Of course, what would Derby Day be without the Mint Julep? “Hold Your Horses” has you covered with a “100 Years of the Mint Julep” menu created by Marcos Tello. Among the historic cocktails:

• Gin Julep: “Truly one of the first Julep variations on record, this one comes to us by way of Harry Johnson’s 1882 bar manual. A lovely combination of ‘Holland’s Gin,’ demerara sugar, mint & pineapple.”
• Georgia Julep: “As our nation grew with the Industrial Revolution, so did our palates and ‘French Brandy’ was the choice of juleps for many years. Combining Cognac, Peach Liqueur, mint & Jamaican Rum.”
• Kentucky Julep: “It was indeed the ‘whisky’ variation that defined The Kentucky Derby. Served lavishly with Bourbon, sugar, mint & berries.”

Included in the ticket price is a Kentucky Derby-inspired buffet, featuring: assorted canapés, pulled pork sandwiches, Kentucky hot brown sandwiches, garlic truffle fries, bourbon glazed chicken wings and shrimp and corn fritters. Dessert will include pecan tarts and cream cheese and chocolate fudge brownies.

Following the event, guests can use their “Hold Your Horses” ticket stub for a complimentary cocktail at Seven Grand.

To purchase tickets, please call (213) 630-5255.

Hold Your Horses
Kentucky Derby Viewing Party
Saturday, May 5, 2012
12:30pm-4pm
Admission: $35/person (includes entry, complimentary Mint Julep, buffet)
Featuring:

• 100 Years of the Mint Julep menu by Marcos Tello
• Kentucky Derby-inspired buffet
• Live bluegrass by the Bastards of Belleville
• Games and prizes

Los Angeles Athletic Club
431 West 7th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 625-2211
www.laac.com

All cocktails are regularly priced at $12 unless otherwise noted.

Luau Old Fashioned

The session began with one of the big guns, the Luau Old Fashioned ($13): Franklin’s ’cue-infused Old Granddad 114° and Balcones Brimstone, roasted pineapple syrup, smoked espresso-cherry bitters. The menu notes that “Allan went down to Austin to get the nation’s greatest ribs into your drink. From there we layer on everything you’d find at a luau except the volcano.” Crouch explained that this latest iteration of the cocktail ups the meat and smoke factor; vegetarians are urged to try something else on the menu.

The Original Fog-Killer ($14): Old New Orleans Cajun Spiced Rum, Plantation Overproof Rum, Plymouth Gin, St. Vivant Armagnac, a spoonful of bitters, fresh pineapple and citrus, house coconut cream and orgeat, “evil.”

Apparently imitation isn’t the sincerest form of flattery, at least according to the Caña menu: “Our Frankenstein-ing of two tiki classics inspired theft!” An epic mashup of the classic Fog Cutter and Painkiller tiki drinks, the Original Fog-Killer first made its Caña debut as a punch. Though it’s now in a more manageable single-serving size, it’s still dangerously good and loses none of its firepower.

Angela Gomez

Rope Burn: Smith & Cross, Aperol, Bonal Gentiane.

One of the standouts of the spring menu, the Rope Burn by Dave Shenaut Ron Dollete is a riff on a drink created by Justin Pike (The Tasting Kitchen). As Dollete wrote in his blog post, the Smith & Cross “takes the bitter elements away and replaces it with funky and sweet notes.”

Coffee & Cigarettes

We moved on to the Pistols, drink-for-drink the best section of the new menu. First up was the delicious Coffee & Cigarettes, a Crouch creation made with Vietnamese-style coffee, Jamaican Rum, dashes of Campari and Cedilla Açai liqueur, finished with a spray of Cohiba tincture. While there’s no literal “cigarette” paired with the cocktail (as in the 1886 cocktail of the same name), the subtle hint of smoke comes through in the finish. The cocktail’s name alone seems to be a draw; several were ordered during the tasting.

Snake Eyes, a Pistol by Milan de la Rocha made with Banks Rum, fresh lime, pasilla pepper, eucalyptus syrup, Yellow Chartreuse and two drops of absinthe.

Burmese Madam

Most people would describe the Burmese Madam as a Pegu Club variation, an excellent sipper made with Plymouth Gin, lime, house-made grenache curacao and orange-rose bitters. Of course, Katz isn’t most people, so the menu lists the Burmese Madam thusly: “If there existed a secret brothel beneath the original Pegu Club this would be its house specialty.”

Spring Street Cobbler

Katz describes Spring Street in Downtown LA as the “Talladega Speedway for walks of shame.” For those unfortunate “squirrels” who are (hopefully) making their way home, he’s thoughtfully created the low-proof Spring Street Cobbler: Vino de Verdejo, Citadelle Gin, fresh lime, canela syrup, elderflower.

St. Raphael Sour: Don Q Añejo, fresh lime, Farigoule, pineapple, crème de cacao.

With her St. Raphael Sour, Gomez pays tribute to F. Scott Fitzgerald, who is credited with the first published record of the daiquiri. Farigoule, a thyme liqueur from the Provence region of France, was popular in St. Raphael, where Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby. Who says drinking isn’t educational?

Gostosa: Novo Fogo Aged Cachaça, rye whiskey, citrus, spiced passionfruit syrup, orange flower water.

A sample of Erbin Garcia’s Erb & Rye punch, made with Old Overholt Rye, fresh lemon, black tea, ginger, pomegranate, blueberry.

Arms Race

We went back to the Cannons and finished the tasting with a bang. The Arms Race ($13) was inspired by a visit to New York’s Amor y Amargo, where Sother Teague introduced Katz and Dollete to the Eight Amaro Sazerac. Never one to back down from a challenge, Katz fortifies the Arms Race with nine kinds of bitters, an absinthe rinse and a dash of Peychaud’s. Over to you, NYC!

There’s also a raffle, with prizes including Bar Keeper items, “forbidden rums” and a date with Caña bartender Milan de la Rocha. Proceeds from the raffle benefit charity: water, a non-profit organization that brings clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations.

In honor of last year’s Thirsty in LA 2-Year Blogiversary bash at Caña, Katz composed an ode to bartenders, bloggers and enthusiasts the world over. Remember these verses as we stretch our livers and prepare to celebrate Caña’s second birthday:

~A Pledge to the Bar Rag~

Whether bartender or imbiber; shaker or typer, let us each toast the spirit of the world’s greatest fighters,

the men and the women dedicated to making souls brighter.

So let’s raise ‘em high and make this an all-nighter!

Caña Two-Year Anniversary
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Doors at 8pm
No cover
Featuring:

• Jeremy Sole (KCRW, 10pm to close)
• Raffle
• No Jodas Cuban Kitchen food truck

Caña Rum Bar
714 W. Olympic Blvd. (at Flower)
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 745-7090
www.canarumbar.com

Airstream Libation: Pueblo Viejo Blanco Tequila, R. Jelínek Fernet, Toasted Coconut Infused Demerara, Fresh Lime, Kaffir Lime Leaves, Egg White.

Cool Revival: Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey, Cynar, Yuzu, Cucumber, with Lemon and Dill Meringue.

Greetings from Xanadu: Banks 5 Island Rum, Pama, Java Juice Liquid Coffee Extract, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice

Nebbia Rossa

The Nebbia Rossa (“Red Fog”) is my favorite of the spring menu, made with Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Campari, Bittermens Citron Sauvage, Dolin Blanc. This neo-Negroni has a flavor profile that’s right up my alley, a mix of smoky and bitter that opens up with the Bittermens grapefruit liqueur. I would enjoy this cocktail any time of year, not just this season. (Recipe below.)

Night and the City

Night and the City is Mandeville’s excellent take on the Bloody Mary, made with Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, Bittermens Hellfire, Miracle Mile Candy Cap Mushroom Bitters, Heirloom Tomato Shrub, Black Pepper and Squid Ink Syrup, Fresh Horseradish. Mandeville’s housemade ingredients helps the Night and the City stand out from the legions of Bloody Mary variations. Its Film Noir name is a nod to its black and white appearance, which is livened up by a pickled watermelon radish that you’ll wish was offered as a side dish.

Shotgun Wedding: Laird’s Bonded Apple Brandy, Prosecco, Lemon Juice, Granny Smith Apples, Maple Sugar.

Stepchild: Black Grouse Blended Scotch, Cardamaro, Kumquat Cordial, Orange Juice.

Trädgård (“Garden”): Karlsson’s Gold Vodka, Oro Blanco, Cocchi Americano, Fee Brothers Grapefruit Bitters, Lemon Juice, Chives

Ver La Luz Del Día (“To See the Light of Day”): Kappa Pisco, Lillet Blanc, Hangar Vodka, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Basil

Yellow Jacket Fever

The Yellow Jacket Fever is a collaboration with bartender Jen Len, made with Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin, Yellow Chartreuse, Chamomile Infused Honey, Black Peppercorns. Mandeville said Len had been working with rye as the base of the Yellow Jacket Fever; Mandeville suggested the Nolet’s.

Spring Cocktail Menu Launch
Wednesday March 28, 2012
5pm to close
Spring cocktails: $8

Drago Centro
The City National Bank Plaza
525 South Flower Street, Suite 120
Los Angeles, CA 90071
www.dragocentro.com

• 1.5 oz Del Maguey Vida Mezcal
• .5 oz Campari
• .5 oz Bittermens Citron Sauvage
• .75 Dolin Blanc

Preparation:

• Stir ingredients with ice.
• Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
• Garnish with a grapefruit twist.

As great as 2011 was for thirsty Angelenos, 2012 has shifted into an even higher gear with a slew of new bars and cocktail programs. The former Les Deux has been reborn as Sadie, with cocktails by Giovanni Martinez. Ammo recently debuted a new farm-to-glass cocktail menu created by Jason Robey. On deck is the legendary Tom Bergin’s Tavern, with cocktails and a world-class Irish whiskey list curated by Marcos Tello. Also opening soon is Planet Dailies, with head bartender Joe Brooke and a Mixology101 program created by Salvatore Calabrese.

The dynamic drinks duo of Steve Livigni and Pablo Moix has been on fire, witness the recent openings of Blue Cow, Plan Check and the upcoming Pour Vous. Speaking of Messrs. Livigni and Moix, one of their previous projects, Harvard & Stone, is celebrating its one-year anniversary as this post goes live. H&S has had quite a run on its 12-month journey to becoming one of the best bars in the country, from a stellar list of bartenders in its R&D Bar to the top notch music on its stage and the DJs rocking the house.

There must be something about bars that open in February, because The Varnish is toasting its Three-Year Anniversary on Friday, February 24th! To mark the occasion, the acclaimed downtown LA bar is ladling free Bols Genever punch from 7pm-10pm (while it lasts). To put everyone in the proper celebratory mood, Jamie Elman (The Varnish’s regular Monday pianist) will be tickling the ivories all night.

Now you might be asking yourself, “Self, what about The Varnish’s no-standing-at-the-bar policy?” Not to worry, friends. Varnish GM Chris Bostick said for this special occasion “we don’t mind swinging the doors wide open for a few hours,” so come on down and wish a Happy Anniversary to The Varnish. Cheers to many more years of great cocktails!

The Varnish
Three-Year Anniversary
Friday, February 24, 2012
Doors at 7pm
Featuring:

• Free Bols Genever punch (7-10pm)
• Music by Jamie Elman

The Varnish
118 E. Sixth St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 622-9999
www.thevarnishbar.com

On Tuesday, February 14th, The Edison is hosting the Queen of Hearts Valentine’s Ball, a Valentine’s Day soiree that features a special punch, an optional prix fixe dinner and the Queen of Hearts All-Star Band. Individual tickets are on sale now for $25 and include a cup of the Queen’s Punch: gin, Perrier Jouet and strawberries. For $100, couples can enjoy cups of the Queen’s Punch and dessert: Valentine’s Cupcakes (Red Velvet and Chocolate) with a glass of Port Wine.

Table reservations are $185 per couple and include cups of the Queen’s Punch and dinner for two. This special prix fixe menu offers guests the following:

• Reserved table for two
• A bud vase for the lady with a long stem rose
• Choice of Appetizer: Shrimp Cocktail, Angel Egg or Edison Meatballs
• Dinner Salad
• Choice of: Flatiron Steak with Garlic Fries; Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes and Creamed Leeks; Salmon with Cous Cous; or Deconstructed Vegetarian Sandwich
• Dessert

TICKET GIVEAWAY CONTEST IS CLOSED
To help get you in the loving mood, The Edison is giving away five pairs of $25 tickets to the Queen of Hearts Ball! It couldn’t be easier to enter the contest. First, “Like” the Facebook pages for Thirsty in LA and The Edison. Then, leave a comment in this post that describes the most romantic thing that you’ve ever experienced or done for your sweetheart. (Try to keep it clean, kids.) Comments must be posted by 6pm on Monday, February 13th. The randomizer will pick five lucky winners, who will be notified by email. Good luck!

Queen of Hearts Valentine’s Ball
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Doors at 7pm
$25 online tickets: www.edisondowntown.com/tickets/index.php?eventid=1003

Featuring:

• Queen’s Punch
• Optional prix fixe dinner with table reservation
• Queen of Hearts Band – singers, musicians and dancers
• DJ Jonny

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

Image courtesy The Edison

Daniel Zacharczuk

North by Northwest

Thinking it was named after one of my all-time favorite movies, I had to try Swifka’s North by Northwest: raisin-infused Rhum Barbancourt, Krogstad Aquavit, Amaro Meletti, lime, Don’s Mix No. 2 and honey. Swifka later told me the name was chosen “as a sort of loose association nod to Scandinavia. Feels evocative of the flavors in the glass…and [the name] rolls off the tongue.” It’s a nuanced tall drink, with butterscotch notes from the rhum, anise and caraway seed from the aquavit, and something akin to the tangy bite of ginger in the sweet and slightly bitter finish.

Summer Focus

Next up was one of Zacharczuk’s cocktails, the Summer Focus: Pueblo Viejo Añejo Tequila, Cynar, lime, cucumber and meringue. It’s a well-named cocktail, given current weather conditions. With the artichoke liqueur as its backbone, the floral and fruity añejo stands out and the endless summer continues with each sip. The “meringue” is actually the egg white that gives the drink its rich texture.

Black Magic Woman

Then it was time for another Swifka libation, the Black Magic Woman: Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Heering Coffee Liqueur, Amaro Averna, lime and pineapple. A rinse of Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey gives the cocktail an initial nose of smoky peatiness, but the first sip from the oversize brandy snifter is surprisingly tropical. Zacharczuk noted that you can taste each of the cocktail’s ingredients, though if you didn’t know the components, you’d likely think you’d ordered a Tiki drink. The Black Magic Woman had cast her spell; it’s an excellent drink that I will revisit again this season. All I need is B|K’s fireplace and a smoking jacket.

Crispy beef tongue

The soft-spoken Tokmadjian describes his menu as New American, which he interprets in dishes with influences from around the globe. First up from the Small Eats section: crispy beef tongue with horseradish, dill crème fraiche and radishes. The tongue was indeed crisp, paired nicely with the sharp bite of the radishes and horseradish.

Roasted bone marrow, aka the bone luge

I’ve enjoyed the roasted bone marrow with parsley salad, pickled Fresno chilies and grilled bread numerous times at Bar | Kitchen. But it was at another top downtown bar a couple of days before New Year’s Eve where the leftover bones were put to their greatest use: in a round of bone luges. (For the record, Cynar was poured for me, and it was delicious.)

Beef short rib pot roast

If the sunny blue skies decide to step aside for more appropriate weather, Tokmadjian’s beef short rib pot roast with winter vegetables, parsnip puree and horseradish will be an ideal dish to enjoy. Even if the temps stay warm, the fork-tender meat will still convey the spirit of the season with every bite.

And in case you were wondering, the crack tots are still on the menu.

Bar | Kitchen
O Hotel
819 S. Flower St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 623-9904
www.barandkitchenla.com

Fated Seeds

We began with the Fated Seeds: Nolet’s Gin, housemade persimmon shrub, Miracle Mile Bergamot Bitters, basil, soda water. It may be the winter menu, but this tall drink would be a perfect sipper for warmer months (if only persimmons were in season). The Fated Seeds is bright and refreshing, with the Nolet’s distinctive floral notes offset by the tart, sweet shrub and balanced by the soda. The drink’s name comes from the folk tale that says you can predict the severity of the upcoming winter by cutting open a persimmon seed. Depending on whether the kernel inside is shaped like a spoon, fork or knife, the snowfall will be heavy, light, or “cut” by icy winds.

Storsjön

Next was the Storsjön, made with Karlsson’s Vodka, Ramazzotti, Dimmi Liquore di Milano, Peychaud’s Bitters, rambutan and lime. I’ve enjoyed the vodka drinks that Mandeville has created for previous menus, but the medicinal Storsjön didn’t really do it for me, though its bitter flavor notes are usually right in my comfort zone. Storsjön is the fifth largest lake in Sweden and is said to be the home of Storsjöodjuret, aka “The Great-Lake Monster.”

Grimhilda

The Grimhilda (named for Queen Grimhilde from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs) is made with Laird’s Bonded Apple Brandy, house infused chipotle honey, PAMA and lemon. The sugar rim and lemon curl evoke a Brandy Crusta, while the flavor profile is reminiscent of a Jack Rose. Sweet without being cloying, the Grimhilda is described by Mandeville as a “girly drink with an edge.”

Rode Duivel

My first glance at the drink list had already singled out the Rode Duivel (“Red Devil”): Bols Genever, Santa Maria al Monte Amaro, Miracle Mile Sour Cherry Bitters. Quite the libation, especially when the malty genever and menthol qualities of the amaro start to open up. And this may break protocol, but nibble on the dried cherry garnish and take a sip for added enjoyment.

Silver Screen Quotations

The Silver Screen Quotations does a great impersonation of movie theater Red Hots: 123 Blanco Tequila, housemade Thai chili-cinnamon syrup, red bell pepper, mint, lime. Nicely balanced with a gentle kick of heat at the end. Try sipping it without the straw to fully appreciate the saffron salt rim.

Western all’Italiana

The Western all’Italiana (the Italian term for “Spaghetti Western”) had also caught my eye, and not just because it’s named for one of my favorite movie genres: High West Double Rye!, Cointreau, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, cranberry-oregano infused molasses, Gala apple. Another winner that’s full of winter spice and depth, its color a red that’s as deep as the blood spilled in a Sergio Leone shootout.

Breaking Castagne

Then came a perfect holiday cocktail, the Breaking Castagne: Hardy VSOP Cognac, Sombra Mezcal, The Bitter Truth Chocolate Bitters, housemade Italian chestnut syrup, egg white, topped with fresh nutmeg. Richly textured, with a subtle smoke from the mezcal. Mandeville came up with the name as a nod to the labor-intensive chestnut (castagne) syrup.

Dead Man's Tale

Mandeville pays tribute to Shearin (and his love for all things Disney) with the Dead Man’s Tale: Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum, Bombay Gin, Bertagnolli Grappa, oloroso sherry, Bitterman’s Amer Nouvelle, St. Vincent’s Orgeat, lemon, orange juice, Galliano mist. There’s a lot going on in Mandeville’s take on the Fog Cutter, but she pulls it off.

Remedy X

Next up was another cocktail shout out, this time an ode to Sam Ross dubbed the Remedy X: rosemary-infused Bushmill’s Black Bush Whiskey, ginger-infused agave, lemon. A nice variation on the Penicillin, with a ginger bite that was just what the doctor ordered.

Eve's Demise

And finally, the Eve’s Demise: Black Grouse Scotch, Belle de Brillet Pear Liqueur, housemade hibiscus apple cider, maple syrup. Mandeville explained that she had been looking for something to incorporate the apple cider, which was made by bartender Jen Len. The Eve’s Demise is served hot, and while the drink alone is already an excellent winter warmer, it’s the “candied apple” garnish (apple, bacon and maple sugar) that really takes it to another level.

To celebrate the launch of the Winter Cocktail Menu, Drago Centro will be offering drink specials on all of the new libations for one night only. The signature drinks (normally $12 each) will be specially priced at $8 after 5pm on Wednesday, December 28th.

Drago Centro Winter Cocktail Menu Launch
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
5pm to close
Winter Cocktails: $8

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

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.

Free French Dips: get 'em while you can.

Cole’s is joining in the festivities with a New Year’s Eve-style bash counting down to midnight that includes:

• Free French Dip sandwiches for the first 200 guests in honor of Cole’s anniversary.
• Free Bathtub Gin Punch by Plymouth Gin, served from a bathtub ice sculpture from 9pm to midnight (or until it runs out).
• Midnight champagne toast to start Repeal Day.

2010 Jimmy Barela Award winner Oliver Jones makes his Myrtle Berry Flip.

Jimmy Barela Award
Before the stroke of midnight, two of LA’s top bartenders will go head-to-head and vie for the Jimmy Barela Award, which honors the legendary bartender who held court at the Red Car Bar for 65 years, from 1918 to 1983. In 2009, the inaugural award went to Julian Cox (for his G.T. Foam Home) and last year’s winner was Oliver Jones with his Myrtle Berry Flip. Both barmen had their winning cocktails featured on the Red Car bar menu.

This year’s finalists will be selected from a pool of eight bartenders competing earlier on Sunday at The Varnish, in an invitation-only tournament hosted by Eric Alperin and judged by industry peers. The 2011 Jimmy Barela Award winner will be announced at midnight, and the victor will have the honor of pouring the champagne down the pyramid of glasses set up for the occasion.

For more Repeal Day specials and recipes, be sure to check out Caroline on Crack’s LA Weekly round up.

Click to view.

Cole’s 103rd Anniversary and Repeal Day Celebration
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Starting at 9pm
Featuring:

• Free Cole’s French Dips for the first 200 guests
• Free Bathtub Gin Punch (while it lasts)
• Jimmy Barela Award competition
• Midnight champagne toast
• Live 3-piece jazz band
• Prohibition-era attire encouraged

Cole’s
118 E. 6th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 622-4090
www.colesfrenchdip.com

The Edison recently introduced a new cocktail to its winter menu, the Edison 77. Created by The Edison’s own Andrew Smith, the Edison 77 is named in honor of Thomas Edison’s invention of the phonograph in 1877. Ingredients for The Edison 77 include Applejack, Prosecco, Fresh Lemon and Honey Syrup.

Each year during the holidays, The Edison participates in a toy drive to benefit the Midnight Mission in Downtown LA. This year, to encourage Angelenos to get into the spirit of the season, The Edison will give a complementary Edison 77 to each customer who brings a new, unwrapped toy to The Edison between Wednesday, November 30th and Thursday, December 22nd.

Last year, The Edison toy drive helped provide Christmas gifts for 6,000 children who would otherwise not have had a new toy to open on Christmas day. The Edison hopes to reach its goal of collecting 3,000 toys this year.

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

Photo by The Edison.