Thirsty in LA » the foundry

So Long Aughts, and Thanks for All the Fish!

thirstyinla — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 18:23:31 +0000

To help you ring in a new decade (or bury the old one, depending on your POV), some of the city’s top cocktail destinations are throwing New Year’s Eve parties with a dizzying variety of offerings. To make your search for the perfect NYE bash a little easier, I’ve compiled a list of events below. I’ve also included other NYE guides at the end of the post so you can really get confused. Wherever you go, make sure to call ahead for reservations and availability. And of course, please be safe and celebrate responsibly.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

New Year’s Eve Guides

October 19: The James Beard Foundation L.A. Chef Invitational

thirstyinla — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:16:13 +0000

On Monday, October 19, Chef Eric Greenspan is hosting The James Beard Foundation L.A. Chef Invitational, an evening of fine dining and cocktails at his acclaimed restaurant The Foundry on Melrose. The event will feature passed hors d’oeuvres and a 5-course dinner prepared by Greenspan and guest chefs from Southern California. To pair with the food, specialty cocktails will be prepared by the Foundry’s Dan Bayha and mixologists from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. After dinner, the party continues with hor d’oeuvres, cocktails and jazz.

UPDATE: The L.A. Chef Invitational has reduced the dinner and cocktail party prices. Click the invite for the full menu and paired cocktail list.

The James Beard Foundation L.A. Chef Invitational
Monday, October 19, 2009
6:45pm-10:00pm
$200 $125 per person

Participating chefs:

Eric Greenspan (The Foundry on Melrose)
Walter Manzke (Church & State)
Zoe Nathan (Rustic Canyon & Huckleberry)
Jason Neroni (Blanca, Solana Beach)

Mixologists:

Eric Alperin (The Varnish)
Dan Bayha (The Foundry on Melrose)
Richard Boccato (Dutch Kills, NY)
Jeff Hollinger (Absinthe Brasserie & Bar, SF)
Michael Madrusan (Milk & Honey, NY)

After Dinner Cocktail Party
10:30pm-1am
$75 $50 per person
Featuring hors d’oeuvres by the participating chefs, cocktails, and jazz by the Foundry Three.

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

For information or reservations, call (800) 626-8097.

Lunes Latinos Launches at the Foundry on Melrose

thirstyinla — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:21:56 +0000

Beginning September 14, the Foundry on Melrose will expand its hours to Monday night with the launch of Lunes Latinos.

Lunes Latinos will feature Executive Chef / Owner Eric Greenspan’s spin on Latin cuisine. Menu offerings will include Greenspan’s Gorditas, three different gorditas priced at $3 each: Orange Glazed Chicken with Pinto Beans, Smokey Mole; Tamarind Garlic Steak with Cilantro Lime Sauce, Pico de Gallo; Dr. Pepper Marinated Pork with Pickled Cabbage, Horchata/Cheese Sauce. Other menu items include Chorizo Smothered Tots and Mini Churro Bites. The Lunes Latinos menu items will be available in the lounge and restaurant along with the Foundry’s regular dinner and lounge menus.

As with the Foundry’s other weeknights, Monday features a happy hour in the lounge from 6-9pm. Monday Happy Hour will feature a Latin-inspired free cocktail flight: the Laranja (Leblon Cachaça, Blood Orange Bitters, orange juice), a Cilantro Mojito (Starr Rum, muddled lime, Tamarind Syrup) and the Explosivo (Bacardi Limon, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur, chili). These Latin libations are half-priced during happy hour. And finally, to add to the spicy mix of food and drink, the lounge will feature Brazilian Jazz, Bossa Nova, Samba and Latin Fling.

Greenspan's Gorditas

September 14 is also the launch of the Foundry’s Monday Industry Night. On Monday nights, restaurant workers will receive 25% off their check in the lounge or dining room. To receive the discount, a pay stub must be presented to Foundry staff.

Lunes Latinos
Mondays, beginning Sep. 14
The Foundry on Melrose
7465 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 651-0915
www.thefoundryonmelrose.com

Taking Flight at the Foundry on Melrose

thirstyinla — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:40:59 +0000

Ever walk into a place and feel welcomed like you’ve been going there forever? That was my experience when I stopped by the Foundry on Melrose for the first night of its Patio Season Happy Hour. From gregarious Executive Chef Eric Greenspan to my bartender Dan, everyone at the Foundry greeted and took care of their guests like old friends. With the front patio doors wide open and live music drifting out onto Melrose, the Foundry’s summertime specials are sure to attract newcomers and regulars alike.

Patio Season Mai Tai

For the Patio Season Happy Hour, the Foundry pairs themed cocktails with lounge menu appetizers, plus a selection of specialty cocktails. Best of all, with your first cocktail order (half price from 6-9pm), you get a FREE cocktail flight of three samples of that night’s themed cocktails. Each night will be a different theme and spirit (bourbon, whiskey, or absinthe), and the lounge menu pairings will change as well. There’s also live music in the lounge; it’s jazz most nights, but last night was Bluesy Tuesday, featuring the marvelous Barry “Big B” Brenner. How Delta heavy were Barry’s blues? As Chef Eric put it, Barry’s beard has got blues songs in it.

To kick things off, I ordered the Patio Season Mai Tai from the Specialty Cocktails list. Made with Gosling’s Rum, Amaretto, and tropical juices, the refreshing cocktail was a great way to begin a relaxing evening. The Mai Tai even came with a paper umbrella, much to Greenspan’s teasing delight and Dan’s bemusement.

The flight, L to R: the Ramblin' Rose, the Debutante, and the Tennessee Peach.

For the flight, Dan put together three 2 oz. pours of the Bluesy Cocktails: the Ramblin’ Rose (Woodchuck Amber Cider, gin, bitters, watermelon), the Tennessee Peach (Jack Daniels, peach nectar, ginger), and the Debutante (Chambord, champagne, raspberries, lemonade). Since I was his first Patio Season customer, Dan gave me an extra sample, the Bourbon St. Trollop (Southern Comfort, Chambord, ginger, citrus). They all have their strengths, but if I had to pick just one, I’d go with the Ramblin’ Rose; it’s the cocktail that will evoke many a memory of BBQs back home.

Bluesy Food: fried chicken & waffles.

This being Bluesy Tuesday, the lounge menu featured Greenspan’s outstanding comfort food with his modern American twist: I had the buttermilk fried chicken with goat cheese waffles, and fried green tomatoes with cornmeal crust. Chef also plated up the chorizo chili; it’s an off-menu item, but do ask for it, it’s amazing. Other Bluesy Food items included a pork belly sandwich, grits, greens, and cornbread pudding. The cocktail flight threesome and three food items made for lots of possible food/drink combinations. Should I try the Trollop with the chili? Or maybe the Debutante with the fried chicken? Discovering what goes with what made for a fun, leisurely experience that solo diners and groups alike will enjoy.

The Billy Parks

I revisited the Specialty Cocktails menu and ordered a Billy Parks: Hendrick’s Gin, fresh cucumber, chili, and Lillet Blanc. It’s an excellent cocktail: the Hendrick’s unique flavor profile (it’s made from cucumbers, rose petals and juniper) is enhanced by the cucumber juice, the citrus of the Lillet Blanc, and a hint of spicy finish. Quite different from the Mai Tai, but just as ready-made for the summertime.

At this point, my barmate (a member of the Foundry team, hanging out) insisted I try a bite of the Patio Season Burger, a fantastic creation done with cheddar, Hawaiian bread, and summer condiments. Friends, if (like me) you are on a perpetual Great Burger Hunt, this is a must-try. My White Castle-sized sample only hinted at its greatness, and don’t even get me started on how tasty the onion rings looked.

With Barry’s first set over, I took that as my cue and reluctantly headed out. As I said earlier, everyone at the Foundry made me feel like I’ve been going there from Day One; without a doubt, consider me a Patio Season regular.

Patio Season Happy Hour
6-9pm
Tuesday-Friday
The Foundry on Melrose
7465 Melrose Ave.
(323) 651-0915
www.thefoundryonmelrose.com

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Wavemaker rope bracelets that Dan was giving out. Made for Oceana by Nautica, the bracelets celebrate World Oceans Day, which takes place on June 8. For more info, please visit the Oceana website.