Category Archives: Los Angeles

Vasquez Rocks: Party With Rock Stars

I’ve always wanted to check out Vasquez Rocks ever since I first saw it on Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey, then Army of Darkness and I think even 24. Apparently these sideway slabs of sandstone have been appearing in films since 1905, that’s why they may look vaguely familiar to you. Quick online research reveals…

Rustic Canyon Wine Bar: A Little Whine With Your Wine?

I kept hearing about Rustic Canyon Wine Bar and Seasonal Kitchen which recently opened up in Santa Monica (yes, another wine bar) so naturally I had to check it out with my own palate. Reviews say this wine bar/restaurant was created to evoke lazy evenings spent with friends shooting the shit and drinking wine, or…

Dolores Restaurant: Antiquated and Loving It

I’ve driven past legendary Dolores Restaurant many times on my way to and from the 405 on Santa Monica Boulevard. And every time, I’ve passed it off as a strictly seniors hangout because of its dingy-looking, old-fashioned exterior, proximity to senior-loving Santa Monica and “Since 1944” sign. “Why would I go there for an after-hours…

Fancy a Shag? How Thick Is Your Wallet?

After my careful research of possible venues for Dre’s birthday, we ended up going with something completely different. My friend Hawaiian Ryan hooked us up with a patio at Shag, a nightclub in Hollywood. The catch was that we’d have to do bottle service with four bottles, which were about $300 a piece and good…

Tokyo Table: Stumbling Out the Gate

The other night we had a birthday dinner for Dre at Tokyo Table, a new “casual dining” Japanese restaurant and bar that just opened up last month on Restaurant Row in the old Tony Roma’s space on La Cienega. At first I was intimidated that it would be priced beyond my comfort level since I…

This Week's Challenge: Last-Minute Birthday Bash

Flickr Shot by Afotographie So this week I was tasked with finding a birthday venue for my best girl Dre and her 100 friends within four days. Her past birthday spots have included everything from Brennan’s to the Golden Gopher and she wanted something entertaining that could contain her bazillion friends but still have room…

Fred 62, I Love You I Hate You I Love You

Flickr Shot by 8mm After spending most of New Year’s Day lying prone, I thought it would be a good idea to go for a walk to get the blood circulating through my limbs again. I can’t very well start off the new year with atrophy. Since my first choice for an early evening promenade,…

Alternatives to Drunk Driving on New Year's Eve

On the biggest drinking night of the year when even the light drinkers may tipple in too much champagne, it’s just smart to have a backup to your backup designated driver. Because, come on, it’s the new year and everyone is going to celebrate till they just can’t celebrate no mo. Just make sure you…

Pinkberry: The Skinny Person's Not-So-Secret Dessert

This past summer on one of those beautifully hot days (remember those? le sigh), me and my bro, a WeHo inhabitant, wanted to get a cold & tasty treat so he decided to take me to Pinkberry, a yogurt shop in his hood. But when we got there there was a long-ass line of Pinkberry…

Ultimate Hair of the Dog: All Night Happy Hour

After the biggest celebration of the year, no doubt you’ll be suffering from the biggest hangover of the year. Fortunately, Downtown LA’s Golden Gopher has the cure for what ails you: an all night happy hour on January 1st! So thoughtful! From 5pm to 2am, the Gopher will serve up $4 well cocktails, $3 PBRs…