City Guides: It’s the time of year for outdoor spa treatments, spicy barbeques and evening rooftop soirees. While glamorous outdoor activities abound in Beverly Hills, small-town, community-oriented options are plentiful too. From music in the park to chili cook-offs to “dive-in” movie nights, there truly is something for everyone in Beverly Hills, one of the world’s most sought-after locales.
Chili and Pie – Oh My! At The Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market
The popular Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market, a weekly outdoor gathering of local growers, is attended by more than 6,000 people each week. This summer, there is more than fresh produce and specialty food items on display as live music entertainment and interactive events take center stage. On Sunday June 13th, visit the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market for a good old fashioned pie baking contest, including a pie eating contest. The Pie Bake a’la Beverly Hills and Piesta is the ultimate pie celebration with cash prizes for the “Best Tasting” and “Most Pieutiful.” On August 1st, the Farmers’ Market celebrates 16 years of family fun with a Chili Cookoff, including a corn shucking contest. The market runs every Sunday, from 9am to 1pm. Visit or call (310) 285-6830 for more information.
Dive-In Movie Series at The Beverly Hilton Hotel
Coming to a “dive-in” theater near you, the Aqua Star Pool at The Beverly Hilton presents a summer-time movie series beginning at dusk every Tuesday and Thursday evening. Catch a classic film projected onto the hotel’s 60-foot diagonal pool wall. Arrive early and park in a chaise lounge before the sun sets and settle in as cabana servers deliver movie concession favorites. Selections available for sale include craveables from popcorn and soda pop to Milk Duds and Mai Tai’s. It’s a dive-in date not to be missed under the moon and the stars, with the Stars! Movies begin at 8:15pm. The series kicks off June 24, 2010. Visit for more details.
L’Ermitage Beverly Hills Music Series and New Cocktail Menu
L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, the luxury hotel soon to become Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, presents its “L’Ermitage Music Series,” with performances scheduled every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6pm. Developed to showcase rising young talent, the series will include jazz, classical and modern popular music performed in the hotel’s historic Lobby Bar. A brainchild of Ricky Minor, musical director of American Idol, the series will continue throughout the summer. In addition, The Bar at L’Ermitage has redefined its cocktail menu and is now serving vintage cocktails like the Aviation and the Moscow Mule, with traditional recipes from legendary bars in New York and Paris in the 19th-early 20th centuries. Modern cocktails like the Tropical Elder, a blend of pineapple infused vodka with elderflower liqueur and grapefruit, will rotate with the seasons.
Live Music at Beverly Cañon Gardens and Greystone Mansion
A free summer concert series on Cañon at the Beverly Cañon Gardens kicks off July 8th and will run every Thursday in July and August. The two nightly shows, the first at 6:30pm and the second at 7:45pm, will feature upbeat music from jazz and classic standards to Latin, folk and reggae, including popular local bands like the Jack Brown Octet and The Dustbowl Revival. Guests are invited to lounge on blankets in the urban gardens while enjoying the show. Special offers will be available at nearby Cañon shops and restaurants on event days. On June 27th and July 21st at 2pm, check out live music inside the historic Greystone Mansions. The concerts feature acclaimed performers including a South American harpist and the award-winning Palpiti soloists, a group made up of young musicians from around the world who gather once a year to perform in one not-to-be-missed show. Admission for each event is $25 for adults and $20 for seniors/students/children ages 10-18. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (310) 285-6850.
New Fireside Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel’s Bar Nineteen 12
The Beverly Hills Hotel’s acclaimed Bar Nineteen 12 celebrates its third anniversary this July by converting a new outdoor patio area into a fireside lounge – the perfect summer alfresco escape. Visitors will be able to relax on throw pillows fireside as they indulge in a new menu and happy hour specials, showcasing classic favorites like pitchers of sangria and flavored margaritas. In addition, a refreshing Red, White and Blue Popsicle Martini is available for a limited time this July.
Rooftop Garden Barbeque at The Peninsula Beverly Hills
The Peninsula Beverly Hills announces the return of its Roof Garden weekend barbeque, offered every Saturday and Sunday until September 15, 2010. At the Roof Garden, guests may select from various barbecued specialties fresh off the grill, ordered à la carte or as part of a $55 prix-fixe menu. The barbecue menu begins with a selection of skewers, gourmet sausages, spice-rubbed pork, and grilled seafood and vegetarian options, with whole Grilled Maine Lobster offered for an additional $15. Entrees are served with Baked Okinawa Sweet Potatoes and Southwestern Pepper and Corn Salad. Diners at each table also enjoy a platter of Roof Garden desserts. The Roof Garden also features signature cocktails such as the Speckled Jalapeño Margarita, the Pomegranate Mojito and Frozen Lemonade. Valet parking is complimentary for dinner guests. Please phone 310-551-2888 for reservations. Prices are quoted without tax and gratuities.
