Vive le Cocktail: Hatchi Mix Launches with Eight Classics

May 9, 2010

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 Névé Iceman Cometh to Osteria La Buca

May 7, 2010

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

May 5, 2010

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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May 6: Hatchi Mix Debuts at Breadbar Century City

May 2, 2010

This Thursday, May 6, Breadbar presents the debut of Hatchi Mix, a guest mixologist series hosted by Chef Noriyuki Sugie at Breadbar’s Century City location. Inspired by the popular Hatchi Guest Chef Series, Hatchi Mix will allow imbibers to experience the evolution of the cocktail, from the classic era to its present-day state, through a…

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Run for the Roses, Reach for the Bourbon

April 30, 2010

“Then comes the zenith of man’s pleasure. Then comes the julep – the mint julep. Who has not tasted one has lived in vain. The honey of Hymettus brought no such solace to the soul; the nectar of the Gods is tame beside it. It is the very dream of drinks, the vision of sweet…

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The Nose Knows: Tasting the Dalmore with Richard Paterson

April 29, 2010

Last month I was invited to sample several expressions of The Dalmore single malt Scotch at an intimate event held at the Varnish. The tasting was conducted by Richard Paterson (aka “The Nose”), third generation Master Blender for Whyte & Mackay, which owns and operates The Dalmore. Paterson is also the author of Goodness Nose…

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April 27: Nights with Névé at Osteria La Buca

April 22, 2010

On Tuesday, April 27, Névé Ice founder Michel Dozois presents the second installment of his Nights with Névé series of cocktail events. For this edition, Dozois teams up with La Descarga General Manager Steve Livigni to offer a menu of four specialty cocktails that convey the “Italian Gypsy culture” of Osteria La Buca. The event…

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I’ll Buy That for a Dollar: Bigfoot West Introduces Two New Cocktails

April 21, 2010

This Friday night, Bigfoot Lodge West celebrates the addition of the Moscow Mule and Honeycomb cocktails to its new Happy Hour menu with a special launch party. Both of the new drinks feature Sailor Jerry Spiced Navy Rum: the Moscow Mule is a rum-based twist on the classic, while the Honeycomb is made with Sailor…

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Earth Day 2010: Think Global, Drink Local at AKASHA

April 20, 2010

First held in 1970 as an environmental teach-in organized by Sen. Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day has since grown to an annual event observed by some 500 million people in 175 countries. In honor of this Thursday’s 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Culver City’s AKASHA will go green with an All-Day Organic Happy Hour, featuring select…

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A Taste of La Primavera at Drago Centro

April 16, 2010

Since his arrival in Los Angeles as the award-winning sommelier from Guy Savoy in Las Vegas, Michael Shearin has helped establish Drago Centro as a foodie destination for those seeking high end Italian cuisine, a formidable wine list, and a handsome, urban setting. But Michael has also sought to make Drago as well known for…

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