Death and Pain on World Cocktail Day 2010

First in a series recapping the 2010 Manhattan Cocktail Classic. Fear not, dear reader. Despite the grim title of this post, I had a great night out with friends old and new on the eve of the Manhattan Cocktail Classic. I had flown to New York a day early to celebrate World Cocktail Day as…

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Canadian Club Resurrects Hide A Case Global Treasure Hunt

NOTE: The following contest is only open to residents of the United States and Canada. California law prohibits contests and sweepstakes of this nature, so unfortunately California residents are not eligible. (kicks dirt) Last Monday, while I was in New York trying to locate my missing Saturday night, Canadian Club announced the return of Hide…

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May 25: Radio Room at the Edison

Since its relaunch in February 2009, the Radio Room at the Edison has hosted guest mixologists from top bars such as Bourbon & Branch, Death & Co., Milk & Honey, Drink, Heaven’s Dog, Clyde Common, Cure, and Rickhouse. The most recent edition of the Radio Room welcomed Simon Ford (Pernod Ricard, London & NYC), Zane Harris (Rob…

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May 20: The Tar Pit Launches The Guilded Hour

On Tuesday, The Tar Pit posted an announcement on its Facebook page about The Guilded Hour, its new daily happy hour. Grub Street has the details in this post, which confirms that the new specials are scheduled to debut later today. Here’s The Guilded Hour menu: Cocktails ($6) Bees Knees – Gin, honey, lemon Brown…

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Thirsty in LA First Blogiversary & World Cocktail Day 2010

Today is May 13th, which means Thirsty in LA is celebrating its One-Year Blogiversary! It seems like so much has happened with the L.A. cocktail scene since I launched this blog, it’s hard to believe that it’s only been a year. Just look at some of the bars and restaurants that have opened in that…

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Praise the Lard and Pass the Champagne at First & Hope

Discreetly located across the street from Walt Disney Concert Hall in an unassuming strip mall, First & Hope supper club brings style, sophistication, and a welcome sense of fun to the downtown dining scene. Much of that playfulness comes from Executive Chef Shelley Cooper, a native of Memphis whose refined technique and love of American…

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Vive le Cocktail: Hatchi Mix Launches with Eight Classics

Last Thursday, May 6, was the start of World Cocktail Week, which culminates on May 13 with World Cocktail Day. Thursday was also the debut of Hatchi Mix, a new series of monthly cocktail events at Breadbar Century City. Hatchi Mix is curated by Tasting Kitchen mixologist Devon Espinosa, who dubbed the first night “Vive le…

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The Summer of Shangri-La

The Summer of 2010 is off to an early start in Santa Monica, as the Hotel Shangri-La announces The Summer of Shangri-La, the triple threat debut of Suite 700, The Courtyard, and Ditch Day Fridays. The Summer of Shangri-La is an extension of owner Tamie Adaya’s vision for the Shangri-La “as the gathering place where…

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The Névé Iceman Cometh to Osteria La Buca

Earlier this week, TIME magazine named Ludo Lefebvre one of its Chefs of the Future in an article that lauds him for “helping to reinvent the way we eat” with his LudoBites pop-up restaurants. In a similar innovative vein, Névé Luxury Ice founder Michel Dozois is expanding the boundaries of the traditional bar concept with…

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Bring On the Agave, It’s Cinco de Mayo

On May 5, 1862, the Mexican Army defeated the occupying French forces at the Battle of Puebla. Although Cinco de Mayo is of limited national significance in Mexico, here in the States and elsewhere, it’s a day to celebrate Mexican culture by imbibing some of its finest exports. Like bars and restaurants all over town,…

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