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 »Flickr Shot by dotsara Dotsara was the one who told me about Floyd’s Barbershop in West L.A. and when she described it to me, I immediately thought of Rudy’s Barbershop on Melrose. It sure sounds like the same idea: old school barbershop but edgy with lots of photos on the wall and loud music on…
I went to the best restaurant last night: Taste on Melrose. On a whim, my brother, his bf Chris and I decided to be grown up for a change and meet up for dinner instead of drinks. We were going to do my old fave Luna Park but as my bro was craving steak and…
Bite, the sushi restaurant in Venice, used to be Zazen. That’s not really saying much as all they really did was change up the exterior and get a hotted-up Web site (although even the site still has “Zazen” labels). Otherwise, the menu and “martini” list are virtually the same. Michael has been coming here for…
Flickr shot by brianwallace Truth be told, I have a thing for motels. In fact staying in motels is the highlight for me when taking road trips. Something about the “international breakfast” doughnuts in the morning, the crisp white bed sheets, and the temporariness of it all. So every time I pass by the Farmer’s…
**CLOSED** When I think happy hour, I really don’t think “Montana Avenue” in Santa Monica. This quiet little strip north of Wilshire is great for date-night restaurants or to enjoy a very tasty blue cheeseburger at Father’s Office but for drink specials? Not so much. That’s why I was really surprised to find out about…
I’ve seen this store in WeHo and always wondered what it was, not being able to tell just from looking at it. I assumed it was an IKEA-type furniture store just from the outside with its clean design and big well-lit rooms. But the other day when I was on 3rd Street Promenade trying to…
I really don’t care about the Oscars. It feels like watching an awards show for an industry I am in no way a part of with people I have no emotional tie to so I don’t care who wins…oh wait, that’s exactly what it is. But combine Oscar show viewing with a party and I’m…
Sunset Ranch I’ve always wanted to go horseback riding, especially the Sunset Dinner Ride with Sunset Ranch…even though I don’t know the first thing about getting on a horse and staying on. Every year when I start to think about what I want to do for my birthday, I consider doing the dinner ride. How…
“Come play with us!” I really think it must suck to be a kid right now, with everyone trying to shield you from all the evil in the world. They won’t let you watch cartoons, music videos or scary movies for fear that you’ll go out and try and take out your little brother. Growing…
Flickr shot by disneymike Asahi Ramen was the first noodle shop I went to on Sawtelle, but once I was introduced to Ramenya around the corner I had forgotten all about it. And with good reason, I found out recently. One Wednesday when I was craving my fave Ajo Ramen (garlic ramen) from Ramenya, my…
