Critic's Preview and Hot Dish

Critic's Preview

S. Irene Virbila Times Restaurant Critic

Cichetti at All' Angelo Stefano Ongaro at All' Angelo is a native of Venice and nudges his 2-year-old Italian restaurant in the direction of small plates with a new cichetti menu served in addition to the regular menu. Cichetti, for the uninitiated, are little bites of seafood, cheese or whatever, served in wine bars in Venice. The cichetti menu from chef and partner Mirko Paderno will change weekly, but here's some examples from his first offering: fritto misto, octopus salad with celery and bottarga, Venetian-style shrimp in paprika sauce, sausage and peppers with black cabbage. Cichetti served Mon.-Fri. (in addition to regular menu); $9 to $12 each. 7166 Melrose Ave., L.A.; (323) 933-9540; www.allangelo.com

Barrel Malibu This "bar and playground for adult wine lovers" is now hosting karaoke every Wednesday night starting at 9:30. With 100 wines by the glass, plus cheeses and charcuterie from the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, the newish Malibu wine bar is ready for some action. And with a "self service adult wine arcade" of wines dispensed by the ounce, nobody need feel shy. If you don't want to sing, make merry by tasting your way through boutique wines from all over the world. The latest releases from Screaming Eagle, Harlan, Kistler or Sine Qua Non are offered in a rotated lineup. In addition to the self-service enomatic wine storage system, Barrel Malibu has a back bar that pours by the glass the traditional way. The blackboard lists the daily specials. From $1 to $120 for 1-ounce tastes. Open daily from 3 p.m. to late. 23715 Malibu Road, (310) 456-8777; www.barrelmalibu.com

Din Tai Fung Dumpling House Commune with the plants at the 127-acre Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Arcadia and then repair to Din Tai Fung down the street for luscious steamed dumplings served from bamboo steamers. There's inevitably a wait, but much less of one now that there is a second location around the corner. Try the steamed vegetable and pork dumplings, the classic siu mai and the wonderful soup dumplings. 1108 S. Baldwin Ave. and 1088 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia; (626) 574-7068 and (626) 446-8588; www.dintaifungusa.com

HOT DISH: THIS WEEK

By Jessica Gelt

Kickoff Party for Levitt Pavilion, MacArthur Park The summer concert series at the newly restored band shell in MacArthur park is poised to enter its second season. To celebrate, the community is coming together at the historic Park Plaza Hotel next to the park to eat, drink and generally feel good about the strides this historic neighborhood has taken to become a safer, more inviting place. Chichen Itza chef Gilberto Cetina is creating the menu for the event and La Fonda, which stages mariachi dinner shows, will provide desserts. There will also be an open bar featuring Sauza tequila and gift bags provided by Smashbox Cosmetics. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thu., $25 at the door or at www.levittla.com. 607 S. Park View St., L.A., (213) 384-5701

Free Cover Girl lip balm at PF Chang's China Bistro If you're a lip gloss junkie, you might want to consider having dinner at this chain Chinese restaurant Friday in order to get a free tube of Cover Girl's yet-to-be-released AmazeMint gloss. Cover Girl claims that peppermint oil in the gloss keeps your breath fresh, which is a good thing after you've eaten a man-sized portion of Mongolian beef. And if you stain your mouth with sweet and sour sauce, the gloss apparently possesses a blue undertone that magically causes your teeth to appear whiter. 5 p.m. until the supply runs out; lip gloss free with meal purchase. 121 N. La Cienega Blvd., No. 117, L.A., (310) 854-6467 only CA location offering gloss

Wedding cakes at the Abbey Now that same-sex marriages have been legalized in California, businesses are coming up with fun ways to make things easier on the many couples who are planning their special days. The Abbey, a popular gay and lesbian restaurant and club, is currently offering wedding cakes for two. The two-tiered cakes are slathered in buttercream frosting and decorated with blueberries or raspberries. Finally, they are crowned with a pair of wedding rings and either two tuxedos or two pairs of bright-red lips. Any time, $24. 692 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 855-9977; www.abbeyfoodandbar.com

The Orchestras of Pasadena Chamber Music & Wine Series at Descanso Gardens This unique celebration of music, wine and food begins Sunday with "Sizzle & Sip, BBQ Favorites." The monthly event takes place on the lovely terrace of the 22-room Boddy House at Descanso Gardens, which is where the Pasadena POPS play during the summer. Wine experts will offer a selection of fine wines paired with delectable bites by Patina catering and members of the orchestra, including the assistant conductor will be on hand to discuss the upcoming evening's performance. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sun., $65, advance reservations required and can be made by calling (626) 793-7172, ext. 3050. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge.