They take care of us whether we’re celebrating our triumphs or drowning our sorrows, but where do bartenders go and what do they do when they’re not behind the stick? Now that spring has sprung (and seemingly gone straight to summer), it’s a great time to get out and explore our city. Beefeater 24 surveyed Los Angeles bartenders from the Edison, the Doheny (now Caña), Rush Street, and more to see where they would go in their Ultimate 24 Hours in LA. Now, I can’t vouch for the scientific validity of this survey, but there are some fun questions and a few surprises to be found in the results. Let’s review them, shall we?

Table I. (Click to enlarge)

Table I asks bartenders where they go to hike, hear live music, surf, and take a stroll. No surprises here, with Runyon Canyon, the Hollywood Bowl, Venice Beach, and the Farmer’s Market coming out on top. Although I’m curious, which bartenders enjoy strolling through Rodeo Drive?

Table II. (Click to enlarge)

Table II has a couple of touristy things: where bartenders prefer to eat a “star-gazing lunch” (the Ivy) and “shop where the stars shop” (Fred Segal is the big winner). Then an odd one, where do bartenders get their hair done? Chaz Dean apparently, though 58% of the voters didn’t respond. Kogi BBQ and In-N-Out tied in the Late Night Bite category.

Table III. (Click to enlarge)

Table III starts off with a couple of big winners: The ArcLight for favorite movie theater, and The Getty Center for art exhibits. Surprisingly, not one vote for MOCA despite its downtown location and younger, hipper demographic. Finally, bartenders were asked when they preferred to enjoy their Beefeater 24 cocktail, with 43% answering “before starting a night out in Downtown LA.” Here’s a question for a future survey: what cocktail that would be?

A week after Las Perlas made its long-awaited debut, cocktail enthusiasts will have another new 213 Downtown destination to visit when Caña Rum Bar soft opens tonight. The latest from Cedd Moses is a reboot of the exclusive Doheny members-only bar, which became as well-known for its high roller membership fees as it did for its cocktails. In its new incarnation, Caña has been reimagined as a 1930′s Caribbean lounge, featuring over 140 small-batch rums, a rum-based cocktail menu, and seasonal wines and beers from the world’s rum producing capitals. There will be live Caribbean & tropical Latin music, plus weekly drink specials such as $6 Mojitos and Daiquiris. Caña’s focus on rum follows on the other 213 bars devoted to a single spirit, Seven Grand (whiskey) and Las Perlas (tequila/mezcal).

The idea of converting the Doheny to Caña was initiated by 213′s in-house spirits consultant John Coltharp, the bar manager at Seven Grand. Joel Black, the Doheny’s GM, embraced the concept and worked with  John on crafting the drink program and transitioning the Doheny. The Caña cocktail menu will feature signature creations and classic rum cocktails from daiquiris to Tiki drinks. Freshly-made, seasonal rum punches will be served to groups on the patio, a greenhouse that became the Doheny’s outdoor smoking lounge. The Caña team hosted tastings last week for current members and close friends, reportedly to enthusiastic response.

Caña will still be a members-only venue, but its annual membership fee has been drastically reduced to just $20. Included in this fee is membership in the Caña Rum Society, which will host complimentary rum tastings and spirit education gatherings. The program is modeled on the esteemed Seven Grand Whiskey Society, co-created by John during his tenure.

And what of the Doheny’s current members, who shelled out serious coin for their dues? They’ll be credited drinks and services at Caña, equivalent to the remaining time left on their Doheny membership, as well as gratis lifetime membership to the Caña Rum Society.

For membership inquiries, contact General Manager Joel Black: joel@thedoheny.com

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

The soft opening is at 6pm on Thursday, March 18, 2010.

Caña will be open 6pm-2am Monday through Friday, Saturday from 7pm-2am, with Sundays reserved for private parties and special events.

For the first 30 days following Caña’s March 18th opening, all $20 of your annual membership fee will be donated to relief efforts in Haiti, home of Rhum Barbancourt, widely regarded as one of the best rums produced in Latin America. Proceeds will benefit the United States Foundation for the Children of Haiti (USFCH.org).

No matter how you make your donation, please give what you can, now and in the weeks and months to come.

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Click to enlarge.

The Doheny – Haiti Needs Help Now!

• Tuesday, Jan. 19
• $15 suggested donation
• Cash bar
• Business casual attire requested
• Doors at 8:30pm

The members-only Doheny opens its doors tonight, with all proceeds going to support Haiti relief efforts. To go with your libations, free appetizers and dessert are being donated by Papa Cristo’s and BabyCakes. You’ll also have a chance to win dinner for four at The Gorbals.

The Doheny
714 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
thedoheny.com

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The Edison – Doctors Without Borders Benefit
Wednesday, Jan. 20 – Saturday, Jan. 23

• $10 suggested donation at the door (per person, each night)

Silent Auction – Friday, Jan. 22
~ 5pm-8pm
~ featuring:

• The Most Interesting Man in the World Dinner for Two
• Alice Cooper 1970′s Tour Souvenirs
• Tim Burton Autographed Artist Proof Books
• Dodgers Dugout Tickets
• Kings Tickets and Memorabilia
• Cold Case Set Visit and Lunch with Kathryn Morris
• Edison Whiskey Tasting for Six
• and more Sports Items and Celebrity Memorabilia

eBay Auction: Jan. 25 – Feb. 8 (details TBA)

In addition to its usual calendar of cocktail events (see below), the Edison is asking for donations at the door from Wednesday through Saturday. A special Silent Auction takes place on Friday, and an eBay Auction will open on Monday, Jan. 25. All proceeds benefit the Doctors Without Borders Haiti Relief Fund.

(Updated 1/20)

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

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For more information on Haiti relief fundraisers throughout the city:

• Citysearch – How to Help Haiti
• The Daily Dish – Help for Haiti
• Gourmet Pigs – Upcoming Events + Help Haiti

For a guide to online and text message donations, be sure to check out Mashable’s Haiti Earthquake Relief: 9 Ways to Help Now.

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Image: the Edison

The Edison – 2010 New Deal
The Haiti fundraiser coincides with the Edison’s “2010 New Deal” promotion, which celebrates Franklin D. Roosevelt (who repealed Prohibition) and the 100th Anniversary of the Higgins Building (home of the Edison). The New Deal cocktail specials are Wednesday through Friday, from 5pm to 7pm, as follows:

• Wednesday – Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Higgins Building with The Centennial Cocktail ($1).
• Thursday – Each week, enjoy a different “Vintage” Cocktail at the “Vintage Price” of 35 cents.
• Friday – Featuring The Fireside, an Old Fashioned made with Woodford Reserve ($1).
• Note: limit one Featured Cocktail per person/per night.

Cheers to a fantastic 2010!

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2009
Thursday, December 31, 2009

8 oz. Burger Bar
Govind Armstrong’s Melrose eatery closes its doors to throw a private New Year’s Eve Party, and you’re invited.

• Passed appetizers, dessert buffet, Champagne toast at midnight, and a DJ
• $35 pre-sale, $45 at the door

8 oz. Burger Bar
9pm-2am
7661 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
www.8ozburgerbar.com
Reservations: (323) 852-0008

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Comme Ça
“Les Années Folles”
Take the Wayback Machine to 1920′s Paris with Comme Ça’s prix fixe menu, featuring Amuse, Relevés, Supplement, Entrées, Pièces de Resistance, and Le Dessert courses.

• Five-course tasting menu: $95
• Wine pairings: $35 (standard) or $60 (premium)
• Champagne toast
• Period attire encouraged but not required

Comme Ça
Seatings begin at 5pm
8479 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
www.commecarestaurant.com
Reservations: (323) 782-1104 or maria@commecarestaurant.com

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Copa d’Oro
Just in time to ring in the new year, Copa d’Oro recently debuted four punches, including the appropriately-named 2010 (Sazerac Rye, Sweet Sherry, Elderflower Liqueur, fresh lemon juice, organic pear juice, Prosecco). No cover, two price points for table reservations.

Premium Tables

• $50/person (minimum four guests)
• Includes 1 bottle of Louis Roederer

Standard Tables

• $25/person (minimum four guests)
• Includes 1 bottle of Prosecco

Copa d’Oro
Featuring: DJ Kid Japer
8pm-2am
217 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90401
www.copadoro.com
Reservations: (310) 576-3030
NOTE: Copa d’Oro mailing list members who reserve a NYE table receive an additional complimentary bottle of Prosecco. RSVP: events@copadoro.com

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The Doheny
“Divine Lang Syne”
Cedd Moses’ private cocktail den opens its doors to non-members on NYE, with reserved table dinner packages and luxe amenities.

Reserved Table Seating:

Divine Deluxe – $525

• Bottle of Perrier-Jouët La Fleur Brut Champagne
• Dinner for two at Rivera
• One night stay at the O Hotel

Platinum Reserve – $450

• Bottle of Perrier-Jouët La Fleur Brut Champagne
• Dinner for two at Rivera

Gold Reserve – $350

• Bottle of Perrier-Jouët La Fleur Brut Champagne
• One night stay at the O Hotel

Silver Reserve – $200

• Bottle of Perrier-Jouët La Fleur Brut Champagne

Amenities:

• Tableside punch service
• Flights of luxury scotches and cognacs
• Complimentary artisinal cheese plate
• Handmade French chocolates

The Doheny
Featuring: DJ busbus
8pm-2am
714 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
thedoheny.com
Reservations: joel@thedoheny.com

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The Edison
“The Nautilist’s Ball”
The Edison’s second annual NYE bash features live music, performers, dining, and of course the Green Fairy.

• Individual tickets: $75
• Limited table reservations start at $300/table
• Entry includes Champagne Toast and Desserts at Midnight.
• All table reservations include a bottle of Champagne, midnight toast, desserts and entrance.

The Edison
Featuring: DJ Imagika, Gifted Performers, and Abney Park
Doors at 8pm
108 W. 2nd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
www.edisondowntown.com
Table reservations: (213) 613-0000

NOTE: Pre-sale tickets for NYE are sold out! Tickets will be available at the door and space will become available as guests exit the venue. Tickets purchased at the door are $75.

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The Foundry on Melrose
“Hello 2010″
The Foundry is offering two seatings for Eric Greenspan’s special tasting menus, as well as a cocktail party in the lounge with passed apps and live jazz.

• First seating, 6-7:15pm – $95 ($135 with wine pairing)
• Second seating, 9-10:15pm – $150 ($200 with wine pairing)

Lounge Cocktail Party – $35

• 10pm-2am
• All you can eat passed hors d’oeuvres
• Complimentary champagne toast at midnight
• Live jazz all night

The Foundry on Melrose
7465 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
www.thefoundryonmelrose.com
Reservations: (323) 651-0915

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The Hungry Cat
“la nochevieja”
Hollywood’s Gato Hambriento is saying adios to the Aughts with an Iberian-influenced menu and an open bar.

• Spanish-influenced, multi-course feast
• Open bar featuring Hungry Cat Cocktails, Spanish wines, draft/bottled beers
• $135/person

The Hungry Cat
1535 Vine St.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
www.thehungrycat.com
Reservations: (323) 462-2155

Rivera
If you’ve ever thought about tasting Julian Cox’s entire top notch cocktail menu, NYE is your chance to do so…in ninety minutes. Oh, and there’s John Sedlar’s wonderful food, too.

Bottomless Cocktail Party

• 11pm-12:30am
• Unlimited cocktails from the Rivera Specialty Cocktails menu, plus “special punches”
• $50 pre-sale for a seat at the bar or lounge

Dinner options

• 6:30-7:30pm: 6-course menu ($75/guest)
• 9-10pm: 7-course menu ($110/guest)
• Wine pairings: $50 & $75
• Luis Roederer Brut Premier: $18/glass & $75/bottle

Rivera
1050 S. Flower St, #102
Los Angeles, CA 90015
www.riverarestaurant.com
Reservations: (213) 749-1460

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Seven Grand
Get warmed up at downtown’s Whiskey Wonderland with $8 Manhattans til 9pm, then choose from three party options.

Seven Grand Private Reserve Seating

• Jackalope Drawing Room
• Choice of bottle: Perrier-Jouët La Fleur or Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
• $180 for two guests

Seven Grand Top Shelf Seating

• Choice of bottle: Perrier-Jouët Champagne or Sazerac Rye
• $140 for two guests

General Admittance

• $20 after 9:30pm
• Complimentary East Coast Toast at 9pm, L.A. Toast at Midnight

Seven Grand
7pm-2am
Featuring: Deacon Jones Blues Review, DJ Slick Rick
515 W. 7th St., 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90014
www.sevengrand.la
Reservations: (213) 614-0737

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The Tar Pit
The new venture from Mark Peel and Audrey Saunders is hosting what promises to be a classy evening of food, cocktails, and music. There’s no cover, instead Tar Pit is requiring food and beverage minimums per person.

• First seating, 6:30pm – $75 (dining room) / $60 (bar) food & beverage minimum per person
• Second seating, 9:30pm – $95 (dining room) / $75 (bar) minimum per person
• Live entertainment starting at 9:30pm
• Champagne midnight toast, party hats, and “festive sundries”

The Tar Pit
609 N. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
www.tarpitbar.com
Reservations: (323) 965-1300

The Varnish
Downtown’s preeminent cocktail bar is offering a two-part New Year’s Eve.

Part One, 7-9:30pm – $9 Champagne Cocktails designed by the Varnish
-or-
Part Two, 10pm-close

• Open Bar with Varnish Cocktail List drinks
• Bottomless punch bowl with Grand Marnier Centenaire
• Champagne toast
• Limbo!
• Tables for parties of two, four, & six, or standing room at the bar
• $125/person

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Southern California USBG.

The Varnish
118 E. Sixth St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
www.thevarnishbar.com
Reservations: Eric at (213) 622-9999, or thevarnish@thevarnishbar.com

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New Year’s Eve Guides

• Citysearch
• e*star LA
• LAist Parts I, II, III
• LA Times
• Los Angeles Magazine

For the last several months, Uncompromised LA has booked some of LA’s best DJs to provide the grooves while guests imbibe the Doheny’s top notch cocktails. This Saturday, June 27, two of my favorite DJs, John Do and Justin Gourley of Basic, make a return visit. I was there for their previous Doheny gig in February, and the lively crowd, excellent libations, and intimate setting made for a potent combination.

And this Monday, June 29, Thrillist presents Secret Monday, featuring free Le Tourment Vert absinthe (from 9pm to 11pm) and DJs Pony vs. Tiger.

Both events require RSVPs for entry, so make sure to check their respective websites for guestlist and info.

Uncompromised LA
Saturday, June 27
10pm-2:30am
www.uncompromisedla.com

Secret Monday
Monday, June 29
9pm-close
www.thrillist.com

The Doheny
714 W. Olympic Blvd.
Downtown L.A.

For an in-depth look at The Doheny, check out the Dig Lounge review.