The timeless elegance of the Japanese tea ceremony is part of the “Masters of Carpentry: Melding Forest, Skill and Spirit” exhibition at Japan House Los Angeles. On Tuesday, Jan. 7, and Tuesday, Jan. 14, the gallery will transform into an intimate setting for Urasenke Tea Ceremony pop-up ceremonies alongside one of the exhibition highlights, a full-scale reproduction of the historic Sa-an Teahouse. January is National Hot Tea Month and the ceremonies offer an afternoon of cultural insight and peaceful reflection. Originally designed in the late 16th century by tea master Sen no Rikyu, the Sa-an teahouse provides a space to immerse in the rich and diverse heritage of the centuries-old tea ceremony known as chanoyu or chadō (the way of tea.)
The Lido Theater, Newport Beach’s historic and recently restored movie landmark has launched the Café Pop-Up Experience, open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cafe features a variety of freshly prepared menu items alongside an assortment of fresh-baked goods daily. Watch a complimentary movie in the theater in front of the big screen or at a table on the patio under the marquee while noshing on a Mortadella breakfast sandwich, classic grilled cheese, turkey melt, or Big City Red hot dog. Grab-and-go selections include tuna or chicken salad with mixed greens, in a sherry vinaigrette or market granola parfait with mixed berries.
Ghirardelli has opened the doors of its first Santa Monica Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop on Ocean Ave. near the pier. The new shop marks the brand’s fourth Southern California brick-and-mortar location and showcases the brand’s history in chocolate, sundae making (including the daily-made hot fudge), and other fountain and bakery favorites like milkshakes, hot chocolate, brownies, and cookies The 3900 square foot space weaves together elements reflective of the shop in San Francisco with nods to Santa Monica with indoor and outdoor seating.
What’s Popping Up is a column in the L.A. Weekly that explores everything new in food and drink.
The Lido Theater pop-up cafe