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’m sooo behind. Blame it on age, my incurable laziness, or the sprawl — so many bars I have yet to check out and I’m not only talking about the new ones. Yeah, slacker. Anyway, here’s my new list. If you’ve got some suggestions of your own, shout ’em out please! Beso: Ya, I know….
If you’re not going to the Long Beach Grand Prix (fun!) or the Grilled Cheese Invitational (yum!) this weekend, maybe a pole dancing demo, mixology class or a comedy show where your iPod is the joke will tickle your fancy. Friday, April 18 SusieCakes Celebrates National Animal Crackers Day Remember animal crackers? I used to…
This Thursday, do a good deed simply by chowing down. For Dine Out L.A. 2008, participating eateries will donate 20% of their day’s proceeds to Aid for AIDS, a non-profit which helps prevent homelessness and hunger for individuals and families impoverished or disabled by HIV/AIDS. All you have to do for your part is enjoy…
My new favorite bar? The Griffin in Atwater Village. Friendly staff (even the bouncer chatted with me and smiled nonetheless), great drinks, lots of seating areas, a jukebox! and tater tots. If you need more than that, read this: I went there last night to catch up with a friend who lives in the Los…
I meant to try the mint julep and the pineapple upside down cake cocktail at Santa Monica’s newest happy hour hot spot, South, but on this sultry late afternoon I wanted something simpler and not too sweet so I ordered meself the ‘Bama Boilermaker ($10). Having never partied hardy with frat boys before, I had…
Gripe #1: I hate scalpers and their newfangled ticket-hogging technology! Gripe #2: I know Radiohead loves the intimate setting of the Bowl but come on, guys! You have A LOT of fans! Try a bigger venue, or how about THREE nights? Or four nights! THAT would be awesome. Gripe #3: Effin scalpers! Gripe #4: Web…
This weekend you’ve got the Los Angeles Art Weekend and the Songkran New Year celebration in Thai Town. But if you’re still looking for other things to filly, the following are real horrorshow, my droogies. Friday, April 11 Kubrilesque: A Burlesque Tribute to Stanley Kubrick There’s something disturbing and sexy about a burlesque tribute to…
Photo from South’s site After many false starts in March, Southern-inspired bar/restaurant South in Santa Monica will open its doors tonight. I know, I know, their Web site says their grand opening is Thursday at 5pm but I got confirmation from Adam, one of the owners, and he says fer real their doors will open…
National Grilled Cheese Month is in full swing at Clementine in Century City and they’ve taken the holiday one step further from just selling grilled cheese sandwiches. Here, you can vote for your favorite grilled goodness from a new selection of five sandwiches every week in April. And I mean, really vote. The quaint bakery/restaurant…
Flickr Shot by alossix Wanna judge a cocktail competition? After my experience at Bar Lubitsch, I highly recommend it. You’ll get your chance this weekend at the grand opening of downtown’s new 3,100-square-foot restaurant/lounge, Tranquility Base. There will be three days of events but the one I really care about is the cocktail party on…
