Sunday, December 25th - LA Art Party

Well you don’t need me to remind you that today is CHRISTMAS!!!! Yeah….my favorite day of the year. Hopefully you have some great friends and family to spend it with….here are a few suggestions, if you are choosing to eat out.

South Restaurant will be open at 2:00 pm, ready to welcome hungry familes and friends. The will have many specials, but do specialize in Southern cookin’. It is pretty darn tasty. I love this place…yum.

See more info on their website. They are also planning a fun New Year’s Eve….which is actually affordable!

South is located at ‪3001 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403‬;‪(310) 828-9988‬; http://southsantamonica.com/

A bit more fancy, is Simon LA, located inside the Sofitel right across from the Beverly Center. Starting as early as 11:00 am, they will offer a full menu on Christmas Day.The specialty of the day has to be their own holiday version of Simon’s notorious $25 Junkfood Platter (a grown-up rendition of all your childhood favorites).

Sofitel is located at 8555 Beverly Blvd., 90048; 11:00 am – 11:00 pm. (310) 278-5444; http://www.sofitel.com/

If you are enjoying Christmas in LA, why not take advantage of the great weather and hang by the beach? Yes there are plenty of casual places to pop in, but hey, what about splurging? Com’on, it only happens once a year. Head to the gorgeous Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica and enjoy some incredible views while you dine.

Chef Michael Reardon offers a three-course meal, which includes choices such as a seared bluefin tun starter and roasted beef prime rib entree with potato puree, roasted shallots and au jus. Price is $68 per person. 11:30 am – 9:00 pm. Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica, located at 910 Ocean Way, 90405; http://www.hotelcasadelmar.com/restaurant-santa-monica

And if you don’t celebrate Christmas…enjoy the “NOT A CHRISTMAS PARTY” singles event hosted by the Chai Center. Tonight’s party proves that age ain’t nothing but a number, as it’s open to ages 21-55.

The event features an open bar, refreshments and a DJ. Sun. 2:00 pm -5:00 pm. There is a $10 charge (presale expires Dec. 24 at 10 p.m.), $15 (door);

This event takes place at a private Encino mansion, 5324 Genesta Ave., Encino. (310) 391-7995. http://www.chaicenter.org/

Now let’s not forget about Kwanzaa which runs from Dec 26 though January 1st. It’s the 44th year as a pan-African and African-American holiday, this year’s global theme is “Kwanzaa and the Nguzo Saba: An Ethics of Sharing Good in the World.”