All the bars that are fit to hop

South of Red Rock Texas

2008-10-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

Austin, TX may be the best city in Texas but I've never been anywhere in Texas but Austin so I'm not sure exactly. And while the scene was more reminiscent of Sunset Junction rather than the OK Coral they have not completely done away with the ten gallon hats and dualies. Most of the music I saw were from musicians I'd not heard of before. That said nearly everything I saw was amazing. First off was an extremely fun set by Ghost White Shivers at The Beauty Bar of all places, playing what I would call dixieland jazz. The band was followed up by a more than competent 80's DJ. Next up was the hard working Redd Volkaert at the world famous Continental Club.

Then it was on to Ginny's for Dale Watson and chickenshit bingo. I'm not sure about the bingo but Dale is always a blast. Last but not least I paid a visit to the non-duchebag end of 6th Street's Momo's and saw the impressive Dan Dyer and the enlightened Robin Smith.

Best Food, Better Cause

2008-09-18T20:54:00.001-07:00

26th ANNIVERSARY AMERICAN WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

SERVES UP WORLD-CLASS CELEBRATION FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Wolfgang Puck, Barbara Lazaroff and friends unite for a weekend of food, fine wine and festivities benefiting Meals On Wheels

LOS ANGELES, CA, September 15, 2008 - It's the epicurean event of the year. The one place that puts world-class chefs at your service for a weekend of delectable dishes, superb libations, fantasy auction items and amazing entertainment. The 26th Anniversary American Wine & Food Festival (AWFF) returns to Los Angeles for a star-studded gathering benefiting the Los Angeles Chapters of Meals On Wheels.

Kicking off Friday, September 26, the weekend of festivities features three spectacular events, an estimated 40 celebrated chefs, and fine wine and spirit purveyors. For the second year, AWFF will start the weekend with the sizzling Red Hot @ Red Seven party at the Pacific Design Center. Saturday, internationally renowned chefs serve palate-pleasing plates at the signature AWFF event on the Universal Studios' back lot. The Chefs Grand Tasting Dinner wraps up the weekend with an exclusive dinner event at Spago Beverly Hills Sunday evening.

Tickets for all three events went on sale July 1. Last year's events sold out, so be sure to mark your calendar! Please visit www.AWFF.org for tickets, sponsorship opportunities and Festival details.

Since its inception in 1982, the Puck-Lazaroff Foundation has raised more than $14 million for the Los Angeles Chapters of Meals On Wheels. The American Wine & Food Festival benefits four Los Angeles-area chapters including St. Vincent Meals On Wheels, Meals On Wheels of West Los Angeles, Meals On Wheels West and San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council.

Red Hot @ Red Seven
Date: Friday, September 26, from 7 to 11 p.m.
Location: Red Seven by Wolfgang Puck
A new event added to the line-up last year, Red Hot @ Red Seven kicks off the AWFF festivities. Set at Wolfgang Puck's chic West Hollywood restaurant Red Seven, this searing hot celebration features a night of spectacular beef, smooth wine & spirits and musical entertainment. With the ambiance of the Pacific Design Center's famous fountains blazing red, this truly is a night to remember.
Taste delicious morsels of mouth-watering beef served by Red Seven, CUT and Sidebar Beverly Hills, CUT Las Vegas, Lawry's The Prime Rib, La Brea Bakery, Montage Beverly Hills, Craft Los Angeles, 8 oz., and more.

Red Hot @ Red Seven tickets are available through the Puck-Lazaroff Charitable Foundation for $150 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.AWFF.org.

Cave Cooks Curfew Cursed Concert

2008-09-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

Last nights Nick Cave a nd th e Bad Seeds show at the Hollywood Bowl brings the summer concert series to and end, almost. Having scored another seamless entry into the venue with our scalped $10 tickets we headed right on over to the nearest empty box seat and plunked down for the evening. And last night was a very nice evening with a mostly full moon and just a wee bit of a chill in the air. The perfect setting for the first live appearance of the band in five years. The friend I went with was not too familiar with the lineup and claimed to be no that into it, said she didn't really get it but appreciated the "weirdness" of the show. I can understand some of the concerns she had because Cave's vocal stylings are...well...unique. For me the deep grooves and layers of rhythm were as rich as Cave's lyrics wicked. Some may have called it solemn, brooding or macabre but I found it ehtereal, poetic and just plain rocking. Highlights of the night included Warren Ellis' eccentric on stage antics and the guy sitting right next to me that took two his of pot as soon as Cave hit the stage and immediately crumpled over and stayed slumpped over for the entire of the show. Almost as classic was his very PO'd girlfriend who kept up her grimmace as much as his slouching. It was a shame he only played a little more than an hour due to the Bowl's strict 10:45 cerfew.

One More Show Left

Jamaican me CRAZY

2008-09-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

Go to Coley's. I did yesterday for lunch in the Valley and was totally loving it. $6.95 lunch special of Jerk Chicken, rice, beans, plantains and fried dough (don't forget the Ginger Beer). It was killer. Full bar with live music & DJ's on the weekends too!

10842 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Telephone: (818) 761-4944
Fax: (818) 761-4565

&

300 E. Florence Ave.
Inglewood, CA 90301
Telephone: (310) 672-7474
Fax: (310) 672-7400

Long time a comin

2008-07-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

The seasonal installment is all about the wresting; Daniel Puder and Lucha Vavoom. I was on the team in 9th grade but it was nothing like this. I guess they call it sports entertainment but that lame categorization doesn't come close to describing the actual visceral experience of it all. It is downright dangerous excitement.

Undefeated MMA'er Daniel Puder known for his unbeatable success inside and outside the ring is throwing the Cop's-n-Robbers party to benefit Cops Care Cancer Foundation at the Playboy Mansion August 23, 2008. Tickets to the event include:

• Unlimited alcohol
• Open Buffet featuring gourmet treats
• Full tour of Mansion grounds by Playmates
• Dinner and full open bar all night
• Full access to pool and historic grotto (towels not provided - swimsuits optional)
• Silent auction
• Comedy Entertainers
• Fashion Show
• Entry to the pre-party and after party
• Pre-party August 22 (9:00pm-1:00am)
• Your photo taken with Playmates or Knockouts (printed out and signed)
• Transportation to and from the Playboy Mansion
• Access to VIP Lounge at the Playboy Mansion
• Special gift bag

If you've ever wanted to go to the Playboy Mansion and really party, this is your chance. The pre party will be at Boulevard3 and will include wrestling from the knock outs from the Wet T-Shirt Wrestling Leauge. Now how can you not support wet T-shirt wrestling for kids with cancer? You can't, so get your tickets now (it's almost sold out).

Lucha Vavooooooom is an incredible series of bouts that comes around 3 times a year in July, October and February to LA and SF. Lot's of wild masks and flamboyant acts culminated in a tag team trio of 3 member teams representing Mexico, USA and Weho. I'm still not sure if the cross gendered wrestler that flew out of the ring really smashed her/his head on the floor or if it was part of the act. Either way the stoppage of the show and the entire crowd holding it's breath had me convinced he/she narrowly escaped death. Tom was there plus the Mayan Theater was worth the trip alone. Excellent night.

LA this week

2008-03-10T22:25:00.000-07:00

It was a week of old favorites. How apropos it was that I began with what has quickly become my favorite drink in town, the Rye Manhattan, at Seven Grand (see video). With only one drink we were off to the The Royale. They'd emailed us every week about how great their Monday nights were. I had the ribs with mac and cheese. The ribs were breaded and deep fried while the mac n' cheese was plentiful. We were the only ones there but when the decent jazz band started playing we decided to split. Our last stop for the night was La Cita which I would like to say was great (like everyone else) but for some reason certain bars just jerk us around and are a dud...a couple of wrinkly, old man regulars at the bar had us leaving without a drink.

When friends come to town I often rack my brain for the hottest, hippest new spot in town. Maybe it's me trying to impress my friends but they seem to love places I consider "hum-drum Hollywood". So this week when great old friends from Cleveland came and hit and me up because of my status as LA BARHOPPER, the #1 guide to bars, clubs and restaurants in town I decided to give myself a break. I'd show them around the standard hot spots. Not unlike tourists we headed out to Yamashiro. I've been there plenty and it's always a crowd pleaser. The views, ambiance and food all deliver solid returns to natives and tourists alike. I couldn't help thinking this has to be the best place in town for a little pre or apres dinner romance, what with all the secluded Japanese gardens surrounding the place. Unfortunately I was there with my old high school buddies and not any one I'd want to sneak down the garden path with. From there we headed out to The Derby for a little split personality night. Metal on the main bar and open mike comedy/whatever (see video) on the other every Tuesday. Saturday nights the same promoter goes off! Forget not that this city thrives on the latest and greatest but old Hollywood favorites are what make this city famous around the world.

Best Bar in Boise

2008-03-10T20:16:00.001-07:00

After I cleared the slopes in Ketchum I headed back to the "BIG" City, Boise. Proudly touted as the 3rd largest city in the Pacific Northwest, "it's lots bigger than Tacoma or Spokane" they boast. Well I guess that settles that. My job was to find the best bar in town. Boise on Monday and Tuesday night does not exactly offer the hottest nightlife around, but I guess it does beat the action in the tri-city area (Richland, Pasco and Kennewick, WA in case you didn't know). So based on the information I was able to gather in Sun Valley I headed out to what was clearly considered the best spot in town, The Red Feather Lounge. Though some locals say it's to "shishi" for them I liked the hip spot with its 3 story glass wine cellar. It was Oscar night and I was the only one in the place. The space is actually split in two, with The Red Feather occupying the left side and the Bitter Creek Ale House to the right. There were plenty of folks enjoying Brews and Burgers at the Ale House but it was just me and Boise 's Best Bartender Mark next door. It was all good when he put on a cocktail clinic for me and one of his friends that came in a bit later.

I had the grilled lamb with mushroom risotto and a superb Malbec for dinner. Dessert was a classic whiskey sour and watching his buddy down an 8 layer shot which took about 15 minutes to pour (no one was in a rush). Check out the managers blog Save The Drinkers (time to update guys!).

Tuesday night was another fine night out in Boise. Having already established myself as a regular at the best upscale lounge & eatery in town, I headed out to what was widely proclaimed to be the best Pizza in Boise, Guido's. Three slices and a couple of beers and I was a regular there too. I even ran into the Manager at my next stop, Lush. Lush was interesting, lots of very comfy leather couches filled the place. Four regulars were at the bar watching Crank. I found it odd that there was a very good looking woman at the bar who sat at there without as much as a glance from any of the guys there. Whats up with that? It's also where I came to learn that Idaho really isn't all that, not the potato State, not the place trends come to life or die and the only state still using the firing squad for death sentences. Oh and I got a speeding ticket for doing 38 in a 25 which was only $75. But hey I must have missed out on all the ragers for The Special Olympics which was just about the only thing going off in town when I was there. All in all Idaho had some very friendly people but go for the snow during the week and Boise on the weekend.

Ketchum piles of Sun Valley fun...never mind what Heminway did there

2008-03-05T00:09:00.000-08:00

Hemingway blew his brains out there but honestly I liked Ketchum. Maybe a big, old, gruffed soul found it peaceful or aimless enough to end it all there but I didn't realize he had done it there it until after I had left the place . I noticed the run named for the ex -pat, Lincoln Brigadeer, Cubano, come tragic, literary, figure. But it was not until long after the turns ached in my legs had I had come to know the truth about exactly where he'd done him self in .

After I secured a killer spot at a local house via craigslist for only $75 a night I ventured to Ketchum, Idaho. I was warned to not speed through the little towns on the way up and sure enough dismissed myself in to a 38 mph in a 25 mph zone ticket 50 feet from a 40 mph sign. The Hailey cop asked me where I was from just before I handed him my CA DL. After he gave me a ticket ($75) he reminded me to be grateful for not being sited for my bent CA drivers license. I returned from Ketchum and Sun Valley in 2nd gear with no further police action.

I believe I was able to visit every bar in the town of Ketchum, Idaho. Whiskey Jacques, Casino, Pioneer Saloon, Michel's Christiania, The Cellar Pub, Lefty's Bar & Grill, Buffalo Bites and the soon to be closed Dirty Little Roddy's. The Casino won for my favorite bar and Pioneer the best restaurant. In any case it was a 2 hour jaunt from Boise, ID and Saturday I was fortunate to have had about 5-6 inches of fresh powder, the first snow in about a couple of weeks. Sun Valley is a family oriented, expensive, skier dominated environment. There were not a lot of 15-28 yr old snowboarders so I felt comfortable leaving some of my gear to dry unattended for some time during the lunch rush at one of the many stoked fireplaces.

The powder 8-12 inches deep on Sunday mooring was nice and the back bowls were epic thanks to a local guide I met on the first lift up.

The Pioneer Saloon is the most popular and supposedly only profitable restaurants in town. Replete with big game trophy's mounted up and down the length of the establishment. I never even made it past the bar. The steak and potato were some of the best I've had and the berry cobbler was too good to be true. Best service, food and drinks ranked in order as finest I had in the entire city.

I thoroughly enjoyed Sun Valley and Ketchum Idaho for the long runs, deep powder, friendly town folk and relative value. The lift tickets are pricey but over all it was a value. I strongly recommend you contact Rex for lodging, lunch at Buffalo Bites and dine at Pioneer Saloon. They say summer is even better and believe it and will make sure to reserve it as a multi seasonal destination location.

Holy Guacamole

2008-02-19T18:46:00.001-08:00

I'm not exactly sure what we're supposed to be honoring or observing on Presidents day, but for me it was that I was getting paid to go out and have the time of my life in Hollywood.

We started out on foot and took the Metro Red Line to the Hollywood and Vine exit to see Wicked which was listed on la.com as having a show scheduled yesterday at 1 pm. Well that was not to be, no shows on Mondays, but they are selling tickets for shows now through June 1. Since it was lunch time we decided to head across the street to Katsuya. One of the two (soon to be three) ultra modern SBE sushi compounds with impressive decor and OK sushi. We started out with a couple of the fresh fruit elixirs, kiwi-lime and the watermelon-cucumber, both of which were extremely tasty. The shishito pepper is exactly that, shishi, with the slightest hint of bite it was billed as "the new edamame". The seaweed salad rocked and was my favorite item but he tuna and crispy rice is the most popular item on the menu and my least favorite dish so consider this source. Next up was the yellow tail & jalapeño sashimi which was fairly good and the giant clam sashimi which I wont be having there again. When the final item arrived I was wishing it were sashimi but it was what we ordered; lobster dynamite. In retrospect I feel like I should have kept it simply to sashimi which is what I like most. Unfortunately I was swept up in the ambiance of the place and compelled into ordering some of the obvious Haku-Jin dishes (e.g. crab and mozzarella tempura). It's fancy, it's beautiful, it's expensive and it's a blast, too bad it's food wasn't quite on point as the rest of the experience.

Well from there we hit S Bar which was totally closed, thank you Jesus, but Iguana Clothing a few doors down wasn't so in we went. Well we had a blast trying on all the wigs, silly hats and peeping the naughty sex toys upstairs. I'd love to have provided pictures but they don't allow it. Downstairs is a very large selection of vintage clothing with secluded fitting rooms. I'm no fashionista but I recommend this place for wacky outfits, accessories, vintage clothing and more.

From there it was on to Amoeba, the worlds largest indie record store for a used Sonic Youth CD. The adventure continued to Borders accross the street where I picked up The Four Hour Work Week, even though that sounds a bit excessive I think it's time to buckle down. We made it to No Country For Old Men, at the Archlight the hilarious new romantic comedy from the Cohen brothers about a very funny, lovable loser as he makes his way across the Southwest in 1980 making friends and learning lifes lessons of love along the way. Great for the entire family, it's a movie you want to see again because you just know there was stuff in there that you missed. I can't wait for a repeat performance.

After the movie and a quick subway ride back home to freshen up we headed out again to a no show at On The Rox for Corey-Oke with Corey Haim, Feldman and Hardt and a live karaoke band doing 80's covers. This may have been fun had the club been open and anyone actually been there. So we went for late night eats at La Velvet Margarita Cantina where we had 2 for 1 margaritas (Monday nights only), Malinda the cool server and the best guacamole we've ever had. I've been to this bar/club a number of times and thought the decor, food and scene were equally radical. With the flamenco bar in the front and Alejandro's patio bar in back it's no wonder this concept is making its way to Vegas in a HUGE way. But I must not have ever had the guac before because I would have remembered, it was un real. I don't think it's possible but If any one can name a better batch served up somewhere else please contact me at brian@labarhopper.com, if indeed a better guacamole is available then dinner (for two) is on me at Velvet Margarita.

What an awesome day in Hollywood, thank you Mrs. Wilcox where ever you are.

Santa Barbara Get Away

2008-02-13T20:34:00.001-08:00

I love Santa Barbara and it loves me right back. The weekend began fittingly on the beach at the East Beach Grill. Just about the only place right on the beach where you can drink (& eat). Not the cheapest or best eats but the views and scenery were optimal.

After a quick change and freshen up we headed out for Dinner at the Cities top choice for butcher cut steaks and chops, Shalhoobs. I had the Spencer cut Ribeye which was perfect. But the highlight of the place was the service, particularly the bartenders who really know how to treat the customer (read great pour).

From there it was on Velvet Jones to see Spandex Tiger. It's hard not to have fun with a butt rocking glam band that gets up on stage in hilarious skin tight outfits to crank out hits like: Dumpster Love and Tijuana Handjob. I actually took the CD home and listened to it (I prefer the live show).

From there the night unwound itself quite nicely at EOS. The most (only) happening club in town. Where mythologically speaking the gates of hell were opened by the goddess of Dawn so her brother Helios (the sun) could ride his chariot across the horizon each morning. In an amazing coincidence the rest of the weekend resembled some of this mythical story. *Note to self: remember to include eternal youth when requesting immortality.

We ended our weekend on a high note. With appetizers and a culmination of old and new friends meeting at The Brewhouse and Neighborhood. The weekend was what dreams are made of. Thank you Santa Barbara, see you soon.

Pontiac Dome

2008-02-06T16:42:00.000-08:00

Just about everyone I knew that went to NAMM this year at the Anaheim Convention Center came down with a nasty virus similar to Pontiac Fever. I'm not sure if it was the was the AC vents overrun with mold or bacteria that caused it but I'm staying away from that place from now on. Before I became deathly ill in Anaheim I was able to enjoy another great NAMM show. It was exceptionally busy (thank you weak U.S. dollar) and I was able to pick out some choice players amongst the jamming atendees. Not the least funny was the lead singer of YES, Jon Anderson, at the Alvarez booth lip syncing (badly) to a crowd of 50.

My story of inspiration, and a potential peek into where the industry is headed came from the band After The Crash. On a non stop tour for the past year plus this band came equipped with their own newspaper. I liked it, the band and the music enough to be impressed. With more and more revenues headed to the artist I feel confident in the continued stream of quality acts coming our way. It may not be blockbuster acts backed with mega dollars from what appears to be now the diminishing infulence of major labels. But if you keep your eyes and ears open theres some choice music out there to be had.

Garnish Heaven

2008-01-11T16:28:00.000-08:00

While there may have been an absence of alcohol at the Hollywood Farmers Market, everything else needed for a proper concoction of most any sort was available in abundance. The main artery of the market runs for only a couple of blocks along Ivar between Sunset and Selma. Ivar is flanked with fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, herbs, cheese, and produce from farmers. Selma provides prepared food of all sorts. My favorites were the cheese folks from Petaluma and the Herbalists selling fresh and dried plants and herbs. Great people producing great things.

For those needing landmarks; park at The Arclight, go to Ameoba and cross the street towards Jack in the Box. Bring your parking ticket so it can be validated at the markets info table in the middle of the market it's only $1.

Sundays
8-1
map

Mary Christmas

2008-01-02T23:22:00.001-08:00

Christmas is the time of year for giving. And in keeping with that tradition L.A. Barhopper headed out this holiday season on a "gift giving" extravaganza.

First stop was San Diego's Hearth House, and when I say San Diego I mean La Mesa. This dive bar had it all, a fresh pot of coffee for each Irish Coffee I ordered, a $10 dollar steak dinner I only had to send back a few times before it stopped mooing, 50 cent pool tables and a mother/daughter party tag team that was the highlight of the night.

From there it was on to Tucson, AZ for the Xmas done right, Southwestern style, by the local favorite Saint Mary's Restaurant. Nothing came from the funny named butcher except the hilarious signage. And Pete the dog was a crowd favorite and honestly the best photo subject the entire trip.

Lake Tahoe was the final out of town destination for this Angelino. Irish Coffee continued to be the go to beverage of choice and for the record consists of 1 part irish whiskey, 1 part Bailey's and 2 parts coffee. Derivations I encountered along the way included adding sugar, no Baileys, adding whip cream or Kahlua only seemed to be wayward miscalculations. We were able to ascertain the best Sushi in Tahoe, Naked Fish, which was packed and needing reservations at all times. Not to be recomended was the Swiss Chalet, which could have easily been named and themed after Eva Brauns Alps Retreat. Service was horrible and the food only slightly better. That being said they did make the trips bes Irish Coffee.

Here fishy fishy

2007-12-16T11:51:00.000-08:00

I was driving by and noticed a new place right in my own neighborhood. Well since I was hungry I flipped a U-eee and found a spot at Best Fish Taco in Ensenada which apparantly just moved up from a brief initial opening in Atwater. No frills, no thrills order fish or shrimp taco and you get fish or shrimp on a tortilla. You dress it to please and repeat. Order one at a time and don't try to take em out. Plenty of fresh salsa, cabbage and relish to do it right. Good find in Los Feliz

1650 Hillhurst
Tues-Sun 11-8

2007-12-16T11:12:00.001-08:00

Black Betty in Brooklyn was the spot I met an old friend from back home last Tuesday night. His buddy's band Hype Of The States played a late set. Both the band and club rocked as the drinks were stiff and cheap and half the band could have been cover models for fashion mags.

Simply Unparralleled

2007-12-16T08:42:00.000-08:00

Monday nights are the slowest nights for bars and restaurants. Employees Only last week would be the exception to that rule of thumb. This joint was hopping! I can only imagine what it's like on a Saturday night. It was not over packed but almost full. Our seats were in the elevated middle dining area past the long bar before the patio.

The place was simply amazing. Extremely well crafted drin ks and menu items make pub grub seem like an unfair label for classification. I could have stopped with just the Ginger Mash cocktail and Trout Salad which in my opinion were the two top creations. But the exuberant, namesake staff insisted I try garlicky, pork Balkan Burger. Which I tried but had to save most of for later in order to have room for the tangerine bread pudding. The dessert came at the insistence of the patron seated next to me in the booth, good call and thanks again.

The gang at EO is opening a new place that will focus more on the food and less on the drink (EO is a bar first) so keep an eye out.

The last stop of the night was the Spotted Pig which was slightly abuzz with Led Zeppelin rocking out on the bars system and Live in London.

Torrid

2007-12-13T23:43:00.000-08:00

After a killer meal at Paley's Place. I realized Tori Amos was playing the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall across the street from my hotel. I was on my way home for the night when I noticed the throngs of fans in front of the marquee. When I exited the hotel parking I was a block from the Theater so I strolled right in, no ticket no guards, no hassle. I walked up towards the front of the room and found an empty seat. The ethereal natrure of her music was quite soothing and pleasant. Not surprisingly the crowd was mostly women so I decided to hit the Virginia Cafe for a night cap. Got to love a place that you can still light up at.

Moist Cake Twins

2007-12-13T23:14:00.000-08:00

The happy hour dinner at Serratto was about as good as it gets. The burger would have been $20 in L.A. and there would have been a line out the door and around the corner for it.. Everything looked so good we ordered all 10 items. The bartender seemed taken aback but we reassured him we were hungry. Our eyes were indeed larger than our stomachs but we did a pretty good job of almost finishing.

After dinner we sat in the rain at a very sold out cake show wher I scalped my friend and I in to a the extremely packed Crystal Ballroom. Cake rocked as we had anticipated. We had a good time with the crowd which was fairly tame. Another no smoking city goes down in flames.

The best part of the show by far was when a girl came up to my buddy crying and sobbing and seemingly in dire straits. She had lost her friend. Well we were able to calm her down and get down to some serious dancing. When her friend showed up it was obvious why she had come over to us. The Viking twins were hilarious and as usual the fine folks of Portland continue to thrive in what was a torrential rain and flood.

It's not going to suck itself.

2007-12-13T22:26:00.000-08:00

Things started off well enough that fateful Sunday at the Orange Table in Scottsdale, AZ. We were able to laugh off the incredible night that had ended only a few hours earlier. The color was right for the Browns vs. Cardinals game. Arizona's insistance on disobeyeing daylight savings came in handy with an extra hour from the typical 1pm game.

The Bloody Mary I had just didn't do it for me like those espresso martini's. I can't remember the last time a drink agreed with me more. The food was on point as well. Hardy breakfasts were served all the way around. The Yankee Hash won best of meal, banana nut pancakes couldn't be finished despite their appeal. I had some type of eggs and mexican dish that desperately needed chorizo. The service again rocked and our wanabe server Alexis was a sweetheart.

We were able to make it to the Stadium which was about 30 minutes outside of Phoenix. Parking was free and remarkable easy and close to the gates. The stadium has a retractable dome which I supose has a purpose in the middle of the desert but I'm not sure what it is. It looks cool, like a big space ship in the middle of the arid landscape. The game actually lived up to our expectation and was quite good. Arizona had come off a hard loss the week earlier when Kurt Warner coughed up the ball in the end zone for a 49er's win. The Browns had just had a last minute contoversial field goal call the week before with Baltimore. So when Kellen Winslow scored a touchdown in the final play of the game and the ref decided to not make the call and as you can imagine not many people sympathized with the Browns who were robbed.

The fans were crazy fun and those three stooges had the best custom Jersey's I've ever seen. Too bad I missed the profile shot, WOW! We retreated for the evening for awesome home made machaca at Karsen's the die hard Clevelander owned pub and grill back in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Saturday

2007-12-07T12:18:00.000-08:00

Friday night was so anti climactic that Saturday was bound to be the quiet before the storm that would the the Browns/Cardinals game on Sunday. The night started out at Dos Gringos which is Scottsdales answer to: Where can I see a bunch of frat boys and bachlorettes drinking rot gut tequila and corona lights? The cadillac marg was horrilbe and the nachos were down right criminal. The taco I had was extremely tasty however and I guess that is what they are known for (hence the pic of empty taco basket). That being said we all had fun for a bit and it was just the first place.

Then it was off to Mickey's hangover. Not the best palce I've been to, pretty much another meathead hangout but not as bad as Dos Gringos. The girl who grabbed my beer at the bar and chug-a-lugged it spilling it all over herself was nice. And I was more than glad to take the phone number she was giving me to meet up later but apparently her husband would have rather fought me so we left rather quickly.

The best part of the night was the ride to the next bar. There were about 10 of us and so what to do? Three cabs would have sucked, but along came Art with Kosh Transportation. His suburban was fully stocked with beer, he only wanted $10 for the ride and we were encouraged to smoke in the car. I highly recommend this car service while you're in town.

The last stop was at the Rusty Spur Saloon where we got our boot scooting boogie on with the blue hair set. They had a live band covering mostly Rolling Stones and Southern rock tunes. Pretty cool decor (lots of dollars) that are taken off the walls once an year and donated to charity.

Almost Paradise

2007-12-06T21:35:00.001-08:00

Somewhere in this wild world lies a perfect spot where at just the right moment all key elements align to create the unforgettable night. An evening where vivid fantasies of individuals, ambiance, food and drink come together in harmonic bliss. Welp pardner Cowboy Ciao in Scottsdale, AZ were dang close last Friday night I'll tell you.

You're darn tootin we started off with the tastiest salad this side of the Alamo, then they rustled up some buffalo carpacio which was my fav and the scallops were nice. My bbq rib entree was my least fav of the night, a bit too fatty for my liking. The Duck on the other hand was the best I've ever had. Wine list is over 100 pages with 3500 wines but we just took their suggestion and were extremely satisfied.

Best of all was the service and the people we met. Actually ended up hanging out with the patrons and staff all weekend. We went to the wine bar next door afterward for a night cap to end a night of near perfection.

Little Next More

2007-11-29T18:18:00.001-08:00

Getting East siders and West siders together can be challenging. Meeting in the middle is a splendid compromise and Little Next Door was the perfect choice. Located just West of LaCienega on the South side of W. 3rd, this fresh French market and bistro sits adjacent to it's fine dining cousin Little Door. I got there first and chose a seat on the sidewalk patio closest to the street. Good vantage for the pics but not the quietest seat in the house. There are indoor seats as well but the patio was busiest. The menu was quite extensive for bistro fare and there is a charming market counter inside with prepared foods, bakery and pastries. We ordered 5 of the six cheeses and it came with grapes, bread and fresh preserves. Alas it was the Proseccos that were the star of the late afternoon. First is was the white peach, then the passionfruit, then the mandarin then the lychee and THEN..the hibiscus rose, which was my favorite, my friend preferred the passion fruit. We also found room to split a Greek salad that despite lacking cucs had arugala, pine nuts, lots of sun dried tomatoes and chevre.

Daily Hours 9 AM - 6 PM

8142 West 3rd Street, LA CA 90048
(next door to The Little Door)

Tel: 323.951.1010
Fax: 323.951.0487

Gasless Ghetto Gourmet

2007-11-15T22:12:00.001-08:00

Well sort of anyway, no gas was used in the cooking of this meal. But I definitely jumped into my carbon emitting four banger and booked over to Mar Vista with no concern for fuel economy. I arrived an hour late but just in time for film maker Chris Paine introduce his acclaimed film Who Killed The Electric Car. Everyone ate the killer squash soup, salmon and desert while watching this murder mystery styled documentary regarding GM's burial of its EVI electric car program. I had seen the movie before and loved it. Fascinating stuff what a few people can do when they get together and refuse to go away. When I first saw the movie I came away feeling as if the filmakers had deliverd a devastating blow to the mammoth General Motors Company. But after meeting and speaking with the film makers and players it was not that simple. These folks were on the GM bandwagon! Touting the promises and efforts GM has made since the subsequent embarassement that was realized by the film.

All in all it was another great night by Jeremy at The Ghetto Gourmet . They should be returning to LA again in about a month, be sure not to miss out on what will assuredly be another astounding effort.

Barfly

2007-11-13T23:32:00.000-08:00

When this is the view you have at the bar or patio seat, you're sipping beverages and nibbling on free apps it's hard to complain about a little noise. Proud bird restaurant/aircraft museum and banquet facility lays adjacent LAX's runway. I'd noticed the old airplanes in front of the place a number of times passing it on Aviation just North of the 105. Open from 11pm to 10am daily, happy hour 4-7 M-F discount drinks and free apps. $14.95 lunch buffet seemed like the best deal and what most were ordering.

Ghetto Ghet

2007-11-13T01:16:00.001-08:00

It seems that most of the time when I have heightened expectations from an event, or movie or person I am disappointed. Maybe it's all the hype that binds disappointment to the never satisfied. Either way I thought that the Ghetto Gourmet was going to be the raddest dining experience of my life, this gave me cautious trepidation. Every other time I'd set up big expectations I'd actually set my self up for a let down. Well, the Ghet did not disappoint, as a matter of fact it exceeded expecations. I brought cold sake and champagne after being emailed the menu last minute.

Rice Paper Wrapped Tiger Prawn with Ginger and Garlic

Tuna Tower with Shiso and Uni Sauce

Fresh Veggie Spring Roll

Lobster Bisque Shot with a Corn Fritter

Tomato Consumme with Roast Pumpkin Dumpling

Mini Chocolate, Banana & Macadamia Nut Pies

It looked like a good sized menu but left me wanting twice the portions of each course. But far and away the best part of the night was the group. Billed as the dinner in the dark we were drenched in candlelight to enjoy each others exuberence. What a great crowd and night. Do not miss a chance to dine like this.

Not Nearly Nordic Nough

2007-11-13T00:50:00.001-08:00

You have to call the Irish Consulate in San Francisco to attain the application for an Irsih passport. Passports are to anyone with a parent born there. Apparantly there's a lot of Irish in San Francisco and when I went to Dropkick Murphey's last weekend the passport wouldn't have gotten a bushmills neat and guiness back to save your life. It was Social Distortion meets my Tribe loving, nightmare of a redsox fandom, hooligan mob looking as if they wanted to kill a man. My friend and I with antique related back ailments scuttled to the back of the crowd hoping not to get clobbered by the thug crowd. Interesting thing was everyone got on stage and thrashed at the ending and it was pretty impressive, it served as quite the bonding experience. Went to dive bar downtown THE 101 and the Missions CASANOVA to round out the perfect night out in the city.

Bite ein bit

2007-11-13T00:40:00.001-08:00

So next time you're in Milpitas Sheraton don't bother asking for the EU's best selling beer. They have the handles and all but the beer is en route. Fat Tire works fine as I try and get my way into Oracle, and I'm not talking software. Silicon Valley is a bit desolate these days and It's my first time time there so I guess I missed the HAYday, which is surprisingly more like agra Sac than close to the city tech center, lots of vacant commercial space.

Happy Hour Halloween

2007-11-13T00:26:00.001-08:00

Lucys 51 Halloween served as best bet in town for fast food served with flair on steps from the WORLDS BEST trick-or-teating (Toluca Lake). I was hungry and was able to cordon off an entire section of the bar/eatery for myself. They were prepared for the all hallows eve revelers with hanging ghosts and cobwebs. The happy hour menu was great, seared ahi, fried ravioli and sweet potato fries balanced out the pumpkin martini just fine. I scarfed it and went trick or treating. Thats right 38 and trick or treating and I have finally found the top targets, where they serve up full on haunted houses, mansion after mansion and have full candy stores set up at the end of gated driveways. Yes Toluca Lake, Burbanks attached alienhead sister city has a new purpose.

Now What Mother Echo Parker?

2007-11-13T00:04:00.002-08:00

Short Stop. It's been a staple for seductive flossies and make out artists of all kinds. Echo Parks best bar is now part of a three in a row barhopper special. El Compadre, The Short Stop and Little Joy. If you've not experience this trio of delight and debaucerhy you oughta. Start off with strolling Mariachi's and Margaritas at El Compadre, the sister spot to the Rock Walks urban legend. Then saunter 50 feet to the right to The Short Stop, LA's BARHOPPERS pick as #1 hook up bar on the East side. Then stumble into Little Joy, only another bleeding 30 meters to the punkest bar we know of. Total chaos mass confusion, and a great jukeox. Tell Joe at Little Joy and Mario at El Compadre and Justice at The Short Stop that LA BARHOPPER sent you may get our hook up.

Rusty Scupper

2007-11-12T23:57:00.001-08:00

Down on the Santa Monica Pier, by the famous ferris wheel, along the wood plank boardwalk sits an adventitiously poised all American bar. Rusty's Surf Ranch may serve less than adequate food but it's the best thing going the way of bars on the pier. It has a pool table and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Live music on the weekends would be it's other main draw. Usually closed by midnight.

Bullseye

2007-10-20T05:38:00.000-07:00

Went to the after hours spot Tunnel and met up with some very nice folks having a great time.
I owe you dinner contact me any time to redeem.

After Hours at the Tunnel

2007-10-20T05:28:00.001-07:00

Hanks Ranks

2007-10-20T05:23:00.000-07:00

Hanks bar is on Grand between 8th & 9th and has a down to earth vibe (aka my fav downtown dive). We stopped in for a couple quick, cheap stiffies.

Ah Yeah

2007-10-20T05:10:00.000-07:00

Stopped in to the Golden Gopher for the legal last call. All I can say is that Downtown LA has a thriving nightlife that is not so publicized. Come on down you'll know what we're talking about.

I ran into a couple movers and shakers too. I saw Tony, who owns The Royale (29th & Wilshire) and he's opening up a 24 hour spot downtown next week called MODE...love that name.

Then I saw Lyon at The Tunnel and he's opening up Lyons Den in a couple weeks that will be a great late night stop, can't wait for that one to open.

Seven Teen

2007-10-20T04:47:00.001-07:00

We started out the evening at seven grand. An apt name due to the super top shelf cabinet to the left of the bar where all selections are over $50 a glass. It's well worth the shot. Enough has been said about this spot but be sure to visit Broadway Bar, Caseys Bar & Grill, The Edison and The Golden Gopher to complete the LA BARHOPPER 213 tourDowntown.

Daily Grills C-Thru Happy Hour

2007-10-12T10:04:00.001-07:00

Not unlike the drive thru window at many restaurants, Downtown's Daily Grill last night was equipped, well equipped I'd say, with this C-Thru window. As I had sat at the bar during happy hour clicking away countless pictures of the ood and drink this woman was sitting behind me topless.

The night started out at The Pegasus, downtown's swank yet ideally located downtown location. In case you want to move there my friend that lives there says's he's getting a $400 raise in rent. The good news for him is he can stumble home from just about any good spot in Downtowns booming nightlife district. And if he doesn't make it home? He becomes one of the less than 1000 homeless (or at least living on the sidewalk) on skid row.

Daily Grill on 6th and Flower

Happy Hour is where it's at. Thursday and Friday are the busiest nights at this national chain. Happy Hour is from 4-7 & 9-11 M-F
$2.95 Little Meals
$3 Drafts
$5 Wines
$6 Well
$7 Martini Menu
$8 Specialty Drinks

The place was busy, I could walk which they say is not always the case. I even got a seat at the bar so I was feeling pretty lucky. I hadn't eaten all day so I ordered a Pomegranite Mojito and The Artichoke Dip, Sliders and Sushi. It was a good deal on the food and the dip was my very good, my favorite item of the night. Strike that, my favorite item off the menu. The best thing about the drink was it was stiff, very stiff I'd say.

As I was paying and about to leave, a woman squeezed next to me and was speaking with the bartender about something, when I noticed that she was topless. I mean she had on some type of black mosquito netting or something like a shirt but it was completely see through. I was shocked, stunned and completely done taking all the pictures and what not. I just stared, and she turned back to sit with the guy she was with. Well I left after debating whether to just go up to her anyway and as I walked by the window I snapped this photo through the window. She had put her jacket on as I left. She must have been cold.

Join Up

2007-09-28T13:27:00.001-07:00

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