Quarantine Cocktails: Smoky Old Fashioned Edition

To help promote the launch of its new TV adaptation of the Bong Joon Ho film "Snowpiercer," TNT held a "virtual premiere party" this week — and what's a premiere party without beverages? The network sent along a kit from Cocktail Courier, along with a recipe by Laila Grainawi (yes, "Grain" is actually in her name!):

2 oz. bourbon, 0.25 oz. simple syrup, 2 dashes of aromatic bitters, and a rinse of orange liqueur — topped off with a smoking rosemary sprig.

It's a easy, 3 minute prep. You need jigger, mixing beaker, bar spoon, julep strainer, double old fashioned glass, lighter. (You can improvise with most of these.)

Instructions:

1. Chill double old fashioned glass by placing in fridge/freezer or by filling with ice water and setting aside for 5 minutes.

2. Remove glass from fridge/freezer or if using ice water, empty the glass.

3. Pour one quarter-ounce of orange liqueur into the glass. Swirl around and discard.

4. Fill mixing beaker about two thirds full with fresh ice.

5. Measure and add bourbon, simple syrup and bitters to mixing beaker with ice and stir for about 30 seconds.

6. Strain contents of mixing beaker using a julep strainer into rinsed glass and top with fresh ice.

7. Use lighter to ignite one end of each rosemary spring, releasing the toasted aroma. Extinguish before placing in each cocktail.

A Farewell to the Good Luck Bar, Where It All Began

Maria and I were sad to read about the impending closure of the Good Luck Bar, a Los Feliz institution that has been at the intersection of Hollywood, Sunset, Virgil and Hillhurst, around the corner from the Vista Theatre, for at least 25 years. Apparently the landlord is looking to tear down the building to build either condos or a hotel — and the Good Luck Bar has been given notice.

With just a few weeks (or if we're lucky, another month or two) left before it disappears, we headed there on Saturday — for the first time in years — in order to pay our respects and also reminisce.

The Good Luck Bar is where we met, nearly 20 years ago, and although the world and L.A. have changed a lot since then (not to mention our lives — two kids later!), it was always comforting to drive by the Good Luck Bar sign and know that it was still there.

On Saturday, the bar was packed. Clearly, a lot of people had the same idea. A line snaked down Hillhurst and we had to wait a bit to get in. But I'm glad we did. It's hard to believe that a chance meeting at a bar all those years ago set us on this path.

In 2009, on the 10th anniversary of when we first met, I wrote this:

Ten years ago, on the evening of July 3, 1999, I was lounging in my West Hollywood apartment -- flipping through channels -- when the phone rang.

It was my friend Pang-ni. She and a few friends were heading to the Good Luck Bar on Hillhurst in Los Feliz. They were also hanging out with some off-beat guys, and well, they needed to be rescued. Would I join them?

Hmm. I was already in for the night. And Los Feliz was a hike from West Hollywood. But I had promised myself to make more of an effort to get out and meet new people. Plus, it was the July 4th weekend, I thought to myself, and I oughta be out having a good time.

So I got dressed, hopped on the surface streets and headed to this "Good Luck Bar."

Inside, Pang-ni and Brenda -- two friends from my college dorm -- were there.. and yup, I saw what they meant by these guys. It was a busy holiday weekend night at the Good Luck Bar, but the group had managed to snag one of the last seating areas -- which had just been occupied by two girls. Pang-ni had struck up a conversation with one of them, and I wound up sitting next to Pang-ni.

Before long, I was talking to Pang-ni and the new girl to her left. And later, I wound up talking to that girl a little bit more. She seemed pretty cool, and we talked about all sorts of nonsense. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Where we grew up. And what we did for a living. She told me she designed CD packages at Rhino Records. Oh -- and her name was Maria.

She was there, having a mini "girls night out" with her friend Andrea. (Turns out she was in a similar "what the hell, I'm gonna go out into the world, and if I meet someone, I meet someone" phase as well.) At the end of the night, she wouldn't give me her number. But I gave her my card. I was intrigued.

Later, while leaving the bar, Pang-ni asked me what I had thought about another one of her female friends who had been there that night. But all I could think about was this girl I had just met.

I didn't want to be too eager, and I didn't want to be Creepy McStalker. But I knew her first name, and I knew where she worked. I was going to wait a week, and then call Rhino. (Probably too long in hindsight -- but again, I wanted to play it cool and not scare her off.)

But before I finally got the nerve to call... I was in the office on Thursday night (back at my old gig at the now-late Electronic Media) when the phone rang.

"What were you doing giving your number to a drunk girl?" laughed the voice on the other end.

It was her. I couldn't believe it. Honest, to this day, she teases me that I was never going to call -- but I was. She just beat me to the punch. And thank God she did, because it gave me a bit more confidence to push hard for a first date. Soon.

We arranged to meet the following week at Lola's on Fairfax for drinks. And that led to our first full-fledged date: Drinks at 360 (now long gone) and dinner at the old Luna Park (also long gone), where Pancho Sanchez also performed. That led to another date at Campanile's Grilled Cheese night. And so on.

It all led to now -- marriage, home and Evan -- plus another addition, just a few weeks away.

And to think it all started that night, ten years ago. It's crazy to think how so much has resulted from that phone call from Pang-ni -- and that split-second decision to get off my lazy ass and drive all the way to Los Feliz. And ditto Maria's decision to meet up that night with a friend at a bar that, like me, she'd never been to. (And yes, we've felt cheesy for years that we met in such a cliched fashion -- at a bar, and a bar named "Good Luck," no less.)

We're hoping to visit the Good Luck Bar at least one more time before it closes — and buy a T-shirt too! 

Go before it's too late: 1514 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The Cat and Fiddle's Demise Makes Morrissey (and Us) Sad

The Morrissey online zine True to You has the singer's reaction to news that L.A. pub The Cat and Fiddle is closing in December:

The earth dies screaming

A large part of me dies at news that the pillowy bosom of the Cat And Fiddle is to close down on December 15th, making the universe all wrong. A beacon of light will soon be a headstone, and where will we now go to chew each other's fat? Yes, life is fragile and we all end up as worm chow, but the Cat And Fiddle is one of the Great Drinkers of The 20th Century, and is as stable and rooted a part of the Strip as number 77. We are all orphaned.

with funeral pace
Morrissey
Florence, Italy, 22 Ottobre 2014.

When in LA, Morrissey can regularly be found at The Cat and Fiddle. The photo above, of him with Russell Brand and Noah Gallagher, was posted on Brand's Twitter feed last year.

Bar Visit: Upstairs Bar at the Ace Hotel (Downtown)

Downtown's new Ace Hotel has become one of neighborhood's new hot spots -- and that's even before the Big Gay Ice Cream shop opens. The upstairs bar at the Ace offers fantastic views and a big drink menu, but the place is packed -- and that means service is spotty. You may have to kidnap a bartender or waiter to finally get a drink. I hope that's just because it's still new... but nonetheless, worth checking out. Some pics:



















Upstairs Bar at the Ace Hotel
933 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Bar Visit: Hermosillo (Highland Park)

A few weeks ago on a date night, Maria and I traveled down York to check out the Hermosillo Bar -- and yes, although there were plenty of Highland Park hipsters in attendance, it was a chill crowd and a good vibe. Local craft beers on tap, a cool but simple decor (updated dive bar chic?) and a friendly staff that lets you sample the beers before committing. We grabbed our drinks, then sat along the front window, looking out on York.

The Hermosillo Bar is definitely a pick for us, and we'll be back. A few pics:







Hermosillo Bar (Highland Park)
5125 York Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90042

R.I.P., Two L.A. Landmarks: Tom Bergin's and Williams' Book Store

This is why we can't have nice old things in Los Angeles: They keep disappearing. We've said goodbye to the likes of Bahooka this year (and I'm still nervous about the return of Clifton's Cafeteria). And now L.A. is saying farewell to two more retail landmarks: The 77-year-old Irish saloon Tom Bergin's and the 104-year-old Williams' Book Store in San Pedro.

Here's the L.A. Times story on the surprise Tom Bergin's shut down:

The pub -- one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles -- posted a message on its Facebook page announcing the closure. A reason was not given. The message simply said: "We are sorry to let everyone know that this Sunday will be Tom Bergin's last day of business. Please join us in our last few days; we'd love to see as many familiar faces as possible."

Someone who answered the phone at Bergin's this evening attributed the closure to "lack of sales." The man -- who declined to give his name -- added: "The ownership wasn't reaching the revenue needed to sustain itself."

The tavern had recently been taken over by Los Angeles restaurateur Brandon Boudet, closed for some retooling, and then reopened. Efforts to reach Boudet were unsuccessful.

Tom Bergin's Tavern first opened in 1936 on Fairfax Avenue, south of Wilshire. L.A. Times restaurant critic Jonathan Gold said walking into the restaurant's dining room was like stepping back in time to Raymond Chandler's L.A.

The tavern was known for its rare Irish whiskeys, a well-drawn Guinness and hefty servings of coconut cream pies, as well as for the signed shamrocks that festooned the wooden rafters above the bar, signed by regulars and tourists alike. Still, the menu offered a bit of whimsy, such as a jambalaya.

And here's the L.A. Times on what's to become of Williams' Book Store:

Opened in 1909, Williams' Book Store is considered by some to be the oldest continuously operating bookstore in Los Angeles (Vroman's, which opened in 1894, is in Pasadena). But it stands to be the latest casualty in a business that has been moving increasingly online.

Williams' Book Store was opened by E.T. Williams, a Welshman who landed in San Pedro and decided to stay. When he died in 1940, it passed to his daughter Ethel; in 1941, when Anne Gusha graduated from college, she began working at the store full time. Ethel brought Anne and then Jerry into the business, and in 1980, the Gushas took ownership of the bookstore.

The store has moved to various locations in its century in the book business, always looking for a lower rent that would allow it to continue to serve the same community.

Williams' Book Store will close the first week of August, after San Pedro celebrates its 125th anniversary.

(Pic credits: KCRW; Williams' Book Store)

L.A.'s Kid-Friendly Wine Bars

Finally, the list I've been looking for: Red Tricycle L.A. gives us a list of local wine bars that are also kid-friendly. Hey, don't judge. The list includes Sonoma Wine Garden (Santa Monica Place), Chic Wine Bar (on Pico in Mid-City), Vintage Enoteca (on Sunset in Hollywood), Eclectic Wine Bar & Grille (in North Hollywood), Roxolana (Pasadena) and Pour Haus Wine Bar (Downtown).

Check out Red Tricycle L.A. here for more info. And thanks to Taster Tots L.A. for the heads up. (Pic via Red Tricycle.)

Anthony Bourdain's L.A. Picks: Atwater Village, Koreatown, In-N-Out

For his new Travel Channel show "The Layover," Anthony Bourdain is sharing his eating and lodging tips for short stays in major cities around the country and the world. Monday night's episode revolved around Los Angeles -- and although Bourdain didn't break any new ground, he still gave a pretty good snapshot of how to consume our city in 48 hours.



Among the highlights: A visit to Atwater Village's Tacos Villa Corona (although he makes it sound like Atwater Village is a world away from the rest of the city).

Bourdain also spends time with Ludo Bites; Hollywood's farmers market; Koreatown; In-N-Out, which he calls "the only American chain worth a damn"; and his favorite hotel, the Chateau Marmont. The Travel Channel website also offers up a list of Bourdain's favorite L.A. bars (including dive White Horse Inn) here.

Rate-A-Restaurant #253: The Edison

Restaurant: The Edison

Location: 108 West 2nd Street (Downtown)

Type of restaurant: Bar/Speakeasy



We stipulated: Maria and I were in downtown for the Last Remaining Seats, and looking for a place to grab a quick bite and drink before the movie. Because this screening was being held at the Million Dollar Theatre, we were close to 2nd Street -- and Maria had never been to the Edison. Mission accomplished.

They stipulated: "By creating living history, Andrew Meieran's award-winning design celebrates an era of invention and imagination -- the blending of science, art and industry. The space retains many of its architectural and mechanical artifacts from its history as Downtown LA's first private power plant. The design combines styles ranging from Art Nouveau to Industrial Gothic in order to create a lavish Industrial Cathedral -- a space that needs to be experienced more than just seen."



What we ordered: It was happy hour (5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday through Friday), so we took advantage of the 35 cent martini, and several $5 specials: Kobe beef burger, calamari ("Electric Company squid") and "Singapore wings." All came with "Tesla fries" (sweet potato fries)



High point: The Happy Hour prices. We were able to dine for $20.

Low point: The confusion over where to sit. There were "reserved" signs on every table -- and most of those tables were empty. We finally just took a seat and promised the waitress that we'd be out by 8.

Overall impression: The Edison is a spot you want to show off to folks who still don't believe in the downtown renaissance. It's a magnificent place, and the happy hour can't be beat. Even the circa 1900 silent films they flicker on the wall lend themselves to an air of history and intrigue (well, except for the one with the blackface. Yikes. Maybe remove that one.)



Chance we'll go back:  I'd say it's a great spot to meet downtown with friends or with out-of-towners, particularly for happy hour. So yes.

For a complete list of our more than 250 restaurant reviews, check out Franklin Avenue's companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.

Rate-A-Restaurant #237: City Sip

Restaurant: City Sip

Location: 2150 W. Sunset (Echo Park)

Type of restaurant: Wine Bar

We stipulated: We had a Groupon for City Sip set to expire, and a rare evening out. We had to check City Sip out.



They stipulated:
"Wine for the People": "Small production, boutique wines that are value priced. We have a wonderful staff of winos who will guide you through our very extensive wine list and find your perfect match."



What we ordered:
The Catalan Panini (jamon serrano, manchego, and piquillo peppers) $13

High point: The space is great; a no-pressure place to enjoy a glass of wine with minimal pretension.

Low point: City Sip doesn't open until 5:30, which makes it tough to meet early on a Friday. (We've got a limited time window because of the kids.)

Overall impression: Once upon a time, it wasn't easy to find a wine bar in Los Angeles. Now they're everywhere. But there was something warm and appealing about City Sip, including the Echo Park location.

Chance we'll go back: Why yes, we probably will. I'm particularly intrigued by "After Nine Every Sunday" -- from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays, all open bottles are half-off by the glass.

Jonathan Gold Hosts L.A.'s Ultimate Cocktail Party

Take some of L.A.'s best restaurants... add in some of L.A.'s best bars and mixologists... stick it inside the beautiful ticket concourse at Union Station... throw in DJ Garth Trinidad... and make it for a good cause.

The one man who could pull off such an event? L.A.'s Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold, of course.



Gold threw his second annual Union Station Speakeasy Cocktail Party, a fundraiser for the literary salon Zocalo Public Square, on Saturday night. And thanks to fellow blogger Sarah at The Delicious Life, we scored tix (normally $185/person). Worth finding family members to babysit the boys? Uh, yes.



And the great part: The party lived up to expectations (other than the humidity inside the Union Station ticket concourse). There were no lengthy lines to try the various restaurant eats and bar concoctions; the food was tops (special shout out to Lazy Ox Canteen) and the drinks strong -- literally. And even the music by Garth "Don't Call It Chocolate City" Trinidad was spot on.

A round up of eats:


Lazy Ox Canteen (Chef Josef Centeno): Yellowtail crudo with avocado, creme fraiche, white soy -- easily our favorite of the night. We could have eaten 20 of these.


Providence (Chef Michael Cimarusti): Japanese kanpachi sashimi


Rustic Canyon (Chef Evan Funke): Black mission figs, roasted chestnuts, burrata, saba and toast


Rivera (Chef John Sedlar): Pre-Columbian and post-Columbian gazpacho


First and Hope (Chef Joseph Panarello): Savory butternut panna cotta with crab salad

Other restaurants: Comme Ca (Gougeres, duck rillettes, chanterelle cream); Jar (pork croissant with mustard sauce); Susan Feniger's Street (Burmese melon salad); and Grace (braised pork, squash flan, smoked sage jus). We managed to try everything but Grace, which ran out before we got to their booth.

The drinks:


Seven Grand: Selection of Chivas Regal 12 Yr Scotch Highballs (Chivas Regal, soda water, artisanal bitters, house-made syrup, fresh squeezed citrus over ice)


Cole's Red Car Bar: Pikesville Classic Manhattan (Pikesville Rye, Dolin Sweet Vermouth, Angostura bitters, with luxardo cherry)

Also: Las Perlas (Spiced PaQui Tequila Daisy -- my favorite of the night); Cana Rum Bar (Cruzan Rum Ace of Spades); and The Varnish (The Plymouth Fitzgerald)



The event was also a great way to spend time with some pretty cool folks, including Taster Tots' Jessica Ritz and her husband, Henry; also Los Angeles mag's Mary Melton and bloggers like H.C. from L.A. and O.C. Foodventures and Esther from estarLA.

A Lucky 13 Collection of Downtown Bars

This week's Sunday L.A. Times Image section included a pretty good roundup of Downtown L.A.'s top bars of the moment.

The list:

Cana Rum Bar: 714 W. Olympic Blvd.
Cole's Red Car Bar: 118 E. 6th St.
Drago Centro: 525 S. Flower St.
The Falls: 626A S. Spring St.
First & Hope: 710 W. 1st St.
Las Perlas: 107 E. 6th St.
Mignon Wine & Cheese Bar: 128 E. 6th St.
Seven Grand: 515 W. 7th St.
Swill Automatic: 1820 Industrial St.
Rivera: 1050 S. Flower St.
Tony's Saloon: 2017 E. 7th St.
The Varnish: 118 E. 6th St. (located at the back of Cole's)
Villains Tavern: 1356 Palmetto St.

I've been to a few of these... but still have a long way to go. My friend Christy just Tweeted a challenge: "My friend, we are going to try every one." That sounds like a pretty good goal for the rest of 2010.

Get the full details on each spot here.

(Flickr pic by KayOne73.)