Posts by thirstyinla
Red Rover Throwback: A Seven Grand Reunion
Once upon a time, they were the opening crew at Seven Grand: Aidan Demarest, John Coltharp, Marcos Tello, Dave Whitton and Damian Windsor. As key figures in the rebirth of the thriving Los Angeles cocktail scene, they’re regarded as some of the most influential barmen in the country. Throughout the city, you’ll find their cocktails…
Read MoreSeptember 9: Cruzan 9 Tasting Events at Nine LA Bars
Earlier this summer, Cruzan Rum launched its latest expression, a spiced rum called Cruzan 9. The new Cruzan derives its name from its nine-spice blend of vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, mace, allspice, pepper and juniper. The number nine is also a nod to the nine districts of St. Croix, home to the historic Cruzan distillery.
Read MoreSeptember 7-12: A Mysterious Week of Giveaways at First & Hope
If you like surprise giveaways, handcrafted cocktails and Southern-inspired cuisine, then be sure to visit First & Hope between September 7th and September 12th for Mystery Week. Stop by the downtown supper club for lunch or dinner, use the keyword “MYSTERY,” and you’ll get a sealed envelope that is guaranteed to contain a prize, such…
Read MoreChoose Your Weapon: Sampling the New Cocktails at Caña Rum Bar
Although President Obama’s recent fundraising visit to Los Angeles caused a traffic nightmare for thousands of rush hour commuters, in other parts of the city drivers had no problem reaching their destinations. Thanks to a nearly deserted 10 Freeway, I arrived in downtown in record time for the Caña cocktail menu launch party, a celebration…
Read MoreFrom Farm to Glass: Matthew Biancaniello’s Sublime Cocktails at the Library Bar
In a weekend post to his Facebook page, Matthew Biancaniello hinted at how much work goes into bartending at a big Hollywood bash like last Saturday’s Speakeasy event: “…up early ready to pick up 800 lavender stems and juice 600 lemons.” Keep in mind, this update was posted at 5am on the morning of the party. Biancaniello might end up with Popeye’s forearms if his profile continues to rise at the rate it has since he captured the title at last August’s Chartreuse Sweet 16 Competition. Coming from a distinctly non-culinary background, Biancaniello has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in a city teeming with talented bartenders. Angelenos have taken notice, giving him the most votes in the ongoing LA’s Best Bartender Contest.
Read MoreAugust 26: Buy Discounted Tickets to the Taste of Beverly Hills
Even Beverly Hills offers bargains if you know where to look, and this Thursday, August 26th look no further than the Roof Garden of the acclaimed Peninsula Beverly Hills. From 5pm to 7pm, the Peninsula hosts its Rooftop Cocktail Hour, featuring cocktails, wines by the glass, and beer for half price. Better still, guests of…
Read MoreSay Aloha to Kōloa Kauai Dark Rum
Of all of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is perhaps the most fitting place for the Kōloa Rum Company to call home. Captain James Cook (commanding the HMS Resolution) and the HMS Discovery first landed on the Hawaiian Islands at Waimea, Kauai in 1778; in the holds of both ships were barrels of rum. Hawaii’s first sugar plantation was founded in Kōloa, Kauai in 1835, and small batch rum was said to be produced from the very first harvest, which took place in 1837. It’s from this Kauai town that Kōloa Rum gets its name.
Read MoreWhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey Launches at Seven Grand
A group of spirits cognoscenti gathered at Seven Grand last Thursday for the Los Angeles launch of WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey, a 100 proof, 100 percent rye whiskey, aged for a minimum of ten years in oak barrels. Founded in 2010, WhistlePig is hand-bottled at the WhistlePig Farm Distillery, located on a former dairy farm…
Read MoreThe Wayback Machine: Speakeasy in Hollywood on August 21
On Saturday, August 21, Drink:Eat:Play (International Wine Festival, LA Beer Festival, LA BBQ Festival) presents the latest edition of Speakeasy, a Roaring 20s-themed evening of drink, music, and more drink taking place at The Music Box @ Fonda in Hollywood. The all-inclusive $40 ticket includes unlimited samples of over 100 spirits brands, as well as…
Read MoreCaña Happy Hour Debuts New Tropicalia Cocktail Specials
Caña General Manager Allan Katz has launched new Happy Hour specials for the downtown rum bar, expanding the cocktail club’s La Hora de Oro menu to include ten handcrafted Tropicalia Cocktails for $6 each and its Punch Service for Four, priced at $40. La Hora de Oro takes place all night on Tuesday, and from 6pm to…
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