Judging a Happy Hour Beyond Its Cover: Hollywood’s Lexington Social House

January 26, 2012 – 1:48 pm
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Mette's Fried Chicken Tenders

There’s something about being a Hollywood resident that lends itself to glossing over most of the food and drink choices in my neighborhood. Believe you me, I love my area and all the conveniences it affords – but it’s because they all outweigh the inconveniences.

The Lexington | Earl grey-infused Woodford Reserve Bourbon, honey, lemon juice, orange bitters

There are inconveniences like the annoyances of walking past the Thursday through Saturday night crowd, as well as the douche spots themselves that I’d avoid any day of the week. Hemingway’s is an example of a place that I’d go and see Alex Straus make cocktails earlier in the evening but avoid at all costs at peak times. But now, I can add Lexington Social House to that secret non-peak-time list.

I was invited to take a peak at their Social Hour, their thematically dubbed happy hour. And it’s not shabby in the least. With the launch of their new menu, it’s a great opportunity to try new items during LSH Lite, which goes on at the bar Tuesday through Friday from 5:30 until 8 PM and all day Sunday. Their specialty cocktails as well as their entire menu is half-off during this time! Since I love sitting at the bar, anyway, I’ll gladly take my supper club to the stools.

Chipotle Pork Belly Biscuits

A sure menu bet is Mette Williams’ fried chicken tenders, an unordinarily juicy-crispy preparation. Looking for that hearty bite that doesn’t hold back? The Chipotle pork belly biscuits with aged Gouda and fried egg will be sure to satisfy you and then some.

As for the cocktails, designed by Kyle Ackley, I must applaud this Hollywood-and-Vine institution for putting the brakes on the vodka in their drink menu – just beware that there are pop rocks in one of them. My favorite cocktail, however, was the Spanish Harlem, made with tanteo cocoa infused tequila, maraschino liqueur, agave nectar and chocolate-chili bitters. It was a clean, strong yet flavorful drink and I ended up having another.

Lexington Social House is an unlikely place to find a Spago and CUT alum like Mette Williams, but alas – there she is, surprising everyone with her well-executed, comfort-driven menu. Social Hour is just the time to try it all out and wash it down at half-off. And that beats amateur hour any day. 

All food and cocktails were hosted.

1/2-Off Happy Hour:

Tue – Fri: 5:30 – 8 PM
Sunday: All night

Lexington Social House‎
1718 Vine Street
Hollywood, CA 90027
323.461.1700

By e*star | Posted in cocktails, Deals, Food, Happy hour, Hollywood, L.A. | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Bäco Mercat Steps Up the Savory

January 24, 2012 – 12:50 pm
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Szechuan Chicken Ribs

I made my overdue visit to Bäco Mercat one cold-for-LA, weekday evening. I stationed at the full bar, in full view of the construction of both Bäzeracs I ordered for the duration of my meal. The red tinge of the storefront neon sign brought a welcome warmth, and it proved quite the perfect setting in which to enjoy each of the small plates that gradually came out.

Caesar Brussel Sprouts

They are all essentially small plates with big flavor. It sounds so simple, but only Josef Centeno can effectively achieve that. You could also oversimplify the Bäco as a sandwich, but that would be the same atrocity as calling its flatbread a mere pita.

I haven’t had any of the other Bäcos (an offense to be corrected over many future return visits), but the beef tongue schnitzel variety was absolutely divine. The combination of breaded beef tongue and spicy harissa with smoked aioli were like bites of heaven. And there are no words for that secret flatbread, in which Centeno uses “different fats and lebni” – you have to try it on your own. It’s more moist and dense than typical flatbreads while affording a fluffy consistency. I wanted to finish the whole thing right then and there. (Alas, I had ordered too much food.) If I had to move downtown for my daytime vocation, the lunchtime Bäco alone would be a huge consolation.

Beef Tongue Schnitzel Bäco

The thinly sliced pork headcheese with capers was a great way to start off. I also really enjoyed the brussel sprouts, which were made into a warm, chopped caesar salad. The Szechuan chicken “ribs” were to die for. They had a ton of spicy BBQ flavor and were super tender – and big.

The “Cocas,” or crispy, poofy flatbreads, are have a scrumptious texture further spiced up with tasty toppings – most pizzas will seem far and away plain boring in comparison once you’ve tried. Mine had a just-spicy-enough salsa verde topping with anchovies – a perfect savory treat.

There are many more dishes that I can’t wait to try at dinnertime. So between all those and all the different Bäcos I have yet to try, I definitely have my work cut out for me. The full bar is yet further  enticement. It’s clear that Josef Centeno is loving having a place to truly call his own – and we, the diners, are all the better for it.

Lunch: Mon – Satur
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Dinner: Mon – Sat
6 PM – 11 PM

Sat mornings ”hair of the dog”
9 AM – 11:30 AM

Closed Sunday

Bäco Mercat
408 S. Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213.687.8808

By e*star | Posted in cocktails, Downtown LA, Food | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (4)

Tuesday Comme Ça Burger Nights Start Tomorrow

January 23, 2012 – 9:34 am
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Comme Ça Burger

With the popularity of burgers in this city still going strong, Comme Ça’s David Myers has decided to capitalize on his burger’s longtime reputation as being one of the best burgers in LA (or more specifically, The Best Brasserie Burger in LA). Tomorrow, the Melrose Avenue restaurant will start a Tuesday Burger Night weekly and expand their bun and patty combos beyond the classic.

Check below for your gourmet burger options:

  • Comme Ca Burger – $18
  • Swiss Melt Burger – $18
    Angus beef, gruyere cheese, mushrooms, butter lettuce, crispy onion rings, French fries, garlic aioli
  • Black and Blue Burger – $18
    Angus beef, bleu cheese, red onion, bacon, French fries, garlic aioli
  • Lamb Merguez Burger – $16
    Lamb sausage, roasted peppers and caramelized onions, arugula on ciabatta bun, French fries, harissa aioli
  • Breakfast Burger – $14
    House made pork sausage, egg sunny side up, white gravy, on an English muffin, lyonnaise potato
  • CCVB – $14 (Comme Ca Veggie Burger)
    Cashew & pine nuts, garbanzo bean, ajuwan-tomato jam on a tofu bun, baby kale and spinach salad

And since these burgers call for a better pairing than a fountain coke, Comme Ça will be offering a list of “Cellar Finds,” or rare wines, at special values to wash your special burger down.

You know where to be tomorrow night (or the Tuesday night after that, and after that). Not a bad place to go after a couple cocktails at The Roger Room (you’ll want to get to The Room earlier than later)!

Dinner: 5:30 PM – 11 PM

Comme Ça
8479 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
323.782.1104

By e*star | Posted in Weekly, West Hollywood, wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

First Taste: Cooks County Serves Up Stellar Mains

January 11, 2012 – 1:15 pm
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Braised beef cheek, creamed corn & fresh flageolet bean salsa

With the Gastropub Category in Los Angeles having undergone some oversaturation the past couple of years, it’s easy to dismiss the incoming restaurants that effuse that now-cookie cutter, industrial feel, which may or may not serve as a backdrop for small plates served at communal tables.

Pacific Seafood Soup | Mussels, clams, shrimp & rockfish with wild fennel

It’s not to knock small plates. I’ve always been more a grazer than one to focus on the entrée at the center of my meal. I’m not knocking communal seating, either, since I far prefer bar seating myself. Yes, it’s also “farm-to-table,” as much as I loathe how hackneyed that term has become. But it doesn’t discount the restaurants where it’s actually a practiced philosophy – only at those where it’s feigned.

I guess what remains, then, is really how interesting these small plates are, from the appetizers to the medium dishes to the family-style roasts and main events. What the particular chef’s spin on savory might be. Yes, you can guarantee that there are beets and braised meats on the menu – but why come here as opposed to any of the other gastropubs in the city?

Tagliatelle | Braised rabbit, picholine olives & lemon zest

At least one answer would be its advantageous location on Beverly Blvd. Beyond that, though, my lone experience at Cook’s County was a surprisingly stellar one. With Chef Dan Mattern’s previous post being at AMMO (a place I always had a mind about revisiting more often than I have) and his citing Mark Peel, Nancy Silverton and Suzanne Goin as mentors in the kitchen, you’ll find the taste of his dishes reflecting his practice of utilizing fresh produce while highlighting the properties of each dish’s ingredients. Thankfully, no flavors are masked – just beautifully enhanced. Each dish stops just short of going too far but holds its own with each ingredient serving its purpose in the whole. The flavors pop.

Wood-grilled Duck Breast, Brussels Sprouts, Kabocha Squash & Almonds

I really enjoyed the bulk of the mains. The appetizers, which could have doubled as salads, had arugula weaving a common thread through them – though they were mostly tasty in and of their own. Next time, I might order just one under that column and be done with it. Or, I’ll go straight to the mains.

Though I wished the Pacific Seafood Soup was more soup than broth, it was because I was sopping up the last of whatever was in the bowl by the end of the night. Awesome, rich flavor. And it’s not like I haven’t seen Rabbit Tagliatelle before, but this rendition was tops. The freshly made pasta was no detail, and the rabbit was deliciously tender as was the lemon zest a nice seasoning.

Meyer Lemon Angel Pie

The braised beef cheeks were as heavenly as the bean salsa that topped it was unexpected. The accompanying tomatoes made for sweet, little bursts of flavor in the rich canvas. But the wood-grilled duck breast was exceptional. Granted, I do love brussel sprouts all around as I do kabocha squash, but I’d be hard-pressed to find duck that flavorful in all but a few restaurants around L.A.

There’s a modest international selection of beers available but a larger wine list for vinos. I can appreciate the simple menu at Cook’s County, because I’m a believer in too much selection abetting too much indecision (personal quirk). It lends an appreciation for the focus it takes to perfect those delicious mains.

And, they do lunch and brunch. Those are certainly now on my to-do list. I hope Cooks County is here to stay. Though gastropubs are now a dime-a-dozen, this one stands head and shoulders above the rest. It may be named after the county which seats Chicago, but Beverly Boulevard and Hancock Park can be proud (and on the weekends, they can be proud until 1 AM).

P.S. – Don’t forget dessert. That Angel Pie was divine.

Lunch: Mon – Fri, 11:30 – 2:30 PM
Brunch: Sat – Sun, 10 AM – 3 PM
Dinner: Sun – Thu, 6 – 11 PM
Fri – Sat, 6 PM – 1 AM

Cooks County
8009 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
323.653.8009

By e*star | Posted in Food, Hancock Park | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (2)

American Express Supports Small Business Via Foursquare With $10 Statement Credit

December 31, 2011 – 11:57 am
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Foursquare Check-in at The Oaks Gourmet

If you follow me on Twitter, you may have already seen my tweets on the matter. It’s no secret that I’m a fan of American Express programs designed to increase their customers’ loyalty – and last summer, they aimed at the social media savvy by partnering up with American Express.

Last Thanksgiving, the Saturday after Black Friday (after Thanksgiving Day), was a day they declared Small Business Saturday. If you spent $25 at a small business, you got $25 statement credit. Fortunately, the program was such a success they decided to extend a $10 statement credit deal to American Express members that are also on Foursquare. Yay!

All you do is sync your Foursquare account with your American Express card, and then start shopping. When you’re searching for venues at which to check in, small businesses participating in this Amex deal will show the orange “Special” tag in its listing, so you know what to look for. Just pay with your American Express and the $10 credit appears on your statement “within 3-5 business days,” according to Foursquare. I’m currently awaiting mine.

I’m not exactly sure when this deal ends, but it was touted as “limited time only,” with my reading word around the web that it could end very soon! Maybe even today? So I’d definitely sync up my card right now and get shopping! The great thing is that small businesses encompass tons of food, retail and services you never even thought of. Just check what Foursquare check-in Amex specials are nearby wherever you are, right now.

The fine print: “Purchase must be made within 24 hours of your check-in.”
The drawback in fine print: “Limit one $10 credit across all participating merchants.” What a waste of so many small business options to choose from, right? I guess at least they’re getting the neighborhood attention they deserve by showing that “Special” tag in their listing.

Happy shopping! And Happy New Year!

Now – ?

Sync Foursquare with Amex

Check in on Foursquare when you shop/eat at small business, load “special” onto card. Pay with AMEX and receive $10 statement credit in 3-5 days.

Small Businesses Everywhere
Los Angeles, CA

By e*star | Posted in Deals, Food, L.A., Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Drago Centro Winter Cocktail Menu Debuts Today – Wednesday, December 28, 2011

December 28, 2011 – 4:19 am
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Rode Duivel | Bols Genever, St. Maria al Monte Amaro, Miracle Mile Sour Cherry Bitters, Dried Cherries

There’s something really exciting going on behind the bar at a certain restaurant in Downtown LA. No, it’s not the craftiness of a Michael Shearin, who has since left for a brand ambassador position – but the hardly rookie beginnings of Jaymee Mandeville as dreamer of the newest winter cocktail menu at Drago Centro.

Grimhilda | Laird's Bonded Apple Brandy, Pama, Chipotle Infused Honey, Lemon

It’s a menu that has really good range, while at the same time having solid representations in each corner. To be honest, there was only one of ten cocktails on the list that I disliked and over a handful that I would easily order for my friends on recommendation of the spirit they preferred or myself based on that day’s mood. There were even more cocktails I was excited about than I shared an indifferent opinion about.

For instance, the Bols Genever-based Rode Duvel lived up to the high expectations I had for it. It’s enhanced with St. Maria Al Monte Amaro, which is a more bitter amaro and goes so well with the Bols and Miracle Mile Sour Cherry bitters. Be sure not to ignore the dried cherry garnish, as your drink only tastes better paired with each bite of the skewer. It was quite the cocktail to reinforce my love of Bols.

Western All'italiana | High West Double Rye, Cointreau, St. Elizabeth All Spice Dram, cranberry and oregano infused molasses, Gala apple

For that friend who may shame you by ordering that Cosmopolitan, order him/her a Grimhilda instead. Made with Laird’s Bonded Apple Brandy, Parma, Housemade Chipotle Infused Honey and lemon, its sugar rim is actually an asset and not an obstruction to the cocktail (it has just enough). The chipotle honey does enough to help keep its sugary profile intact but interesting, and you may just wow that craving for cranberry out of your friend.

The every man’s fizzy cocktail would have to be Fated Seeds. This is a cocktail that’s sure to convert former gin avoiders. Persimmons in this cocktail were practically pickled and given a sort of vinegared acidity, without which would’ve made the persimmons evaporate. The basil shrub was a nice aromatic note while a soda topping gave it its effervescence.

Breaking Castagne | Hardy VSOP Cognac, Sombra Mezcal, Bitter Truth Mole Bitters, Housemade Italian Chestnut Syrup, egg white, nutmeg

An unexpected favorite of the night was the Western All’italiana, made with High West Double Rye, Cointreau, St. Elizabeth All Spice Dram, cranberry and oregano infused molasses, and a Gala apple peel garnish. The cocktail really showcases the all spice, cranberry and oregano beautifully. Of course, it goes without saying that I will ever have the double rye in my corner – so while it gets more than its fair shake, I have to stress that all the infused flavors do well to complement.

The Breaking Castagne is Drago’s winter egg nog – only better. The VSOP gives it that warmth and the mezcal just the right amount of smokyness, but the chestnut syrup is, of course, the real, winter-y centerpiece here.

Eve's Demise | Black Grouse Scotch, Belle de Brillet Pear Cognac, Housemade hibiscus apple cider, maple syrup

And then there were the drinks that steadfastly held their corner. The Dead Man’s Tale is the menu’s tiki drink and a play on the Fog Cutter – made with Wray and Nephew Overproof Rum, Bombay Dry Gin, Bertagnolli Grappa, Oloroso Sherry, Bietterman’s Amer Nouvelle, St. Vincent’s Orgeat, lemon, orange and Galliano mist. It was delicious, even though tiki drinks aren’t usually my go-to.

The Remedy X holds its own as the ginger lovers’ cocktail. Made with rosemary infused Bushmill’s Blackbush Irish Whiskey, ginger infused agave and lemon – the rosemary gave this drink a nice, floral twist. And of course, it had the essential candied ginger garnish.

The spicy cocktail of the bunch is the silver Screen Quotations, made with 123 Organic Blanco Tequila, housemade thai chili/cinnamon syrup, red bell pepper, mint, lime and saffron salt. The mint is a nice, aromatic twist that gives the whole cocktail a refreshing take.

But if you’re looking for that quintessential, surprise-me hot toddy, look no further than Eve’s Demise, made with Black Grouse Scotch, Belle de Brillet Pear Cognac, housemade hibiscus apple cider (mmm) and maple syrup. The delicious garnish alone deserves its own double take, but I honestly had a hard time putting this cute little jar-encased hot sipper down.

Fortunately, you can taste all of these tonight at the winter menu cocktail launch for $8 each. Bring the gang, since there’s a drink on the menu for everyone. This delicious menu is sure to delight and satiate your craving for that perfect winter cocktail.

Winter cocktail menu tasting was hosted.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

6 PM – Close: $8 each

$12 each all other times

Drago Centro
525 S. Flower Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213.228.8998

By e*star | Posted in cocktails, Downtown LA, Happy hour | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (2)

St. Vincent Meals On Wheels & Miss Lilly’s Trading Company Holiday Extravaganza at Saks Fifth Avenue

December 8, 2011 – 1:08 pm
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Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills | Photo courtesy of Donna Grayson on Flickr

I hope everyone’s having a great holiday season! I’m checking back in (with a New Year’s resolution to update regularly come the…you’ve guessed it…new year) since I’m super excited to be live-blogging tonight from Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills.

St. Vincent’s famous food truck, Cart for a Cause, has launched a cookbook featuring 40 of Los Angeles’ acclaimed chefs. Four of them – Mark Gold (Eva Restaurant), Alex Becker (NOBU Los Angeles), Bebe Flynn (Miss Lilly’s Trading Company) and Michael Fiorelli (mar’sel at Terranea) – will be on-hand at the VIP reception at 5 PM today. For $25, you’ll get bites straight from the cookbook and get to take home your own signed copy (call 213.484.7128 to RSVP). You’ll be taking home some delicious recipes while knowing that 100% of the proceeds from your cookbook purchase benefits Meals on Wheels.

At 6 PM, tonight, is the main holiday shopping event. You can expect lots of treats! Not only will Cart for a Cause be serving up food at the valet, every sponsor will have something special to offer every attendee. Plus, free Pisco Porton cocktails and glitter tattoos. The Guerlain lash bar will be open as will the Frederic Fekkai counter. Check below for what everyone’s got in store:

  • Free glitter tattoos
  • Feed with Fashion Social T-shirt from JUNK FOOD CLOTHING
  • Longer lashes at the GUERLAIN lash bar
  • A hair analysis at FREDERIC FEKKAI
  • The 30-second facelift at CELLCOSMET
  • Hand and arm massages from LA MER and JO MALONE
  • Mini facials at SK-II
  • A chance to enter and win a PENHALIGON’S fragrance gift basket, valued at $385.
  • Makeovers and artistry from ARMANI, BOBBI BROWN, CHANEL, CLARINS, ESTEE LAUDER, LANCOME, LAURA MERCIER, NARS and YSL
  • A special gift with your BOBBI BROWN, CELLCOSMET, CLARINS, DIOR, DOLCE & GABBANA, ESTEE LAUDER, FREDERIC FEKKAI, IOMA, LAURA MERCIER and SK-II purchases.*
  • A complimentary makeup sample when you meet with a CLE DE PEAU or SHISEIDO consultant*
  • Customization of your ESTEE LAUDER purchase by their engraver*
  • With your SISLEY purchase, get your future foretold by renowned psychic Dora Blacman*

*denotes one per purchase

Also, don’t forget to visit me in the Blogger’s Hub! I’ll be live-blogging and tweeting the event.

And, if you decide to do some holiday shopping (for others or yourself, natch), you’ll feel great that during the hours of 6 – 8 PM tonight, 5% will benefit Miss Lilly’s Trading Company, which goes towards feeding pets belonging to homebound seniors, while 5% more will go towards St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, which help feed the seniors themselves.

See you tonight!

 

Thursday, December 8, 2011

VIP Reception: 5 – 6 PM

Holiday shopping event: 6 – 8 PM

On One in Saks Fifth Avenue East
9600 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
RSVP: 213.484.7128

By e*star | Posted in Beverly Hills, charity, Events, Fashion, Food, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (1)

Tonight: Movember Benefit at The Spare Room With Warpaint & OK Go!

November 3, 2011 – 1:20 pm
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Finalist at World Beard and Moustache Championships, 2005 | Photo courtesy of princess red on Flickr

Well, N Movember is here. Growing a moustache? Watching other people grow moustaches?

You might as well do it for a cause, a cocktail (or two, or…) and live tunes – and you can do that tonight at The Spare Room inside The Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. Your tongue will feast on a special Mo-cocktail, your ears on a performance by Los Angeles girl band Warpaint and a DJ set by OK Go!‘s Tim Nordwind. Actress and Mo-sista Malin Akerman is set to host. Proceeds from sales of the Mo-cocktail and pictures from the state-of-the-art, retro photo booth will go towards Movember and prostate cancer research.

You might as well bowl a few strikes…and spares…while you’re at it (lanes and designer bowling shoe rentals available at $100 per hour, up to 6 people) – just be sure to reserve your hour or two.

I’ll see you at The Spare Room with your handlebars!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

9 PM

Event Facebook Page
RSVP: reservations[at]spareroomhollywood[dot]com

The Spare Room at The Roosevelt Hotel
7000 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.769.7296

By e*star | Posted in charity, cocktails, Events, Hollywood, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (3)

Las Vegas, NV: Sage Is a Cocktailian’s Respite From Bottle Service

November 2, 2011 – 11:59 am
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Absinthe Demo with Michael Shetler at Sage

Ah, Las Vegas. The land capital of bottle service. It’s the only city where more appearance money goes to those bearing names beginning with the letter “K” than in all of Los Angeles. Okay, maybe not. But still, if not for the hosted media trip, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d just otherwise resign to bourbon, neat, for the duration of the weekend.

Concocting a Sidecar

Having acquired a favorite Vegas bar from my Cochon 555 All-Stars trip a mere month prior to this, I became disappointed in that very bar when my cocktail fell too sweet on my second visit. Though I know we were singled out as media guests, Sage came to our libational rescue.

We were treated to a great selection of cocktails hand-crafted with boutique spirits and housemade bitters. They were riffs on classics with a seasonal twist, and I got the sense that their exciting cocktail menu is a constantly evolving list.

First of all, the interior of Sage is beautiful. Though its hues are very Vegas, the aura of the space is contrarily subdued, if even calming. It’s refreshingly sophisticated in an understated – not overly manufactured – way. 

Art in the Age Margarita

If you can get in for a demo, the Russian-style absinthe tasting is a delight for the senses. From the brilliant, violet flame to the whiff of licorice and anise and ultimately the light, herbal taste – it’s a great way to dispel all those tales of lore you heard about this spirit, which remains in a class all by itself.

As for the cocktails, I surprisingly found myself loving the Tea Rose – made with tea-infused Death’s Door Vodka, St. Germain, lemon, rosewater and pinenuts. My favorite cocktail trended unsurprisingly towards the negroni-like Il Postino, with Plymouth Gin, Campari, Luxardo Maraschino and Averna. But I would be remiss to take for granted a well-made negroni. Another favorite was the Smoking Bulleit, made with beautifully smoked peach-infused Bulleit Bourbon and finished off with mint and lemon. But the most original cocktail of the evening was non-traditional, The Artful Margarita, made with Oro de Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, Art in the Age Root Liqueur and lemon. It left the impression of a Sarsaparilla with its root liqueur.

The cocktails displayed a sort of sophisticated simplicity in their recipes. We talked infusions with Michael Shetler, the Director of Beverages, and the differences between California and Nevada law (we’re a bit late to the legality of them, anyway).

As far as beer, Sage also has a small but wise selection of drafts.

Sage is a great place for not only pre-dinner drinks (complete only with the excellent food in the dining room) but as a serious Vegas cocktail destination. I know that when I land in Vegas again, I’ll definitely be back for a drink or two. Or more.

Two nights’ stay in suites, meals and cocktails at The Aria – including at Sage – were hosted.

Monday – Saturday:

5 PM – 11 PM

Closed Sunday

Cocktail Menu

Sage at The Aria
3730 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
877.230.2742

By e*star | Posted in cocktails, Late night, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (1)

This Week: Open House at Valerie Confections

October 31, 2011 – 2:43 pm
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Petit Fours

If there ever was a good time to visit Valerie Confections, this week would be it. Valerie Gordon and Stan Weightman are hosting a week-long open house starting today with different selections being featured each of the five days. Peep below to see which sweets suit your fancy, then go visit the shop! Do note the varying shop hours.

  • Monday, October 31st
    Debut and Sampling of SUPER-CHOC-O-FOOD

Valerie has teamed up with Commune Design to create SUPER-CHOC-O-FOOD, which combines stunning packaging enveloping an over-sized darkened chocolate bar filled with a hint of caramel but loaded with dried pears, apricots, golden raisins, macadamia nuts, cashews, almonds, sunflower seeds and peanuts.

  • Tuesday, November 1st
    Hot Chocolate and Cookie Assortment

Cookie flavors include Gingersnap, Oatmeal Raisin, Matcha White Chocolate Macadamia and the crowd-pleasing milk chocolate and almond filled Durango. Wash it down with some hot chocolate for the perfect combination.

  • Wednesday, November 2nd
    Chocolate Dipped Fruits and Mendiant Assortment

Locally sourced, organic dried figs, pears and oranges are hand-dipped in either bittersweet or darkened milk chocolate. Spices, cocoa nibs, teas, organic nuts, unique salts and dried and dehydrated fruit are blended atop disks of chocolate.

  • Thursday, November 3rd
    Preserves with Cheese and Charcuterie Pairings

I love Valerie Confections’ preserves, and apparently so does Los Angeles Magazine, which named them ”Best in LA.” They’re hand-made using locally sourced fruit. Flavors include White Fuji Apple & Vanilla Bean, Blenheim Apricot, Plum Ketchup and Mango Jam. Enjoy them paired with a wide array of fine cheeses and charcuterie at this open house.

  • Friday November 4th
    Mint Petits Fours and the debut of the Valerie Confections Tea Assortment

Specially blended by American Tea Room for Valerie Confections, the new line of premium loose leaf teas are inspired by and meant to complement the line of preserves and treats. Signature flavors include Black & Blue, Moroccan Mint, Blushing Berry, Toasted Fig, Sweet Sencha and Blood Orange & Black tea. Each Mint Petits Fours are a modern take on the classic confection, with three layers of dense chocolate cake and two layers of rich white chocolate mint ganache, all covered in bittersweet chocolate and topped with an organic candied mint leaf

  • Saturday, November 5th
    Seasonal Sweet and Savory Pies from the Market

Seasonal sweet and savory pies are available in full size or hand-sized versions with flavors like Apple & Salted Caramel and Cinderella Pumpkin, Padron Pepper Potato & Fontina and Kabocha Squash & Blue Cheese. All of the pastries are sealed with a buttery, flakey crust.

With holiday season coming up (or is it already here?) – this is a great opportunity to survey really thoughtful gift ideas for your loved ones.

See you at Valerie!

Monday – Tuesday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Wednesday – Friday: 10 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Sunday: CLOSED

Valerie Confections
3360 W. First Street
Los Angeles, CA 90004
213.739.8149

By e*star | Posted in Deals, Dessert, Food, Koreatown, L.A., Silver Lake | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)