For a comprehensive list of dining options on December 31st, be sure to visit our friends at dineLA for the Mother of All New Year’s Eve Restaurant Round Ups.

Wherever you end up on New Year’s Eve, please celebrate responsibly. You can Go Metro with special overnight 24-hour rail service on December 31st and January 1st, and of course a taxi is just a phone call away.

Cheers to a fantastic 2012!

Photo by Bar | Kitchen via Facebook

Bar | Kitchen
Located in the lobby of the O Hotel in Downtown LA, Bar | Kitchen is offering a three-course New Year’s Eve dinner menu for $45. To pair with Chef Vahan Tokmadjian’s seared sea scallops, beef short rib pot roast, and almond & pear upside down cake, B|K is featuring a unique selection of small production bubbly and craft champagne cocktails. Reservations: 213.784.3048.

Big Bar – Countdown Across the World
At Big Bar, nine is your lucky number for the second annual New Year’s Eve Countdown Across the World: nine time zones, nine countdowns, nine cocktails and nine playlists. The countdowns start at 3pm with the Hüsker Dü (Kanon Organic Vodka, Aperol, lemon, bitters) and travels all the way across the map every hour until midnight, when Los Angeles welcomes 2012 with a champagne toast and the Historic Core: Rittenhouse 100, Lairds Bonded Applejack, Green Chartreuse, Dolin Rouge, Angostura. To tempt thirsty Angelenos, Big Bar is posting pics of the NYE cocktails on its Facebook page every day until New Year’s Eve.

• Special cocktail menu featuring house favorites from Don Q, Leblon, and Zaya
• DJ Phys-Ed; DJ kill-devil kicks things off with dancehall vibes at 8pm and hosts an East Coast Toast at 9pm
• Breakfast for the surviving revelers
• “We only ask that you bring your best spirits and finest evening attire or favorite party pants.”

Photo by The Edison

The Edison – Bootlegger’s Ball
On New Year’s Eve, The Edison presents the Bootlegger’s Ball, featuring Lyndsay and the All-Nighters, aerialists, dancers and “a host of gifted eccentriques to accompany you on a unique and unforgettable journey into 2012.” Tickets include The Edison’s legendary Midnight Toast. Tables include desserts and special New Years favors. Tickets start at $75. Doors at 7pm. Table reservations and pricing: 213.613.0000.

Eveleigh – Roaring 20s Soirée
The Wayback Machine will be in effect at Eveleigh, which is not only presenting a Roaring Twenties Soirée, but is also thoughtfully serving an all-day brunch on January 1, 2012. Both dinner options include a 5-course Prix Fixe Menu; the Late Seating includes a champagne toast at midnight and access to The Uptown Five jazz quintet and NYE festivities starting at 9:30pm.
Early Bird Seating: $75. Late Seating: $95. Reservations at OpenTable or call 424.239.1630.

The Cocktail Party features a 1920s-inspired cocktail menu created by head barman Dave Kupchinsky, an open bar from 10-11pm, live jazz quintet entertainment and piano, countdown to 2012 and complimentary champagne toast. 1920′s cocktail attire suggested.
$50 per person. 9:30pm-2am. Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/event/2669132447?ref=ebtn

On New Year’s Day, Eveleigh is serving an All Day Brunch with classics from the dinner menu to help with recovery from the night before, as well as REHAB with the best hangover remedies from the bar.
11am-10pm. Reservations at OpenTable or call 424.239.1630.

The Golden Stag
Take the Wayback Machine to the historic Park Plaza Hotel, where LACMA Muse and Sypher Art Studios present The Golden Stag, a Roaring Twenties style party.
Featuring:

• Performances by Brent Canter, Elliot Deutsch Big Band, Astra Dance Company, Alice Underground, and more
• Midnight champagne toast and fireworks display
• Absinthe bar
• 18-piece orchestra

Fellas and Flappers: $50 (includes champagne toast); Big Daddies and Leading Ladies: $150 (includes reserved table service with hosted bar). 8pm. Tickets: 323.857.6010.

Harvard & Stone
Harvard & Stone is throwing its first New Year’s Eve party with special performances by Lil’ Jenny and Molly D’Amour, accompanied by the H&S band and DJ Aaron Castle’s rock’n'roll oldies. Your all-inclusive ticket features an all-night open bar with craft cocktails, punches, American microbrews and bottomless champagne. Tickets $100 per person. 8pm-2am. Use promo code “harvardandstone” and get a 20% discount: www.eventbrite.com/event/2650177753?discount=harvardandstone

La Descarga – Havana Nocturne
Four words: gangsters, dames, booze and gambling. That’s what La Descarga has in store for guests at its Havana Nocturne, a 1920’s-themed night that includes premium open bar, Latin orchestra, burlesque dancers, passed apps, and a Havana-inspired casino. The three biggest chip holders at the end of the night will receive some great prizes. The dress code is formal and the theme is gangsters and dames of the 20′s. Tickets are $200 per person, includes gratuity, and are limited to 150 guests. To purchase tickets, email nye@ladescargala.com.

Neat – New York New Year’s Eve
On New Year’s Eve, Aidan Demarest is keeping it simple at his Glendale bar Neat: no cover or reservations, live music, champagne toasts at 9pm and midnight, and Chinese takeout to soak up all the spirits (served neat, of course). What’s the over-under on how many times Don’t Stop Believin’ gets played that night?

Next Door Lounge
Looks like the Wayback Machine will be in overdrive this New Year’s Eve as Next Door Lounge transports guests to a glamorous Masquerade Party set in 1920’s Hollywood. Live jazz and classic black and white films provide the backdrop as you enjoy cocktails by Joseph Brooke and bites from the Next Door staff kitchen. Tickets are $75 per person and include a welcome drink, masquerade mask, party favors, and a midnight champagne toast. Ticket reservations: reserve@nextdoorhollywood.com.

From 10:30pm to 1:30am, Picca is hosting a Late Night Industry Party with open bar (beer, wine, pisco shots, punch) and bites for friends, family and industry patrons for just $40 per person. Space is limited and pre-paid reservations are required.

Providence
At Providence, Chef Michael Cimarusti ushers in 2012 with a sumptuous Market Menu that rings in the new year with delicious style. Market Menu items include wild Japanese buri, wild New Zealand John Dory, and American Wagyu style beef. Early seating is 5:30 and 6pm, late seating at 8:30 and 9pm. $195 per person, $260 with wine pairing. 323.460.4170.

• Luxury Tequila Flight ($100) – John Rivera Sedlar’s 6 Year Aged Anejo, Milagro Romance & Herradura Suprema
• Mezcal Flight ($25) – Vida, Chichicapa, Joven Ilegal

Other NYE specialty flights include single malt Scotch, rum and American whiskey. Reservations after 9pm will receive a complimentary glass of cava. Reservations suggested, walk-ins are welcome: 323.933.5300.

Seven Grand – World Whiskey Flight
Like Big Bar, Seven Grand is also going global on NYE with its World Whiskey Flight, a private tasting featuring eight of the best whiskies in the world as chosen by members of the Seven Grand bar staff:

• Parker’s Heritage Collection Kentucky Straight Bourbon ’Barrel Finished’ (10 Years Old)
• Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye
• Hakushu 12 Year Old Japanese Whisky
• Scott’s Selection Littlemill 1984 (distillery closed)
• Connemara Peated Cask Strength
• Lark Single Cask
• Talisker Distiller’s Edition (11 Years Old)
• Scott’s Selection North of Scotland 1964 (45 Years Old)

Punch reception at 5:30pm, World Whiskey Flight at 6pm, event opens to the public at 8pm. Tickets are $120, includes gratuity and appetizers: http://7grandnye.eventbrite.com.

Photo by Tasting Kitchen via Facebook

The Tasting Kitchen
At The Tasting Kitchen on Abbot Kinney, Chef Casey Lane is offering three five-course menu options with French, Italian, Moroccan, and Spanish inspired flavors that will appeal to meat lovers, seafood fans, and vegetarians alike. The “All” Menu features Apicius Duck Confit with kumquat preserve, and puntarella; the Pescatarian Menu features Tagliarini Nero with squid and serrano chile; and the Vegetarian Menu features Truffled Egg with polenta and fall vegetable salad. Wine pairings for each menu are also available. $90 per person, $45 for wine pairings. 310.392.6644.

Click to view.

The Varnish – Soul Shakedown Party
From its location in the back of Cole’s, The Varnish will be dancing to its singular beat on New Year’s Eve with a Soul Shakedown Party that features unlimited craft cocktails, bottomless Bols Genever punch and the 2nd Annual Varnish Twist Contest, hosted by Varnish GM Chris Bostick. Rare groove and soul classics will provide the imbibing soundtrack to the event, which will take place from 9pm-2am. Tables in the intimate venue are available for parties of two, four and six. Seating for New Year’s Eve is limited, reservations are a must.
$125 per person (gratuity included). For reservations contact Chris Bostick at 213.622.9999, or email thevarnish@thevarnishbar.com.

Photo by Wood & Vine

Wood & Vine
Wood & Vine is presenting a five-course or seven-course prix fixe and two seating options for its New Year’s Eve menu. First seating is 6-7pm and includes a Celery Root Shooter, Dungeness Crab Salad, House-Made Spaghetti, Seared Branzino, Paso Prime Rib Eye, and Butterscotch Pot de Crème. The second seating is 9-10pm and includes the previous plus Roasted Scallop, Roasted Venison Saddle, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. First seating $55; second seating $75. 323.334.3360.

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1. So Long 2010, and Thanks for All the Fish!
2. So Long Aughts, and Thanks for All the Fish!
3. Food & Wine Cocktails 2011: Twelve Los Angeles Bars in the Top 100 American Bars

The Los Angeles Times and Food & Wine Magazine joined forces over Labor Day Weekend to present The Taste, a four-day culinary festival that featured nine events in Beverly Hills, Hollywood and Downtown. Tickets for each event cost $125-150, and included unlimited bites from dozens of restaurants; endless samples of beer, wine and spirits; as well as seminars and demos. The Taste kicked off on Friday with Burgers & Beer (featuring craft brews curated by The Beer Chicks), and concluded on Labor Day with the family-friendly Picnic in the Hills, hosted by Giada De Laurentiis.

Blackberry Bramble

The second event on Friday night was the Art of Mixing, which took place on the back lot at Paramount Studios. Not long after checking in and getting oriented, I came upon the distinctive meter maid truck of Ice Ice Shavie. From inside the booth, Silamith Weir served the refreshing Blackberry Bramble: gin, lemon, blackberry and basil. The other shave ice offerings were the equally enjoyable VW (elderflower, grapefruit, vanilla) and the Mojito.

New from Encanto: the Distiller's Reserve Single Vineyard Quebranta Pisco.

Nearby was the Campo de Encanto Pisco booth, where Adrian Biggs (La Descarga) was serving a delicious Pisco Punch (pictured at top). Encanto CEO and Cantina proprietor Duggan McDonnell was on hand to discuss his award-winning spirit, and graciously offered a taste of Encanto’s upcoming limited edition release, the Distiller’s Reserve Single Vineyard Quebranta Pisco. Earthy, complex, with a smooth finish that goes on for days, the Distiller’s Reserve is scheduled for release in October and can’t arrive soon enough.

Over in the Classic & Vintage Artisanal Spirits booth, Lindsay Nader (Harvard & Stone) and John Coltharp (Tasting Kitchen) were mixing cocktails like the Dizzy Oaxacan: Sombra Mezcal, Averna Amaro, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, agave nectar, ginger beer.

320 Main's Erik Trickett and Jason Schiffer serve the Moscow Mule Royale.

Just down the “street,” Jason Schiffer and Erik Trickett of 320 Main ladled servings of the Moscow Mule Royale punch: Sobieski Vodka, fresh ginger, fresh citrus, cane syrup, sparkling wine.

Then came a message from Maurice Chevalier IV:

@ThirstyInLA get your ass back to the Anchor Distilling booth. We're making Negronis #TasteOfL.A.

September 2, 2011 8:41 pm via EchofonReplyRetweetFavorite

@Liquid_Alchemy

Chevalier IV

3 & Tree Royale: No. 3 London Dry Gin, Fever Tree Tonic, Orange Bitters, Maurin Quina "float," topped with pomegranate seeds.

After watching a cooking and mixology demo by Ricardo Zarate, John Rivera Sedlar, and Julian Cox, I did as I was told and headed over to Chevalier. While the 3 & Tree Royale pictured above went to another guest, Chevalier made me a Deviled Negroni: No. 3 London Dry Gin, Luxardo Bitter and Maurin Quina.

Mmm..pisco...

Chevalier’s booth became the unofficial hangout spot as the Art of Mixing wound down. As you can see, Encanto’s fans made sure that neither the spirit nor the punch would go to waste.

Eric Alperin sawing ice slabs for The Varnish.

On Sunday night, The Taste moved to Downtown LA for Food Noir, which took place on Broadway between 8th and 9th. Not far from the entrance was the tandem of Cole’s and The Varnish, where co-owner Eric Alperin was sawing slabs of ice for cutting into properly sized cubes. Cole’s served a 1930’s Rye Buck, made with Bulleit Rye, lime, ginger syrup and soda. A perfect sipper for strolling down Broadway as the various booths prepped for service.

The rye cocktail lasted just long enough for me to reach the other end of Food Noir, where Seven Grand was serving a Ward 8, while Caña Rum Bar offered the Garden Snake: Don Q Añejo, fresh citrus, backyard tomato syrup, Amaro Montenegro, Maldon Smoked Salt. Next door, Las Perlas featured the Spiced Daisy, made with Chinaco Tequila, jalapeño/cucumber/cilantro juice, lime, agave nectar and Royal Combier.

In the Classic & Vintage booth, John Coltharp mixes two Midnight Daiquiris.

Coltharp was once again in the Classic & Vintage booth, and I sent several people to visit him for the excellent Midnight Daiquiri: Rhum J.M Blanc, lime juice, J.M Sirop de Canne, Averna Amaro.

A Warner Bros. cartoon, as it was meant to be seen.

One of the highlights of the weekend had nothing to do with food or drink. Inside The Orpheum Theatre, the Los Angeles Conservancy presented classic Warner Bros. cartoons, vintage newsreels and trailers for legendary movies from Alfred Hitchcock, Cecil B. DeMille and more. It doesn’t get much better than watching One Froggy Evening as it was meant to be seen: on the big screen, with an audience, in the magnificent setting of The Orpheum. Actually, it did get better; it was only a short walk from The Orpheum to Cole’s and another round of 1930′s Rye Bucks.

For more images from The Taste, visit the Thirsty in LA Facebook page.

Lindsay Nader makes a Dizzy Oaxacan at Art of Mixing.

Dizzy Oaxacan
Created by Tad Carducci
Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Sombra Mezcal
• .75 oz Averna Amaro
• .5 oz grapefruit juice
• .5 oz lemon juice
• .25 oz agave nectar
• 1.5 oz ginger beer

Preparation:

• Combine first four ingredients in a mixing tin.
• Shake and strain into an ice-filled highball glass.
• Top with ginger beer.

Midnight Daiquiri
Created by Tad Carducci
Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Rhum J.M Blanc
• .75 oz lime juice
• 1 oz J.M Sirop de Canne
• .5 oz Averna Amaro

Preparation:

• Combine all ingredients in a mixing tin.
• Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.

Related posts:

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2. A Taste of Drago Centro’s Winter Cocktails
3. A Taste of the Simpler Life: Novo Fogo Organic Cachaça

The bar at Mäni’s on Maple. | Photo: Mäni’s

To say “hello” to its new neighbors, Mäni’s on Maple is debuting The Happiest Hour, taking place every Monday through Friday from 3pm to 7pm and 9pm to 11pm. The Happiest Hour features a selection of $6 specials on Mäni’s cocktails, house red & white Borsao and Jean Bousquet wines, and several small plates.

Ward Eight | Photo: e*star LA

Six Dollar Cocktail Specials:

• Bees Knees – Perfect blend of fresh lemon & honey with gin. A prohibition era cocktail named after a popular saying, meaning “The Height of Excellence.
• Fresh Lime Daiquiri – Not the blended version so often found, this is a classic, straight-up cocktail invented outside the United States.
• Ward Eight – Classic cocktail out of Boston, named after a famed election district. House made organic grenadine, lemon & a touch of orange with bourbon.
• Moscow Mule – A mixture of ginger, Smirnoff and lime created in 1941 at the Cock’n Bull Bar on the Sunset Strip. A classic.
• Padre’s Margarita – A classic, on-the-rocks margarita with a cinnamon stick, no salt.
• Classic Pimm’s Cup – Wimbledon classic with Pimm’s No. 1 – a gin flavored with fruits & herbs – ginger ale or lemon-lime soda and cucumber.
• Gin Rickey OR Original Gin Rickey – Named after famed lobbyist Joe Rickey in 1893, the Rickey’s defining characteristic is the refreshingly tart omission of sugar. The original, and the more modern with a touch of sweetness, both come up with a splash of soda.
• Splash & Dash – Pick a spirit & a mixer: Vodka Soda, Rum & Cola, Gin & Tonic… Whatever suits the mood.

Mmm...sliders... | Photo: e*star LA

Six Dollar Small Plate Specials:

• Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta – Red Onion, Basil, Garlic, White Balsamic, Olive Oil
• Olive Oil Poached Tuna Salad – Fennel, Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, White Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Slow Roasted Salmon Salad – Farmers Market Peaches, Bleu Cheese, Greens, Seasonal Vinaigrette
• Ceviche – Market Fish, Mango, Cucumber, Red Onion, Jalapeno, Mint, Cilantro, Chips
• Arugula Salad With Beef Tenderloin – Warm Feta, Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Charmoula Marinated Skewers with Whole Wheat Pita – Tofu with Butternut Squash OR Beef with Yoghurt Mint Sauce
• Sliders – Grain/Nut, Moroccan Lamb, BBQ Short Rib, Turkey, or Beef

Last week, I joined Esther from e*star LA and Valerie of Red Vines for Breakfast for a hosted sneak preview of The Happiest Hour. The former Paperfish space has been warmed up from its mod, “Space Odyssey” interior with splashes of Mäni’s signature colors. The orange wall remains in the lounge area, where we sampled from the Happiest Hour menu.

Pisco Maleado | Photo: e*star LA

The cocktails are a mix of classics and Mäni’s signatures, all made with a healthy, organic spin. From the Happiest Hour menu I had a very good Ward Eight, as well as two non-happy hour cocktails (priced at $10-12): the McCleery Collins (scotch, ginger and citrus) and the Pisco Maleado (BarSol Pisco, lemon, lime, agave nectar, egg white, cucumber and mint). The Pisco Maleado in particular was excellent. While salads may not be the first thing you think of at happy hour, their fresh ingredients paired well with the various cocktails we tried. The Moroccan Lamb was the best of the sliders, while the tofu skewers were surprisingly flavorful.

Mäni’s took a risk when it moved from its home of two decades and into its prestigious new zip code. But longtime patrons will enjoy the expanded offerings, while the new neighbors are sure to welcome a high end happy hour that’s easy on the wallet.

The Happiest Hour
Monday through Friday
3pm-7pm and 9pm-11pm
Featuring: $6 cocktails and $6 small plates

Mäni’s on Maple
345 N. Maple Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 247-0009
www.manisonmaple.com
Twitter: @manisonmaple

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On Wednesday, October 13th, Whisky Live LA invites Angelenos to taste whiskies from all over the world in a luxurious setting in the heart of Beverly Hills. Now in its second year, Whisky Live LA has moved from the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, located at the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard. Ticketholders will sample everything from scotch to bourbon, meet distillers, sample gourmet bites, and much more. Online ticket sales are live, and tickets will also be available at the door.

Whisky Live LA
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Featuring:

• Tasting Hall
• Oban Whisky Experience
• Whisky Live Stage
• Master Classes

Beverly Wilshire Hotel
9500 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 275-5200
www.fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire

VIP Ticket: $129

• 5:30pm-10pm
• 10 sample vouchers
• Tasting glass
• Show guide
• Food, tea, coffee and water

Evening Ticket: $99

• 6.30pm-10pm
• 6 sample vouchers
• Tasting glass
• Show guide
• Food, tea, coffee and water

*Ticket prices include VAT and exclude booking fee

Sample Vouchers: $2

• Extra vouchers available at $2.00 each.
• All samples are available only in exchange for vouchers.
• Each sample may require a different number of vouchers depending on the age of the whisky.

Tickets at the Door

• VIP Ticket: $149
• Standard Ticket: $119

Master Classes: $10 each (with valid entrance ticket)

• MC1: Maker’s Mark
• MC2: High West
• MC3: Johnnie Walker
• MC4: Heaven Hill

For tickets and more information, including exhibitors and event schedules, visit: whiskylive.com/usa/12/los-angeles-2010.

Photo by ozjimbo, used with permission through CC BY-NC 2.0

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Even Beverly Hills offers bargains if you know where to look, and this Thursday, August 26th look no further than the Roof Garden of the acclaimed Peninsula Beverly Hills. From 5pm to 7pm, the Peninsula hosts its Rooftop Cocktail Hour, featuring cocktails, wines by the glass, and beer for half price.

Better still, guests of this Thursday’s Cocktail Hour can take advantage of a great ticket deal for the upcoming Taste of Beverly Hills: during the Cocktail Hour, buy one ticket and get the second one for free! In addition, Weekend Passes will be on sale for $350 (regularly priced at $500).

Half-priced drinks, discounted tickets to a fantastic culinary event, and panoramic views from Century City to downtown; it’s summertime in Beverly Hills, and the living is easy indeed.

Rooftop Cocktail Hour
Thursday, August 26, 2010
5-7pm
Featuring:

• Half-priced cocktails, wine and beer
• Discounted tickets to The Taste of Beverly Hills

The Peninsula Beverly Hills
9882 Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 551-2888
www.peninsula.com

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From Sunday, August 1st to Sunday, August 15th, the Taste of Beverly Hills is hosting a “Tweet to Eat” contest via its Twitter account, which will post a daily “Culinary Clue” about a participating chef using the hashtag #CCTOBH. After 4 pm on Monday, August 16th, the first fan to send an e-mail to TweetToEat [at] TheTasteofBeverlyHills [dot] com with all 15 correct chef names will win two complimentary Weekend Passes, a $1000 value! Weekend Passes grant access to all Taste of Beverly Hills sessions except the “90210 City of Beverly Hills Celebration” on September 2nd, which is an individually ticketed event. Additional opportunities to win festival prizes will be announced via Twitter throughout the contest.

“Tweet to Eat” Contest
August 1-15, 2010
Twitter: @TasteofBH, hashtag #CCTOBH
Grand Prize submissions accepted via email after 4pm Monday, August 16.

The Taste of Beverly Hills
Presented by Food & Wine
September 2-5, 2010
Advance tickets:

• Day Session Pass: $125 per person
• Evening Session Pass: $150 per person
• Weekend Pass: $500 per person, includes afternoon and evening sessions, seminars, how-to’s, chef demos, competitions, and more.

Proceeds benefit the Beverly Hills Education Foundation.
For a full event schedule, visit thetasteofbeverlyhills.com.
Facebook: FoodandWineTasteofBeverlyHills

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On Nov. 5 and 6, The Peninsula Beverly Hills is hosting a four-course Joseph Phelps Vineyards Wine Dinner, where diners will be able to meet Kathleen Dirickson (the winery’s National Manager) as well as taste several Joseph Phelps wines paired to a fall menu prepared by Peninsula Executive Chef James Overbaugh.

The night’s dishes will include Dungeness crab chowder with carrots, basil and Dungeness crab soufflé paired to a 2007 Sauvignon Blanc (93 pts. Wine Spectator); and roasted loin of venison with persimmon carpaccio, grilled bok choy, roasted turnips and fingerling potatoes paired to a 2005 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (93 pts. Wine News) and a 2006 Insignia (94-96 pts. Robert Parker, 94 pts. Wine Spectator).

This extravaganza for the palate will take place at the acclaimed Belvedere at the Peninsula, a Mobil Four Star and perennial AAA Five Diamond Award winner. The evening costs $98 per person, quite a value if you consider that the Insignia alone typically retails for $200 a bottle.

Information and full menu are below. Capacity is limited, and reservations are required. A superb, reasonably-priced evening of fine dining and excellent wines in a world-class setting doesn’t come along too often, so secure your seat today!

Joseph Phelps Vineyards Wine Dinner
Nov. 5 & Nov. 6, 2009
6pm-10:30pm
$98 per person
Call 310-975-2736 to make reservations.

The Belvedere
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 551-2888
www.peninsula.com

Menu (course / wine)

• Dungeness Crab Chowder with Carrots, Basil and Dungeness Crab Soufflé / Joseph Phelps Vineyards ’07 Sauvignon Blanc
• Grilled Spanish Mackerel Fillet with Sweet Corn, Matsutake Risotto and Almond-Marjoram Sauce / Freestone Vineyards ’06 Ovation Chardonnay
• Roasted Loin of Venison (Sliced Filet Mignon available as an option) with Persimmon Carpaccio, Grilled Bok Choy, Roasted Turnips and Fingerling Potatoes / Joseph Phelps Vineyards ’05 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Joseph Phelps Vineyards ’06 Insignia
• Guava-Peach Soup with Oatmeal Streusel, Chamomile Cream, Coconut Sorbet and Mint / Joseph Phelps Vineyards ’08 Eisrébe

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2. August 26: Buy Discounted Tickets to the Taste of Beverly Hills
3. 2009 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition

I was invited to attend a very special sneak preview event to sample the competition winners, who didn’t find out they’d won until the awards were officially announced earlier today. Appropriately enough, the preview event took place at McCormick & Schmick’s on tony Rodeo Drive.

In a change from previous years, judges awarded Best of Show red and white wines by price point.

Following are the Best of Show reds:

• Tamari, Malbec, Reserva, Mendoza Argentina, 2007 ($14.99 and under)
• Target Wine Cube, Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah Blend, California, 2007 ($14.99 and under)
• Cantina Redi, Briareo Riserva, Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano DOCG 2006 ($15 – $29.99)
• Armida Winery, Syrah, Flora Ranch, Chalk Hill, 2006 ($30 and up)
• David Bruce Winery, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 2006 ($30 and up)

And the Best of Show white wines:

• South Coast Winery, Muscat Canelli, Temecula Valley, 2008 ($14.99 and under)
• St. Hallett, Riesling, Eden Valley, Australia, 2008, ($15 – $29.99)

Last year, the Wine World of Sports category was created to introduce the wines of sports figures such as Mario Andretti and Greg Norman. Top honors this year went to Los Angeles Dodgers legend Tommy Lasorda’s wine, Pinot Grigio delle Venezie IGT, 2008. Not surprisingly, there’s a picture of Tommy on the bottle. I should also mention his wine was really good.

New for 2009 is Music Uncorked, a category for musician vintners that includes everyone from Lil Jon to Barry Manilow. Maynard James Keenan, lead singer for Tool, and his Caduceus Cellars took Best of Show for Red Blends, Shinola, Merkin Vineyards, California, 2007.

A blind taste test of the Best of Show reds.

After making our way around the various tasting stations, attendees were invited to gather at a communal table, where glasses of the Best of Show reds were lined up. The object was to guess the price points of each glass. I have to admit it was both intimidating and educational to be seated at the table with two of the wine judges, Bob Blumer (aka “The Surreal Gourmet”) and Master Sommelier Michael Jordan. While suppressing my urge to eavesdrop on them, I managed to get two right (both of the $15 and under reds) and I wasn’t too far off with the other three. The Armida Syrah was the consensus winner at the table, even before the prices were revealed.

The Spirits display, including Best of Show winner Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban.

The Spirits category was added in 2007, and this year Best of Show was awarded to The Glenmorangie Company, Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban (Whiskey/Whisky Single Malt Scotch 11-20 years old).

The 2005 Samuel Adams Utopias, a Gold Medal winner.

Winner of the Los Angeles International Commercial Beer Competition was The Bruery’s Berliner Weisse. Among the other beers on display was the 2005 Samuel Adams Utopias (Gold Medal, Wood and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer).

In the Extra Virgin Olive Oil competition (first introduced in 2000), California and Spain emerged as the big winners of the 477 entries.

The public will have its first opportunity to taste the award-winners at Wine & Cars Under the Stars, a fundraising event to benefit the education programs of the Foundations at Fairplex.

The complete list of all the winners is available at the official competition website.

Related posts:

1. Win a Gift Bag from the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition
2. 2010 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition Winners Announced
3. 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Winners Announced

It’s not every day one gets to spend a couple of hours enjoying the perks of a AAA Five Diamond, Mobil Five Star hotel. This summer, that day happens to be Thursday, at the acclaimed Peninsula Beverly Hills. From May 7 through Labor Day, the renowned luxury hotel hosts a weekly Happy Hour from 5-7pm in its newly renovated Roof Garden. During Happy Hour, drinks (cocktails, wines by the glass, beer) are half price, and valet parking is complimentary. Yes, thanks to the Peninsula, the words “discount,” “free,” and “Beverly Hills” can all be used in the same sentence.

You’ll realize that this is another level of Happy Hour from the moment you step out of the elevator and onto the patio. $4 million still goes a long way, and the high end touches, from the JANUS et Cie furniture to the heated limestone floor, all enhance the experience. The Roof Garden is laid out with quiet conversation in mind; on one end is an intimate fire pit area, on the other a mini-walled garden. There’s also a pool, but that’s discreetly screened off and limited to hotel guests. And of course, there are panoramic views of Century City to the west and downtown to the east. Now, before this turns into a Condé Nast Traveler article, on to the cocktails…

L: Pomegranate Mojito | R: Speckled Jalapeño Margarita

First up was the Speckled Jalapeño Margarita, made with Patron Reposado Tequila, fresh citrus juices and Grand Marnier. A jalapeño garnish added a touch of whimsy to the presentation. While I love all things spicy, it’s not to everyone’s liking and in cocktails can detract from their enjoyment. Here, the muddled jalapeño pepper added just enough of a spicy kick to get my attention without being overpowering. The citrus flavors were nicely balanced, slightly tart but mellowed by the smoothness of the cognac. All in all, it’s a nice twist to a familiar drink, and a cocktail well-suited to its surroundings. From the appetizers list, the Mini Halibut Tacos should pair nicely with the margarita.

Not to be outdone was the Pomegranate Mojito, another riff on a classic cocktail. Bacardi rum, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and mint leaves were combined, strained into a glass, and topped with citrus foam. The foam added texture, the pomegranate provided striking color and subtle flavor, and the lime and mint hinted at the original mojito. From taste to presentation, it’s a perfect melding of cocktail and setting and sure to be a favorite throughout the summer. I’d probably select the Citrus-Marinated Kampachi to go with this refreshing cocktail.

Other signature drinks include the Mugatu (Veev Açaí Liqueur, crushed strawberries, limes and mint with a splash of club soda) and the White Peach & Pear Martini (Grey Goose Pear Vodka, white peach pureé and fresh basil). The bar program was created in-house at the Peninsula, and is unique to the Beverly Hills property. The high quality and seasonality of the ingredients also means that not all of the menu items will always be available. Not that I’ll need encouragement, but it’s reason enough for repeat visits to explore the Roof Garden’s latest offerings.

Summer Cocktail Hour
5pm-7pm
Thursdays, May 7 to Labor Day

The Peninsula Beverly Hills
9882 Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 551-2888
www.peninsula.com

Related posts:

1. Nov. 5 & 6: Joseph Phelps Vineyards Wine Dinner at the Peninsula
2. August 26: Buy Discounted Tickets to the Taste of Beverly Hills
3. Caña Happy Hour Debuts New Tropicalia Cocktail Specials