Carmageddon Specials at Locanda del Lago

This weekend, only one number is going to be on the collective mind of Los Angeles: 405, as in the freeway that will shut down for the Mulholland Dr. Bridge demolition, part of the Sepulveda Pass Improvement Project. The closure of a ten-mile section of one of the nation’s busiest freeways has lead Angelenos to dub this weekend “Carmageddon.”

The expected traffic nightmare has already led many (including yours truly) to make plans for leaving town for the weekend. Hotels, restaurants and bars all over town are offering themed specials in the hopes of luring citizens out of their fallout shelters homes. On the Westside, stranded motorists can find sanctuary at Locanda del Lago, which is offering a special $4.05 Stuzzichini (Italian small plates) menu and a selection of themed cocktails from Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17.

Throughout the weekend, guests who mention “Carmageddon” to their server can nosh on classic Italian finger food (regularly $5-10 each) such as Barbabietole (Fresh Market Beet “Spaghetti” with Goat Cheese Sauce and Spinach Julienne), Terrina (Chicken Confit Terrine with Parma Prosciutto Wrap and Summer Truffle Aïoli), and Midollo con Riso al Salto (Roasted Bone Marrow with Crispy Saffron-Parmesan Risotto Cake).

Themed cocktails will be offered at happy hour prices ($8 per glass, $20 per liter), including:

• Car-prese Martini – Organic Crop Tomato Vodka, Balsamic Vinegar, muddled Basil, and a Mozzarella-Cherry Tomato Skewer
• Car-pirinha – Market Fruit and Leblon Cachaça
• Blackberry Car-garita – Market Blackberries and 4 Copas Organic Tequila Blanco

It may be the end of the world this weekend, but who says you can’t enjoy yourself in the meantime?

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Carmageddon Weekend Specials
Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17, 2011
Featuring:

• Stuzzichini for $4.05 each
• Carmageddon cocktails for $8 per glass, $20 per liter

Locanda del Lago
231 Arizona Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-3525
www.lagosantamonica.com