Monthly Archives: January 2009

January 30, 2009

Korean Barbecue and Wine Tasting: Kogi BBQ and Colorado Wine Company

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

Kogi BBQ-To-Go from Colorado Wine Company

Seems as if all of L.A. is in a frenzy about the Korean taco truck, Kogi BBQ-To-Go. It’s here, it’s there, with long lines of eager diners everywhere it goes. Who can blame us? Mmm, short ribs.

Korean barbecue is yummy and all that but wouldn’t it be perfect with some wine? you’re probably wondering. Fortunately, Kogi BBQ is planning to park in front of Colorado Wine Company in Eagle Rock for a very special wine tasting.

The event is on Thursday, February 26 but the wine shop is taking reservations now and will only accept the first 100 RSVPs, that’s why I’m telling you now.

Details on price, wine list and menu are still to come but make your reservations asap by emailing info [at] cowineco.com or calling (323) 478-1985.

Colorado Wine Company always has fun, tasty and informative wine events and I’m sure this will be one of their best, up there with the White Trash Tasting.

EVENT: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Colorado Wine Company
2114 Colorado Boulevard
Eagle Rock, California 90041 (map)
(323) 478-1985

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January 30, 2009

Pink Slip Parties at Boe Restaurant

Written by Caroline on Crack in Los Angeles, Nightlife
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AP clip of a pink slip party in New York.

With the unemployment rate in California now at an unbelievably high 9.3 percent there’s a good chance that you either just lost your job or have a real reason to fear losing your job. Sucks, I know. But don’t count me out as a Debbie Downer just yet, I know of a party!

Boe Restaurant at the Crescent Hotel in Beverly Hills will be hosting Pink Slip Parties on the first Tuesday of every month starting February 3 through April. This shindig allows the unemployed to schmooze it up with job recruiters from different industries while partaking of half-priced appetizers like baked brie with sun-dried tomatoes, mini curry burgers with yogurt dip and buffalo chicken skewers.

For liquid courage, there are $5 martinis like the Pink Stimulus Cocktail made from P.I.N.K. Vodka, plum and ginger. Just remember to not get too cocktailed. A new job may be on the line. Good luck, peeps, and don’t forget to bring your resume.

EVENT: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 from 6pm to 8pm

Boe Restaurant at the Crescent Hotel
403 N Crescent Drive
Beverly Hills, California 90210 (map)
(310) 247-1791

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January 29, 2009

This Weekend: Gorey Ball, Indian Tea Party, Cut Chemist

Written by Caroline on Crack in Dining, Lists, Los Angeles, Music, Nightlife
3 Comments

I can’t get this song, or the dance moves, out of my head!

Since I’m not a football fan, the importance of this weekend is lost on me. (Although I do still like going to those Super Bowl parties!) If you feel the same way, no parties to plan or superstitious rituals to perform, here are some other things you can do.

Friday, January 30

The Crocker Club Opens Downtown
Man! Another Downtown L.A. opening. This one sounds like a really cool bar, very speakeasy-like as it’s in the basement of the former Crocker Citizens National Bank building. But judging by the pics on UrbanDaddy it also looks tres fancy, like a hotel lobby..with a big bank vault. Hmm. And apparently they serve up classic cocktails.

  • The Crocker Club, 453 S. Spring Street, Downtown (map). (213) 239-9099.

Conga Room Grand Opening Party at L.A. Live
And then there’s this one. Conga Room is opening up its new digs in L.A. Live. And it’s huge, with 15,000 square feet of drumtastic space, with live music and DJs. Sounds like a scene but if you want to check it out before anyone else RSVP with Celebrity Nightlife Events. If you get there before 10:30pm, entrance is free. Just make sure you say you’re on the CNE list.

  • Doors open at 9pm. Free before 10:30pm. RSVP here via Celebrity Nightlife Events. Conga Room, 800 W. Olympic Boulevard, Downtown (map).

Saturday, January 31

Indian Tea Party at Surfas
Sick of the same ol’ tea parties? Scones. Blah. At Surfas’ test kitchen in Culver City you can enjoy an Indian Tea Party with a cup of masala chai. You’ll also learn how to make tea treats like spiced potato puffs with cilantro chutney, sweet pumpkin “puri” cookies, and vermicelli kheer (pudding) with saffron and almonds.

  • 1pm. Free. Surfas, 8777 Washington Boulevard, Culver City (map). (310) 559-4770.

Edwardian Ball Los Angeles 2009
Break out your turn of the century ball gown, the Edwardian Ball is in town; at the historic Tower Theater to be exact. This spectacular Edward Gorey-esque evening of circus arts, ballroom dancing, art and even DJs sounds like a hoot. Costume attire is requested so don’t show up in your usual duds. If you go VIP ($75) you get reserved balcony seating and a hosted absinthe bar.

  • 8pm-1am. $25-$75. Tower Theater, 802 S. Broadway Street, Downtown (map).

Sunday, February 1

Mochilla, Dublab, and ArtDontSleep present Timeless feat. Cut Chemist
This night kicks off a new music series, called Timeless, which pays homage to forward-thinking composer/arrangers. This night, Mulatu Astatke, the father of Ethio-jazz, will blend his tunes with a 15-piece orchestra. Cut Chemist, Quantic and DJ Egon spin a global-fusion ode to the Ethiopian musician/arranger.

  • 7-10pm. Tickets: $22.50. Cal State LA Luckman Theater, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles (map). (323) 343-6604.

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January 28, 2009

Copa d’Oro: Pick Your Poison

Written by Caroline on Crack in Cocktails, Los Angeles, Nightlife
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Rhode Island Red

Grazie, Vincenzo Marianella! For bringing your special brand of cocktailing to the Westside.

Because of Vincenzo’s new bar, Copa d’Oro, in Santa Monica, I don’t have to trek all the way across town for one of those fancy cocktails. You know, the ones you find at the Edison or Comme Ca. Vincenzo, noted “bar chef” of Providence, and Jonathan Chu of Buddha’s Belly have taken over that sad little spot that used to be Lounge 217. That douchy nightclub is now such a classy and chill lounge. Dimly lit, warm wood paneling, and lots of places to sit. You can sit in one of the two booths/rooms near the entrance or at one of the many tables or the center couches or on a barstool.

Of course there were ample empty seats last night but that could be because not many people actually know that this bar is now open. Thrillist said it opened on Monday and UrbanDaddy has them down for opening tonight. And the folks at the bar said that they actually weren’t supposed to be open Monday or last night but decided to open their doors anyway, thank gawd.

I was so glad they did because I got to see my old friend and fave bartender, Damian Windsor, again. He was my go-to guy at that downtown whiskey bar back in the day and I’ve been waiting for him to emerge from behind a bar ever since.

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January 27, 2009

Gooey Cheese! BreadBar’s Fondue & Flight Night

Written by Caroline on Crack in Dining, Los Angeles
Say what?

Cheese fondue
My kryptonite? Cheese. Mmm, cheese! And I’m finding the fondue & flight night at BreadBar in Century City hard to resist. Are you kidding me? THREE fondue stations featuring a different cheese blend? And all you can eat artisanal bread and cheese?

That’s right, on Friday, February 6, the bread-dedicated eatery is holding a special fondue night, hosted by the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills. For $30 a person, you can partake of Traditional Swiss, Italian and French-style fondues which will be served with artisanal breads like the Rustic Millstone, a whole-rye, whole wheat blend; the Baguette; and Kalamata Olive and Golden Raisin Walnut.

There will be a fondue demo and discussion about which wine pairs with which fondue, but who cares? Let me at the cheese. FYI, the wine flights can be purchased separately ($15 for a flight of three wines or $6-$15 a glass).

RSVP is required. Call (310) 277-3770 or make your reservation at www.breadbar.net or www.opentable.com as there are only 60 spots available. If He’s Just Not That Into You is playing at the theater upstairs, it opens the same night, I’m thinking this would be a great girls’ night out!

EVENT: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 from 7 to 8:30pm

BreadBar Century City
10250 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90067 (map)
Reservations: (310) 277-3770

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January 26, 2009

Love Potions: Valentine Cocktail Ideas

Written by Caroline on Crack in Los Angeles, Other
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Valentine Cocktail Ideas

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Looking for ideas on how to seduce your cocktail-loving sweetheart. Here ya go. I just put together this list of booze and mixers along with some Valentine-inspired recipes to kick off your night of seduction. I know, I know. I’ve voiced my disdain for liqueurs many times but if you keep it simple, they can actually be pretty yummy. Especially when you’re just mixing it with some special bubbly.

In any case, here are some ideas for before your V-Day dinner and even for the morning after. Got any favorite Valentine libations of your own?

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January 23, 2009

The Association’s $10 Vintage Cocktails

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

spitz 025

I admit it. Part of the reason I avoided checking out new downtown bar, The Association, was because of its name. It just sounds so clique-y, so elitist; the siren call to douchebags, says I. Word of mouth seemed to confirm this.

But then when I was hanging out with H.C., after we went to check out kebab joint Spitz downtown (review tk), he convinced me to give the lounge a chance. He’d even drive us. Not one to turn down a free ride, I obliged.

And as soon as we walked in and checked out the menu, I was blatantly proved wrong. There’s no douchebaggery here! Well, if there was, I couldn’t see it cuz the place was so dimly lit. Great lighting for blind dates and random hookups, though.

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