Hebrew Idol

Wed. May 20th, 8pm

M Bar

1235 Vine St.

$10 food and drink minimum

21+

For those not watching the Idol finale tomorrow, stop reading now and go see a therapist for dangerously bad taste in television.

Or, if you're not into shrinks, check out HEEB Magazine's "Storytelling" event.  You won't be able to get away from Idol completely, though, because 2009 semifinalist Jackie Tohn will be joining the cast.

Just Kill Me Right Now. With More Food.

Yes! Yes! Yes!

June 1st-8th, Old Pasadena is hosting their own version of Restaurant Week. 3-course lunches will be $15 while dinners are $25.

That week (since I know you all care sooo much) you will probably find me at:

- Cafe Bizou

- Equator Restaurant & Bar

- Heritage Wine Co.

- La Grande Orange Cafe

- POP Champagne & Dessert Bar

- Spitfire Saloon

- Twin Palms

Attn: Top Chef Fans

Wed. May 20th, 6:30-8:30pm

6301 W. 3rd St.

The Grove

Sponsored by Los Angeles magazine, Season 2 contestant Betty Fraser and Season 5's Stefan Richter will have a FREE cookoff, which will include demos and food samples from Maggiano's, The Farm, and more!  

**Although this event is full, RSVP to events@lamag.com to be added to the wait list!

Bikini Bar Blend

Summer must be getting closer, because Tuesday night swims at the Tropicana Bar are back!

Howl at Your Coupon

Click here to print a FREE coupon for 2 (before 10pm) to attend dueling piano bar Howl at the Moon.

This Weekend: Sidewalk Sales and Strawberry Pizza

Fri. May 15th

5-7pm

The Great Sydney BBQ

The Grove

189 The Grove Dr.

Calling all Yanks: Qantas Airways and Tourism South Wales team up to bring you FREE Australian food on the barbie, beer, wine, and entertainment (in an attempt to get you to buy tix to their country!).

Sat. May 16th

10am-6pm

Montana Ave. Sidewalk Sale

Santa Monica (6th-17th St.)

Over 150 stores will be offering 80% off their merchandise, ranging from Benefit Makeup to Pinkberry and Father's Office.

Sat. May 16th - Sun. May 17th

12:15-10pm

Guacamole Festival

Griffin Ave. & Baldwin St.

Lincoln Heights

Join over 15,000 people at this FREE festival where you can enjoy carnival rides and experience all foods guacamole.

10am-6:30pm

California Strawberry Festival

Strawberry Meadows of College Park

3250 S. Rose Ave.

Oxnard

$12

Join over 89,000 people in celebrating a fruit that California produces one billion pounds of per year. The weekend-long celebration promises to include tart tosses, strawberry pizza, pie eating contests, a demonstration by Fabio Viviani of Top Chef fame, berry decorating, and other "fruity" activities. Click here to buy your tickets now.

A Sealed Fate?

Thurs. May 14th, 10am-6pm

Zune LA

8275 Beverly Blvd.

Nigel Barker (of America's Next Top Model fame) invites you to view his photography and documentary film for the Humane Society of the United States.  Although held during regular business hours, this event is FREE.

Six Flags, Sick Prices

Until June, everyone pays kids' prices ($29.99) at Six Flags! That is a savings of $20 each. Click here to purchase tix.

Thx to LAFreebee for the heads up!

Bee Happy

Tues. May 12th, 4-8pm

FREE scoop of Haagen Dazs tomorrow.  To find your nearest location, click here. 

Come to Apple If You Want to Live

Tues. May 12th, 7pm

Apple Store

1248 Third St. Promenade

Santa Monica

Join director/producer McG (The OC, Charlie's Angels) as he discusses his latest film Terminator Salvation.

Moms, Matt, and Monica. Santa Monica.

Sat. May 9th

Amtrak's National Train Day

10am-3pm

Union Station

800 N. Alameda St.

Highlights include a FREE performance by Matt Costa at 1pm.  To check out a full list of events, click here.

Sat. May 9th, Sun. May 10th

LA's BBQ Fest

For $10, you can enjoy LA's 2nd annual BBQ Fest on the Santa Monica Pier, featuring live bands and a beer garden. If you are not VIP ($39), entrance begins at 1pm.

Sun. May 10th

FREE TCBY

A cup or a cone for all moms on this special day.

Death By Free Chocolate

Thx to FWJ reader Abel for discovering the Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act.   Sign up to receive FREE full-sized samples of Mars real chocolate, product discounts, and coupons along with the proclamation of Free Chocolate Fridays™. 

Through September, Mars will give away as many as seven million full-size packages of its M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, MILKY WAY®, TWIX®, DOVE®, and 3 MUSKETEERS® brand chocolate in the United States.

It's Bean Fun

Tomorrow (Thurs. May 7th 4-8pm), don't forget to pick up your FREE iced coffee from Coffee Bean.

"Also, My Rug Was Stolen"

Lebowski Fest this weekend!

Borders' Best

Until Wed. May 6th, enjoy a FREE cup of coffee at any Borders location.  Simply click here to print the coupon.

Looking for a Job?

Attend a pink slip party this summer!

This Weekend: Score "Love"

Sat. May 2nd

12-4pm

Red Mango

all locations

Try their new flavor Tangomonium for FREE (one topping included, limit one per customer).

1-3pm

Golden Apple Comics

7018 Melrose Ave.

As part of Free Comic Book Day, William Shatner will be signing copies his comic book, which is (duh) FREE!  To find out what other stores will be giving away FREE books, click here.

2pm

Book Soup

8818 W. Sunset Blvd.

$25

This event isn't cheap, but I love the show so much I couldn't resist posting it:

This weekend, Patti Stanger of Bravo's Millionaire Matchmaker will be on hand to discuss her book 8 Easy Steps for Attracting Your Perfect Mate.  Click here to purchase tickets.  Who knows?  Maybe you'll find your perfect mate there!

4pm

UCLA Tennis Center

405 Hilgard Ave.

$25

To raise money for the Swedish School of Los Angeles, Will Ferrell will be taking on Swedish player Mats Wilander in a tennis match.  Tickets are a bit pricey, but hey, it's for charity!  Click here to purchase some.

Screw the Recession Part II

Thurs. April 30th

Time for another "Screw the Recession" outing. This time, dine at The Kress tomorrow night at 50% off the entire menu. Don't forget to RSVP first.

The One Time a Year Your Mother Gets Carded

Stop what you are doing right now, and send your mom a FREE Mother's Day card through Hallmark.  By entering CARD4MOM at checkout, the card and stamp are completely free.

BLTuesdays

Tuesday nights (starting tomorrow!), Dakota (7000 Hollywood Blvd. at The Roosevelt Hotel) will now be offering a special BLT menu.  Dishes such as the BLT salad and bacon burger will range in price from $11-$16.

Bar Cheapxo

Every weekday from 4-7pm, enjoy 6 tapas for just $6 at Bar Pintxo in Santa Monica (109 Santa Monica Blvd). Not feeling adventurous? Check out your choices here before you stop in. Warning: they don't take reservations.

Iceberg Ahead

Celebrate Carvel's 75th anniversary with FREE icebergs all day Thurs. April 30th. Click here to find your nearest Carvel store.

Thx to L.A. Decostified for the heads up!

Get Twisted

Sun. April 26th

To celebrate National Pretzel Day, Pretzelmaker at the Sherman Oaks Galleria (15301 Ventura Blvd.) and the Burbank Town Center (201 E. Magnolia Ave.) malls will be giving away FREE original soft pretzels all day today!

Taste the Free Fire

Tues. April 28th, until 8pm

Dine-in only

To celebrate El Pollo Loco's "Taste the Fire," enjoy 2 pieces of flame-grilled chicken (leg and thigh) with 2 tortillas and fresh salsa for FREE (while supplies last).

Find your nearest EPL chain here.

Monday Is UNfry Day

Mon. April 27th

To help promote their new grilled chicken, Kentucky Fried Chicken will be offering FREE samples to customers all day tomorrow.  Offer valid one per person.

A Cheesy Reminder

The Grilled Cheese Invitational location has finally been announced!

Show up tomorrow between the hours of 12-6pm to Los Angeles Historic Park (1245 N. Spring St.) and eat all the grilled cheese you can get your hands on for only $5.

2008's Sexiest Man Alive

Hugh Jackman will be imprinting his hands and feet outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre tomorrow (Tues. April 21st) at 11am.

Free Cone Day

Tues. April 21st

Don't forget to stop by Ben & Jerry's tomorrow for your FREE scoop of ice cream!

A Cheesy Competition

Sat. April 25th, 12-5pm

For $5, you can participate in LA's 7th annual Grilled Cheese Invitational.

Where will it be held? Email this address to discover the secret downtown location (responses on April 20th).

Thx to FWJ reader Garrett for submitting this, and hope to see you all there!

No Tax on Free Food

In honor of tax day (Wed. April 15th), many LA restaurants will be offering special deals. FWJ favorites include:

- FREE lunch at Cafe Wa s (1521 N. Vine St. in Hollywood) from 11am-2pm. The deal is first come, first served, so get there early. Check out the generous menu here.

- FREE bite sized rolls at Cinnabon (5-8pm)

- FREE cookies at Subway. Simply walk into your nearest location and ask for one.

Be Kind: Attend

Tues. April 14th, 7pm-2am

The Montalban

1615 Vine St.

Who wouldn't love a FREE evening with Michel Gondry? RSVP now to experience:

"An Evening with Michel Gondry and Friends" will feature music, art, film and surprise guests, celebrating one of cinema's most groundbreaking filmmakers. Gondry will discuss the past, present and future of his filmmaking career. Having worked with artists and actors from Beck and Jon Brion to Jack Black and Conan O'Brien, who knows who might join Gondry on stage for this rare evening of music videos, behind-the-scenes clips and more. Not available in stores, Gondry's new DVD will be available for sale exclusively at the event (and post-event on http://MichelGondry.com), and guests will have the opportunity for Gondry sign copies during the after party.

This is a free event. RSVP required, but does not guarantee admittance. Tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis."

Indians Like to Screw

Tues. April 14th

50 N. La Cienega Blvd.

As part of Drink.Eat.Play's "Screw the Recession," Indian restaurant Tanzore will be offering its entire menu at a 50% discount.  Be sure to RSVP.

Don't Pass Over Angeli

Celebrate Passover but have nowhere to participate in a seder? Head to Angeli Caffe (7274 Melrose Ave.), where the meal is only $40 per person. This is a good deal compared to places like Spago and Jar.

For a small fee, the Chabad house at the University of Southern California is another great option for those seeking a more religious experience. The seder is FREE for students.

How Much Is Your Face Worth?

Hurry and purchase E.L.F makeup for $1 a piece.  That's right, ladies (and occasional gentlemen)...everything from their mascara to their lip gloss is going for a buck.  You simply pay for shipping.  This is no joke.  Get on it now while supplies last!

Wacky Wednesdays

Cafe 50's

11623 Santa Monica Blvd.

last Wed. of every month, 6-10pm

If you wear traditional two-piece, button down pajamas on this designated day, you will be rewarded with FREE food, ranging from burgers to omelets.

Bentobar

The following offer applies to all 3 locations (in Los Angeles, Century City, and Santa Monica):

For $15, you can now enjoy a lunch or dinner box at Breadbar, which will include the chef's daily selection of soup/salad/sandwich/dessert.

Thx to Food GPS for the heads up.

Head South for Cheap Food

Every Thursday, I know where I'll be eating:

Head to South in Santa Monica (3001 Wilshire Blvd.) from 5pm-midnight, and feel free to feast upon $1 grilled cheese sandwiches, $2 chicken, pork, or brisket sandwiches...or $12 all you can eat ribs.

AMMO for Your Stomach

all night Mon - Thurs

and until 7pm Fri. and Sat.

AMMO

1155 N. Highland Ave.

For $30, you can now enjoy a 3 course meal (soup or salad, an entree, and sundae dessert) at this restaurant via their "Simple Supper Menu."

Note: their ice cream and sorbet choices are out of this world (ranging from popcorn flavor to brown butter).

Thx to Caroline on Crack for the heads up!

Grilled Cheese Goodness

the month of April

Clementine

1751 Ensley Ave.

Century City

To celebrate National Grilled Cheese Month, this restaurant will be offering various types of grilled cheese sandwiches each week (and will even serve it on matzah during Passover!).

FWJ favorites:

Until tomorrow

- Monte Cristo grilled cheese

April 6-11

- Grilled Garlic Melt

- Little Armenia grilled cheese

April 13-18

- Brie and Baby Spinach grilled cheese

- BBQ Chicken grilled cheese

April 20-25

- Chili Dog grilled cheese

April 27-30

- Ensley Cheese Steak grilled cheese

- Queso Mahon and Chorizo grilled cheese (courtesy of the chef from Lucques)

For a full list of options, click here.

This Festival Is Going to "Stink"

Sun. April 5th, 10am-7pm

Hollywood Blvd. between Western and Vermont

SOooo excited for the FREE annual Curry Festival! Venture to this section of LA and taste a vast array of dishes incorporating curry in traditional and unique ways.

Don't worry, Lisa...there will be porta potties ;)

*Thanks to MAG for the title.

Feeling Gassy?

Thanks to ABC 7 News, you can now type in your zip code to find the cheapest gas station in your area.

If you're searching for a more comprehensive list, check out Gas Buddy.

Lost? Find Yourself in a Q&A.

Thurs. March 26th, 7:30-9:30pm

Writers Guild Theater

135 S. Doheny Dr.

Beverly Hills

$20, or $10 with Student ID

Do the writers of Lost really know what they're doing? Join them in a Q&A session following a light reception tomorrow evening and judge for yourselves.

**This event is sold out, but you can still try to wait list by getting there early.

Ethics in Beverly Hills

Wed. March 25th, 7pm

Beverly Hills Public Library

444 N. Rexford Dr.

$15

Join the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists for a panel discussion on the ethics of entertainment. The panelists are:

· TMZ managing editor Harvey Levin
· Los Angeles Times reporter Harriet Ryan
· Attorney Blair Berk

Parking is available at 450 N. Rexford Dr. (first 2 hrs are FREE). It's not too late to RSVP. To do so, email SPJLosAngeles@gmail.com or call (323) 259-3350.

Thx to Metromix.

No Doubt About It

Wed. March 25th, 8:30am

Nokia Plaza

800 W. Olympic Blvd.

I don't normally encourage skipping work, but tomorrow morning, Gavin Rossdale will be performing a FREE concert across from the Staples Center (as part of the Donate Life Concert Series).

Tune in to 104.3 if you can't make it.

Her Pumps, Her Pumps, Her Pumps

Sat. March 21st, 1pm

Nordstrom

189 The Grove Dr.

To help promote her new footwear collection, Fergie will be appearing at The Grove this weekend to sign autographs.

Lucky You

Thurs. March 19th, 11:30am-11pm

Luckyfish

338 N. Canon Dr.

Beverly Hills

To help celebrate their 1 yr. anniversary, this restaurant will be offering $1 sushi and cocktails all day and night.

Buck the Economy

Thru the month of March, Jamba Juice is offering its Steal Cut Oatmeal (cooked in soy milk, organic oats topped with either Apple cinnamon, Blueberry-blackberry, or fresh banana, as well as with a brown sugar crumble) for $1.

Take advantage of this offer now.

Bask-In the Sundae Glow

Through March 28th, Baskin-Robbins is allowing you to...well, see above...simply by presenting this coupon.

FedUp with the Economy?

FedEx Kinko's has a solution!

For one day only (Tues. March 10th), all stores will allow customers to print up to 25 copies of their resumes...for FREE.

Thanks to LA Freebee for the tip.

It's Hot, And It's [Almost] on the House

Fridays, March 6th - April 10th, 8pm

Hothouse Improv

4934 Lankershim Blvd.

North Hollywood

$10

Stop by and enjoy 3 improv shows, a live band, and FREE drinks!  What more could you ask for on a Friday night?  Starring FWJ friend Kat Purgal.

No One's Perfect...Until Now

Tues. March 3rd, 12-2pm

The Grove

Tomorrow, Heidi Klum will be hand delivering "The Perfect One Bra" to Victoria Secret, which is set to include a meet-and-greet with Mrs. Seal should you decide to purchase one.

Rent a Front Row Seat

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

We're not gonna pay rent, but we're sure as hell gonna pay for tickets.

That's right: Rent is at The Pantages, and original cast members Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal are reviving their roles!!!

Click here to buy tickets now (and feel free to purchase an extra ticket for your favorite blogger).  LA tour ends March 8th.