Cocktails

The Raymond in Pasadena is not a new place. In fact, it is rather old. Established in 1886, it was The Grand Raymond Hotel, frequented by East Coasters in the winter. The hotel no longer exists, but inside the original caretaker's cottage is the home of The Raymond Restaurant and 1886 Bar. The Raymond Tucked away and hidden by trees in a residential area of Pasadena, The Raymond and 1886 Bar are out of the way and hard to find. But, it is worth the effort to spend an evening here as you will immediately feel right at home in the cozy, intimate space. Owner Leslie Levy Owned by Leslie Levy and her husband, 1886 Bar has been drawing in cocktail lovers from around the city since it opened in 2010, as well as garnering awards for the cocktail program. A small, low lit bar filled with dining tables, there is not a lot of room to stand along the bar. But, if you can get a spot, you are in luck. Once you have settled in, get ready to do a little work. The cocktail menu is not for the lazy. Each drink is named after a literary reference and eloquently described in paragraph format, like reading a story. It is worth taking a moment to read through it but if you refuse, the bartender is happy to help you with suggestions.
05 February, 2016
As the weather finally gets cold in Los Angeles, a hearty meal is in order. Messhall Kitchen in Los Feliz offers hearty comfort food with big flavors. From the outdoor fire pit to the wood cabin-like decor, and with servers in flannel shirts, you will feel the warmth the moment you walk in. You will also feel a sense of nostalgia. All of that comfort of your childhood, of camping or going to camp, will warm your heart as you take a seat in the family-friendly spacious restaurant. Chef Shane Pritchett came to Messhall Kitchen in 2014 and has brought his love for barbecue to the menu, while using local, sustainable and organic seasonal ingredients to create the re-conceptualized American favorites. Messhall Kitchen is the kind of restaurant that you want to come hungry....and thirsty. The drinks menu consists of classic cocktails, barrel aged cocktails and spirit flights. But, I was drawn to the drinks that are an ode to Harry Potter. As a huge fan of the books, we picked a Polyjuice Potion (151 rum, persimmon syrup, grapefruit, lemon, sherry float) under the Three Broomsticks Shaken Beverages section and a Veritaserum (Buffalo Trace bourbon, Mandarin Napoleon, maple syrup, barrel aged bitter) from the Hog's Head Stirred Libations section. Polyjuice Potion Veritaserum
25 January, 2016
The venerable Julian Cox has done it again. Along with his equally talented team, including Kristina Howald, Dave Kupchinsky, Nick Meyer, Eric Costantino and PJ Myers-Chase, they have put together one of the best new bars in Los Angeles, The Fiscal Agent. The Fiscal Agent Team - David Kupchinsky, Kristina Howald, Julian Cox, Eric Costantino, PJ Myers-Chase The Fiscal Agent is an intimate bar located above Barrel & Ashes in Studio City. There is no sign out front, but you will see the doorman standing just next to Barrel & Ashes. Despite having a doorman, there is nothing pretentious about The Fiscal Agent. It is warm and inviting with cool music playing. There is limited seating, with a handful of small tables and comfortable lounge chairs in what is like a living room. And the marble bar is like sitting at the kitchen counter, where you can watch the bartenders create drinks while chatting with them. The back bar is beautifully lit with a disco ball adding just the right amount of light.
21 January, 2016

This post originally appeared on FoodableTV.com There has never been a shortage of restaurants along Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley, but these family-owned restaurants...

04 January, 2016
A recent visit to the Hard Rock Cafe at Universal City took me back in time. Hard Rock Cafe From the massive neon guitar outside to the rotating car and iconic music collectibles lining the walls, I remember the excitement when I was a teenager and would meet my friends for a burger at the Hard Rock Cafe on La Cienega Boulevard, the second location for this iconic restaurant. While that location has closed, there are more than 150 Hard Rock Cafe locations around the world, and more than three dozen in North America today. Hard Rock Cafe
26 December, 2015
I was told that this restaurant had table-side guacamole on the menu and I was anxious to try this. This is  another of the new restaurants to open along Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks. Located on the second floor of a building, Añejo Cantina & Grill is an upscale Mexican restaurant that opened this past summer and is offering authentic Mexican cuisine to valley dwellers. It is a big place with a big menu. With 11,000 square feet, space is not an issue. There is the indoor dining room where live music can be heard (or danced to), a large outdoor patio with a fire pit as well as private event space. The best seats in the house are on the outdoor patio that overlooks Ventura Boulevard. Even on a cool night, the patio is warm with the table-side heaters and blankets the restaurant is happy to provide. Once settled in, get ready to eat because the portions are big. The danger at any Mexican restaurant is filling up on chips and salsa. So, we did not waste any time and ordered the tableside guacamole. I just love the the taste of fresh avocado mashed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro and fresh lime. Tableside Guacamole Tableside Guacamole Tableside Guacamole
21 December, 2015
This story originally appeared in the Napa Valley Register (December 18, 2015) With the holidays upon us, the gift list is long. Whether buying for others or putting a list together of what you want, a book is always a perfect gift. Wine and Cocktail Books As a wine and cocktail lover, I am always drawn to books about this subject and continue to amass a collection of books about the history of the industry, the people who make the industry what it is and guides to learn more about wine, cocktails and pairings. If you are looking for last-minute gifts for your wine and cocktail loving friends, here are seven suggestions that are currently filling my bookshelves.
19 December, 2015
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