March 2011 - The Sunset Strip

Businesses Heat Up The Strip With “Best Of” Recognition

It’s not just the weather that’s heating things up on The Sunset Strip this week. Four of the boulevard’s amazing venues were named “best of” in two separate lists.

Katana was named one of OpenTable.com’s top 50 “Hot Spots Restaurants” in the U.S. Based on more than seven million reviews submitted by diners from more than 12,000 restaurants, Katana was one of the elite restaurants recognized on the list. Patio dining overlooking The Sunset Strip, critically-acclaimed sushi, flawless service and handmade cocktails propelled this Sunset Strip mainstay to the top of the list.

“Top Guns” Stars Land At Hustler Hollywood

The stars of XXX-rated tent-pole spoof "Top Guns" arrived at Hustler Hollywood on March 16 to promote the film and meet their fans. The PG-13-rated signing event and meet-and-greet featured the film’s aviator-sporting stars Jesse Jane, Kayden Kross, Riley Steele and Stoya, who posed for photos with fans. Guitarist Dave Navarro even stopped by to check out the fun.
For more information about "Top Guns" and Hustler Hollywood, visit www.hustlerhollywood.com.
–Photos courtesy Brent X Mendoza

Sunset Strip Music Festival Announces Exclusive Tickets For Fans

Sunset Strip Music Festival (SSMF) organizers announced today that they are rolling out the red carpet for their loyal fans and offering a limited number of Aug. 20 street festival tickets for a discounted rate. The tickets, priced at $45, went on sale today, and as an extra bonus the tickets are all fee free.
Through a new partnership with TicketWeb, SSMF will offer tickets without fees this year, meaning that the price promoted is the price fans will pay.
After the pre-sale, general admission street festival tickets will be available for $55 in advance and $70 at the gate the day of the event. VIP street festival tickets will be available for $120, and there will be a very limited number of three-day VIP passes available for $250.

TheSunsetStrip.com Exclusive Interview With Imagine Dragons

Tonight the world famous Viper Room welcomes Sin City sensation (how’s that for alliteration?) Imagine Dragons. After garnering every possible recognition and local music award that the entertainment capital has to offer, the band is poised to conquer the rest of the nation – and the world – with their heartfelt, anthemic melodies.
Speaking with TheSunsetStrip.com from across state lines, the quints (vocalist Dan Reynolds, guitarist Wayne Sermon, keyboardist Brittany Tolman, drummer Andrew Tolman and bassist Ben McKee) dispensed with solid advice on touring, blackjack and where to find the best all-you-can-eat buffets. Here’s what they had to say…

Theophilus London Debuts New Song @ Sold-Out Key Club Show

Hot off a week of shows at SXSW, critically acclaimed rapper Theophilus London took over the Key Club last week with his genre-bending hooks and lyrics. Those lucky enough to score tickets to the sold-out show were treated to a new track from the rising star.

Fan video: YouTube/Moviebruindos

Week In Rewind: Beer Pop Up Coming To The Strip, Feist Surprises @ Mondrian Sessions, Jessica Alba & Rachel Zoe @ Il Sole

Feist Makes Surprise Appearance at Mondrian Sessions; Baptizes Peaches in Sky Bar Pool (Video) [Hollywood Reporter]
Tonight’s music pick: Theophilus London @ Key Club [Brand X]
ColLAboration brews up a pop-up [Brand X]
An oasis on the Sunset Strip: Eveleigh [Shop Eat Sleep]
The Olive Kitchen + Bar: California Cuisine with a Twist on Sunset [Patch.com]
The Whisky Gets Acidic [Patch.com]

Feist + Gonzales + Peaches @ Mondrian Sessions

Gonzales, Feist and Peaches took over the Skybar as part of Mondrian Sessions on March 12. Catch the magic and be sure to reserve your spot at the next Sessions on April 8, featuring experimental pop-quintet Twin Sister.
Mondrian Sessions are free, but reservations are required: skybarla@morganshotelgroup.com. Ages 21+ only.

Video courtesy: GONZALES4morgans

St. Patrick’s Day On The Strip

While TheSunsetStrip.com was in Austin for SXSW, we left Brent X Mendoza in charge to hit The Strip and cover everyone’s favorite “holiday”: St. Patrick’s Day.

The night o’ green featured multiple parties and events, including fashion/rock night Dirty Glam at the Viper Room hosted by KROQ’s Stryker (Image 8) and featuring performances by local favorites Lady Sinatra (Images 6, 7). Even Susan Holmes McKagen (Image 9) of VH1’s “Married To Rock” stopped by the party.

Just down the street, Mark Mahoney’s (Image 13) famed Shamrock Tattoo was in the celebratory spirit with $25 shamrock tattoos!

Revelers capped off the night at On The Rox, which featured a free performance by Queen Isis of Barb Wire Dolls (Image 20).

Photos: Brent X Mendoza

Meals Benefiting Japan Relief This Weekend @ Night + Market

This weekend, Night + Market will offer a dining special with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Doctors Without Borders to aid the tsunami and earthquake relief in Japan. Starting tonight through Sunday, March 20, enjoy one of two takes on chicken and rice, as prepared in different regions of Thailand, each with a wine pairing.
Kao Man Gai is a Hainanese dish popular in central Thailand. It features poached chicken over rice with ginger and garlic served with a ginger and yellow bean sauce and chicken soup. It is paired with a dry Riesling from Rheingau, Germany.
The other option, Ob Gai, features the chicken on the bone, stewed in a spicy broth of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and red chile paste served with coconut sticky rice. This dish is paired with Tinto Maceracion Carbonica from the Canary Islands.

Fashionable Cocktails @ The London Bar

To celebrate LA Fashion Week, The London Bar is launching a haute cocktail menu that won’t break your fashion-forward wallet. The London After Five “wild fashion week” menu will be offered weekdays from 5-7 p.m. and features a selection of cocktails and bar bites priced at $5.

Sit back and rest your fabulously heeled feet while enjoying a Wildflower Martini (Absolut wild tea, cranberry juice, orange liquer and fresh lime juice); a Wild Vintage Mojito (Absolut wild tea, muddled mint leaves, simple syrup and fresh lime juice topped with soda water); or a refreshing Wild Fashionista (Absolut wild tea, lemon juice, simple syrup over ice).

The bar bites menu features twists on traditional bar fare, with items that include curried vegetable samosas, braised oxtail slider with pickled cucumber and fish and chips.