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 »Alas, I’m not loving California too much lately. First Prop 8, then Miss (now former) California. And don’t get me started on how Lakers fans downtown showed the world that we celebrate a win with looting and violence. As a native Californian, I’ve hung my head down in shame many times this past year. But…
Before Micky’s in West Hollywood, I had never really been to a gay bar before. Sure, there was divey Rooster Fish in Venice and the clubby, slick Abbey on Robertson. But the former didn’t have hot go-go boys (or go-go boys at all) and the latter was more straights-integrated. But since my bro G and…
Lots to do this weekend! If you’re not going to Taste of the Nation or LA Pride, here are some other events to fill up your calendar. Thursday, June 11 Martin + Osa Charity Shopping Event Shop “refined casual” wear for 20% off while sipping cocktails at this charity event that benefits the Fashion Forward…
Chicago Deep Dish or New York Thin Crust? Which one kicks ass more? Ah, the age old question that no one can seem to reach a consensus on. But hopefully in five short weeks, you’ll get your answer. Thanks to Adam Milstein, Robyn Landrum, Philip Boyd and Chris Shanley (owners of my fave sports bar…
All right we just mailed out the save the dates last night for the blogger-only Blogger Prom 2009, held at beautiful Andaz West Hollywood on July 22, so if you’re a blogger and want to come and haven’t received one, just include a link to your blog and your email address in the comments. We…
Enjoy a wonderful four-course Italian dinner al fresco at a bee-oo-tiful architectural home in Santa Monica. Sure it’s $75 (plus $1.88 processing fee) for One Night in Italy but each course is paired with wine plus there will be appetizers beforehand, and did I already mention the beautiful architectural home? It’s part of the underground…
I don’t know why I still resist watching animated movies. I LOVED so many of them after I got over the initial “toons are for kids” hangup. WALL-E, Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc. — all good stuff! But even with Pixar’s newest animated film, Up, I struggled a bit. I think it was because of Carl…
Where is that rackin-frackin summer? Friday, June 5 National Doughnut Day at Grace Are you too fancy for Dunkin’ Donuts’ or Krispy Kreme’s free doughnut special? Fortunately for you Grace, much celebrated for its gourmet doughnuts, is doing up National Doughnut Day with its $18 tasting menu ($15 additional with wine pairing). Stuff your face,…
Flickr shot by ldandersen Ciudad, Downtown restaurant of The Food Network’s Too Hot Tamales chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, and Zaya Rum are offering an awesome deal for those who want to spend a fancy night under the stars on a downtown patio with a cigar, four cocktails and four courses while not…
The first time I ever had a Paulette Macaron was at a FoodDigger blogger dinner at Jinpachi in West Hollywood. It was 9:23pm on September 10, 2008. The delicate, little cookie — touted as the best macaron in L.A. by the dinner’s hosts — was like a bit of heaven in my mouth; the initial…
