Los Angeles Dining Deals and Events June 25-July 1

Cupping at Demitasse

By Lesley Balla

Monday
Rampture or not, west-east traffic is typically horrendous. One place to wait it out is the new happy hour at Freddy Smalls (Monday through Thursday, 5:30-7PM). The menu features $7 beer, wine, cocktails and snacks like fried Brussels sprouts, Buffalo deviled eggs, chicken liver mousse on toast and smoked potatoes. On the other side of town, Lazy Ox continues has updated its happy hour with a new menu from chef Perfecto Rocher. Think: pork belly chicharrones with harissa aioli, Kennebec fries, cod brandade with toasted bread and more. Drinks are $3, food is $5 (Monday through Friday, 5-7 PM).

Tuesday
Should you want to spend $16 on a cup of coffee, Demitasse Cafe in Little Tokyo will have the elusive Geisha coffee from Hacienda La Esmeralda, which is considered one of the best coffees in the world. There will be a special cupping tonight (June 26, 7 PM), and it will be available at the cafe through July 8. The coffee is so limited, you need to reserve a cup by emailing info@cafedemitasse.com (135 S. San Pedro St.; 213-613-9300).

Wednesday
Papilles owner Santos Uy continues his love affair with natural and biodynamic wines with a special four-course dinner. Chef Tim Carey's menu (foie gras and peaches; smoked Tasmanian sea trout; crispy pork belly and manilla clams; and cherry crumble with kirsch ice cream) will be paired with Frank Cornelissen wines. The cost is $69 per person (6221 Franklin Ave.; 323-871-2026).

Thursday
Tortilla Republic now serves lunch at its new West Hollywood location. The menu includes dishes like shrimp with mixed greens, chile-dusted melon, jicama and jalapeno vinaigrette, and grilled ahi tuna tacos with blood orange, cabbage and lime pico de gallo. Available Tuesday through Friday, 11:30AM-3PM (616 N. Robertson Blvd.; 310-657-9888).

Friday
In other mid-day meal news, The Tripel in Playa del Rey has added a Friday-only lunch. In addition to the regular menu seasonal pub-fare menu, there's duck confit hash with lobster-salted potatoes and eggs, and new salads like the classic Cobb. There are also special beer cocktails (333 Culver Blvd.; 310-821-0333).

Saturday
Have a foie gras feast because, come tomorrow, it will be banned in the state of California. (Still feels weird writing that.) Here are a few suggestions.

Sunday
Brunching in Burbank? Tony's Darts Away features the $10 B&B special, which includes a 1/2 pint of Golden Road Beer and one brunch item. Choose from tomato-chipotle chilaquiles with eggs or tofu, or biscuits with gravy and grits (can be vegan). Available Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to noon (1710 W. Magnolia Blvd.; 818-253-1710).