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’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…
Woo hoo! Tomorrow night is the 2-hour season premiere of 24! The country is in peril and only one man can save us…again. Jack is back after his unceremonious departure in Season 5 when he was abducted and thrown on a slow boat to China. And we, 24 fans, had to wait seven long months…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
