Maestro Dobel and the Tequila Martini

June 28, 2009 – 3:12 pm

How classic would a cocktail need to be in order to have a whole day dedicated to it? And is a cocktail still the same cocktail if made with entirely different ingredients? Well if gin martini purists had a hard time accepting vodka martinis, it’s time to test the boundaries yet again – this time with tequila.

Tequila martinis? No way! I had a hard time even imagining the concept, too. But fellow bloggers Caroline on Crack, H.C. from LA & OC Foodventures, John from Social Domain and I had a chance to give it a shot in celebration of and on the eve of National Martini Day – which was supposedly on June 19th. The setting couldn’t be better, either – from the rooftop of the Palihouse in West Hollywood.

We warmed up with a spicy margarita, which was so unexpected yet had just the right amount of aftertaste. A tad tangy and not a plain hot. But the real treat was definitely the Maestro Dobel tequila martini (above). As you can see, it’s a clear tequila but apparently is still aged as it combines reposado, anejo and extra-anejo tequilas. Later, I learned the trick in this martini recipe – a touch of Cointreau Noir.

The recipe below:

  • Pour an ounce of Cointreau Noir into ice-filled Martini shaker then drain liqueur so it “sticks” to the ice.  Pour three ounces of Maestro Dobel, stir thoroughly, serve in classic Martini glass, garnish with orange twist and rejoice.

I thought the tequila did well for the martini – even as the color might have made me doubt at first. But indeed I did taste that it was an aged cocktail at heart and had good texture. The tequila itself isn’t cheap ($79.99 at BevMo! for a 750 mL bottle) but I could definitely taste why. And I could see why you could get away with this particular tequila in a martini – it’s aged yet clear. Delicious and potent.

Palihouse
8465 Holloway Dr
West Hollywood, CA 90069-4258
(323) 656-4100

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

Björk’s Voltaic is Fresh

June 24, 2009 – 9:37 am

bjorkposter

Equipped with a nose drip and 30 squares of toilet paper in my purse, I had the chance to see Björk’s Voltaic in Hollywood at The Montalban on Vine and, well, Hollywood Blvd. Voltaic is essentially a compilation of the Paris and Reykjavik legs on her Volta tour. Though it looked like it was mostly from Paris (complete with Björk graciously exclaiming “Merci, Paris!” to conclude her songs), the movie had me convinced that I really need to see Björk live. It was such a treat to see her perform in the flesh – that is, by way of widescreen – and they made whatever memories of studio recordings I have of hers come to life.

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By e*star | Posted in Hollywood, Music | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (4)

The Yacht Club in Echo Park

June 21, 2009 – 4:53 pm

If you’re an Eastsider and so much as wanted to have a neighborhood place to crash with a handful of small plates and glass of wine – you’re probably the kinda guy or gal Bill and Charles had in mind while launching their restaurant, Allston Yacht Club. They’re a pair of guys in entertainment who’ve been fulfilled to a good degree in one of their two dreams (the writing side). Allston Yacht Club – named after a Boston neighborhood by this, these couple of Bostonians, is the realization of that second dream. It was first opened last January and from what I understand has undergone significant yet effective growing pains. I had the privilege of a private tasting to learn what their venture was all about. They were super entertaining and a pleasure to share food with.

Yes, yacht club – in Echo Park. It takes no chances with letting you know they don’t take themselves seriously so you shan’t, either. But seriously – these guys are cool. Thank god – because hanging out at The Allston is like hanging out in their living room. And who wants to be in a living room inhabited by uncool anybody?

The good news is that the vast majority of plates are within the $6-8 range so this is a great place to come here with friends, order a bunch of plates (designated by main meat dishes), snacks (smaller, non-meat plates) and/or sides (greens) and everyone gets to sample a little of everything.

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By e*star | Posted in East LA, Food | Tagged , | Comments (3)

The Von Bondies Do Viper

June 19, 2009 – 3:03 pm


I think it’s time for a new camera.

I may go to a lot of shows, but as far as blog posts, my music mojo is a little rusty. As they say, writing about music is like dancing about architecture – but live music sometimes needs to be inked. It can’t be rewound, re-recorded nor can the experience be reproduced. It’s a new era.

I’m not gonna lie - I love that The Von Bondies hail from Detroit. Jason Stollsteimer spoke of Don as he sat behind the drumkit by saying, “He goes, ‘…’” and just then I was transported back to the Midwest. Y’see, in SoCal when you quote, mock or say someone said something you describe it as, “She’s all…” In the Midwest it’s “She goes…” Stupid to point out? Yes. But if you were from the Midwest, you would just know.

Maybe as a result of this tour, The Von Bondies can finally escape the shadow of (getting into a fist fight with) Jack White - because I think they deserve it. Their live show deserves it, because if you aren’t having a good time – chances are you’re a hater. Their energy, mostly carried by Jason himself on top of Don’s über-tight drumming, was vivacious and totally contagious. The girls, Veronica and Christy, were jammin’ on either side of the stage while providing back-ups – responses to the calls - and were a pleasure to watch and grin at.

Jason’s got jokes. And no place better than Viper to do it. It’s intimate. And he’s actually really funny – constantly engaging the crowd like the cool kid in class that likes to hear himself talk and it’s fortunate that everyone else does, too.

The Von Bondies got hooks. They’re not the most original but I don’t think they’re anything less than catchy, if even punchy. Just short of edgy – if that’s what they were going for. But I was certainly moving to it in my little standing square close to the stage, and my Michigonian girlfriend whom I dragged along was perhaps having an even better time than I (it’s the Detroit thing). I did notice that their style was more poppy than I expected – and I’m taking a guess it’s a result of their last record. No room for moody brooders, here. Angst-ridden, perhaps. Anguished. Jason belts and he shreds, and sends you home with a smile on your face.

The Viper Room
8852 W Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.652.7869

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By e*star | Posted in Music, West Hollywood | Tagged , , , , | Comments (2)

From St. Croix Island: Cruzan Rum Tasting

June 18, 2009 – 4:26 pm

cruzan2

All photo credits to Claire Barrett

I was honored to join Natalie (The Liquid Muse) and Caroline on Crack for a little Cruzan Rum tasting and demonstration at Ma’kai in Santa Monica – located right on the beach. That’s right – we paired rum with sushi.

salmonavocado

Okay, I wouldn’t call it “pairing.” We were essentially enjoying the Japanese-influenced dishes because we were hungry. But that didn’t prevent us from enjoying, tasting and learning about rum or more specifically, Cruzan Rum. Here’s a clue: It’s not Bacardi. Andrea Bearbower, the resident “rumologist,” was on hand to teach us the goods.

Cruzan originates from a U.S. Virgin island called St. Croix and is named after the natives of that island – who are effectively called Cruzans. The island is on average 75 degrees Fahrenheit all year round which makes it conducive to growing sugar cane all year round. Rum produced elsewhere less temperate drops off some times ofthe year.

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By e*star | Posted in Santa Monica | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Accessorize Like a Rock Star: Soffer Ari Store Launch

June 17, 2009 – 9:44 pm

Soffer Ari reached a milestone by opening his own flagship store in the beginning of the month. It’s well-deserved; he’s been in the business for 13 years. I could really tell that everything in Soffer Ari’s store is not only handmade but made with the utmost care and the finest detail, the last finish. Rock is either your fashion or lifestyle and he is here to meet your demand.

Something you won’t find in his collection is grunge. It is all edge, baby – sometimes elegant and sometimes enigmatic – and I can tell you I’m seriously considering saving up a few weeks’ lunch money to have that special, knock-em-dead piece of my own. Pieces. I could use a few pieces. But I won’t.

Themes included razor blades, skulls, leafy crosses, Star of Davids, and more. But they were all exquisite. Above everything else about his pieces was the craftsmanship and detail. Everything was also of the utmost quality.

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By e*star | Posted in Beverly Hills, Fashion, Mid-Town | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Downtown Burgers On The Cheap At Rowdy Red

June 14, 2009 – 6:07 pm

This is one for the downtown folk. If your commute or residence lands in you in the business center of LA – otherwise known as the absolute worst visitor parking situation (read: most expensive) in Southern California on a workday – you may want to save a few bucks eating at Rowdy Red Wine & Burger Bar.

Named after a tomato heirloom, the wine and burger bar holds its own. Entrees range from a $3.25 grilled cheese sandwich to a $11.95 rare-seared ahi tuna burger. I can affirm that my resulting $6.50 mushroom burger was indeed a juicy one. Well-seasoned and a plain solid burger. All burgers are cooked medium with a pink center – the patty of which is 1/3 lbs of 100% natural angus beef.

And let me guess – now that you know the burger is solid, you’re wondering how the sides are. The onion rings were very much addicting – while the spinach and artichoke dip and chips seemed to leave little to be desired other than to satisfy a mayonnaise craving. If you are going for the starter, mozzarella sticks or the mini corn dogs would be the best bet.

Now if you’re going to serve bang-for-the-buck burgers in a business district, you best do so with wine. Wine is classy, remember? A nice feature of their wine selection is that you can order half bottles from a pretty rare selection of reds and whites. The 2006 Rutherford Ranch Cabernet starts at $17 per half-bottle while a 2005 Shafer Cabernet half-bottle is available for $50. But I thought their own wine label, named “Free Run Wines” was very respectable. The merlot ran a cool $5 while the cab was $12. Or, just a handful of basic brews are available for $3 (or a $2 PBR if you must).

The “must get” item on the menu, however, is certainly one of their shakes, all of which are $2.65. You can choose from Peet’s Coffee, chocolate peanut butter, oreo, or your basic vanilla, chocolate or strawberry.

One thing I might have thought would be interesting is their breakfast selection – especially if I actually worked downtown. They have a selection of pancakes, steak & eggs, breakfast burritos and sandwiches in addition to a spinach & mushroom omelette. They also feature Peet’s Coffee so you can get even your most basic morning fix.

Overall, this is a good place to get a solid burger at a bargain with nice extras on the side to sweeten the deal. It’s the standout in the food court. Kind of like one of those secret places you wish you lived around the corner from – for backup.

See the Rowdy Red Wine & Burger Bar Flickr Set

Rowdy Red Wine & Burger Bar
City National Plaza
505 Flower Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
M-F 7:30 AM – 7 PM

213.627.5511

Reservations only for large parties

Validated parking available at City National Plaza for $5

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By e*star | Posted in Deals, Downtown LA, Food | Tagged , , , | Comments (2)

Trek to Redondo: Ortega 120 Tasting

June 12, 2009 – 10:47 am

I don’t usually touch the South Bay. Yeah, I’ve said it. It’s tough to find occasion when there’s so much to explore north of LAX. I may have found that occasion now.

Ortega 120, located in Redondo Beach, is a good reason to visit. Maya of ShopEatsleep and I attended a tasting there and every corner I turned, I found a fresh, unique perspective in each bite. Their margaritas were some of the best I’ve ever tasted thanks to real juices and Partida tequila; each bite tasted a little bit like home. (I am not Mexican.)

I’ll say this off the bat: Ortega 120 know how to do media dinners. The margaritas, courses, cocktail courses and the like kept coming. Cofounders Demi Stevens and Thomas Ortega were on hand to give our meal a personal feel – and somehow I can believe that they’re around to do so with all their guests.

We started with a Taco de Atun Crudo (above) which was filled with Ahi Poke yellow fin tuna, roasted corn, mango, cilantro, roasted red peppers, chili oil and chili crema fresca and topped with guacamole. It was an appropriately light starter and I thought the guacamole brought out the flavor in the poke pretty nicely. The taco was paired with the a pomegranate ginger margarita – and although we all had at least a full glass of the house margarita still, our apéritif – I honestly think these margaritas could be paired with any dish since they were all so fresh. Only juices, no sweet & sour. No sugar, only agave nectar – which doesn’t give you that wired nor crash & burn feeling like sugar. 

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By e*star | Posted in Food, South Bay | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Tasting Telegraph at the Small-Batch Social

June 10, 2009 – 6:47 pm

I had the opportunity to join bloggers Caroline on Crack, H.C. of LA-OC-Foodie, John of Social Domain and Lizzie of FoodSheThought for a Small-Batch Social at Ammo Restaurant on La Brea. The tasting featured Santa Barbara-based Telegraph Brews and Christina Perozzi – the “beer chick.” Ammo provided the food portion of the pairings, which on the menu carried more weight as you moved down the menu but really could be mixed and matched to any of the four Telegraph brews. Formerly a strictly catering company, Ammo has enjoyed success to the point of expanding to first a restaurant, and then renting out the neighboring space to expand that restaurant. The simplicity seems to really work for them.

The lighter bites included a red endive topped with Humboldt Fog goat cheese, toasted walnuts and wild honey; also House-cured salmon with crème fraîche on cucumber. Both were refreshing as the Humboldt Fog was a light goat cheese with the perfect amount of gummy. The mini Gruyere grilled cheese sandwiches, though, were probably the favorite of everyone’s the entire night.

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By e*star | Posted in Food, Mid-Town | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (4)

Everybody Wants To Be At Blogger Prom

June 10, 2009 – 2:50 pm

Yes, the Save the Dates are out and yes, we have been adding names and blog URLs to our invite list via comments in that aforementioned post. We’re at capacity and while we’d looove to have all of the Los Angeles blogging community there, we simply can’t. This calls for more clarity about what makes one eligible to attend Blogger Prom.

  • You and your guest must be 21+
  • You must have a blog – thereby making you a blogger at Blogger Prom!

While the first is self-explanatory, the second needs some more clarification. Here, we have to go into the “don’ts.”

  • You can’t start a blog just to come to Blogger Prom. We will be able to tell! We want dedicated bloggers to attend and ultimately this is up to the Blogger Prom Committee’s discretion.
  • We love Tumblrs but because of the work we put into the agreements with our sponsors and the reciprocal nature of our event, micro-blogs do not count.

Thank you for understanding. Things with our sponsors are surpassing all of our expectations and we are all so excited!

Cross-posted at The Official Blogger Prom Blog

By e*star | Posted in Blogger Prom, West Hollywood | Tagged , , | Comments (0)