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Tag Archive: Compartes Chocolatier

May 4, 2011

This Weekend: La Descarga Quatro Party, Kentucky Derby Shindig, The Clooney Cocktail

It’s going to be a crazy party weekend what with Cinco de Mayo kicking things off then George Clooney’s birthday, Kentucky Derby and Mother’s Day.

Wednesday, May 4

Quatro de Mayo at La Descarga
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Eve with a rollicking good time at La Descarga. The Camarena taco truck will be serving up food from 9:30p to 12a, free for early arrivals. There’s even talk of a nacho bar. Yum! And you can’t have a Cinco, er Quatro celebration without tequila and mescal drinks and shots. Drinks, which include the Wet Baquiri and Kraken Micheladas, will be specially priced from $8-$10. And getting the crowd moving will be none other than StreetGourmet LA blogger Bill Esparaza leading the band all night. Get there early cuz it’s going to go off.

8pm-2am. La Descarga, 1159 N Western Avenue, Los Angeles (map).� (323) 466-1324.

Thursday, May 5

Cinco de Mayo
I don’t celebrate alcoholidays at bars but here are some lists of where to get your tequila on: Love Happy Hour and Thirsty in LA. And if you just want a quiet celebration, here’s my LA Weekly Squid Ink list of where to get your well-done margarita alternatives.

Friday, May 6

Sipping on The Clooney at Lago
In honor of the most handsome man in the world’s birthday (sorry, bf!), Locanda del Lago in Santa Monica created The Clooney cocktail. Sounds very bitter with its use of Oro Blanco grapefruit, blood orange, Aperol but maybe the No. 209 Gin and St. Germain will help. The cocktail, which will be available Friday through Sunday, is priced $8 a glass and $20 a liter. Could be just the thing to get Mom: Clooney!

Friday-Sunday. Locanda del Lago, 231 Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica (map). (310) 451-3525.

Saturday, May 7

Kentucky Derby Viewing Party at the Los Angeles Athletic Club
Downtown’s storied athletic club will be throwing the ultimate Kentucky Derby screening party featuring a Southern food buffet, a Kentucky-inspired cocktail menu and a Maker’s Mark whiskey tasting. For those who can’t sit still there’s live music by Gypsy Jazz band Icy Hot Club, indoor horseshoes games and even a Derby.com room where you can log onto the Kentucky Derby site and place your bets. The $25 admission includes a free Mint Julep in addition to all of the above.

1-4pm. $25. Los Angeles Athletic Club, 431 W. 7th Street, Downtown (map). Reservations: (213) 630-5200.

Chocolate and Wine Tasting at Compartes
This would be an awesome Mother’s Day gift. For $18-$20 you get four specially made organic chocolate and wine pairings. The wines are provided by Moe’s Fine Wines down the street from the chocolate store in Brentwood. Reservations are recommended. You can email info [at] compartes.com or call (310) 826-3380.

7-9:30pm. $18 advance, $20 door. Compartes Chocolatier, 912 S. Barrington Avenue, Brentwood (map). (310) 826-3380.

Categories: Cocktails, Dining, Lists, Los Angeles, Music, Nightlife, Sweets

Valentine’s Day on a Budget (aka Ideas for My Boyfriend)

Valentine’s Day sucks. Everything is suddenly pink and red. Singles are scrambling for something to do so they don’t feel pathetic and couples are overcompensating with expensive dinners, cheesy greeting cards and marriage proposals. Not to say that I don’t like celebrating it. But my boyfriend definitely doesn’t want anything to do with it. However, I came up with a list of fun ways couples (ahem, me and bf) and singles can enjoy the day without having to spend too much money. BTW, if you’re looking for Valentine dinner specials (yawn), you won’t find them here.

Big Bar’s Valentine’s Day Prom — Free
I don’t care what you say, even though we’re all adults, prom is still fun. Especially when the theme is “Enchantment Under the Sea” and it involves spiked punch ($9) and a dance floor. But just make sure you don’t get wasted as there will be a prom photographer, too. And I’ll be there…going stag and judging the contenders for the Prom King and Queen of Los Feliz 2011! If you feel that should be you, enter the running by emailing sevilla.jc [at] gmail.com your fave prom song, whether you’re coming as a couple (include your date’s name) or stag, and why you should be King or Queen. Whoever wins will be sent off to enjoy their kingdom of Los Feliz in a horsedrawn carriage. So dress up in your best nautical-inspired prom wear!

Cocktail menu ($11 each):
Sleepless in Los Feliz Punch: Landy Cognac, Apple Brandy, Peach Brandy, Lemon, Soda
Officer and a Gentleman: Luksusowa Vodka, Ginger Liquer, Lemon, Honey, Angostura Bitters
Romantical 75: Luksusowa Vodka, Hibiscus Syrup, Lemon, Sparkling Wine
The Bitter Break Up: Villa Massa Limoncello, Campari, Sparkling Wine
Carrie’s Prom Bucket: Moonshine Clear Corn Whiskey, Genever, Lemon, Creme de Mure

6pm-12am. Free admission. Big Bar, 1927 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Feliz (map).

Scoops Westside’s Valentine Flavors — $7 a pint; $13 for two (V Day special)
Matt Kang, proprietor of the Scoops Westside outpost, came up with special Valentine’s Day flavors so you can celebrate with your sweetie or break out the pints for your anti-Valentine party. Here are the flavors:

Raspberry white chocolate
Chocolate port wine
Strawberry balsamic
Blueberry pomegranate
Brown bread with strawberries

3400 Overland Avenue, Los Angeles (map). (323) 405-7055.

All You Can Eat at Mas Malo — $20
This would be a fun group date. Mas Malo’s “X+O Ladies+Bros” Valentine’s Day party features an all-you-can-eat special for just $20! Plus there will be a cash bar so you can indulge in the specialty cocktail menu and 260-tequila bar. Regarding where to grab a seat, upstairs in the mezzanine if you want to people watch the dining room below or in the basement bar if you want to actually hear each other speak.

$20. Mas Malo, 515 W 7th Street, Downtown (map).

The Edison’s Queen of Hearts Ball — $25
Downtown’s basement bar, The Edison, is throwing a Queen of Hearts Valentine’s Ball complete with a Queen of Hearts Band and dancers as well as DJ Daisy O’Dell. Lovers and singletons can toast to themselves over the Queen’s Punch, made with Perrier Jouet, Beefeater’s Gin, strawberry and a secret ingredient (aphrodisiac?). Tickets are $25 and include a cup of punch.

7pm. $25. The Edison, 108 W. 2nd Street, Downtown (map).

Compartes Chocolatier’s Macallan Scotch and Chocolate Truffles — $30
OK, this isn’t an event but if I had a box of these, I’d make it one. Gah! I’ve never wanted a box of chocolates as much as I want this! Dark chocolate ganache truffle infused with Macallan 18 and covered with single-origin dark chocolate. So luxurious. This, I wouldn’t share with ANYone, not even bf. There are only 10 pieces after all. Sorry. (Not really.)

912 South Barrington Avenue, Los Angeles (map). (310) 826-3380.

Not Cheap, but Fun Options

Viceroy Santa Monica: Tour of the Senses — $95
Indulge in a four-course menu (lobster with risotto, mmm) while lounging in a poolside cabana at Viceroy in Santa Monica. Swank. There will be Scent Tents where you can sample aromatherapy oils and create your own body scrub which will be packaged for you to take home. And finish off the night by toasting each other with a champagne and sparkling wine tasting.

6-10pm, February 14. $95. Viceroy Santa Monica, 1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica (map). (310) 260-7511.

Malibu Cafe’s Picnic Lunch Basket — $100
Sure, this picnic lunch basket sounds pricey for $100 but not only does it contain an appetizer, a couple of entrees and dessert but a champagne split, wine from Saddlerock Vineyards and a large blanket to sit on. Guests can take the basket to enjoy anywhere on Calamigos Ranch and return the basket and blanket before the end of the evening. So romantical!

Malibu Cafe at Calamigos Ranch, 327 South Latigo Canyon Road, Malibu (map). (818) 540-2400.

Categories: Cocktails, Dining, Lists, Los Angeles, Nightlife, Sweets

12 Comments

March 31, 2010

Easter Roundup: Brunch, Sweets and Cocktails

Chocolate-dipped Peeps from Compartes Chocolatier

Seems like everyone is eggcited (sorry) about Easter this year what with all the Easter brunches around town. But I thought I’d narrow things down to Easter brunches with a twist, with something other than the usual holiday fare. And I’ve also included cocktail and sweet treat options.

Big Deal: Henry’s Hat in Studio City — Give your server the password “bunny hop” and you will score half off your food order! Also, it’s bottomless mimosas and sangrias and 2-for-1 Bloody Marys and mojitos every weekend brunch.

Henry’s Hat, 3413 Cahuenga Boulevard, Studio City (map). (323) 512-2500.

High Tea and Easter Activities: Royal/T Cafe in Culver City — A la carte menu or $25 high tea. A la carte menu with $9 Sunday scramble, $7 brioche French toast and $8 breakfast sandwiches and more. Plus a special Easter high tea set for $25 that includes Easter-themed treats and a carrot cupcake. Kiddies can be busied with three free different workshops: bunny ears-making, yarn flowers and egg-decorating. LA artist Lyman Sebastian Tillinger will also be on hand from 12 to 3pm to create Ukrainian-inspired Easter egg art.

10am-5pm. Royal/T Cafe, 8910 Washington Boulevard, Culver City (map). (310) 559-6300.

South of the Border: Fuego at the Maya in Long Beach — $26.95/person; $12/child. Enjoy a caliente brunch on the sunny patio of this Long Beach hotel restaurant. Fill up your plates from the salad bar, taquito station, ceviche bar and dessert tables. And choose from entrees like the Chilaquiles Divorciados, Cerveza-Braised Pork Carnitas and Baja Lobster Platter. Menu.

10am-2pm. Fuego at the Maya, 700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach (map). Reservations: (562) 481-3910.

Old Hollywood: Hollywood Roosevelt’s Dakota Chop House — $39/person. An elegant buffet brunch at Marilyn Monroe’s old haunt. Here, you get access to an all-you-can-eat continental buffet as well as an entree like Eggs Benedict, Huevos Rancheros, lemon ricotta pancakes or Colorado lamb rack. For an additional $12, it’s bottomless Bloody Marys and bubbly cocktails, including the “Some Like It Hot” Mary with poblano-infused tequila and Marilyn’s Favorite Mimosa of champagne, peach puree and sauternes. Free parking and Sunday papers.

11am-3pm. Dakota Chop House, 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood (map). Reservations: Click here or call (323) 785-3037.

Poolside: The Backyard at W Los Angeles in Westwood — $42/person; $19/Child. So LA, Easter brunch by the pool. Executive Chef Monique King crafted a fresh menu of watermelon and pink grapefruit salad, brioche French toast and a basket of scones. There will also be an Easter egg hunt at noon.

10am-4pm. The Backyard at W Los Angeles � Westwood, 930 Hilgard Avenue, Westwood (map). Reservations: (310) 443-8211.

En Italiano: Locando del Lago in Santa Monica — 3-course menu $49-$55; 4-course menu $69; or a la carte.� The Italian wine pairing is an additional $24/person. This Santa Monica restaurant features an Easter menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Northern Italian dishes include lamb sirloin, Alaskan halibut and vegetable roulades. For dessert, you can order Easter chocolate chunk sweet bread with bitter almond sauce.

Locando del Lago, 231 Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica (map).�Reservations: (310) 451-3525.

In the Garden: Descanso Gardens in La Canada — $50/person; $20/child. Brunch in the gardens, make sure to take your Claritin first. Here, you get seasonal Ratatouille, a build-your-own waffle bar and for dessert a chocolate croissant bread pudding.�Menu.

Seatings at 9am, 10:30am, noon, and 1:30pm. 1418 Descanso Dr., La Canada Flintridge (map). Reservations: (818) 790-3663.

LA View: Gordon Ramsay at The�London�West Hollywood — $85/person. Take in the views of Sunset Strip while visiting the sushi bar, risotto station, omelette station and a carving station with wild salmon and beef tenderloin. Best part has gotta be the free-flowing champagne, mimosas and Bloody Marys. Menu.

11:30am-3pm. Gordon Ramsay at The London, 1020 N. San Vicente, West Hollywood (map). Reservations: (310) 358-7788.

Organic: Akasha in Culver City. No prix-fixe here but lots of yummy specials like goat cheese gnocchi with fava beans ($12), herb-crusted leg of lamb with creamy polenta ($25) or sea bass with English pea and green garlic puree ($25). For booze there’s no corkage for wine or you can toast the holiday with a local sour orange mojito or blood orange and tangelo margarita.

4-9pm. Akasha, 9543 Culver Boulevard, Culver City (map). Reservations: (310) 845-1700.

COCKTAILS:

Cabo Cantina on Sunset Boulevard has bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys for $9.95 til 3pm.

Hungry Cat in Hollywood boasts half-priced specialty cocktails, draft beer and bottles of wine all day on Easter Sunday. Reservations: (323) 462-2155

Napa Valley Grille in Westwood may have a fab Easter brunch buffet ($49/person; $19/child) but I’m liking its tableside, made-to-order Mojitos or Bloody Mary cocktails ($12) with a choice of Grey Goose or Ketel One vodka, fresh juices, savory ingredients, and garnish options. Reservations: (310) 824-3322.

SWEETS:

Buttercake Bakery has a selection of holiday desserts, like flower cupcakes and daisy petit fours for Easter and Matzah toffee brownies and flourless chocolate cake for Passover.

Compartes Chocolatier offers special treats to make your Easter basket extra chic: chocolate dipped peeps and hand-painted chocolate bunnies.

Crumbs Bake Shop has pretty pastel Easter chocolate and vanilla cupcakes decorated with sprinkles, bunny sugar cookies or jelly beans. Or for Passover enjoy the Raspberry Red Sea nut cupcake, Holy Moses chocolate cupcake or Chocolate and Vanilla Commandments. (FYI, none are kosher for Passover.)

Simon LA in West Hollywood has a brunch that stands out because of its dedicated dessert buffet, under a tree no less, which features chocolate eggs, carrot cupcakes, coconut macaroons, house made marshmallows, assortment of cookies and more.

Sprinkles is featuring brown sugar praline and carrot cake cupcakes through April 4 as well as Passover chocolate cupcake through April 6. Or you can impress the hostess of your Easter brunch with a HOP box of the spring selection of dark chocolate, red velvet, brown sugar praline and carrot cupcakes decorated with pink and green bunnies.

Categories: Cocktails, Cupcakes, Dining, Lists, Los Angeles, Sweets

2 Comments