If you haven't noticed by the flow of traffic, we're entering a holiday weekend. Hooray for holidays! Then again, Labor Day often serves as summer's last hurrah, one last chance to take that trip to the beach you've been talking about for months. Don't stress—September kicks ass, and to welcome the change of seasons, there are some fantastic food events taking place over the next few days. So lick that ice cream, dig into your plate of BBQ and eat your way into fall with these five delicious happenings:
The Taste: Technically The Taste ends one day short of Labor Day, but it's a great primer for all the eating you'll do on Monday. Tickets are still available for select events at this annual LA Times food extravaganza, where you can find LA's best chefs and mixologists dishing out gourmet bites and cocktails between demos and panels.
New flavors at Salt & Straw: We're huge fans of this Larchmont Village ice cream shop, especially since they're such big advocates for teaming up with local businesses to create LA-centric flavors (Remember when they partnered with Roy Choi to create Papi's Korean Fluffernutter? Swoon.). On September 4, they'll be dropping their brand new flavors of the month, including—contain yourself—Apple & Doughnuts, using Sidecar Doughnuts. Pick up a pint on the way to wherever you're going this holiday weekend.
BBQ and Pool Party at The Line Hotel: Speaking of Roy Choi, you can make a reservation through POT this weekend for a BBQ and pool party on The Line Hotel's pool deck, where chef Jarobi White will be serving BBQ as a slew of DJs provide the beats. Email rsvp@eatatpot.com for a spot: Sat & Sun 4-9pm; Mon Noon-7pm.
Labor Day BBQ at Terrine: More BBQ! Chef Kris Morningstar is doing away with his usual brunch and dinner menu and instead grilling all day long. Tuck into pickle brine fried chicken, classic mac 'n cheese, frito pie, swordfish brochettes and crispy potato tacos from 11:30am-11pm. Unlimited bites are $35 (make a reservation online or by calling 323-746-5130), while you can tack on cocktails for an additional $8-$11. Stretchy pants are advised.
Free soft serve at Dog Haus: Are there three words more beautiful in the English language than "free soft serve"? Fosselman's Ice Cream has partnered with Dog Haus to create an exclusive soft serve, available only at the hot dog chain. The sweet treat launches on Labor Day, and to celebrate the occasion they'll be offering free cones throughout the day. Just one more reason why we love Labor Day.
Check out our Labor Day weekend guide for more events!