fbpx

Springtime On The Strip

It is difficult to tell in L.A., but spring is officially here. Yes, we still have mild temperatures, just as many flowers and enough sun to make the rest of the country bitter with envy, but there’s a little something extra special in the air this time of year.

To celebrate the changing season, businesses on The Sunset Strip are offering seasonal menus, new drinks, holiday brunches and events that focus on the fresh perspective spring — and ping pong tournaments — can bring. 

 

SPRING DRINK SPECIALS

Cabo Cantina
8301 Sunset Blvd. | www.thecabocantina.com

Cabo Cantina offers two new spring-inspired beverages. Sit in the sun and sip their new Peach Tea or Sweet Tea Vodka, priced at a very pocket-friendly $9.95 per pitcher. Cabo will also offer bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys for only $9.95 until 3 p.m. on Easter Sunday.

“Five at Five” at BLT Steak
8720 Sunset Blvd. | www.bltsteak.com

BLT Steak has launched a new “Five at Five” menu, which includes fresh menu of spring drink options including prosseco, chardonnay, pale ale and a Kentucky Side Car as well as appetizers such as BBQ shortrib gnocco and crispy Fanny Bay oysters, all priced at $5 each. The menu is available seven days a week from 5-7 p.m.

The London After 5
1020 N. San Vicente | www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

The London Bar hosts a special $5 drink and food menu from 5-7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday. The menu includes champagne, sake, bar bites and valet parking with validation, all priced at $5 each.

Tax Relief at BLT Steak
8720 Sunset Blvd. | www.bltsteak.com

On April 15, BLT Steak helps take the stress out of Tax Day with half-off all alcoholic beverages. Cocktails, beer, wines by the glass and bottles will be sold at 50% off all day long.

 

EVENTS

Tweetcrawl 4: Eggstravaganza

Saturday, April 3 Sunset Strip businesses The Standard (@standardhwood), The Comedy Store (@thecomedystore), Viper Room (@theVIPERroom), LIVE! On Sunset (@LIVEonSunset), Citysearch (@CitysearchLA), Book Soup (@BookSoup) and The Roxy Theatre (@TheRoxy) are partnering to host the fourth Tweetcrawl, a walkable, drinkable social-media tour of The Sunset Strip (@TheSunsetStrip). The spring-inspired edition includes an egg hunt with prizes, ping pong tournament (with the winner receiving a free night stay at The Standard, Hollywood), live music, food and drink specials, egg decorating, and special prizes from 98.7 and participating venues. This event is open to those ages 21 and older, and Tweetcrawlers must follow the tweets of venues for free entrance. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/aDclpk

Bad Religion at House of Blues
8430 Sunset Blvd. | www.hob.com

Get a little Bad Religion on the holiest of weekends as the punk rockers performs two nights at House of Blues: Saturday, April 3 and Sunday, April 4. Doors at 7:30 p.m., tickets are $22.50 in advance, $25 at the door.

Ping Pong Saturdays at The Standard
8300 Sunset Blvd. | www.standardhotels.com

Enjoy the fresh air and a little friendly competition Saturdays from 12 – 5 p.m. at The Standard’s pool deck.

 

NEW SPRING MENUS

Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood
1020 N. San Vicente | www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

Gordon Ramsay has announced their new spring menu, complete with seasonal fare. Delicious choices include globe artichoke salad with burratta mozzarella, marjoram and argan oil; seared hamachi with ras el hanout spices, compressed cucumber, hearts of palm and ponzu; Sonoma lamb duo with sweet onion compote, cherry blossom, creamy polenta and jus.Or indulge in the chef’s tasting menu, with choices including roasted Hudson Valley duck breast with kohlrabi and pickled tangerines with balsamic jus; farmer’s market citus terrine with yogurt sabayon and Earl Grey sorbet. Indulge in the entire menu.

Buttercake Bakery
8616 Sunset Blvd. | www.buttercakebakery.com

Buttercake Bakery is offering a selection of decorative treats and desserts to kick-off spring. Delicious offerings include macaroons (.75-cents), cirus sponge cake ($22), flower cupcakes ($2.75), and daisy petite fours ($2.25).
 

 

SUNDAY, APRIL 4, EASTER BRUNCH

Easter Brunch: Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood
1020 N. San Vicente | www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

Sunday April 4, 11:30 a.m. – 3p.m. Served al fresco on the Hampton Court, overlooking views of The Sunset Strip and Los Angeles skyline. The $85 per person brunch includes free-flow champagne, Mimosa and Bloody Mary’s. Menu includes pastry station, prepared to order omelettes, French toast, organic greens, a sushi bar, risotto station, carving station with wild salmon strudel and aged smoked beef tenderloin, and beverages.  Full menu.

Easter Gospel Brunches at House of Blues
8430 Sunset Blvd. | www.hob.com

Enjoy a Southern-style buffet as well as a soulful live performance. Doors at 9:30 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Price is $16.50/child, $30/senior and $38/adult. For more information, call 323.848.5100.

Champagne Brunch at Sunset Marquis
1200 Alta Loma Road | www.sunsetmarquis.com

Celebrate Easter Sunday with champagne brunch at Sunset Marquis’ RESTAURANT, which is known for its bunny sightings! Brunch is prepared by Chef Guillaume Burlion and served 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The brunch includes appetizers, salad station with sushi, burratta salad, fresh greens, carving station featuring roasted leg of lamb, honey glazed Kuro Butta ham, Alaskan salmon Wellington, a pasta station and dessert and cheese station. The brunch is $65 per person. Call 310.358.3700 to make reservations as space is limited. (*Bunny sightings not religiously-affiliated or guaranteed. Please do not feed the bunnies.) Full menu.

RH at Andaz
8401 Sunset Blvd. |  www.andaz.com

Sunday, April 4 RH offers an Easter brunch featuring spring salads, California farm artisan cheeses and charcuterie, Santa Monica Market fresh oysters and mussels, desserts and confections. Each guest receives a choice of beverage (raspberry champagne cocktail, Heirloom 323tomato bloody mary, grand mimosa, tiger lemon iced tea and a variety of fresh squeezed juices), buffet selections and family-style main course (leg of lamb or fish of the day). Brunch is served from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and is $52 for adults and $20 for children under 12.
 

SPA DEALS

Agua Spa at Mondrian
8440 Sunset Blvd. | www.mondrianhotel.com

Agua Spa is participating in Spa Week April 12-17, offering a 45-minute massage for $50 plus a 60-minute reflexology treatment for $50. www.spaweek.com
 

WeHo Gets Arty

This weekend our fashionable neighbor, The Avenues of Art & Design, hosts the 13th annual Art & Design Walk on Melrose Avenue, Beverly Boulevard and Robertson Boulevard. Designers, foodies, fashionistas and art enthusiasts will gather on The Avenues – West Hollywood’s exclusive collection of more than 300 high-end interior design showrooms, galleries and boutiques on – on March 26 and 27 for gallery shows, special receptions, food and entertainment.

Some events of note include: The Dr Seuss party at Alpha featuring organic sandwiches from the Nut + Jam Man Truck; Coco de Mer’s Mad Hatter’s Tease Party with burlesque performances, cupcakes and champagne; an Etiquette Arts Class at Robert Kuo with reception featuring prosecco and desserts; and concert pianists at Steinway Piano Gallery.

You can continue the fun on Sunset, too as we’ve got our own fun cultural experiences going on this weekend. Visit the Prism Gallery to view the “Araki: A Perspective” exhibit, which runs through May 9. The exhibit features a collection of works from renowned Japanese photographer Nobuyoshi Araki. Prism is open until 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. www.prismla.com/

Stop by The Standard at any time of the day and view Mika Rottenberg’s “Mary’s Cherries” short film screening 24/7 in the lobby. And while you’re there, you might as well grab a cocktail. www.standardhotels.com

Enjoy the art of comedy with actor Jeff Garlin at The Comedy Store Friday night. www.thecomedystore.com

Book Soup hosts Jack Bowen Saturday at 5 p.m. as he presents and signs “If You Can Read This: The Philosophy of Bumper Stickers.” www.booksoup.com

And if your looking for light pre-dinner drinks and appetizers make sure you add BLT Steak to your plans. Their daily "Five at Five" menu offered from 5-7 p.m. features prosseco, chardonnay, pale ale and a Kentucky Side Car cocktail as well as appetizers including BBQ shortrib gnocco, steak sliders and crispy Fanny Bay oysters, all priced at $5 each. www.bltsteak.com

For more information about The Avenues Art & Design Walk, visit
http://avenueswh.com/
 

Tweetcrawl 4: Eggstravaganza Set For April 3!

Spring – and pollen — is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with a Sunset Strip Tweetcrawl! The fourth edition of this walkable, drinkable social-media enhanced tour of The Strip is set for Saturday, April 3, and is kicking off earlier in the day, at 3 p.m., to ensure an action-packed day of memorable fun.

 
Tweetcrawl 4: Eggstravaganza features stops at The Standard, The Comedy Store, LIVE! On Sunset, Book Soup, Citysearch LA, Viper Room and The Roxy Theatre with drink specials, a ping pong competition and an egg hunt along the way with special prizes from participating venues and 98.7 LA. The Tweetcrawl is open to guests ages 21 and older, and you must follow the online tweets for prizes and free access to the venues.

The game plan includes:
 

3 p.m.
The crawl kicks off at The Standard, Hollywood (@standardhwood) with a good old fashioned ping pong tournament on the pool deck. The champion will win respect, bragging rights and a free night stay at The Standard, Hollywood! Food and drink specials are also on tap, and special prizes will be awarded to those wearing head-to-toe bunny costumes. As an added bonus, the hotel is offering $8 parking for participants.


5 p.m.

The Comedy Store (@thecomedystore) hosts comics, excellent prizes and drink specials. VERY SPECIAL drink specials.


5:45 p.m.

Tweetcrawlers will hop up The Strip as 98.7 (@987LA) gives away some of the best Bunny Prizes yet whilst we crawl to retailer LIVE! On Sunset (@liveonsunset).  LIVE! will play part in the egg hunt as well as open up their back bar for delicious libations.


6:15 p.m.

We are off to Book Soup (@Booksoup) as our friends from PBR (@PBR_LA) help them get groovy, Lit-Style. Be on the lookout for everyone’s tweets for special prizes as we make this stop.


6:45 p.m.

Bring on the grub! Citysearch (@CitysearchLA) provides an awesome stop with local foodstuffs for everyone.


7:45  p.m. 

Rally to the world famous Viper Room (@theVIPERroom) to enjoy rock-solid drink specials including $3 Easter Egg Cocktails and $1bartender’s choice shots. Along the way, and around the club, look for eggs filled with prizes including merchandise, free show entries and much more. As long as you follow the bunny (@berkorules) you won’t get lost.

8:45 p.m.
The Roxy
(@TheRoxy) is about to make your night. With egg decorating, drink specials and as always incredible music, finish out the crawl here.
 

For more information, and additional details as announced, visit http://bit.ly/aDclpk

Questions? E-mail Tweetcrawl organizer Alf:  alf (@) thecomedystore.net

 

Let The Madness Begin!

Looking for a place to catch the games while questioning your bracket choices? We’ve got your guide here!

 

The place: Borracho Cantina
The screens: 10 big screen TVs
The perks: Multiple screens for the games and multiple happy hours: 3-6  p.m. and 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. featuring half-priced food and $5 margaritas and well drinks.
www.borrachocantina.com

 

The place: Cabo Cantina
The screens: Multiple HD flat screen TVs
The perks: Laidback and fun. Two-for-one priced happy hour from 4-8 p.m.
www.thecabocantina.com

 

The place: The Den
The screens: HD flat screens at the two bars.
The perks: A cozy ski-lodge atmosphere without leaving The Strip. Half-priced small food plates, beer and drinks from 5 – 7 p.m. Friday and 3 – 7 p.m. Saturday plus $12 bottomless mimosas and bloody mary’s during the weekend from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 

The place: Rainbow Bar & Grill
The screens: TV at the outdoor patio bar and screen inside.
The perks: Weekday happy hour from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Opens at 5 p.m. on weekends.)
www.rainbowbarandgrill.com

 

The place: Red Rock
The screens: Multiple big screen TVs
The perks: Darts, a patio overlooking The Strip and daily half-priced happy hour from 5-7 p.m.
8782 Sunset Blvd.

 

The place: Saddle Ranch
The screens: Multiple TVs
The perks: Half-priced appetizers and drinks weekdays from 4 – 6:30 p.m. and $9.99 bottomless bloody mary’s and mimosas on weekends from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (with purchase of a meal).
www.srrestaurants.com
 

St. Patrick’s Day On The Strip

Live music, drink specials, Green Velvet Cake and $25 tattoos. The Sunset Strip is the only place to be — outside of Ireland — this St. Patrick’s Day.

 

Live Entertainment:

Young Dubliners at House of Blues Sunset Strip
8430 Sunset Blvd. | 323.848.5100 | www.hob.com

House of Blues Sunset Strip is proud to present Celtic rock group the Young Dubliners with King Washington on St Patrick’s Day. The night also includes Irish drink specials in the Foundation Room prior to the show. Tickets are $30 in advance and $32.50 day of show. This show is ages 21 and older only.

 

“Feck Yeah, Ireland” at The Comedy Store
8433 Sunset Blvd. | 323.650.6268 | www.thecomedystore.com

Irish comics, beer and whiskey specials and Irish coffee. Tickets are $15. The show begins at 9 p.m. and is ages 21 and older.

 

Mark Mahoney and the Shamrock Social Club’s St. Patrick’s Day Bash at The Roxy
9009 Sunset Blvd. | 310.278.9457 | www.theroxyonsunset.com

Legendary Sunset Strip tattoo artist Mark Mahoney and the Shamrock Social Club host their infamous St. Patrick’s Day Bash. This year’s event features a killer lineup of old school punk legends including, TSOL, D.I., The Stains, Agression and Cold Blue Rebels. Doors at The Roxy open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door. This event is 18+.

 

Special Deals:

$25 Shamrock Tattoos
9026 Sunset Blvd. | 310.271.9664 | www.shamrocktattoo.com

Want to remember St. Patrick’s Day year-round? Stop by Shamrock Social Club on Wednesday as artists at the shop will offer $25 shamrock tattoos all night long.

 

Ole Henriksen
8622 Sunset Blvd. | 310.854.7700 | www.olehenriksen.com

Wear your green on St. Patrick’s Day! Receive a complimentary jar of Ole Henriksen’s all purpose aloe vera gel and avoid getting pinched. Bring in a copy of the spa’s March Ole Henriksen Face/Body newsletter to redeem.

 

Green Velvet Cakes and Shamrock Cookies
8616 Sunset Blvd. | 310.855.0770 | www.buttercakebakery.com

Buttercake Bakery gets in the spirit this week with Green Velvet Cakes – a twist on the traditional Red Velvet Cake ($15-$35). Shamrock petit fours ($2.25), Shamrock sugar cookies ($1.75) and holiday-themed cupcakes ($2.75) are also available.

 

Drink Specials:

The Standard, Hollywood
8300 Sunset Boulevard | www.standardhotels.com

Offering two specialty cocktails: The Leprechaun featuring a ‘Bit ‘o Bailey’s and Bushmills with creme-de-menthe green and cream, and The Shamrock-‘n-Rolla, a special house recipe, with a splash of Irish! The Standard is also hosting an acoustic night. So grab a drink and enjoy!

 

Ketchup
8590 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood | 310-289-8590 | www.dolcegroup.com

Half-priced beer on St. Patrick’s Day. 

 

Cabo Cantina
8301 Sunset Boulevard | 323.822.7820 | www.thecabocantina.com

Have an Irish fiesta with Cabo Cantina, offering 99-cent Coronitas, Mega Irish Margaritas, $5 burritos and of course our famous two-for-one happy hour from 4 -8 p.m.

 

The Den Of Hollywood
8226 Sunset Blvd. | 323.656.0336 | www.thedenofhollywood.com

Offering $2 Coors Light and $5 Irish Car Bombs. And traditional corned beef and cabbage on the menu.

 

BLT Steak 5 After 5
8720 Sunset Blvd. | 310.360.1950 | www.bltsteak.com

Enjoy $5 draught beer, cocktail and wine selections from 5-7 p.m., as well as decadent $5 appetizers including Gruyere mac and cheese and steak sliders. 

 

The London After Five
1020 N. San Vicente | 310.854.1111 | www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

From 5-7 p.m. enjoy $5 glasses of champagne or sake. Also on the menu: $5 bar bites and $5 valet parking with validation.

 

 

SXSW Gets Strip’d

The only thing hotter than the salsa in Austin will be the collection of Sunset Strip venues showcasing talent next week during SXSW. For those headed to the Lone Star State, make sure to mark these events on your calendar.

The Comedy Store hosts a day of hilarity with a showcase on Wednesday, March 17 featuring LA-based all stars Mack Lindsay, David Taylor, Nick Youssef, Justin Martindale and Benji Alflalo. The showcase starts at 1:30 p.m. and is followed by the beyond-words karaoke experience, Karaoke Killed The Cat, at 3 p.m. Both events take place at The Rusty Spurs (405 E. 7th Street). RSVP

Get your talk on Thursday, March 18 as representatives from the Viper Room, The Roxy Theatre and The Comedy Store (otherwise known as @theVIPERroom, @TheRoxy and @TheComedyStore) discuss how social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook have helped the businesses create a relevant and thriving community on The Sunset Strip. “The Social Strip” panel begins at 3:30 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center. Want more info?

After the panel, head back to The Rusty Spurs as The Roxy  presents its third annual AustinRox music showcase. Pop rockers the Crash Kings kick things off at 8 p.m., and you’ll be partying till the break of dawn as Carney, Orgone, Saint Motel, She Wants Revenge and The Glitch Mob take the stage and take over Austin. RSVP

The party continues on Friday as the Viper Room and Supergoodmusic present Rooftop Riot at The Blind Pig (317 E. 6th Street). Music starts at noon and includes performances from buzz-worthy Foster The People, Imagine Dragons, Glint, Little Girls, The Binges, Steriogram, Stardeath & White Dwarfs. The always entertaining Andrew WK closes out the day at 5:10 p.m. RSVP 

[ADDITIONAL EVENT: SXSW film festival also includes a screening of documentary "Lemmy," which includes interviews with Slash, Dave Grohl, Billy Bob Thornton, Metallica as they discuss this Sunset Strip legend. "Lemmy" screens Monday, March 15 .]
 

–C. Kemp

BLT Steak Gives You Something To Celebrate With Special Anniversary Menu Tonight

Tonight, BLT Steak celebrates the anniversary of the opening of the first BLT location in New York on March 3, 2004. And as a gift to its patrons, the acclaimed Sunset Strip location is offering a specially priced menu.

Tonight’s 3/3 dinner includes steaks and entrees priced at $33.04 and special cocktails, sides and desserts priced at $3.03. Now that’s something to celebrate!

If you can’t make it tonight, stop by BLT Steak during the week for their remarkably pocket-friendly “5 at 5” menu from 5-7 p.m. featuring drinks and treats all priced at $5.

Items include steak sliders, L.I. Duck Rillette with green apple salad and grilled sourdough, Kobe hot dog, miniature crabcakes, sweet potato fries, specialty cocktails, draught beer and red and white wine by the glass.

For reservations, call 310-360-1950 or visit www.bltsteak.com.

–C. Kemp

RH Celebrates Oscar Weekend With “Julie & Julia” Menu

This weekend RH at Andaz presents a delectable dinner menu that film lovers, foodies and Francophiles alike will adore. The acclaimed restaurant will feature a multi-course menu that celebrates Meryl Streep’s Oscar-nominated portrayal of the beloved Julia Child in “Julie & Julia.”

A master of the art of Southwestern French cooking, Chef Sebastien Archambault will offer his version of dishes that Child shared through her many cookbooks and television shows – the perfect poached egg, lobster thermidor, beef bourguignonne and babas au rum.

The special three-course dinner menu features:

Perigourdine poached egg
Field mushrooms, foie gras, black truffle

Lompoc Farm leeks vinaigrette
Black truffle, fresh goat cheese, crispy Applewood bacon

***
Boothbay Harbor lobster open ravioli
Bisque sauce

Beef bourguignonne
Carrots, baby potatoes

***
Dillon rum baba jar
Vanilla whipped cream

 

The dinner is available Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 – 11 p.m. and is exquisitely priced at $90 for two. RH Bar will also pay homage by serving French classic Kir Royale (creme de cassis and champagne) ($14).

For reservations, please call 323-785-6090. www.andaz.com
 

 

[Photo: Meryl Streep in "Julie & Julia." Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures.]

A Very Happy Un-Birthday To You!

The London West Hollywood invites you (and you and you!) to celebrate the whimsical and trippy fun of Alice In Wonderland with a Mad Hatter Tea Party lasting throughout the month of March.

Don’t be late for this very important date. Starting March 1, the delicious and delightful tea party will be available daily from 3-5 p.m.

The creatively styled menu brings the beyond-your-wildest-dreams story to life and includes traditional treats with a twist.

Selection of teas: Earl grey, English breakfast, green tea, chamomile, Darjeeling, organic peppermint, cassis, mountain berry, floral jasmine, life through water, harmonie, tangerine, fresh mint. 

Freshly cut sandwiches: Tomato-cherry jam with aged English Cheddar, red onion marmalade with smoked ham, sour cream with smoked salmon and lemon and horseradish crème fraiche with roast beef.

Pastries: Caterpillar Caps – polka-dot frosted, mini-chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, Dum-Dee-Dum Macaroons, Blackberry Panna Cotta in champagne flutes, Demitasse cups with poached strawberries and coconut foam, Queen of Heart fruit tarts, Un-birthday Cake – chocolate decadence cake with fresh lavender flowers and Jam Tomorrow Scones – plain and blackcurrant scones with colored whipped cream and compotes.

Finish your afternoon tea with a “Drink Me” champagne toast. A bottle of champagne and selection of colorful mixers for the table is available. Pick and brew your own specially flavored toast. Each mixer is priced at $5 per and includes pomegranate juice with Pama Liqueur, Triple Sec with orange juice and lemon, passion fruit puree with lemon and simple syrup, apple liqueur with lemon and pineapple juice, Blue Curacao with lemon, lime and cassis, framboise liquer and peace juice with peach liqueur and lemon.

The tea service is $28 per guest. Reservations can be made at 310-358-7788. Make sure you keep your eyes open for the white rabbit.
 

–C. Kemp

Dine With A Chef

Francophiles and those who have dreamed of sharing dinner with an acclaimed chef should reserve their spot at RH stat. On Feb. 23, RH’s Chef  Sebastien Archambault will host Club Culinaire’s “Chef A Table,” a dinner that allows guests the unique opportunity to dine with guest chefs while enjoying a multi-course dinner and conversations about the history and culture of France.

The evening starts at 7 p.m. with a champagne and hors d’oeuvres cocktail reception before guests are seated to enjoy a five-course Southwestern French-inspired meal prepared by Archambault and complimented with wine pairings.

Guests will be seated at communal tables allowing the chef the opportunity to pop in and share stories. The price for this dining experience is $105 for Club Culinaire members and $115 for nonmembers.

The full menu includes:

Hors d’oeuvres et Champagne
* * *
Starters family-style:
Perigourdine poached egg, field mushrooms, foie gras, black truffle
Niman Ranch roasted veal sweetbread puff pastry,  artichokes, bacon, shallot and Madeira wine sauce
Wine paring: Mont Tauch Corbières 2006
* * *
Seared diver scallops, orange braised endive, cilantro seeds
Wine paring: Mont Tauch Fitou Reserve 2006
* * *
Homemade crispy Hudson Valley duck leg confit
sautéed potatoes, green onion, garlic, parsley
Wine paring: Clos Fardet Rouge Madiran 1998
* * *
Dillon rhum baba jar, vanilla whipped cream
Rice pudding, sautéed pears, walnut biscuit
Wine paring: Muscat de Rivesaltes

 

This event is part of the dinner series organized by Club Culinaire that gives guests an opportunity to experience the culinary creations of Southern California’s most renowned chefs as they promote the delights of French cuisine.

For reservations, please call 323-785-6090.