Roald Dahl was both a magician and a tormentor. The beloved author crafted incredible worlds for children—and imaginative adults—to dissolve into: lush forests where a young boy hunted pheasants with sleeping pills, worlds where giant peaches were a means of escape and chocolate spewed from sugar-filled fountains. But he could also haunt us in our sleep with face-melting witches, evil headmistresses and lumbering giants (even if they were Big and Friendly). Dahl's short stories for adults were just as other-wordly.
Today is Roald Dahl's 100th birthday, and while the British novelist passed away in 1990, his tall tales still permeate through classrooms, libraries and bedrooms across America. There are parties and readings and gatherings occurring across the world today and throughout the weekend, but Los Angeles is one of a select number of cities to be participating in Wonderkrump Weekend, a nationwide fête to honor Dahl. Check out these restaurants and sweet shops that are taking part in the festivities:
The Pie Hole + Coolhaus: Head to the Indiana Colony in Pasadena on September 17 for a kid-friendly Roald Dahl birthday party (noon-4pm). While the little ones enjoy readings from children's book authors, arts and crafts, a photo booth and a Dahl character costume contest, adults (okay, kids too) can feast on the Pie Hole's Matilda-inspired Miss Honey Pie: honey mousse, orange marmalade, Nilla Wafer crust and whipped cream. There's also The Witches-inspired Poisoned Chocolate Pie with rich chocolate mousse and caramel Coco Krispy® crust topped with pretzels.
Milk Jar Cookies: On September 18 (noon-5pm), Milk Jar Cookies will offer live book readings, crafts, cookies, live music and a magician. But the real reason to come is for the shop's James and the Giant Peach Cobbler Cookie, a sweet treat made with fresh peach dough, yogurt chips and homemade streusel, topped with a peach and available all month long.
Knuckle & Claw: Chloe Dahl, one half of Knuckle & Claw's owners, is the granddaughter of the man himself, so it's only natural that there will be Dahl festivities taking place at their new Santa Monica location. Chloe's mother (and Roald Dahl's daughter) Lucy will be reading with authors Sherri Smith and Keith Campbell. Visitors can also take in activities, games and a filming of Cupcake Wars.
Want more ideas on how you can celebrate the beloved author? Cuddle up with Fantastic Mr. Fox at one of the city's best independent bookstores, honor Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with a trip to a standout chocolate shop, or just channel your inner child (or your own budding Roald Dahl reader) with one of these kids activities.
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