Out on the Town Near Santa Anita

Sonoma Wine Garden (above) is a perfect place for brunch near Santa Anita Park.
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships and Los Angeles beckon horse racing enthusiasts from around the globe as well as across town.
Spectacular stakes races and a dizzying lineup of equine talent are the focus but weʼve all got to eat ... and drink.
Itʼs been more than a decade since Iʼve been to L.A. (there is, unfortunately, not a trip west for me this weekend), but I love planning trips and discovering delicious destinations.
This is not a complete itinerary, one should always leave room for whims and happenstance, but having a few spots in mind can prevent inertia. Here is where you would most likely see me this weekend.
Being in Los Angeles on Halloween and not experiencing West Hollywoodʼs giant street party, Carnaval, would be a shame. With hundreds of thousands attending, it is bound to be mayhem, but with no admission, six stages of entertainment, 13 food trucks, plus all the local bars and restaurants and an endless parade of costumes, it seems like a winner to me.
WEST HOLLYWOOD PARTY

Big city views are something to seek out, especially for those of us living in a city that lies mostly below sea level. Hotels often have spectacular views and offer a nice place to relax and enjoy a cocktail. They also often have poor service and are overpriced; just put on your happy face, enjoy the view and have a drink.
The Roof on Wilshire at The Hotel Wilshire has a fire pit, mountain views and even a Sunset Menu - that lists only cocktails! It may be a challenge to get from the races Friday before this comes to an end at 7 p.m. but perhaps you can be fast enough out of the gate. The place is relatively small but looks cozy and inviting.
THE ROOF ON WILSHIRE

Courtesy of The Roof on Wilshire
If you want another choice, relatively nearby is Above Sixty, the rooftop bar at the Sixty Hotel in Beverly Hills. Non-registered guests can enjoy the bar but not the pool. There is no menu or drink list available online and reviews are a bit spotty but the idea is the view.
Another rooftop option is the High Rooftop Lounge in Venice Beach. Located atop the Hotel Erwin this would, ideally, be about a sunset view. Since bottle service is available, I am assuming that later the place becomes more of a party scene. Reservations are recommended.
After the pulse-pounding excitement of two days of high-caliber racing, Sunday Brunch may be more than appropriate, it might be a necessity. My needs require some time on a beach, so these brunch choices are all in Santa Monica. They also all offer some form of bottomless adult beverage. All have two-hour limits, so you are less likely to leave incapacitated. If youʼre not ready to drive, there is a fabulous beach close by. Take off your shoes, walk in the surf, enjoy yourself.
Areal caught my attention immediately, a block away from Ocean View Park, patio dining, an enticing menu and mimosas to boot. However, they are booked for Sunday brunch on Nov. 2. We all know people cancel reservations all the time, so donʼt hesitate to call and call again if this restaurant grabs your attention.
However, hoping for an opening is not a plan, nor is Areal the only game in town. Sonoma Wine Garden offers an array of bottomless bubbly beverages, including the classic mimosa as well as a bellini and others made with elderflower, pomegranate or orange muscat liqueur. The actual menu is more standard than their drink selection but has enough variety for everyone. Reservations are available as of press time, but be aware that the cut-off for beverages is two hours or 2:30 p.m., whichever comes first. In other words, donʼt make reservations at 1:30 and expect endless bellinis.
By the time brunch actually rolls around, I often crave a bit more variety in my menu. Enter Zengo, one of a few locations around the country run by Chef Richard Sandoval. If you want steak and eggs, you can have it, with some kimchee. There is bacon-fried rice, sliders, a breakfast burrito, ceviches, sushi rolls and chocolate waffles among lots of other choices. What else would you expect for brunch from a Latin-Asian restaurant?
ZENGO

Courtesy of Zengo
The concept is different here, too. “Unlimited small plates and brunch cocktails” for $39 per guest. Ordering a large selection of plates to start seems to be the smart approach, though you want to pace yourself. Donʼt fade down the stretch, thereʼs a lot to explore here. The standard brunch drinks (Bloody Mary and mimosa) are available, but the offerings also include a mango sparkler, sake sangria and lychee bellini! The window of opportunity is wide here, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with the last seating for bottomless at 3 p.m. Reservations are available.
If you donʼt want to go to Santa Monica but still need some bottomless mimosa therapy, here is a great website listing lots of other choices in the Los Angeles area. 
Have fun at the Breederʼs Cup, tweet me with pictures and feedback. Help me enjoy my agenda vicariously!