The uber generous folks at La Cantina and Citizen Smith have given me awesome gift certificates to give away at my blogiversary party.
That one lucky crackhead whose name I pull out of the hat during the shindig at Bar Lubitsch will get a gift certificate for Hollywood’s La Cantina, The Hills’ girls’ fave Mexican food joint. It’s good for Sunday lunch for four people where you and your buddies get treated to appetizers, entrees, desserts and even two pitchers of margaritas! What a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Try the La Cantina Fajitas ($12) with chicken or steak, sauteed tomatoes, onions and bell peppers or the halibut fish tacos ($11) served in soft corn tortillas with lettuce, chipotle sauce, sour cream and pico de gallo.
La Cantina Hollywood, 6541 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood (map). (323) 871-1363.
From Citizen Smith, a lucky crackhead and his/her honey will get dinner for two at my favorite Monday night dinner spot. The certificate covers appetizers, entrees, desserts and a specially selected bottle of wine for dinner Monday through Thursday. How romantical! I don’t know what to begin to suggest to get here as everything we tried was deelish. You can check out the menu here.
Citizen Smith, 1600 Cahuenga Boulevard, Hollywood (map). (323) 461-5001.
Of course tax and gratuities aren’t included, but come on, winning crackhead, you just had a free lunch/dinner!
Sucks that rent day coincides with all these sales going on.
Friday, August 1
Virgin Airways Airfare Sale
They’re at it again with the uber cheap airfare: $79 one way to Seattle, $139 to NYC. In light of crazy-high gas prices, this is quite the deal. But book your flights before August 7 cuz that’s when this special ends…for now.
Saturday, August 2
Wine House Super Summer Clearance Sale
One of my favorite wine stores is having a huuuge sale and it’s not just on wine. At the Wine House this weekend you can get Riedel Glassware, Johnny Walker Blue, Dom Perignon in addition to over 750 wines at low low prices.
Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 11am-6pm. Wine House, 2311 Cotner Avenue, Los Angeles (map).
West Third Street Sidewalk Sale
Nothing like strolling one of the prime shopping areas during a sidewalk sale. Enjoy discounts and refreshments from your fave retailers such as Flight 001, Joan’s on Third and Trina Turk, to name a few.
11am-6pm. Between Fairfax Ave. and La Cienega Boulevard, W. Third Street, Los Angeles (map).
City of Hope’s 10K Run/5K Walk Underwear Affair
This is sure to be quite a spectacle as runners and walkers hit the streets in their underwear to raise funds for cancer research. This will probably be the only time it’s OK to wear your undies in public so make it good. Bras, panties, briefs, Garanimals. It’s all in good fun and for a great cause. Afterward participants will be treated to a much deserved after party. Don’t forget to bring your ID!
5pm. $25 registration. 5801 Wilshire Boulevard (La Brea Tar Pits), Los Angeles (map).
15th Annual Long Beach Crawfish Festival
I’m drooling just thinking about this festival with all that crawfish prepared Louisiana style by Cajun chefs. Ooh and there will be ribs, beignets and some cocktail(?) called the Screaming Crawfish. Intriguing. Grammy-nominated Cajun and Zydeco artists will be performing to keep things festive.
Saturday 12pm-12am and Sunday 12pm-11pm. $13-$33. Rainbow Lagoon, 400-403 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach (map).
Sunday, August 3
Pot Roast Sundays at Tender Greens
Tender Greens is probably my favorite restaurant in Culver City cuz of its reasonable prices, yummy food and nice beer selection. Well apparently it has this special pot roast dinner every Sunday! Ten bucks gets you a beef short rib “roast” braised in red-wine sauce, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, and either a salad or vegetable. What a delicious bargain!
I can’t believe it’s less than a week til my big blogiversary party. Free booze for two hours generously provided by the fine folks at Martin Miller’s Gin and Partida Tequila. Damian Windsor, my fave bartender from Gordon Ramsay at The London, created a special cocktail menu for the occasion which the Bar Lubitsch bartenders will be serving:
Bee’s Knees: Martin Miller’s gin lemon with runny honey — sooo yummy.
Margarita: Partida blanco tequila with cucumber foam and agave nectar.
Siesta: Partida reposado tequila, Campari and grapefruit — sorta like the Sculaccione at Osteria Mozza.
After the free liquor stops flowing, stick around for the dj, dancing and Bar Lubitsch’s yummy specialty cocktails available at the cash bar.
Leyna’s Cupcakes will supply their award-winning cupcakes for the party. Because nothing pairs with cocktails as well as cupcakes, my friends.
Get there in the first hour (before 9pm) and enter to win one of the giveaway prizes. There will be giveaways from Leyna’s Cupcakes, South, La Bijou Belle Jewelry, Citizen Smith and more. And if you happen to be sporting one of my CoC t-shirts at the party, you’ll get five entries in the giveaway. I’ll start drawing names out of the hat at 9 so if you come after, you’re SOL.
RSVP to attend. However, this does not guarantee admittance so make sure to get there early.
I can’t wait to meet everyone. Most of you I’ve only known through your blogs, emails, tweets and comments. It’ll be good to put faces with names.
EVENT: TUESDAY, AUGUST 5 at 8pm
Bar Lubitsch
7702 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, California 90046 (map)
Checked out the two-week-old burger joint on Melrose, 8 oz. Burger Bar, which is located in the former Table 8 space. I didn’t come for the burgers, however, but rather the cocktails. It’s a wonderful list of pre-Prohibition-style classics and some signature drinks made with fresh juices, mixers and herbs, and each one is only eight bucks! Quite a deal on Melrose, or most anywhere for that matter.
You like the free stuff, right? Well tomorrow — Wednesday, July 30 — there are three giveaways going on.
$1.50 Cheesecake Slice from Cheesecake Factory: The biggie of the day is the $1.50 slice of cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory in celebration of its 30th anniversary (and National Cheesecake Day). Why $1.50? Cuz that’s how much the restaurant charged for it when it first opened back in 1978. The catch is that you can only enjoy this while dining in. So order the expensive meal and get a really cheap slice of cheesecake, choosing from more than 30 varieties.
Complimentary Vivanno and Sorbetto Drinks from Starbucks: I walked into my local Starbucks yesterday and found a flyer that invited me to come back on Wednesday from 4-7pm when the store would give out complimentary 16-ounce Vivanno and 10-ounce Sorbetto beverages in celebration of the launch of Starbucks’ newest drinks. The Vivanno is a “nourishing” smoothie available in Orange Mango Banana and Banana Chocolate flavors. The Sorbetto is a yogurt smoothie, including Pinkberry, Tangy Mango and Citrus Ice flavors. Have you been curious about these weird new drinks at the ‘Bucks? Now’s your chance to give them a try without fear of wasting your own money. Don’t know if this is good for every Starbucks location but have heard reports about flyers in other stores around SoCal.
Buy Any Smoothie Get One Free from Jamba Juice:This special requires that you fill in your information on the page to get the “Buy One Get One Free” coupon. And once you do, go to any participating location to get the special which is: Purchase any Jamba menu board item and get an additional menu board item of the same or lesser value free. This Jamba special actually ends on July 30.
Your wife just left you? Your dog just died? No one understanding your problems? Maybe a visit to Bluesy Tuesdays, The Foundry on Melrose’s new weekly nights, will cheer you up some.
Every Tuesday there will be a different live act playing some blues, roots and Southern-inspired music while you enjoy a special “blues-inspired” lounge menu and specialty cocktails.
This Tuesday the 29th, Jay & Bosco of Americana rock & roll band 50 Cent Haircut will be performing.
Try the grilled cheese sandwich with short rib ($12), winner of the 2008 Grilled Cheese Sandwich Invitational, or buttermilk fried chicken ($4 a piece) with some fried green tomatoes ($5).
To drink your blues away:
Ramblin’ Rose ($10): Woodchuck Amber Cider, watermelon, bitters and gin.
The Tennessee Peach ($11): Jack Daniel’s, peach nectar and ginger.
The Debutante ($10): Chambord, champagne, raspberries and lemonade
That’ll do ya.
EVENT: TUESDAYS From 8pm to 10pm
The Foundry on Melrose
7465 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, California
(323) 651-0915
I’m a longtime reader and thought you’d be the perfect person to ask this. A friend of mine is trying to throw a surprise party. She needs a space — preferably a bar, lounge, hotel bar, club, rather than a restaurant — that can hold about 50 people for about two hours (can be early in the evening, like between 6-10 on a Friday or Saturday). Is there anywhere that won’t charge her thousands of dollars (which is what most places have been quoting)? Her party will all be buying multiple drinks (or willing to pay for bottle service), if that helps.
Any help would be much appreciated, if you have a moment!
While you’re here enjoying Sprinkles’ new cupcake flavor, checking out that crazy all-day American Apparel flea market sale and enjoying Xanadu with the Angel City Derby Girls, I’ll be in Santa Barbara attending a dear friend’s wedding. Hm.
Friday, July 25
Sprinkles Summer Cherry Cupcakes
Cherry, cherry, baby! Sprinkles is celebrating cherry season with a very special cupcake, Summer Cherry. Made with pureed cherries both in the cake and frosting, this is sure to be your fave summer treat. Available thru August 3. Oh, and FYI, the chocolate marshmallow cupcake is seasonal no more. It’s now part of Sprinkles’ daily flavors!
9635 Little Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills (map). (310) 274-8765.
Roman Holiday and Seven Samurai Screenings in Old Pasadena
It’s his and hers night in Old Pasadena where the girls can enjoy Audrey in her Oscar-winning role as a runaway princess and the dudes can take in a flick about kick-ass samurais defending a village of farmers from bandits. All in a charming outdoor setting.
8:30pm and 10:45pm. Free. One Colorado Courtyard, 41 Hugus Alley, Old Pasadena (map).
Saturday, July 26
Global-Tronic Summer Sessions at the Getty
Say it isn’t so, the last of the summer sessions at the Getty? Well, it goes out with a bang, featuring electronica and world music. Check out DJs Zizek Urban Beats Club, Pacha Massive, DJ Hoseh as well as the 11-member Boogaloo Assassins.
6-9:30pm. Free, no reservations required. The Getty, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles (map).
Xanadu at Angel City Drive-In
OMG, this was one of my favorite movies growing up. I used to skate around the cul de sac I lived on with ribbons in my hair pretending I was Kira (Olivia Newton-John). Now you get to enjoy it with some real skaters as the Angel City Derby Girls will bring you your food. Drive-in and pay $10 or skate in and it’s only $5. Feel free to BYOB as well.
Gates open 7:30pm, show starts at 9pm. $5 skate in, $10 drive in. Alexandria Hotel, 240 W. 4th Street (2nd floor), Downtown (map).
Sunday, July 27
American Apparel Factory Flea Market Sale
It’s a flea market! No, it’s a rave! Nope, it’s a carnival. Actually it’s all those things with an American Apparel sale (merchandise priced as low as $1) and Sebastian Tellier thrown in. There will be a slip-n-slide, snow cones, a dunk tank and a night time party dj’d by DJ Them Jeans.
2pm-12am. $5 (12pm early bird entry for $12). 747 Warehouse Street, Downtown (map).
Gnarls Barkley w/ Fallou Dieng and Deerhoof at the Hollywood Bowl
This show sounds like so much fun! Alternative/soul odd couple Gnarls Barkley with Senegalese popster Falloue Dieng and Bay Area group Deerhoof. Time to get up and dance. Hmm, maybe I can make it back from SB in time to hit this concert.
7pm. $10-$96. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Avenue, Hollywood (map). (323) 850-2000.
I’m going to go out on a limb and recommend this West L.A. restaurant that I went to the other night that doesn’t have the greatest food or the prettiest décor or the most extensive liquor selection or even the best service…but it does have some impressive drink and food specials.
Now, why would anyone want meh food even if it is cheap? Because it’s cheap and its low price makes it taste soo good. You know how that works. The food at Bourbon Street Shrimp Company in West L.A. isn’t exactly a foodie’s paradise but the prices make it a cheapskate’s dream. And it’s in a perfect location for starving students as it’s south of Westwood.
Who knew that there were two tequila days a year — one on Cinco de Mayo and one this coming Thursday? Apparently Ortega 120 in Redondo Beach did as it’s launching its Tequila Flight Thursdays on July 24th in honor of the national holiday. Flights range in price from $10 to $20 depending on what you get — anejo, resposado, blanco/silver or oro/gold flights of Herradura, Casa Noble and Don Eduardo.
Tequila connoisseurs looking for something more than a simple taste have 120 different types of tequila to choose from behind the bar. And if you’re really fancy and meticulous, you can even record your tasting notes in a leather-bound tasting journal which is kept at the bar til your next visit.
However, for those impure at heart who like to mix it up, co-owner/tequila sommelier Demi Stevens has created a specialty tequila cocktail menu including the following:
El Saguaro ($9): Partida Anejo, mixed berries, mint and agave nectar
Eclipse Del Sol ($9): Partida Blanco, orange juice and grenadine
La Paloma Negra ($9): Partida Resposado, 120 Lime Sour and Chambord
Mi Corazon ($9): Corazon Blanco tequila, Citronage, 120 Lime Sour and cranberry juice
An Espicy Mango Margarita ($8) and Pomegranate Ginger Margarita ($9) are exotic and refreshing alternatives to the usual ‘rita.
Eesh, I may have to haul my biscochitos all the way to the beach for this one. Mmm, El Saguaro! And I still have to give that unusual-sounding horchata martini ($8) a try — that’s with horchata and Absolut vanilla.
FYI there’s a happy hour from 4-7pm weekdays with $5 Partida margaritas and $3-$5 appetizers.
Ortega 120
814 S. Pacific Coast Highway
Redondo Beach, California 90277
(310) 792-4120
Dearest Adam, one of the owners of South, gave me a $50 gift certificate for his restaurant/bar in Santa Monica to bestow upon some lucky crackhead during my blogiversary party. That’s right, the lucky randomly selected winner will be treated to $50’s worth of food and drink (not including tax and tip) at my favorite after-work spot. On most weekdays after 5:30pm (and some weekend afternoons) you’ll see me and my unofficial photographer, dotsara, sitting at the bar enjoying the Southern comfort food and cocktails. (Mmm, grilled cheese sandwich with bacon.) We prefer getting there before it gets too crowded and crazy. So much better.
So what can you get for $50 at this Southern-inspired sports bar? So many things! Perhaps a couple of entrees plus an appetizer or a bucket o’ beer and two apps…or even the crazy voodoo brew that’s served in a huge fishbowl and some hush puppies. Quit poo-pooing it, you know you and your friends wanna try it. Hmm, or maybe keep it simple with five mint juleps. And you’re not limited to food and drinks at the bar. You can spend it on takeout orders, parties or merchandise if you wish.
But the great part of this giveaway prize is that you can come in any time you want to use it. That includes special nights like Southern Belle Wednesdays when womenfolk get half-off martinis and glasses of wine from 9pm to close. Or Wings and Trivia Monday Nights where you can get a tin of 20 chicken wings for only $5!
But be careful. I blame my new five pounds on this place.
South
3001 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, California 90403 (map)
(310) 428-4667
Why are you at work today? You should be out seeing The Dark Knight, which opened today. Play hooky and go see it. You can check it out at the ArcLight in Hollywood as it has that exhibit of the actual Batman and Joker costumes, but I recommend seeing it at an IMAX theater as the movie was filmed in IMAX so should be quite spectacular on the huge screen.
I saw this newest Batman at the Sherman Oaks ArcLight last night and absolutely loved it. Of course I don’t know how this very dark film with its disturbing scenes and themes was able to get just a PG-13 rating as I was hiding behind my hair and plugging up my ears one too many times. “Mommy loves Daddy, Mommy loves Daddy, Mommy loves Daddy!” What can I say? Heath Ledger’s Joker was terrifying and so unpredictable. And I didn’t like his disappearing pencil trick but at all. It may not have been graphic but it was pretty suggestive.
Do I think HL should be nominated for an Oscar? Well, I don’t know what the criteria for winning a best actor nomination is but he was pretty damn good at fleshing out the character of the usually campy Joker and creating this memorable and sinister clown. Pretty damn good. And if Heath Ledger hadn’t died this year, it would have been hard to recognize the “heart throb” actor and easy to get lost in his maniacal criminal. But he did steal the scene whenever he was up on the screen, making you chuckle at him and then squeal in terror. I can see why he suffered sleepless nights while he was playing this psychotic role.
But the Joker isn’t the only reason to see this movie, obviously. Christian Bale is pretty impressive as the ass-kicking, gravelly voiced hero/bumbling billionaire. The action scenes are breath-taking.
And, like its predecessor Batman Begins, this one is a compelling retelling of the dark vigilante’s story. What I like about this series (hopefully it continues) is that it tells it as if it’s the “true” story that inspired the legend, that inspired the campy Adam West version and the Hollywood blockbuster versions with too many A-list actors. Nope, here you get the gritty Batman without the safety net of the ridiculously over-the-top costumes and makeup. And surprisingly, and refreshingly, very little CGI. Apparently director Christopher Nolan opted to rely more on stunt work than green screens. And the movie is so awesome because of that.
But it’s pretty dark and almost depressing. In Batman’s city, there’s no one to trust. The criminals run everything including a lot of the cops, and it makes me wonder, “Who the hell would want to live in Gotham?” But here’s Batman and now Harvey Dent, the new D.A. who offer hope as they work to rid the city of its scum. (Those familiar with Batman lore already know Dent’s fate but it’s cool to watch how that plays out here. BTW, Aaron Eckhart is so pretty.)
In the meantime you’re taken on this long (2 1/2 hours) rollercoaster ride of violence and darkness and by the time you come out the other side you’re just exhausted. But exhausted in a good way, like you went skydiving, landed on a bridge, bungee’d off that and then got in the world’s fastest car to set a new land-speed record. At least that’s how I felt.
There were times during the movie when I was tempted to look at my watch but then I was thankful that it wasn’t over just yet as I wanted to see more. And judging from how this one ends, I’m thinking there will be more to come.
FYI, here’s a cool article about Batman’s high-tech gadgets and their real-life counterparts.
Yes, there are other things going on this weekend other than all those Dark Knight screenings.
Friday, July 18
Get $20 Off Tickets to Dessert Decadence
A sweettooth’s dream come true, Dessert Decadence on July 27 features truffles, pastries and ice cream, oh my! I felt like such an indulgent girl at last year’s event. So fun. Tickets normally go for $60 but you can still snatch them up from GoldStar for $40 (with $5.50 service charge). Hurry, while they’re still available.
Saturday, July 19
Vinoteque’s BBQ Backyard Series: The Old Ghost in the Backyard BBQ
Finding that summer makes you crave grilled meats? On Saturday, Vinoteque’s BBQ Series will showcase pork and lamb chops as well as orzo salads and grilled tomatoes. And Zins are the featured wine of the afternoon. The $28 price of admission also includes a glass of beer or wine.
Glow ‘08 Dusk to Dawn Festival
That glow you see emanating from the direction of Santa Monica on Saturday from dusk to dawn isn’t that new-fangled LED ferris wheel but the FREE arty event that’ll feature live music, art, media and interactive activities. You may see some grunions on the run and you’ll definitely get to enjoy a dj set by KCRW’s Garth Trinidad. Some local restaurants (Ye Olde King’s Head and Ma’Kai Lounge) will even offer extended hours and menu specials for the occasion.
Saturday 7pm to Sunday 7am. Free. 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica (map).
A Clockwork Orange Cemetery Screening
Next to The Shining this is my second favorite Stanley Kubrick flick. Not as creepy but probably more disturbing especially when enjoyed while sitting in a graveyard. Yikes. Bring your own Moloko Plus cocktails in a cooler to toast the boys at the Korova Milk Bar. If absinthe and milk ain’t your thing, screwdrivers are good, too.
Gates at 7:30pm, film 9pm. $10 donation. Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).
Sunday, July 20
Free Rubyy Bellinis at Caffe Primo
Caffe Primo in WeHo is premiering a new brunch menu this Sunday and to celebrate, models will be handing out complimentary Rubyy Blood Orange Energy Bellinis (normally $7) to guests who purchase any brunch entrée from 10-2. (One per guest.) Try out the open-face Monte Cristo panini ($10) with ham, swiss and fontina or the poached salmon salad with white truffle mascarpone, lettuce & tomato baguette sandwich ($12). There are also waffles and savory and sweet crepes. What to get? What to get?
10am-2pm. Caffe Primo, 8590 W. Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood (map). (310) 289-8895.
If you’re not going to see The Dark Knight during its crazy opening night you’ll probably want to wait to see it next week at The Landmark. The West L.A. movie theatre will be featuring weekday happy hour 21+ screenings of The Dark Knight at 4:50pm from Monday, July 21 through Thursday, July 24 where you can enjoy your Dark Knight cocktails during the show.
Unlike the ArcLight, they only serve beer and wine at the bar, here, but their DK speciality cocktail list (most made with Han Vodka) is still a pretty cute idea.
Two Face ($8): Black and Tan with Storm King Stout and Stone IPA
Bat-ini ($12): Han Blackberry Martini
Joker’s Poison ($12): Han Sour Apple Martini with Purple Sugar Rim
Rachel’s Kiss ($12): Han Pomegranate Martini
Cape Crusader ($12): Han Cape Cod
I’m torn between Rachel’s Kiss and Two Face.
EVENT: MONDAY, JULY 21 to THURSDAY, JULY 24 at 4:50pm
The Landmark
10850 West Pico Boulevard
West Los Angeles, California 90064 (map)
(310) 470-0492
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