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Tag Archive: free booze

January 27, 2012

This Weekend: Eagle Rock Brewery Party, Sixteen Candles Drive-In, Ammo Re-Launch Cocktail Party

Saturday, January 28

Devil’s Drive-In: Sixteen Candles
Jake Ryan! This was the movie that the teenage me wished happen in real life: Where your high school crush actually likes you back. Le sigh. Since this drive-in is happily BYOB, relive your teen years by toting wine coolers, heh. Or bring the good stuff and make a drinking game out of it. Take a shot every time someone says “Jake,” or pass the bottle every time Anthony Michael Hall’s voice cracks.

6pm doors open. $12 at gate. 240 W. 4th Street, 2nd Floor, Downtown (map).

Eagle Rock Brewery’s 2nd Anniversary at Verdugo Bar
Celebrate local Eagle Rock Brewery’s 2nd anniversary with select ERB beers on draft in the outdoor beer garden. Food trucks Grill Em’ All and Mandoline Grill will be on hand for nosh with your brew. And the $12 admission gets you a commemorative taster glass to take home, while supplies last.

12-4pm. $12. 3408 Verdugo Road, Los Angeles (map). (323) 257-3408.

Monday, January 30

Duggan McDonnell & Encanto Pisco at Harvard & Stone R&D
Duggan of Cantina in SF is going to be behind the stick at Harvard & Stone’s R&D bar creating Encanto cocktails as well as giving samples of the newly released Distiller’s Reserve Quebranta.

9pm. Harvard & Stone, 5221 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood (map). (323) 466-6061

Alie & Georgia Guest Bartend at The Eveleigh
Adorable duo Alie & Georgia of Cooking Channel will be making their fun and crazy concoctions at The Eveleigh as part of the bar’s weekly guest bartending series. These girls are always good for a laugh and unusual cocktail. Love ‘em! By the way, next week’s featured bartender will be Alex Straus of Hemingway’s Lounge followed by the omnipresent Julian Cox on February 13. For industry folks, most drinks and bites are $3.

7pm. The Eveleigh, 8752 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood (map). (424) 239-1630.

Tuesday, January 31

Ammo West Hollywood Cocktail Program Re-Launch Party
Ammo’s cocktail program has been redone all farm-to-glass thanks to Jason Robey, same guy who did that with Michael’s in Santa Monica. Guests can enjoy free food and drinks until they run out. Afterward, partake of the happy hour specials like endless Bloody Marys and $6 Powers + PBR.

6pm. Ammo Restaurant, 1155 N Highland Avenue, Hollywood (map). (323) 467-3293.

Categories: Beer, Cocktails, Lists, Los Angeles, Movies, Nightlife

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January 12, 2012

This Weekend: Pliny the Younger Raffle, Pegu Club Vet at 1886, Space 15 Twenty Sample Sale & Free Cocktails

Thursday, January 12

Bushmills Irish Whiskey Tasting at Neat
Dance a jig into your weekend with an Irish whiskey tasting followed by live Irish music. Whiskey Master Ed Adams will guide a tasting of the entire Bushmills line at Neat in Glendale. Afterward at 8:30p, the Irish band hits the stage. RSVP to info@theneatbar.com for the tasting.

6:30-8pm. Neat, 1114 N Pacific Avenue, Glendale (map). (818) 241-4542.

Pegu Club Vet Scott James Teague Guest Bartending at 1886
Attention cocktail nerds, Scott Teague, head bartender of Alex Day and David Kaplan’s new NYC bar Demi Monde as well as Pegu Club veteran will be behind the stick at 1886 tonight! He’ll be serving up a special side menu while 1886 bartender Lacey Murillo does up 1886′s deelish winter cocktails.

1886 at The Raymond, 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena (map). (626) 441-3136.

Friday, January 13

Happy Hour Sample Sale and Free St. Germain Cocktails at Space 15 Twenty
Yup, FREE cocktails. Oh and shopping where you can save 50 to 70% off collections by Nombre, Jill Lindsey and Sophmore priced at $10-$50. How can you turn that down? Drunk shopping FTW!

5-8pm. Project Urban Renewal Shop at Space 15 Twenty, 1520 N. Cahuenga Boulevard, Hollywood (map).

Saturday, January 14

The Tripel Debuts New Weekend Brunch With Bloody Beer and Duck Hash
Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts introduce a brand-new brunch at their Playa del Rey gastropub, The Tripel, this weekend. Enjoy tasty craft brews and beer cocktails, like the Bloody Beer, along with dishes like The Cure burger with avocado and a fried egg and duck hash with lobster salted peewee potatoes, duck confit, fried egg, pancetta and vinegar cooked greens.

9:30am-4pm. The Tripel, 333 Culver Boulevard, Playa Del Rey (map).

Sunday, January 15

Grand Opening: The Pub at Golden Road
The new Pub at Golden Road Brewery will be celebrating its grand opening by debuting its new canned beer and featuring burger and beer specials. Check out its selection of vegan and nonvegan food offerings and 20 taps as well.

11am-11pm. 5430 San Fernando Road West, Los Angeles (map).

Tuesday, January 17

Pliny Fights Cancer Charity Raffle at Beachwood BBQ
Seal Beach’s Beachwood BBQ will be raffling off 130 pints of the highly coveted Pliny the Younger (which is released in February) for the Melanoma Research Foundation. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the restaurant from January 17th at 12pm to February 18th at 10pm. Tickets are $5 each and there’s no limit but it is cash only. And on February 20 the tickets will be drawn at random and winners will be notified by email or phone if they’re not present.

January 17-February 18. Beachwood BBQ, 131 1/2 Main Street, Seal Beach (map). (562) 493-4500.

Categories: Beer, Cocktails, Lists, Los Angeles, Nightlife, Shopping & Sales

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April 21, 2011

This Weekend: Free Tequila, Bacon/Cheese Cocktail, Back-to-Back Beer Fests

Happy Earth Day weekend, people! What good deed are you going to do this weekend to help save the planet? You can do something easy like purchase special Earth Day cupcakes from Magnolia and Sprinkles or be a bit more giving and volunteer; you can find find a volunteer opportunity here.

Thursday, April� 21

3rd Annual IPA Festival at Naja’s Place
You likes da hoppy beer? At what is officially the biggest IPA festival in SoCal, you can choose from 70 of the best West Coast IPAs — Alesmith IPA, Stone Ruination, Ladyface Alehouse IPA and Pliny the Elder, to name but a few. See partial list here. There will be exclusive festival beers and casks, too.

2pm. Naja’s Place, 154 International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach (map). (310) 376-9951

Friday, April 22 Earth Day!

Free Tacos by Border Grill Truck
Border Grill Truck will be giving out free Black Thai Grilled Alaska Cod Tacos to the first 100 customers to give them the password “Alaska Seafood.”

11:30am-2pm. California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park, Los Angeles (map).

The Nature Conservancy’s Earth Day Picnic Los Angeles
You love food, you love our planet. Celebrate both with a picnic! Either pick a picnic in LA via the Nature Conservancy meetup or organize your own! The green organization will be giving out free reusable shopping bags at the Original Farmer’s Market where you can then score Earth Day special by flashing your bag.

Saturday, April 23

Grilled Cheese Invitational 2011
The judging tickets may be sold out but that doesn’t mean you can’t still join in the fun. Taste free samples, vote on your favorite grilled cheese at the event, witness something called the “Cheese calling event” and enjoy all the cheese-focused entertainment and demos. My friends and cocktailers Alie & Georgia will be demo’ing their Bloody Bacon & Cheese cocktail which includes a grilled cheese sandwich garnish!

11am-6pm. $12 online, $15 door. Los Angeles Center Studios, 1201 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles (map).

Free Tequila at Spaphile’s Relax After Taxes at Pink Taco
Yup, free tequila at this pamper-yourself event, but it’s only the first two hours so get there early and then partake of the free mini spa treatments, snacks and drinks. Admission is $5 but it goes toward charity Livestrong.

3-7pm. $5. Pink Taco, 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). RSVP: events [at] spaphile.com.

Thirsty Crow’s 1st Anniversary Featuring $5 Cocktail
The Silver Lake bar is celebrating its first birthday with $5 Thirsty Crow cocktails — rye, bitters, ginger beer — (from 7-10pm) along with pie from All Jarred Up. Food truck Willoughby Road will be on hand selling its Southern-inspired cuisine.

7pm. Thirsty Crow, 2939 W Sunset Boulevard, Silver Lake (map). (323) 661-6007.

Monday, April 25

2nd Annual Belgian Beer Fest at Library Alehouse
For 10 days, this Santa Monica pub will go through 40-plus Belgian beers with 12 rotating handles. The $15 taster glass will get you discounts off refills. Monday is the kickoff party featuring Duvel beers including the special release collaboration by Ommegang and La Chouffe. Don’t forget to buy your spot at the Belgian beer dinner on May 6th which will have five courses paired with Belgian beers.

April 25 to May 5. Library Alehouse, 2911 Main Street, Santa Monica (map). (310) 314-4855.

Categories: Beer, Cocktails, Dining, Lists, Los Angeles

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April 6, 2011

This Weekend: Traveling Beer Garden, Free Tequila, Caviar 101

Getting an early start on the weekend since I’m outtie, which is a shame since there are tons of fun (and tasty) stuff going on.

Thursday, April 7

Caviar 101 at Petrossian
The best way to enjoy caviar? Learning about it while pairing it with champagne or vodka. Yum! At this Monthly caviar class, you get to sample three types of caviar with bubbly or the hard stuff and partake of additional small plates from the new chef, Giselle Wellman.

7:30-8:30pm. $35. Petrossian Boutique & Restaurant, 321 N. Robertson Boulevard, West Hollywood (map). Reservations: (310) 271-0576.

Free Cocktail Classes at The Association
I know! Awesome right? Not only do you get to learn how to make cocktails from The Association bartenders but you get to taste your classroom work and it’s free! Spaces are limited and advance registration is required. If this class is all filled up, not to worry as you can always sign up for next� Thursday’s.

9pm. The Association, 110 E 6th Street, Downtown (map).

Friday, April 8

Lucky Shops LA
Shop the favorite stores of shopping magazine Lucky at this shop-a-thon which boasts giveaways, free cocktails (4-6pm), music in addition to deals up to 70% off off designer brands like Barney’s CO-Op, Cosabella, Rebecca Minkoff, Shareen Vintage and Decadestwo.1. First Dibs Friday ($25 online, $30 door) is from 12pm-6pm. �Saturday is $15 online, $20 door. And online orders include a 1-year subscription to Lucky Magazine.

Friday 12-6pm and Saturday 12-5pm. $15-$25. Siren Studios, 6063 W Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).

Saturday, April 9

ColLAboration Kick-Off and Tony’s Darts Away 1-Year Anniverary
A beer event not to be missed! A mobile beer garden comprised of all the best beer bars in the city. Tony’s Darts Away, Verdugo Bar, Surly Goat, Blue Palms and 38 Degrees will be at the kick-off event which also celebrates Tony’s 1-year anniversary. Local microbrews featured include Bruery, Stone Brewing Company, Craftsman and Eagle Rock. Admission is only $10 and you get a large drinking glass; each fill is $5-$6.

12-7pm. $10. 1900 W. Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank (map).

Sunday, April 10

Camarena Taco Truck Launch
Tequila bar, food from Rivera and DJs�for freeee! Yup, all sponsored by Camarena Tequila to launch its Taco Truck. But RSVP asap as spaces are filling up!

3-6pm. SmashBox Studios Stage 4, 1001 N. Poinsettia Place, Los Angeles (map).

Categories: Beauty & Fashion, Beer, Cocktails, Dining, Lists, Los Angeles, Nightlife, Shopping & Sales

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March 15, 2011

Le Posh Spa Tasting: Free Spa, Champagne, Appetizers

from Le Posh Salon Web site

A spa on Sunset Boulevard is usually a pretty chichi deal. And you know if it’s called Le Posh Salon it’s especially so. This one boasts a VIP suite, a yoga studio, a red carpet spa package and a microdermabrasion treatment that uses diamond-embedded tips. Fan- cee! Yeah, it’s not something I can hope to afford either.

So when I heard that Spaphile was having a “spa tasting” featuring FREE mini spa treatments, champagne, appetizers by Fresh East and styling consultations by Catherine Malandrino Maison, I just had to share. Just RSVP with events [at] spaphile.com to join in.

EVENT: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 from 6 to 9pm

Le Posh Salon
7551 W. Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90046 (map)
RSVP: events [at] spaphile.com

Categories: Beauty & Fashion, Los Angeles

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February 3, 2011

This Weekend: Free Pisco Sours, Vintage Sale, White Trash Wine/Food Tasting

Four Loko Vineyards from Don Johnson from Don Johnson

Wow, lots of fun things going on this weekend. What have you got going on?

Thursday, February 3

Mo Chica’s 17th Tasting with Bossa Nova
Chef de Cuisine Ricardo Lopez will present his 17th Thursday tasting menu, while Bill Esparaza, blogger of StreetGourmetLA will be playing saxophone with his Bossa Nova group, Cachaca Nova from 6-10pm. Good food and music and a festive atmosphere. What better way to kick off the weekend?

6-10pm. $40. Mo-Chica, 3655 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles (map). Reservations: (213) 747-2141.

Friday, February 4

White Trash Deluxe Wine and Food Tasting
To be clear, this has no affiliation with Colorado Wine Company’s annual white trash tasting. Unlike CoWineCo this one offers “gourmet” interpretations of white trash food: truffled Chex mix, pigs in Croissant blankets, potato skins with aged cheddar and lardon, and artisanal marshmallow fluff and peanut butter brioche sandwiches. Fancy! Each dish will be paired with fancy vino. Fun way to watch the Super Bowl, which starts at 2 on Sunday.

Friday-Sunday. $30. Vintage Enoteca, 7554 W. Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). Reservations: (323) 512-5278.

826LA’s Dead Author Reading with HG Wells and Anais Nin
I keep meaning to check out these Dead Author Readings, which sound hilarious and feature comedian Paul F. Tompkins as moderator HG Wells. This weekend’s special guest dead author is none other than Anais Nin (Maya Rudolph of Saturday Night Live). You might remember Anais (great name) from her 1940s erotica and her fling with Henry Miller. Should be a lively discussion.

6:30pm. $5. UCB Theatre, 5919 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles (map).

Rachel Pally Blowout Warehouse Sale
Get 55-85% off a bunch of Rachel Pally at this amazing-sounding sale which will feature the Holiday 2010 collection as well as Summer/Fall 2010 fashions.

Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 11am-4pm. 2301 E. 7th Street, Suite C100, Los Angeles (map).

Saturday, February 5

Free Pisco Sour Day
Toast this cocktail day with a free Pisco Sour at The Buffalo Club, Big Bar, Rivera or Red Medicine. All you have to do is get your coupon from the Discover Pisco. Flash that puppy at one of the participating bars and then cheers! One free Gran Sierpe Pisco Sour per customer, all others will be discounted.

Chic & You Shall Find’s Vintage Liquidation Sale
Cheap vintage! Yeah, you probably NEVER see those words together. In any case, apparently this store is shutting down (at least that’s what the email that I got about it implies) and needs to get rid of everything asap. Shop $10 and $20 racks!

11am-4pm. 1203 S. La Jolla Avenue, Los Angeles (map).

Poster Peepshow: The Art of the Pin Up
I LOVE vintage pinup girls and here’s a whole poster show of them. Peruse works by Rolf Armstrong, Jim Silke and Olivia De Berardinis, who will be signing copies of her book at 6pm before the party. The opening reception sounds like a blast with live model drawing with the Suicide Girls and an appearance by Catwoman, Julie Newmar. Refreshments and food will be served. Must be 18 and over to attend.

7-11pm. Gallery Nucleus, 210 East Main Street, Alhambra (map).

Categories: Art, Beauty & Fashion, Cocktails, Dining, Lists, Los Angeles, Music, Nightlife, Shopping & Sales

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January 25, 2011

Library Bar’s New Beer Cocktail: Name It and Win Free Drinks

Matthew Biancaniello by Caroline on Crack

Yes, Matt includes the beer in the shaker.

I’ve wanted to like beer cocktails. I mean, come on, the best of both worlds. But, alas, I just have no interest in Irish Car Bombs anymore. I know, guess that means I’m ollld. In any case, when I visited Matthew Biancaniello at Hollywood Roosevelt’s Library Bar over the weekend, he showed me his reinvented beer cocktail: Hopping in the Rye.

Several weeks ago, he first introduced me to this cocktail as an IPA Manhattan, made with hops-infused rye. But since I don’t like IPAs — too pine-needley for my tastes — it wasn’t my favorite of his creations. But fast-forward to this weekend and Matt totally rejiggered the recipe with tasty results.

Now the cocktail is made with hops-infused gin, caramelized honey, grapefruit juice (to complement the IPA), lemon and IPA, provided by his friends at Golden State on Fairfax. The hoppiness emerges really late on the finish so I enjoy the cocktail from beginning to end. Since Matt includes the IPA in the shaker with the other ingredients, the liquid pours out all frothy, resulting in an almost creamy concoction. Do that up over ice and it’s a thirst-quencher.

But definitely the best beer cocktail I’ve ever had and you definitely have to try it. While you’re there, help Matt come up with a new name for it. You see, “Hopping in the Rye” is an old name for when it was that IPA Manhattan. Since the cocktail now calls for gin, it doesn’t really make sense anymore. But Matt said if you can come up with a new name for it that he likes, you get three free drinks from him.

I’m horrible with names but figure the drink will call for something with a sense of humor since it involves beer. Fun!

Here’s my post on LA Weekly‘s Squid Ink, which includes which famous beer fan whom Matt hopes will like it, too.