Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Basque
This is not a review, but a tribute to one of the least memorable Hollywood cheese clubs.
Basque...
The name itself is enough to make any decent human being cringe.
But walking by it on a Saturday evening proves to be even more hair raising and ironically sad.
You can tell by the Top 40 dance remixes and button down shirts with distressed jeans that this place was oozing with cheese.
This was the place that created a line outside to put on the facade of being an A-listers club (which I also hate), that the poor Hills and Valleys and west side crowd just ate up.
The rule for this place was, wear the smallest, shiniest, tasteless outfit and seek out a man just as classy as your outfit.
So needless to say, this place earned plenty of grunts from myself and my friends.
We were surprised, however to find out this place went up in flames the day after we had made such remarks...
Fortunately, it was at 5am when there was no cheap fabrics and cologne to add fuel to the flames.
R.I.P. - You're cheese will live on in another location the locals can't seem to avoid.
Basque...
The name itself is enough to make any decent human being cringe.
But walking by it on a Saturday evening proves to be even more hair raising and ironically sad.
You can tell by the Top 40 dance remixes and button down shirts with distressed jeans that this place was oozing with cheese.
This was the place that created a line outside to put on the facade of being an A-listers club (which I also hate), that the poor Hills and Valleys and west side crowd just ate up.
The rule for this place was, wear the smallest, shiniest, tasteless outfit and seek out a man just as classy as your outfit.
So needless to say, this place earned plenty of grunts from myself and my friends.
We were surprised, however to find out this place went up in flames the day after we had made such remarks...
Fortunately, it was at 5am when there was no cheap fabrics and cologne to add fuel to the flames.
R.I.P. - You're cheese will live on in another location the locals can't seem to avoid.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Tiny's KO
Man, I have really let myself go.
How could I have not posted since February??
Oh wait, I know... I was working a hell of a lot and travelling half that time.
Anyhow, I'd like to backtrack about 1 month now, and tell you a little story about Tiny's KO.
I've been going here since about 4 months after their opening and have loved it every visit, but this particular night was off the charts.
After attending a post premier party, we decided to stop in Tiny's for a night cap.
There were 3 Japanese girls at the bar, one of them being practically molested by another asian guy.
She was trying to fight him off between nearly falling over several times, but no one was saying anything... (but it is LA after all)
I turn around to get up to say something to this sleezy jerk, and what do I see??
Her hair up in flames!!
And not any little sizzle, but fully on fire!!
A looker on finally came to the rescue and put out the fire, but the asian guy kept trying to rape her in the bar, nevermind her hair was half gone.
Turns out, her friend that brought her there was the friend of the creepy asian guy and was egging on his behavior... All of a sudden, she just looked like a Madam of a brothel, selling her innocent new "friend" on her first trick.
Eventually, I encouraged her other friend and her husband to take her home and keep the creep away from her, which they did.
Where else are you going to see such a scene??
Okay, so not a good story to encourage girls into going here, but trust me, it's fun.
Just don't attend a party with an open bar, get sloshed, and then go anywhere afterwards but home.
You're asking to be taken advantage of.
Oh god, this sounds like a horrible review, but it's not meant to be!!
I love this place, seriously.
How could I have not posted since February??
Oh wait, I know... I was working a hell of a lot and travelling half that time.
Anyhow, I'd like to backtrack about 1 month now, and tell you a little story about Tiny's KO.
I've been going here since about 4 months after their opening and have loved it every visit, but this particular night was off the charts.
After attending a post premier party, we decided to stop in Tiny's for a night cap.
There were 3 Japanese girls at the bar, one of them being practically molested by another asian guy.
She was trying to fight him off between nearly falling over several times, but no one was saying anything... (but it is LA after all)
I turn around to get up to say something to this sleezy jerk, and what do I see??
Her hair up in flames!!
And not any little sizzle, but fully on fire!!
A looker on finally came to the rescue and put out the fire, but the asian guy kept trying to rape her in the bar, nevermind her hair was half gone.
Turns out, her friend that brought her there was the friend of the creepy asian guy and was egging on his behavior... All of a sudden, she just looked like a Madam of a brothel, selling her innocent new "friend" on her first trick.
Eventually, I encouraged her other friend and her husband to take her home and keep the creep away from her, which they did.
Where else are you going to see such a scene??
Okay, so not a good story to encourage girls into going here, but trust me, it's fun.
Just don't attend a party with an open bar, get sloshed, and then go anywhere afterwards but home.
You're asking to be taken advantage of.
Oh god, this sounds like a horrible review, but it's not meant to be!!
I love this place, seriously.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Seven Grand
Okay, I have to put my foot down for this bar, because there are some terrible reviews about this place all over yelp and citysearch.
Here's the thing; If you don't like scotch whiskey, then don't order it!! They have plenty of other options for the non-whiskey drinkers, so why order something you know you don't like just because you are at a scotch bar, then complain about the drink. Super lame. (Also not to mention they have a chalk board explaining the 3 ways to drink it for the newbies).
Ahem... Now, Seven Grand is one of my favorite downtown bars for several reasons.
Here's the thing; If you don't like scotch whiskey, then don't order it!! They have plenty of other options for the non-whiskey drinkers, so why order something you know you don't like just because you are at a scotch bar, then complain about the drink. Super lame. (Also not to mention they have a chalk board explaining the 3 ways to drink it for the newbies).
Ahem... Now, Seven Grand is one of my favorite downtown bars for several reasons.
- The selection that makes any scotch drinker drool
- The plaid and leather interior with animal mount decor
- The smoking patio with tables so cigar smokers can relax
The boucer at the door seems to also be the target of bad reviews, but my experience was pleasant.
The crowd is a mix... I just wish some patrons would stop ruining the atmosphere with their skanky clothes and cheesy attitude. My plan is to go back on a weeknight to enjoy a nice slow drink (because you don't shoot scotch, moron).
515 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The Bar
Not sure why I've ignored this little bar less than 2 blocks from my home for so long.
Maybe it's because I used to like the trashy motel bar it used to be, or because it doesn't have a real name.
The Bar (yes, that's what it's called) was all the rage amongst hipsters when it made its transformation from its former dingy motel dive.
But time has passed, and this place is fit to be a nice, cozy local for all us Hollywood folk.
Located at Sunset and Bronson, marked only by a red neon "Cocktails" sign and arrow, the super dark and cozy room was rather mellow for a Saturday night.
In fact, it was pretty bare until 11:30pm.
The drinks are not cheap, but made well without hassle or long wait.
The hipster crowd was still dominant, but not so much that the striped shirts and shaggy hair hurts your eyes.
Overall a well groomed crowd, but not a very social bunch either.
Most came in groups and stuck with them.
I'll come back here on a night I want to have a conversation only with the person I went there with, and I'm in no mood to walk far or drive.
One piece of advice: If you meet a guy/girl there, make sure you say bye to them outside where there's more light... Everyone looks fantastic in the dark!
Maybe it's because I used to like the trashy motel bar it used to be, or because it doesn't have a real name.
The Bar (yes, that's what it's called) was all the rage amongst hipsters when it made its transformation from its former dingy motel dive.
But time has passed, and this place is fit to be a nice, cozy local for all us Hollywood folk.
Located at Sunset and Bronson, marked only by a red neon "Cocktails" sign and arrow, the super dark and cozy room was rather mellow for a Saturday night.
In fact, it was pretty bare until 11:30pm.
The drinks are not cheap, but made well without hassle or long wait.
The hipster crowd was still dominant, but not so much that the striped shirts and shaggy hair hurts your eyes.
Overall a well groomed crowd, but not a very social bunch either.
Most came in groups and stuck with them.
I'll come back here on a night I want to have a conversation only with the person I went there with, and I'm in no mood to walk far or drive.
One piece of advice: If you meet a guy/girl there, make sure you say bye to them outside where there's more light... Everyone looks fantastic in the dark!
Cabo Cantina
So this place is not new for me...
In fact, this used to be the usual hang after a days work when i used to work just around the corner from it.
Cabo Cantina is not for those who want glass stemware, clean bathrooms, and fresh air.
But if you're in search of cheap drinks and chatty people getting drunk in the afternoon, this is THE place!
The crowd is mostly young, many with non-nine-to-five jobs, and since the entire front area of the bar is open air (though far from fresh), many smokers hang out here too.
I've seen everything from students, musicians (mostly aspiring), actors, models, and various other professions, all with wandering eyes.
The environment is just as loud as the blonde sitting next to you and the food is about as interesting as the guy across the table who's into real estate.
But we're not there for atmosphere or food... We're there to get cheap drinks!!
Every single day from 4pm~8pm, ALL drinks are 2 for the price of 1.
I doubt any other bar can compete with that happy hour.
My advice is, go for the happy hour and nothing else... It closes around midnight anyway.
Now go and get drunk and take the bus home! (Because drinking and driving is not cool :( )
In fact, this used to be the usual hang after a days work when i used to work just around the corner from it.
Cabo Cantina is not for those who want glass stemware, clean bathrooms, and fresh air.
But if you're in search of cheap drinks and chatty people getting drunk in the afternoon, this is THE place!
The crowd is mostly young, many with non-nine-to-five jobs, and since the entire front area of the bar is open air (though far from fresh), many smokers hang out here too.
I've seen everything from students, musicians (mostly aspiring), actors, models, and various other professions, all with wandering eyes.
The environment is just as loud as the blonde sitting next to you and the food is about as interesting as the guy across the table who's into real estate.
But we're not there for atmosphere or food... We're there to get cheap drinks!!
Every single day from 4pm~8pm, ALL drinks are 2 for the price of 1.
I doubt any other bar can compete with that happy hour.
My advice is, go for the happy hour and nothing else... It closes around midnight anyway.
Now go and get drunk and take the bus home! (Because drinking and driving is not cool :( )
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Griffin
Am I the only one sick of going to a bar, only to find yourself surrounded by 21 year olds on a mission to outdrink and outdo each other?
First off, I feel old around them, secondly, it kills the ambiance, and if you're single, the chance of meeting anyone that's read a book outside of a text book.
Well, I think I may have found the solution to the mature, but definitly not old crowd to get their strong drinks and good vibes.
The Griffin, nestles just between the Roost and Tam O'Shanter Inn, this new Atwater Vilage bar has everything for the crowd past their college years.
The interior has a warm and cozy cabin feel, like a European country club. There are 2 bars once inside with attentive bar staff that came to serve me without too much of a wait although it was a packed house, not to mention how strong the drinks are. Not for lightweights is putting it lightly.
There is also a candle lit patio visible from Los Feliz Blvd. for all the smokers to schmooze at.
The crowd is one of the best mix I've seen in Los Angeles, but what they all had in common was that there was no hostility or attitude from anyone. Ages seemed to vary from anywhere between 25~35, with a few stragglers outside of this age group.
Everyone there was well dressed, with their own style, but not trying too hard either. It's a nice change to not see the westside uniform of button-down shirts (stripes mostly) and halter tops (with a fake tan) that seems to be invading the east side these days.
There is usually a line to get in after 10PM on the weekends, so I recommend an early start if you want to avoid the que.
Another perk to this place is the location.
Parking is usually easy to find (but keep in mind the weekend crowding after 10pm) and it's close to 3 other watering holes: Bigfoot Lodge, The Roost, and Tam O'Shanter.
Overall, a big thumbs up for The Griffin for anyone who is looking for someone their own age to pick on (or pick up on).
3000 Los Feliz Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 644-0444
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=The+Griffin+Atwater+Village&ie=UTF8&ll=34.12614,-118.259325&spn=0.011635,0.018582&z=16&iwloc=A
First off, I feel old around them, secondly, it kills the ambiance, and if you're single, the chance of meeting anyone that's read a book outside of a text book.
Well, I think I may have found the solution to the mature, but definitly not old crowd to get their strong drinks and good vibes.
The Griffin, nestles just between the Roost and Tam O'Shanter Inn, this new Atwater Vilage bar has everything for the crowd past their college years.
The interior has a warm and cozy cabin feel, like a European country club. There are 2 bars once inside with attentive bar staff that came to serve me without too much of a wait although it was a packed house, not to mention how strong the drinks are. Not for lightweights is putting it lightly.
There is also a candle lit patio visible from Los Feliz Blvd. for all the smokers to schmooze at.
The crowd is one of the best mix I've seen in Los Angeles, but what they all had in common was that there was no hostility or attitude from anyone. Ages seemed to vary from anywhere between 25~35, with a few stragglers outside of this age group.
Everyone there was well dressed, with their own style, but not trying too hard either. It's a nice change to not see the westside uniform of button-down shirts (stripes mostly) and halter tops (with a fake tan) that seems to be invading the east side these days.
There is usually a line to get in after 10PM on the weekends, so I recommend an early start if you want to avoid the que.
Another perk to this place is the location.
Parking is usually easy to find (but keep in mind the weekend crowding after 10pm) and it's close to 3 other watering holes: Bigfoot Lodge, The Roost, and Tam O'Shanter.
Overall, a big thumbs up for The Griffin for anyone who is looking for someone their own age to pick on (or pick up on).
3000 Los Feliz Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 644-0444
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=The+Griffin+Atwater+Village&ie=UTF8&ll=34.12614,-118.259325&spn=0.011635,0.018582&z=16&iwloc=A
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
I'm back, and ready to tear up the town!
Many of my friends and family were kind enough to read and even enjoy (gasp!) my "Guide to LA" which I created in my wedding blog in 2007, so I've decided to start a blog dedicated to eating, drinking, shopping, dancing, veiwing, and anything else entertaining in the city of angels!
This is also an excuse to get my "getting comfortable just staying in" butt out of the house and having a social life again.
I'll cover everything from a poor girls guide to a fabulous night out, to the guide for guys cruising for chicks (and my husband is not allowed to read this one), and just about anything else that might be useful and entertaining with the help of some of my friends here in LA.
I'll try to be as unbiased as possible, but let's face it. Different folks have different strokes. I just hope there's something in here that may spark your interest!
Anyhow, I'm off to do my first report...
This is also an excuse to get my "getting comfortable just staying in" butt out of the house and having a social life again.
I'll cover everything from a poor girls guide to a fabulous night out, to the guide for guys cruising for chicks (and my husband is not allowed to read this one), and just about anything else that might be useful and entertaining with the help of some of my friends here in LA.
I'll try to be as unbiased as possible, but let's face it. Different folks have different strokes. I just hope there's something in here that may spark your interest!
Anyhow, I'm off to do my first report...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)