Thirsty in LA » downtown LA

July 13: Radio Room at the Edison Celebrates Manhattan

thirstyinla — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 19:45:01 +0000

On Tuesday, July 13, the Edison will be in a New York state of mind when it celebrates the upcoming launch of the Edison New York with its latest Radio Room, featuring guest mixologists Michael Neff, Kenneth McCoy and Abdul Tabini of Ward III in Tribeca. The trio of owners/bartenders have garnered acclaim for their bespoke cocktails, created on the spot from customer choices of Spirit, Flavor, Texture, Fruit and Spice.

The boys from New York City. | Photo: Ward III

Every edition of the Radio Room has a special cocktail menu that features signature cocktails from each guest, a great way to sample drinks from the best bars in the country. Following is the cocktail list for this month’s Radio Room, including each drink’s creator in parentheses.

Radio Room – July 2010 Cocktail Menu

Baby Eveline (Michael Neff) – Vodka of your choice, muddled strawberries, lemon juice, Peychaud’s bitters, Martini & Rossi Prosecco.
Four Stars (Neff) – Herradura silver tequila, lime juice, muddled rosemary and cilantro, dab of Sriracha hot sauce.
Hell Bent for Leather (Kenneth McCoy) – Woodford Reserve bourbon (Edison’s private bottling), Irish whiskey, orange and lemon peel, muddled cardamom seed.
The Collective (McCoy) – Dewar’s 12-Year, Martini & Rossi Sweet Vermouth, clover honey, lemon juice, orange bitters, egg whites.
Angel Zakir (Abdul Tabini) – Martin Miller’s gin, muddled cucumber, basil and lime juice, Aperol.
Tortuga (Tabini) – Bacardi 8 rum, muddled lime, orange and lemon, dusting of shaved cinnamon.

Radio Room at the Edison
“Celebrating Manhattan”
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
108 W. 2nd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 613-0000
www.edisondowntown.com

Guest mixologists: Michael Neff, Kenneth McCoy and Abdul Tabini

Featuring: Paulie Cerra and his Jazz Orchestra

Doors at 8pm
21 and over
Presale tickets available online
$10.00 tickets at the door on event night

WIN VIP PACKAGES TO THE RADIO ROOM
The Edison is giving you two chances to win tickets and free drinks for the Radio Room, courtesy of Caroline on Crack and Vixen’s L.A. Happy Hours! Details are on their respective blogs, but don’t be a slacker; both contests end on Sunday, July 11. Good luck!

Power to The People’s Cocktail at Drago Centro

thirstyinla — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:02:40 +0000

Depending on where you were in Los Angeles last Wednesday, you weren’t very far from a great cocktail event, whether it was the Whiskey Social at Wilshire on the Westside or a three-course tequila pairing dinner at Malo in Silver Lake. But for sheer variety of cocktails to choose from, it was hard to beat The People’s Cocktail Finals and Summer Cocktail Menu launch at Drago Centro.

Celestino Drago about to sip a Bell'Aspetto, one of The People's Cocktail finalists.

The People’s Cocktail Contest
For four weeks, Michael Shearin (Drago’s Sommelier and Beverage Director) and Head Bartender Jaymee Mandeville hosted an online contest called The People’s Cocktail. Each Monday, a different “secret ingredient” was announced via Drago’s Twitter account, @DragoCentro. Participants had until noon that Friday to create an original cocktail featuring the ingredient. Entries had to be posted on Twitter, directed to Drago Centro’s account with the hashtag #pplscocktail. All recipe ingredients and instructions had to be included, even if it took multiple tweets. Over the weekend, Michael and Jaymee worked through the recipes to pick a winner, based on a number of factors that included taste, name, and compatibility with Drago’s cocktails. After announcing the previous week’s winner, the process would start over on Monday until four winners were chosen. The finalists would then face each other in cocktail combat, with the winner getting his or her cocktail added to Drago’s Summer Cocktail Menu.

The stage is set for The People's Cocktail Finals.

The Finals
Early on Wednesday night, the finalists and their supporters gathered at Drago Centro’s patio for the final mix-off. The winner would be determined by a judging panel that included Caroline on Crack, The Minty, Tasting Table LA, and Celestino Drago. Using ingredients provided by Drago Centro, each finalist mixed a round of their winning cocktail for the judges. Following are the finalists’ cocktail recipes, based on their original Twitter entries.

Who dat? It's Chuck Taggart of Looka!

Week 1 Ingredient: Blueberries
Winner: Chuck Taggart (Looka!)
Bell’Aspetto

2 oz. Woodford Reserve Bourbon
20 blueberries
.5 ounce Amaro Ramazzotti
1 barspoon (tsp) Trader Tiki’s Cinnamon Syrup
Lemon peel for garnish
Muddle the blueberries in the bourbon. Add the remaining ingredients and shake with ice. Double-strain over ice into a large Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with the lemon peel.

For Chuck’s insights into the creation of his cocktail, check out this entry on his blog.

A pair of Tramontanas, ready for judging.

Week 2 Ingredient: Fernet-Branca
Winner: Ron Dollete (Lush Angeles)
Tramontana

1 oz. Fernet-Branca
1 oz. Krogstad Aquavit
1 oz. Cointreau
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Stir with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Ron’s thoughts on creating the Tramontana: lushangeles.com/tramontana

Ron Dollete in the mix.

Matt Robold, the RumDood.

Dutch Elm Disease

Week 3 Ingredient: Gin (or Genever)
Winner: Matt Robold (RumDood)
Dutch Elm Disease

2 oz. Bols Genever
.5 oz. Scotch
.25 oz. Simple Syrup
2 dashes Angostura Bitters.
Stir with ice for 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Week 4 Ingredient: Lemon
Winner: Jeni Afuso (Oishii Eats)
Momo Rye Fizz

1/2 fresh peach
1 oz simple syrup
2 oz Rittenhouse 100 Rye
1 oz lemon juice
Club soda
Muddle the peach with simple syrup. Add the rye and lemon juice. Shake with ice, strain into a tall glass over ice, and top with the club soda.

Jeni Afuso has the look of a winner.

Once the dust had settled, the judges declared Jeni’s Momo Rye Fizz the best of the People’s Cocktails in a very close finish. Caroline gave me sips of the entries, and each of them were great in their own way. With such high quality entries, a single element could have tipped the scoring one way or another. Sure enough, according to Caroline’s recap, Jeni’s cocktail was the one the panel thought was the best match to Drago’s summer cocktails.

Ladies and gentlemen, your People's Cocktail: the Momo Rye Fizz!

Besides getting her cocktail added to the Drago menu, Jeni also “won” a multi-layered shot made from ingredients picked by her fellow competitors: Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur, Fernet-Branca, and Pernod Absinthe. She downed it like a champ. Congrats, Jeni…and cheers to all the finalists!

To the victor go the spoils. | Twitpic by rumdood

Almost lost in the excitement of the People’s Cocktail contest was the debut of Drago’s summer cocktails, which were specially priced at $8 that night. As soon as I arrived I made a beeline for the bar, where Jaymee mixed me an Artillery of the Angels. It was a great way to kick off the party, a refreshing cocktail that will go down very well during the dog days of summer.

Artillery of the Angels

Tutto Americano

After the contest, I had the Tutto Americano, another glass of summer that went down almost too easily. Unfortunately, my glass was cleared before I had a chance to try the pickled watermelon rind, which I heard was the best part of the drink. I’ll definitely be back to explore the rest of the menu, which includes a few classics as well as Jeni’s Momo Rye Fizz.

Drago Centro Summer Cocktail Menu
Nuovi Classici (“New Classics”)

Arancia Meccanica (“A Clockwork Orange”): Sombra Mezcal, Red Bell Pepper, Cilantro, Agave Nectar, Fresh Lime, Smoked Salt
Artillery of the Angels: 10 Cane Rum, Rittenhouse Rye, Merryvale Antigua, Sencha, Pineapple, Cherry, Orange
Dark Passenger: Bols Genever, Amaro Montenegro, Aperol
Diabolico (“Diabolical”): Partida Blanco Tequila, Maurin, Velvet Falernum, Fresh Lime, Hawaiian Red Sea Salt
Il Monaco Orientale (“The Eastern Monk”): Rock Junmai Ginjo Saké, Green Chartreuse, Fresh Mint, Fresh Lime
La Sabbia Bianca (“White Sand”): Casa Noble Reposado Tequila, Coconut Cream, Fresh Pineapple, Fresh Lime
Serenity Now! Lamill Organic Jasmine Tea Infused Hangar One Vodka, Lemon Verbena, Tangerine
Tutto Americano (“All-American”): Laird’s Applejack, Angostura Bitters, Fresh Watermelon, Pickled Watermelon Rind
Vitamin A: Karlsson’s Vodka, St. Germain, Fresh Carrot Juice, Serrano Tincture, Fresh Ginger, Orange
When in London: Bombay Sapphire Gin, Pimm’s No.1, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cucumber, Raspberries

Classici (“Classics”)

Americano: Campari, Carpano Antica, Fever-Tree Club Soda
Bellini: Principe Prosecco, Fresh Peach Purée
Negroni: Tanqueray Gin, Campari, Carpano Antica

Drago Centro
525 S. Flower St., Suite 120
Los Angeles, CA
(213) 228-8998
www.dragocentro.com

From Tlacolula with Love: Ilegal Mezcal Launch Party at Las Perlas

thirstyinla — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:34:51 +0000

Photo: Lush Life Productions

With its ancient distilling methods and complex, earthy flavor profile, mezcal captures the hearts and palates of a growing number of admirers with every sip. Founded in 2007 and now available in the U.S., Ilegal Mezcal was introduced last month to an eager group of mezcal enthusiasts at Las Perlas, the downtown L.A. agave den that opened in March. The packed launch event was hosted by Stephen Myers (Ilegal partner and Global Brand Ambassador) and Todd Richman, a Brand Ambassador for Frederick Wildman and Sons who reps Ilegal and Chartreuse. Providing support was Lindsey Johnson (Lush Life Productions), in town between her seemingly nonstop trips around the country. Among the guests were fellow bloggers Food GPS, Lush Angeles, MicroLiquor, Savory Hunter, Street Gourmet LA, and the Mezcal Muse herself, Bricia Lopez.

The crowd is ready to taste Ilegal Mezcal at Las Perlas.

The event began with a welcome from Las Perlas GM Raul Yrastorza, who noted that this was the first tasting event hosted at Las Perlas. He extolled the virtures of mezcal, thanked us for coming, and handed off to Richman, who recounted the first time he met Myers. This encounter took place late one night (or is that early one morning?) on the rooftop of the Hotel Monteleone, during Tales of the Cocktail. He gave Myers some Chartreuse VEP, and in turn Myers gave Richman a sip of Ilegal. Richman was hooked and immediately wanted to be involved with the nascent brand.

Stephen Myers

Myers started his presentation with the story of how he met John Rexer, his partner at Ilegal Mezcal. While doing nonprofit work in Latin America, Myers was unexpectedly thrust into a financial situation that necessitated a bartending gig at Café No Sé, Rexer’s bohemian dive in Antigua, Guatemala. What began with Rexer’s desire to share his passion for mezcal with customers soon became something much bigger. Rexer and Myers stocked the speakeasy-style mezcal bar, hidden behind the door of a vintage refrigerator, by transporting mezcal across the border from Oaxaca through “creative” means that included everything from simply hiding it in bags to something about “dressing up as priests” and river rafts. The Ilegal brand is named as a nod to those cross-border smuggling adventures.

Customer demand for mezcal soon eclipsed that for tequila, and when bar patrons began asking for bottles to take home, Myers and Rexer knew it was time to explore the idea of creating their own mezcal brand. From their extensive travels throughout Oaxaca they established a relationship with a fourth generation producer from the village of Tlacolula, and Ilegal Mezcal was born.

Before initiating the mezcal tasting, Myers briefly described the handcrafted distilling process. Ilegal Mezcal is made from the hearts of mature agave espadin, which is baked in an earthen pit, stone ground to a pulp, and left to naturally ferment. It’s then twice-distilled in small batches, and filtered once. Myers emphasized the artisanal aspect of everything in the Ilegal approach, from the harvesting of the agave to the handmade bottles, which feature wax tops and signed and individually numbered parchment labels.

Although Ilegal had already been certified for export by COMERCAM (Mexico’s regulatory council for mezcal), its name, which means “illegal” in Spanish, lead to problems with the TTB, the U.S. agency which must approve spirits labels for import. Eventually Ilegal was given the go-ahead, and it’s now available in California, New York and a number of selected U.S. markets. Locally, Ilegal is served at Las Perlas and the Tar Pit, and is available at Bristol Farms.

In a refreshing change from the norm, Myers said that he assumed everyone knew proper tasting technique and proceeded to lead us through the Ilegal range.

TASTING NOTES

Joven – An unaged, lighter mezcal. Upfront agave and anise on the nose, then pepper and wisps of smoke on entry. Long, smooth finish with a lingering heat.
Reposado – Aged 5 months in medium-charred new American oak barrels. Caramelized nose, then earthy agave, smoke, and heat. Finishes longer, lightly sweet, with lasting hints of smoke.
Añejo – Aged 3 years in a blend of American and French oak. Initial bitter orange notes, tobacco and peat on entry. Rich, velvety finish with sweet smoke, oak and pepper.

Heather Steere (L) and Raul Yrastorza (R)

After tasting through the three expressions, guests enjoyed cocktails mixed by Yrastorza and Las Perlas bartender Heather Steere. Among these libations was the Oaxacan Old-Fashioned, a superb drink created by Phil Ward (Mayahuel) that includes mezcal, reposado tequila, agave nectar and Angostura bitters.

Oaxacan Old-Fashioned

All three Ilegal Mezcal releases are well worth the time and effort to explore. With their smoothly balanced smoke and heat the Joven and Reposado are particularly suited for mixing. The Añejo is akin to a single malt in its rich, peaty complexity; perfect for sipping neat.

For more information visit www.ilegalmezcal.com.

Villains Tavern Opening Soon in Downtown LA’s Arts District

thirstyinla — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:28:49 +0000

The thriving downtown LA cocktail scene continues to expand with Villains Tavern, scheduled to open this month in the Arts District. Villains will serve handcrafted cocktails made with squeezed-to-order fresh juices, over two dozen draft beers, and an eclectic, adventurous wine list. Located at the corner of Palmetto Street and Santa Fe Avenue, Villains adds a bar and entertainment venue to a vibrant neighborhood that already includes Tony’s Saloon, Royal Clayton’s, Church & State, and Wurstküche.

Villains Tavern is owned by interior designer Dana Hollister, whose A-list clientele includes Madonna and Robert Downey Jr. In addition to Villains, Hollister has been the owner, founder and designer of ventures such as 4100 Bar, Cliff’s Edge, Brite Spot, Bordello Bar and the historic Paramour Mansion.

Regarding the Villains design, Hollister says, “If Jimi Hendrix and Jack the Ripper had opened a bar in the Haight in the 1860′s, this is what it would look like.” With that in mind, when guests enter Villains Tavern they can belly up to an 1880s bar from New York’s Bowery. Behind the bar, a Gothic-arched church window will be repurposed as a giant mirror. Vintage chandeliers and a 14-foot plate glass window (lined with 600 antique bottles) add to the lush, red-walled interior. Outdoor imbibing can be found at the two patios, which total 1600 square feet. Church pews provide seating, while an outdoor bar and stage will feature live shows and performances.

Villains will also offer a small plates menu and “familiar favorites” with a “villainous twist.” Not sure what that means, but with that theme don’t be surprised if you get entrees like Liver with Some Fava Beans and a Nice Chianti.

Villains Tavern
1356 Palmetto St. (at Santa Fe Ave.)
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Opening July 2010

The Edison Happy Hour Returns with the 35 Cent Martini and the Centennial Cocktail

thirstyinla — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 22:11:05 +0000

Summertime and the drinking is easy at The Edison, which is bringing back its popular Happy Hour specials beginning Wednesday, June 23rd. Foremost among the bargains is the deal that started it all: The 35 Cent Martini, as well as Friday’s $1 Centennial Cocktail, created in honor of the 100th birthday of the Higgins Building. The Edison is also featuring its Dog Days of Summer special, a combo that includes a giant kosher hot dog, a draft beer, and onion rings. Baseball and apple pie not included.

The Edison Happy Hour
Wednesdays and Thursdays
5-7pm
Featuring: the 35 Cent Martini (limit one per guest) and 40% off all Edison House Cocktails, well spirits, and select beer and wines by the glass.

The $1 Centennial Cocktail is offered every Friday from 5pm to 7pm (limit one per guest).

Happy Hour Food Menu
Wednesday-Friday
5-7pm
$5 items include Vegetable Panini, Kobe Beef Slider, Calamari, Chicken Wings or Grilled Cheese Sandwich. All items are served with Edison or Tesla (sweet potato) Fries.

The Dog Days of Summer
“A Dog & A Brew”
Wednesday-Friday
5-8pm
Hot dog, draft beer, and onion ring combo for $10

The Edison
108 W. 2nd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 613-0000
www.edisondowntown.com

June 27-28: The Pátron Tequila Epicurean Express Arrives in LA

thirstyinla — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:34:06 +0000

The Pátron Tequila Epicurean Express | Photo: St. Bernard Project

On June 27-28, St. Bernard Project (SBP) invites Angelenos to board the Patrón Tequila Epicurean Express, enjoy gourmet cuisine and cocktails, and raise funds to assist the fishing community and other residents impacted by the Gulf oil disaster.

The Epicurean Express is a restored 1927 rail car (it reportedly inspired the House of Blues Foundation Room) traveling around the country to raise money and awareness on behalf of SBP. In each of the five destination cities, SBP and The Patrón Spirits Company hosts a cocktail party and dinner with acclaimed local chefs. LA is the final stop, after visits earlier this month to Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and New Orleans. SBP’s goal is to raise $100,000.

The Los Angeles stop will take place over two nights: Sunday, June 27 and Monday, June 28. Sunday features an intimate gourmet dinner prepared by Susan Feniger (STREET), while Monday is a cocktail party featuring Feniger’s hors d’oeuvres. Both events will take place at Union Station in downtown LA.

For more information and to purchase tickets or make a donation, please visit the St. Bernard Project website.

Patrón Tequila Epicurean Express

Gourmet Dinner
Sunday, June 27, 2010
7-10pm
$500 per person
An intimate four-course dinner for 20 people aboard the rail car, including a cocktail hour, dinner and dessert, as well as the opportunity to meet Susan Feniger.

Cocktail Party
Monday, June 28, 2010
6:30-9:30pm
$50 per person
This event features complimentary Patrón Tequila cocktails, hors d’oeuvres from Susan Feniger, a silent auction, and tours of the Patrón Tequila Epicurean Express.

Union Station
800 N. Alameda St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(800) 872-7245

The Varnish and Las Perlas Finalists for 2010 AIA Restaurant Design Awards

thirstyinla — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:55:28 +0000

The Varnish | Photo: ZagatBuzz - Flickr

The finalists for the 2010 AIA|LA Restaurant Design Awards (RDA) have been announced, and two of the three nominees in the Bar/Lounge category come from LA’s 213 Ventures: The Varnish and Las Perlas. Ricki Kline (213′s resident designer) supervised both projects, in collaboration with Kelly Architects (The Varnish) and MASS Architecture + Design and Jeanmarie Dumouchel (Las Perlas).

Now in its sixth year, the AIA|LA (American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles) design competition is open to all individuals and practices, with both owners and architects/designers invited to submit. The project itself must be located in the United States, or the submitting individual/firm must be US-based.

The RDA Jury Panel includes distinguished members of the media, restaurant, and design industries:

2010 AIA|LA Restaurant Design Awards Jury

Lara Deam – Owner and Founder, Dwell
Ben Ford – Chef & Restaurateur, Ford’s Filling Station
Clive Piercy – Principal, Air Conditioned [design]
Joey Shimoda, AIA – Principal, Shimoda Design Group

The panel convened on May 20th to review this year’s entries and designate projects for recognition. Eleven projects were selected as finalists for this year’s competition: 3 in the Bar/Lounge Category, 3 in the Restaurant Category, and 5 in the Café Category.

Regarding the selection of the RDA finalists, Ben Ford said, “The finalists were ultimately chosen because they all conveyed something more honest, cohesive concepts that had grown organically, that didn’t challenge the diner but rather invited them to an experience.” Clive Piercy added, “We looked for strongly detailed designs with follow-through and integrity in the way that they were executed.”

Las Perlas | Photo: 213 Ventures

And the nominees are:

2010 Restaurant Design Awards Finalists

Bar/Lounge Category

Las Perlas (Los Angeles, CA)
Press Club (San Francisco, CA)
The Varnish (Los Angeles, CA)

Restaurant Category

Char No. 4 (Brooklyn, NY)
Choice Restaurant (Brooklyn, NY)
South Beverly Grill (Beverly Hills, CA)

Café Category

Café de Leche (Los Angeles, CA)
Intelligentsia Venice (Venice, CA)
Mod Market (Boulder, CO)
Sandwiched (New York, NY)
URBNMRKT (Los Angeles, CA)

Back by popular demand are The People’s Choice Awards, where AIA|LA invites foodies, imbibers and design geeks to vote for their favorite finalists in each of the three categories. Voting is now open at the 2010 RDA People’s Choice Awards page, and closes on Monday, June 21st at 12pm (PST).

Winners of the Jury Awards and People’s Choice Awards will be announced at the annual RDA Awards Ceremony on Friday, June 25th in conjunction with MOBIUS LA, the official design conference of AIA|LA.

Balblair Single Malt Scotch – US Launch

thirstyinla — Wed, 26 May 2010 04:33:06 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, Balblair Single Malt Scotch hosted an exclusive event in the Generator Room of the Edison to celebrate its U.S. launch. I was in New York that night, so filling in for me was Dylan of Eat Drink & Be Merry.

Following are Dylan’s words and pictures from the launch event.

“A few weeks ago, Daniel of Thirsty in LA asked me to step in for him while he did some liver damage over at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic. We attended a tasting event for Balblair, which was making its U.S. premiere at the Edison in Downtown LA.

“For many Scotch drinkers, we’re accustomed to seeing tiers of Scotch broken out in 12, 15, 18, etc year vintages. While it is a classic approach, Balblair takes its own approach by selecting whisky based on the year it is ready. In this case, we were treated to both single malt Scotch from 1991 and 1997. We showed up at the Edison and headed towards the tasting area, cloaked behind some curtains. A good number of people showed up, about 80, including Bill of Street Gourmet LA, Fiona of Gourmet Pigs and Esther of e*Star LA.

“After a short introductory speech from Balblair spokesmen, hors d’oeuvres were passed around along with the Balblair gold-colored liquid. We first sampled the 1997, which had very gentle notes of vanilla. I would almost consider it a very feminine Scotch as it was easy enough for my non-Scotch drinking wife to enjoy. I typically drink Scotch neat for a few sips and add in my own water to really wake up the aroma of the Scotch. The 1997 is actually better without water as it really took away from the subtle notes. And then the 1991 came around, and one whiff of this, I knew I would enjoy it. A nice fiery, peppery aroma that singes the nose hairs in a delightful way. It was very smooth and also had some subtle notes of fruit. Peach if I remember correctly.

“The Balblair 1997 can be purchased for about $45 and the 1991 at about $100. The spokesmen of Balblair were great to talk to and spent the time to share what they like most about their Scotch.

“We had a few more glasses and ended the night with some tapas at Lazy Ox Canteen.”

Scotch and Lazy Ox? Now that sounds like a proper night out. Thanks Dylan!

For more information about Balblair, visit www.balblair.com.

Themed Cocktail Hours at First and Hope

thirstyinla — Tue, 25 May 2010 17:29:46 +0000

Tonight, May 25, First & Hope Downtown Supper Club debuts its Themed Cocktail Hours, which take place Tuesday through Friday from 5-7pm. Each cocktail hour will feature different food and drink specials, based on that day’s theme.

Here are the details:

COCKTAIL HOUR – 5PM TO 7PM

TV Dinner Tuesdays

$10 “TV Dinners”
Special toasts to classic TV

Picnic & Beer Wednesdays

Gingham downtown picnic featuring $5 fried chicken and potato salad
Global selection of beers

Farmer’s Market Thursdays

“Smorgasbord of Fruits & Vegetables” for guests to choose from at the main bar
Guests’ selections are juiced to create bespoke cocktails
Free munchies

Fifties Fondue Fridays

Special menu of 50s classic cocktails
Free fondue

First & Hope Downtown Supper Club
710 W. 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 617-8555
www.firstandhope.com

May 25: Radio Room at the Edison

thirstyinla — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:52:46 +0000

Since its relaunch in February 2009, the Radio Room at the Edison has hosted guest mixologists from top bars such as Bourbon & Branch, Death & Co., Milk & Honey, Drink, Heaven’s Dog, Clyde Common, Cure, and Rickhouse. The most recent edition of the Radio Room welcomed Simon Ford (Pernod Ricard, London & NYC), Zane Harris (Rob Roy, Seattle), Giuseppe Gonzalez (Dutch Kills & Painkiller, NYC) and Don Lee (Momofuku Restaurants, NYC). Radio Room’s special cocktail menus feature signature cocktails from each guest, a great way to sample drinks from the best bars in the country.

On Tuesday, May 25, Radio Room returns with a reunion of sorts, as Joseph Brooke (The Edison’s Director of Spirits) welcomes his mentor, LA’s own Vincenzo Marianella (Copa d’Oro). Before joining The Edison, Brooke honed his skills at Copa d’Oro, named by 944 and LA magazine as LA’s Best New Bar, and the recipient of accolades from virtually every publication that follows contemporary cocktail culture.

Also visiting Radio Room is H. Joseph Ehrmann, of San Francisco’s Elixir. Located in the Mission District, Elixir was the first bar to be certified as a Green Business by the city. In March, Ehrmann was named the 2010 Bartender of the Year by Nightclub & Bar Magazine.

And traveling farther than any Radio Room guest to date is Hamish McShane, of Bayswater Brasserie in Sydney, Australia. McShane’s bar program has been internationally recognized, including being named one of the “World’s Top 20 Bars” by Bartender Magazine.

Radio Room at the Edison
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
108 W. 2nd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 613-0000
www.edisondowntown.com

Guest mixologists: Vincenzo Marianella, H. Joseph Ehrmann, Hamish McShane

Featuring: The Adrian Hibbs Project

Doors at 8pm
21 and over
Presale tickets available online
$10.00 tickets at the door on event night

5/21: CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT FROM DAN COX PR

From Saturday through Tuesday (5/22 to 5/25), you can win VIP entrance to Radio Room for you and a guest, plus three drink tickets per person! Just follow @DanCoxPR and the new @TheEdisonLA on Twitter, and send out this tweet:

“WIN VIP ENTRANCE TO RADIO ROOM AT THE EDISON – the original gathering of the world’s greatest bartenders! @DanCoxPR @TheEdisonLA”

One random winner will be selected each day during the contest. Not only that, but the person who re-tweets the most throughout the contest (Saturday through Tuesday) wins entrance for six people and twenty drink tickets!

For full contest details, visit Dan Cox PR. Good luck everyone!