Rare Weekend 7.17.08

Glow on.



The most buzzed-about event this weekend? That’s easy… Glow, a dusk till dawn celebration of music, design, and the arts. Inspired by Nuit Blanche in Paris, expect all-girl drum bands and interactive installations. Saturday, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Free.

Glow at the Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, (310) 458-8350, glowsantamonica.com

Reason #923 to grab a drink after work: Cafe Pinot’s “French Summer Wines” tasting. Get there early for free appetizers (6 p.m. - 7 p.m.) and you guessed it, French Summer wines. Tonight, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Cafe Pinot, 700 West Fifth Street, Los Angeles, (213) 239-6500, patinagroup.com/cafePinot

Invest in Summer sartorial staples at Emporio Armani’s online sale. Men’s and women’s collections and accessories are now up to 40% off.

Visit emporioarmani.com

In the red this week? Think blue - Luna Park’s “Blue Plate Special”, their recession-friendly, discounted food (just $10-$12) and drink specials ($5). Rotating seasonal fare like Moroccan Spaghetti and Meatballs made with ground beef and lamb, over buttered spaghetti and green peas in red sauce, and signature mojitos beats your usual budget ramen any day. And yes, they are served on blue plates.

Luna Park, 672 S La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, (323) 934-2110, lunaparkla.com

Feeling hot? Stop chasing the Good Humor truck and head to Amaranta for their new fresh fruit paletas (Mexican ice pops), in strawberry, guava, and mango. Continue that cool-as-a-cucumber feeling with their new Cucumber Margarita, featuring fresh muddled cucumbers, housemade margarita mix, premium Tequila, salt and a cucumber wheel.

Amaranta Cocina Mexicana, Westfield Topanga Shopping Center, at 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park, (818) 610-3599, amarantarestaurant.com