:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 23, The Observatory, Santa Ana http://www.observatoryoc.com/events/skankin-in-the-pit-fest

The Mad Caddies will go on tour throughout North America starting this week, and their tour starts off in Southern California with three killer shows. Each show has varying prices and age limits, so refer to the link of the show you want to attend for more info.

The Weirdos – 2014 US Summer Tour
9:00 pm – 1:30 am, August 21, Alex’s Bar, Long Beach http://www.alexsbar.com/event/177668
9:00 pm – 1:30 am, August 22, Characters Sports Bar, Pomona http://gonzopresents.com/event/178215

Relive the 80’s with these old school punk bands this week. Tickets to the Thursday show in Long Beach cost $15 presale or $17 at the door. Tickets to the Friday show in Pomona cost $13 presale or $15 at the door. No one under 21 may attend either show.

Anime California 2014
11:00 am – 2:00 am, August 22
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, August 23-24
Hyatt Regency, Garden Grove
http://www.animecalifornia.com/

Anime, manga, and cosplay fans rejoice! Anime California returns this weekend to the Hyatt Regency in Garden Grove, this 3-day expo contains hundreds of artist & vendor booths, various special events such as a masquerade ball, music videos, concerts, battle of the bands, fashion shows, dancing, video games, karaoke, cosplay gatherings & contests, and much more. Admission to this all-ages expo costs $30 per day or $50 for the entire weekend.

KTown Night Market’s OC Block Party
4:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 22
2:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 23
Angel Stadium, Anaheim
http://ktownnightmarket.com/

Following to vivid success of the KTown Night Market from a few months ago, the organizers will invade Orange County this weekend to bring their night market to the OC. For just $3 to get in, visitors will experience the true nightlife of Asia in this local environment full of food, drinks, vendors, games, music, live entertainment, lights, dancing, and more.

4th Annual Long Beach BBQ Festival
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, August 22
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, August 23
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, August 24
Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach
http://www.longbeachbbqfestival.com/

The Long Beach BBQ Festival returns to Rainbow Lagoon Park this weekend. This all-ages weekend festival brings together the best of the nation’s grill masters to serve the masses and compete for the best BBQ of the west. Entry costs $15, which does not include food, which attendees must pay for separately. Admission with a pork ribs meal costs $28. This festival also boasts an all-you-can-eat package for $225 – check the website for more details about that package. You can also find a coupon on their website good for $2 off entry. This festival takes place entirely outdoors with limited shade, so apply sunscreen, and stay hydrated during the day. Nearby parking lots charge up to $10 for parking – consider parking in the neighborhood east of Alamitos Avenue and walking from there.

Brea Fest
6:30 pm – 10:00 pm, August 22
Brea Civic & Cultural Center, Brea
http://www.cityofbrea.net/Calendar.aspx?EID=6611

Essentially a “Taste of Brea,” this free and all-ages event will see over 30 restaurants from the area providing samples of their food to visitors. Visitors may freely walk into the event area for free, but must purchase tickets to redeem for food or drinks. In addition to all the food, visitors will find live music, a kids zone, arts & crafts, and more.

Amenaza CD Release Party
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 22
White Oak Music & Arts, Van Nuys
http://www.facebook.com/events/278990388948853/

Get crazy at this ska/reggae show this Friday night in Van Nuys. The cover for this all-ages show costs $10.

Centerfield Ska Night
9:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 22
Centerfield Sports Bar, Huntington Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/793977213987331/

Enjoy a FREE ska show this Friday night in Orange County with some fun local ska bands. No one under 21 may enter.

14th Annual Tiki Beach Festival
6:30 am – 5:30 pm, August 23-24
Granada Launch Ramp, Long Beach
http://alfredosbeachclub.com/tiki-festival.html

This Hawaiian & Islander festival takes place at Granada Beach this weekend from sunrise to sunset. Completely FREE to attend, you will find food, arts & crafts, vendors, games, music, dancers, hula hoop lessons, and more here.

Back To School Open House
11:00 am – 2:00 pm, August 23
Blackmarket Bakery, Costa Mesa
http://www.facebook.com/events/565229033599770/

If you have not visited Blackmarket Bakery in a long time, or have yet to visit them at all, check them out this Saturday afternoon. They will give out free samples of their new items to visitors. In addition, stick around for other free giveaways, such as t-shirts or other goodies to take home.

Venice Beach Music Fest 9
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, August 23
Windward Plaza, Venice
http://venicebeachmusicfest.com/

Experience local music, art, and dance at this free and all-ages music festival this Saturday.

5th Annual Taste of Westminster
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, August 23
Civic Center Sunken Gardens, Westminster
http://www.tasteofwestminster.com/

Sample foods from the local restaurants of Westminster this Saturday afternoon. Admission costs $25 for adults or $10 for children, and comes with unlimited food tastings while supplies last. About half of the vendors consist of corporate restaurants, so keep that in mind when sampling the Westminster restaurants. All drinks, alcoholic or not, come at a separate cost, so for a hot day with little shade, bring extra cash to stay hydrated.

Old Skool Oil – Custom Car & Cycle Show
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, August 23
Bowlium Lanes, Montclair
http://www.facebook.com/events/268668053321232/

Bring your friends and family to this FREE and all-ages car show in Montclair this Saturday afternoon. Visitors will find pin-up models, cash prizes, food & drink specials, a live DJ, music, art, raffles, and of course, cars.

3rd Annual Mira Mesa Festival of Beers
1:00 pm – 5:30 pm, August 23
Mira Mesa Community Park, Mira Mesa
http://www.miramesabeerfest.com/

Sample lots of great beers this Saturday afternoon in Mira Mesa. General admission costs $25 presale and $30 at the gate, starts at 2pm, and comes with ten 4oz beer tasters. VIP admission costs $32 presale and $37 at the gate, starts at 1pm, comes with twelve 4oz beer tasters, and receive in-and-out privileges throughout the fest.

6th Annual San Diego Spirits Festival
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, August 23
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, August 24
The Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, San Diego
http://www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com/

Immerse yourself into the wonderful world of spirits this weekend in San Diego. This year’s fest features three sections: cocktails, culinary, and culture., thus providing something to entice everyone. Attendees will also find live entertainment, bartender battles, chef demos, a fashion show, a burlesque show, and more. The all-inclusive admission costs $90 for Saturday and $85 for Sunday, so attendees should arrive early to maximize their eating & drinking time. Use the promo code spirits to take $25 off your admission. No one under 21 may attend.

Saturday Matinee @ The World Famous Doll Hut
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm, August 23
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/266643470189183/

Check out this FREE afternoon show featuring some local punk bands at the Doll Hut this Saturday afternoon.

Orfila’s 21st Annual Grape Stomp
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, August 23
Orfila Vineyards & Winery, Escondido
http://www.orfila.com/winery-events/grape-stomp/

Celebrate this annual vineyard tradition this Saturday in Escondido. General admission costs $90 and includes dinner buffet, dancing & live music, wine tasting, tractor rides, grape stomping, and more. No one under 21 may attend.

4th Annual D.I.Y. Music & Fashion Fest
5:00 pm – 12:00 am, August 23
The Glass House, Pomona
http://bricktoyaface.com/

Check out this all-ages music & art fest this Saturday night in Pomona. Admission costs $12 presale and $17 at the door.

3rd Annual Brews, Blues, N’ BBQ Festival
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, August 23
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
http://www.fullertonarboretum.org/brews_and_blues.php

The Fullerton Arboretum hosts a festival for blues music, craft beers, and BBQ this Saturday night. The $45 admission includes a souvenir glass, ten 4-oz beer tasters, free parking, live blues music, and complimentary sodas and water. All BBQ and food comes at a separate cost. No one under 21 may attend.

4th Annual CLIF Brewfest
5:45 pm – 11:00 pm, August 23
St. Juliana Parish Center, Fullerton
http://www.stjulianachurch.org/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=386328&id=0

The annual CLIF (Catholic Lithuanian Irish Federation) Brewfest returns this weekend in Fullerton. Admission costs $50, and those who purchase presale tickets can enter 15 minutes earlier at 5:45pm. All attendees can eat and drink as much as they can with admission.

Cheap Sex @ Los Globos
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, August 23
Los Globos, Silverlake
http://www.clublosglobos.com/event/638889-cheap-sex-los-angeles/

Cheap Sex makes their only 2014 reunion at this show that they will headline at Los Globos in Silverlake this Saturday night, which also features a rare appearance by Lab Rats. Tickets to this show cost $12 presale or $15 at the door. No one under 18 may attend. Guests should park in the neighborhood down Vendome St.

RF7 – Record Release Show
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, August 23
Blacklight District Lounge, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/671364132946958/

Local punk bands will hit up Blacklight District Lounge in Long Beach this Saturday night. The cover for this show costs $7. No one under 21 may attend.

10th Annual Leucadia Artwalk
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, August 24
West side of Hwy 101, Leucadia
http://www.leucadia101.com/events/leucadiart/

Check out local artists on this leisurely art walk in sunny Leucadia this Sunday. Completely free to attend for all ages, many art galleries along Highway 101 will open all their doors to the public, and live music will play throughout the area. All the local businesses will remain open under normal business hours, so you can check out the best in local eats & drinks too.

Tustin Brewing 18th Anniversary Party
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, August 24
Tustin Brewing, Tustin
http://www.orangecal.com/calendars/tustin-brewing-company/events/anniversary-party

Tustin Brewing turns 18 this week, and to celebrate, they will throw a beer festival at their brewpub this Sunday afternoon. Admission costs $35 presale or $40 at the door, and comes with unlimited beer tastings while supplies last. Attendees can purchase food and merchandise separately, so have cash available for that.

Trump National Golf Club’s 6th Annual Wine & Beer Festival
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, August 24
Trump National Golf Club, Rancho Palos Verdes
http://www.trumpnationallosangeles.com/Default.aspx?p=DynamicModule&pageid=372108&ssid=286115&vnf=1

Have some wine and beer at one of Donald Trump’s golf clubs here in Southern California. The $50 admission comes with unlimited wine & beer and valet parking. Food trucks will keep patrons fed, and volunteers will sell raffle tickets.

PigOut 3.0
2:00 pm – 7:00 pm, August 24
California Scenario, Costa Mesa
http://100eats.com/events/pigout/

Following a successful turnout at last year’s PigOut 2.0, the organizers have returned once again with PigOut 3.0 – bigger, better, and with pignificant vengeance. This celebration of everyone’s favorite pink-snout animal delivers the goods with 15 of Orange County’s top chefs all preparing a feast for the ages, and ten of Orange County’s top mixologists all shaking up wicked concoctions. The general admission of $75 starts at 3pm allows all attendees four full hours of all-you-can-eat pork goodies, and all-you-can-drink craft cocktails. VIP admission costs $100, starts at 2pm, and includes a champagne reception plus a complimentary dessert item.