Monthly Archives: November 2007

November 30, 2007

Chivas Lounge: A Whiskey Life With Free Cocktails

Written by Caroline on Crack in Cocktails, Los Angeles, Nightlife
5 Comments

whiskey.jpgAnother free cocktails party, folks, except with whiskey. This one is brought to you by Chivas Regal, a good thing since I’ve never tasted it before. But unlike the Stoli Hotel with its lux-hotellike amenities, this traveling lounge’s angle is to sell you on a lifestyle, “the Chivas Life.” Not sure what that means but the event will feature “expert Scotch mentoring” for all those (me!) who’ve always wanted to know about the different tastes and qualities of whiskey types.

The Chivas Lounge will also have live music to keep you entertained as well as (cue heavenly choir) an open whiskey bar with Chivas cocktails. The only teeny-tiny catch though is that there’s a $5 donation at the door, but that ain’t so bad considering all proceeds will go to Red Hot, an organization dedicated to fighting AIDS.

You have the choice of attending the event on one of two nights, either December 6 or 7. I picked the former since Fridays and Saturdays sometimes feel like amateur hour. But that’s just me. Anyhoo, you must RSVP to attend and you can do that here.

EVENT: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 from 8 to 10:30pm or FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 from 9 to 11:30pm

400 S La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90036 (map)

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November 29, 2007

Seven Grand’s New Winter Cocktail Menu

Written by Caroline on Crack in Cocktails, Los Angeles, Nightlife
2 Comments

Damian's Ward 8

Seven Grand’s new winter cocktail menu will make its debut this Saturday! Yay! The bartenders are currently getting schooled on the toddies, flips and sours so they’ll be ready for the thirsty masses this weekend. And don’t worry your pretty little head, the summer favorite Kentucky Mint Julep is still there (although the other juleps went the way of the summer wind). L.A. is a seasonless city after all so a julep still works.

BTW, I asked Aidan, the general manager, why there isn’t a “special” Seven Grand Irish coffee and he said Patrick, the bar manager who’s a wee bit Irish, won’t let anyone mess with it since it’s an authentic recipe as it is. Fair enough. It is pretty good though. And I guess there was some talk about adding a chocolate-something cocktail to the menu but fortunately that got vetoed.

Some of the new cocktails include:

  • Alaska – a mix between the Alaska and the Aviator from the old menu: Plymouth Gin, Green Chartreuse VEP, orange bitters and lemon juice ($12)
  • Dublin Flip: Irish whiskey combined with honey, bitters and cream ($12)
  • EyeLA – Ardbeg 10-year-old scotch, Belle de Brillet and lemon juice ($13)
  • La Bruja — a variation of El Diablo and Dre’s absolute favorite: Partida Reposado Tequila, fresh grated ginger and ginger ale ($13)
  • Whiskey Toddy: Old Overholt Rye Whiskey, honey syrup and mulling spices ($10)

But if you want to try some really yummy off-the-menu cocktails, just go up to Damian (I know fer sure he’s there on Broads on a Bender Wednesdays) and ask for one (or all) of the following: a Smash (still one of my faves, a dee-lish vintage cocktail), Black Agave (Dre’s second fave with some agave syrup in it), the Maple Cherry Sour (I usually don’t like sours but loved this one) or just tell him to do something up for you but be specific whether you like sweet, aromatic, fruity, etc. and he will surprise and thrill you. I still love watching that guy work and seeing him think of how to make a cocktail taste better.

Anyway, cheers!

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November 29, 2007

This Weekend: Biz in Front, Party in Back

Written by Caroline on Crack in Art, Dining, Lists, Los Angeles, Movies, Music, Nightlife, Recreation
2 Comments

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An NC-17 double feature, Swayze’s mullet and chocolate Kahlua bread pudding. You gotta love L.A.

Friday, November 30

So Bad It’s Good Film Festival: Road House
I’ve never seen this movie but people at work were saying it’s one of the greatest films ever. I don’t know if I believe that but I guess now’s my chance to find out. The So Bad It’s Good Festival will be screening Patrick Swayze’s classic, Road House, at the Vista. And in honor of the man, the mullet, there will be a mullet competition where the winner with the sweetest do will receive a free dinner for two (gift certificate valued at $50) at Saddle Ranch Chop House. And as a special promotion from Thursday through Saturday, anyone who visits the Cafe at the Vista and shouts “Road House rocks!” gets a free cuppa joe. How badly do you want that cup of coffee?

  • $10. 12am. Vista Theatre, 4473 Sunset Drive, Los Angeles (map).

Saturday, December 1

Ang Lee Q&A and Sexy Double Feature at ArcLight Sherman Oaks
Prepare for an afternoon of seat squirming at this lustful double feature of Ang Lee’s NC17-rated Lust, Caution and Bernardo Bertolucci’s Last Tango in Paris, a film rated X upon its initial release. Director Lee will be in the house for a Q&A on “Sexuality in Cinema” as a special event for AFI at ArcLight.

  • 12pm. ArcLight Sherman Oaks, 15301 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks (map).

Holiday Cooking Class at Border Grill Santa Monica
Want to spice up your holiday meals? Sign up for Border Grill’s demonstration-style cooking class where the “Too Hot Tamales” Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger will teach you how to make festive cocktails, appetizers, and more. Mmm, spicy sangrias, cotija cheese and yam quesadillas and chocolate Kahlua bread puddiing. Students will also enjoy a multi-course lunch and cocktails and get to take home a recipe booklet. Make your reservations asap before the classes fill.

  • $75. 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm. Border Grill, 1445 4th Street, Santa Monica (map). (310) 451-1655.

Create:Fixate Six-Year Anniversary: Reunion
For its 6th anniversary, the artsy fartsy party Create:Fixate will celebrate in an even posher downtown location. With over 60 artists in the house, including live painting and performances, there will be lots to see. To do, you’ve got music by KCRW djs to dance to and fashion and jewelry shopping.

  • $15. 7pm-2am. Gallery preview ($5) 4pm-7pm. 613 Imperial Street, Los Angeles (map).

Flip Cup Tournament at El Guapo
That previous event too high brow for you? I’ve got just the thing: a flip cup tournament at El Guapo. You can either enter to drink lots of beer and try for your chance at the trophy or spectate this frat-reminiscent sport.

  • $40 to register, free to watch. El Guapo Mexican Cantina, 7250 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles (map). (323) 297-0471.

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November 28, 2007

Stoli Hotel: Taking Reservations for Free Drinks

Written by Caroline on Crack in Cocktails, Los Angeles, Nightlife
11 Comments

The traveling Stoli Hotel is back in Hollywood, which means free cocktails, free mini spa treatments, djs and lots of vodka mooches. I had gone earlier this year and the siren song of free cocktails is calling me again. But this time I’m bringing a designated driver instead of being one so I can really enjoy all the complimentary different flavored vodka cocktails.

This Friday the event is in the clubby Garden of Eden so it’ll be interesting to see if the setup has changed much. But if it’s anything like the other event, there will be a “spa” which I suggest you go to as soon as you get to the event so you can sign up for a “treatment,” otherwise it’ll fill up fast. That’s only if you really want a chair massage or something of that ilk. Apparently there will also be hors d’oeuvres, which I don’t remember from last time. That must be another earlier-in-the-night thing.

Anyway check out the free drinks, enjoy the music and then if you are still thirsty after, you can go across the street to The Woods.

RSVP asap to attend before they get all booked up. See ya there!

EVENT: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30 from 8pm-11pm

Garden of Eden
7080 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, California 90028 (map)

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November 27, 2007

Holiday Shopping Sales List: Ferget Santa

Written by Caroline on Crack in Lists, Los Angeles, Shopping & Sales
4 Comments

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The one thing I don’t like so much about Christmas? Having to buy stuff for other people. That only gets me revved up to buy more stuff for myself. If you suffer the same dilemma, you’ll love the following sales cuz you can indulge and not feel too naughty for putting your holiday shopping list on hold.

DecadesTwo Semi-Annual Coco Chanel Show and Sale
Second-hand designer clothes shop, Decadestwo, has just acquired a huge collection of Chanel clothes, accessories and handbags from the mid-’90s to present day and will show and sell the select goods starting today for VIP guests and to the general public tomorrow through December 5.

  • Tuesday, November 27 (VIP preview) and Wednesday, November 28 – Wednesday, December 5 (general public); Tue 6pm-8:30pm, Mon-Sat 11:30am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm. 8214 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles (map). (323) 655-1960.

Design Exposure Sample Sale
Designer Exposure’s clearance sale gets you up to 80% off designer duds, bags and shoes from the high-end likes of Gucci, Pucci, Chloe, Prada and more. Whether it’s a $350 Dior bikini marked down to $45 or a $10,000 Versace mink and leather coat now $2,495, they have something for every budget.

  • November 29-December 1, Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-4pm. 547 Westmount Drive, West Hollywood (map).

Divine Design Charity Sale
Billed as the “largest shopping fundraiser on the West Coast,” Divine Design’s special charity sale in the former Robinsons May building in Beverly Hills features designer merchandise in just about everything from home decor and furnishings to fashion to beauty/spa products. The best part is that 100% of the sales goes to Project Angel Food. So not only will you get 50-90% off the likes of Miss Sixty, Diane Von Furstenberg, Fred Segal and Diesel but you’ll be helping a very good cause to boot.

  • $25. November 29-December 3, 10am – 10pm (Friday and Saturday) and 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Sunday and Monday). 9900 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills (map).

Billion Dollar Babes’ Stuart Weitzman Sample Sale
I know you probably squealed with glee when you read “Stuart Weitzman Sample Sale.” Yes, it’s true. Stuart is having a sale on shoes and I’m not talking last season’s wedges but rather current fall styles — 5,000+ pairs straight from the Bev Hills boutique to be exact — which you can get anywhere from 50 to 80% off. Once more with feeling, “EEEEEEEEEEEEE!”

  • November 30 (12 noon-8pm, BBB VIP members) and December 1 (9am-5pm public sale). 5979 West 3rd Street, #203. Los Angeles (map).

James Perse Holiday Sample Sale
These tops are sooo soft but admittedly cost more than I care to pay for a T-shirt. It’s a good thing for this James Perse holiday sample sale. Tees, tanks, tops, and bottoms for men, women, and babies at up to 70% off.

  • 9am-5pm. Saturday, December 1. 6063 W. Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood (map).

Goorin Hat Shop Friends and Family Holiday Event
This hat shop has fabulous fedoras, kicky caps and bodacious beanies and for one day you can get 20% off your entire purchase. Unfortunately some styles aren’t included but I’m sure you’ll still be able to find something absolutely smashing on you.

  • 11am-7pm. Saturday, December 1. 7627 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles (map). (323) 951-0393 .

Shecky’s Girls Night Out in Santa Monica
When you hear “cocktails” and “shopping” you probably think Shecky’s Girls Night Out. This five-hour-long shopping party has the usual shopping event suspects — fashion, beauty, cocktails and freebies. The Shecky’s goodie bag will come filled with stuff from Revlon, Sunsilk, The Soap Kitchen, Witchy Poo, Midori & more.

  • $12.50-$25. 5-10pm, Wednesday-Thursday, December 5-6. Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica (map).

Holiday Girls’ Night Out at Fashion Co-Op
At Fashion Co-Op’s own shopping party, you get up to 85% off fashions from over 150 of the newest designers. Shoppers will also get treated to wine and champagne tastings from 10 different wineries as well as spa treatments like eyelash applications and mini massages. On-site gift wrapping services are also available if you want to get some holiday shopping out of the way.

  • $25-$50. 8pm-11pm. Friday, December 7. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street, Santa Monica (map).

Fashion Day Soiree Holiday Shopping Event
Spend a lovely evening shopping in the elegant Biltmore Hotel. Fashion Day Soiree’ holiday shopping event offers up to 60% off the latest clothing, denim, handbags, jewelry, accessories and gift items. On-site gift wrapping is available.

  • $5-$10. 6pm. Thursday, December 13. Millennium Biltmore Hotel, 506 South Grand Avenue, Downtown (map).

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November 26, 2007

Luna Park’s Mini Bar: Flight of Cocktails

Written by Caroline on Crack in Cocktails, Los Angeles, Nightlife
1 Comment

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You know how I keep complaining about how it seems everyone is charging over $15 for cocktails nowadays? Well, every night at Luna Park you can get a flight of three mini cocktails for $13.50. Three different cocktail tastes for under $15. They’re calling it the Mini Bar at Luna Park, very cute.

Even cuter, the baby beverages are a Mini Mint Julep, a Bitty Raspberry Margarita and a Tini Ice Breaker, which features three frozen grapes and Vin de Glacier ice wine. And if teeny isn’t doing the job for you, Luna Park has a bunch of other cocktails available for under $10.

  • You’re a Pepper, $9.50 — Little Bottle of Dr. Dublin’s Dr Pepper, Absolut Vanilla and Monin Organic Vanilla Syrup
  • Chappaquiddick, $9.50 — Pomegranate Vodka Muddled with Orange, Lime and Cranberries and Topped with a Splash of Sparkling Wine
  • Ginger-tini, $9.50 — Fresh Muddled Ginger, Lemon, Apple and Vodka

Now if only they had a bigger bar area so you could enjoy this fabulous flight of fancy while seated at the bar.

Luna Park
672 S. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90036 (map)
(323) 934-2110

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November 25, 2007

Bourbon Bargain: 12-Year-Old Bourbon for $20

Written by Caroline on Crack in Los Angeles, Shopping & Sales
1 Comment

$20 12-year-old whiskey

I decided to go for an evening walk when I got a hankering for some whiskey. What better way to warm up on a chilly November night? All out of Jameson, I stopped by Wally’s Wine & Spirits on Westwood Boulevard for a fresh bottle. Thing is, they have a whole aisle filled with different brands of scotch, whiskey and bourbon. I stared at the $22.99 bottle of Jameson but considered getting something indulgent instead.

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