With new executive chef Scott Garrett (formerly of The Viceroy’s Whist) taking over kitchen duties at the Avalon Hotel’s blue on blue, the restaurant launches its new “kick the blues” poolside happy hour. From Monday through Friday 4 to 7pm, you can skip rush hour traffic by sitting in a white cabana enjoying the tapas-style specials ($6 each or three for $15) and $8 drink specials (specialty cocktails usually run $13-$14).

Some exotic goodies on the happy hour menu include “Asian beef bowls with sesame dressing and noodles; tuna and mango crudo with cilantro cream, wontons and ginger syrup; mushroom risotto arancini with mascarpone, black trumpets and panko; and turkey albondigas with jalapeño and avocado.” (from Gayot)

It’s a bit pricier than I prefer my happy hours to be but it sounds like a swell way to avoid that killer traffic on Olympic Boulevard going east. Blah! And it’ll be even sweeter when the evenings turn balmy.

blue on blue at Avalon Hotel
9400 W. Olympic Boulevard
Beverly Hills, California 90212 (map)
(310) 277-5221