For those who absolutely cannot wait til Christmas — eff Thanksgiving, you say — Melrose Umbrella Co. is already all decked out for the holidays. And I mean, ALL. DECKED. OUT. The Miracle on Melrose Avenue bar is only one of about 100 of the Miracle Pop-Up Bars around the world: 94 in the U.S….
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I refuse to put up Christmas decorations when Thanksgiving hasn’t even come and gone yet. But one thing I will allow in anticipation of the holidays are the cocktails. Beautiful, rich, cozy, festive-inspired holiday cocktails. And Big Bar in Los Feliz just kicked off their new holiday menu, which includes three hot cocktails and a…
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Quick, what’s your favorite L.A. movie and which cocktail would you pair with it? If it’s Amy Heckerling’s Clueless then you’re in luck! On August 19, as part of its summer pop-up series, ArcLight Hollywood is hosting swank West Hollywood cocktail bar, Bibo Ergo Sum, in its Balcony Bar. And the talented bar crew crafted…
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Nowadays, a cocktail bar has to do more than simply follow a classic cocktail template to turn heads. Housemade ingredients and a strong garnish game aren’t going to cut it anymore. Besides, there are so many great bars with new ones practically opening every day, not to mention the breadth of talented bartenders in L.A….
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Looking for something fun and different — with a touch of nerdiness — to serve at your holiday party? Lucky for you barman Christopher Day (Bar Tribute, Redbird) created this recipe for a boozy butterbeer. Your Harry Potter-loving guests will squeal. It’s no coincidence that this recipe uses a butter-washed Black Cow Vodka as Chris…
Continue Reading »I had a lot of cocktails last year but only a few were memorable. Here are my top 10 cocktail faves from my bar adventures in 2008. They’re listed from most recent to so not recent. 1) No Named Bourbon Cocktail at Riva: This baby was off the menu and created by the bartender, a bourbon…
I originally made this calendar for my cubicle because I couldn’t find anything with pictures that I liked enough to stare at for a whole month. So I compiled my favorite shots of my blogging adventures last year. Nope, not pictures of family, friends and other people you don’t know or care about. And no…
Suffering from the post-holiday blues? I know I am. Hopefully the following will help cheer you up. You just have to get out there and keep busy. Friday, January 9 Slumdog Millionaire and Q&A With Director Danny Boyle OMG, I LOVED this movie! Compelling storyline. I laughed, I cried. If you haven’t seen it yet,…
Flickr Shot by dotsara (detail) Thanks to TravelZoo for this. Pay only $5 for a $25 meal at fancy restaurants like Parc Hollywood and Aqua Lounge. Restaurant.com, purveyor of restaurant gift certificates, is having an awesomely special deal through January 12 where you can buy an already discounted restaurant certificate at an additional 50% off…
Fred Segal Santa Monica 50% Off Sale The department store of trendy folk is kicking off its 50% sale this Friday the 9th. Yes, half off EVERYthing. So if you didn’t get what you wanted this past holiday, you can get it now. That studded Sex and the City belt is now $103.50. Ooh. But…
Sex appeal is fifty percent what you’ve got and fifty percent what people think you’ve got. — Sophia Loren I LOVE retro pinup girl art/photography. It’s all so sexy and not in that overtly slutty way. Well, maybe it was considered slutty back in the ’40s and ’50s but now it’s simply charming. I’ve always…
The Wine House’s restaurant, Upstairs 2, is upping the frequency of its popular Wine and Dine dinners from every other Wednesday to every Wednesday night. This special region-themed dinner consists of a four-course spread — prepared by the restaurant’s chef, Todd Barrie — and paired with four wines from around the world, chosen by sommelier…
Did you know that making a New Year’s resolution could be bad for you? Having said that, I’ve got a bunch! To be more organized, lose weight and to be more frugal. What’s yours? Whist wants you to be their Facebook pal. If you sign up as a fan of the restaurant on Facebook and…
You ever go to a restaurant where they seat you at a table that still has the cash left over from the previous patrons’ check sitting on the table and then wonder what would happen if you took it? Well I found out. I didn’t take the $60 that was sitting on our table for…
My friend Shelley and I wanted a chill late night spot to hang out and catch up on what happened during our Christmas vacations. Riva in Santa Monica, a new Italian restaurant brought to you by the folks behind Fraiche, seemed like the perfect spot. I knew it had late hours, that there was a…
