Immortalized in Vince Vaughn’s Swingers, the space formerly known as The Brown Derby, is today the epitome of Silverlake hipster chic.

Messhall, as it is now known, has settled comfortably into its epic environs with an updated menu of comfort food that has afflicted locals and foodies from all over Los Angeles alike with brief bouts of amnesia regarding calories, carbs and the much ballyhooed perils of sugar.

Cocktails poured from small batch American spirits are kinda brilliant (the house Old-Fashioned even ingeniously reinvents the classic); Corn Fritters are smoked and served with a poblano & pumpkin romesco; pork belly is perfectly crisped and served alongside battered and fried pickles and a remoulade in a mouthwatering pairing whimsically called Pig & Pickles, and the Willard’s “Far-Famed” Crispy Chicken served with Yukon mash & gravy and slaw sets a new benchmark for fried chicken in the City of Angels.

That said, you don’t have to be bad to be good at Messhall where, in keeping with the predispositions of the locals in the hood, Vegan options like the Camp Chili, a bean medley with crisp hominy and tofu cream and the Kale Caesar have followings of their own.

Ditto for the desserts, of which the Banana Cream Jar Pie complete with banana brulée and the Some More, a chocolate bread pudding and graham crumble served with the ‘most amazing ever’ marshmallow ice cream, are the undeniable stars.

Popular nights: Mondays| Burger & Beer (or Bourbon) $15 and Tuesdays | $1 Oysters & $5 Drafts.

Find out more at: messhallkitchen.com

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In Los Angeles, mention the name of José Andrés and you’ll likely hear shrill, near orgasmic moans about the James Beard award-winning chef’s celebrated The Bazaar restaurant at the SLS, to which foodies, local and otherwise, make regular pilgrimages. That the Philippe Starck-designed Bazaar has reached the apex of the ever-changing list of Los Angeles hotspots and remained there is a testament to its stylish environs and most importantly, to Chef Andrés’ delectably innovative signature menu via which Spanish cuisine is approached with new vision.

That understood, it is no particular secret that The Bazaar is regularly ranked among the city’s finest dining establishments.. A better kept truth is however that Andres’ other restaurant Tres, located right next door in the guest lobby of the SLS, is an equally transformative experience for many of the same reasons.

While the dining room at The Bazaar is expansive in order to accommodate its substantial draw of sparkling Angelenos, Tres is a more intimate, but no less chic, affair — an attribute that is reflected in both the menu and design of the restaurant. Though, it may prove hard to avoid being seen at The Bazaar, at Tres, which was also designed by Monsieur Starck, the restaurant’s clubby, more relaxed setting (and two private dining rooms) lend themselves in equal measure to romantic interludes or discreet business dealings. In fact, I visited Tres on a mid-week afternoon for lunch and rather enjoyed being seated on a comfortable sofa in a private far corner of the dining room wherein my guest and I were inclined to feel that we were the only people in the entire space.

On the menu at Tres, you’ll find some familiar items like the Croquetas de Pollo and the Patatas Bravas Chips with that delectable aioli that never fails to impress at The Bazaar. You’ll also find that the menu at Tres is more comfort food-oriented and as such may feel a bit more accessible for some. But of course, it goes without saying that comfort done by José Andrés, still shows all the complexity and masterful understanding of flavor profiles that has distinguished him as one of the world’s greatest culinary minds.

Succulent Rotisserie Jidori Farm Chicken is served with Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes and Rosemary Sauce, SLS Sliders are made with Prime Beef and bathed in a trio of cheeses including Blue Stilton and the cheekily named Beverly Hills ‘Bikini’, Chef Andrés blasphemously decadent take on a grown up grilled cheese sandwich has the audacity to be comprised of a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, truffles and honey aioli. (As for the latter, I must say that while it won’t help anyone get swimsuit ready anytime soon, it is well worth the indulgence).

Tres serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. And on weekends there’s also brunch which is well known for a number of memorable menu items, not the least of which is the 12 Quail Eggs Sunny Side Up. Likewise, Afternoon Tea, is served daily at Tres from 3 – 5 PM and just as you might expect, at Tres the traditional come with a twist a la treats ranging from Smoked Salmon with Coconut Sandwiches and Guacamole Cones to Chocolate Pop Rocks and Tablets.

Find out more or book a reservation at Tres at: http://www.sbe.com/tres.

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Olga Valentina may be relatively new to Hollywood, but she has certainly not let any grass grow under her high-heel clad feet since touching down in Tinseltown.  In the space of a few short years, the self-proclaimed ‘beauty from Moscow’ has completed a year-long conservatory program at the acclaimed Lee Strasberg School in West Hollywood and  scored supporting roles in Freelancers, opposite 50 Cent and Robert De Niro, and The Frozen Ground, with Nicholas Cage, John Cusack, and Vanessa Hudgens. In addition, she has also launched her own production company, Valentina Films, and begun developing a clothing line in collaboration with celebrity style maven Marina Monroe of Stylehaus. Somewhere in between all of that, the industrious Miss Valentina  has also somehow found time to develop and launch OlgaCooks.com, an online cooking series and blog  where she showcases her favorite recipes and kitchen tips. It was because of the latter that I shared a bit of holiday cheer with  the Russian bombshell last week.

Olga invited myself and a few other guests to her home for a holiday meal that began with Blueberry Kir Royales, Pink Panther Cocktails and an array of bruschettas complemented by Spicy Tomato Soup and Mini-Grilled Cheese Sandwhiches. Dinner continued  on with Wild Arugula Salad with Shrimp in a strawberry dressing, Cobb Salad, Roast Duck with Mandarin Sauce,, Filet Mignon, Broccolini  and Creamy Mashed Potatoes made with lots of cream and  Russian flair. All in all, it was as stellar evening made all the more festive by the fact that Olga was kind enough to send a limo to transport us to and from her home. A very nice touch as I always find that a car and driver always add a lovely patina to an evening out.

Below is a gallery of photos from that night. Watch Olga’s newest holiday episode and check out more of her recipes and tips at www.olgacooks.com.

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The cavernous and popular downtown hideaway, Villain’s Tavern, has enjoyed an enthusiastic following ever since the space threw open its doors in the not so distant shadow of the famed Los Angeles 6^th Street Bridge back in 2010. But in a city where what’s hot and what’s not can shift over the course of a single photo shoot, resting on one’s laurels is rarely a successful game plan. Dana Hollister, restaurateur / hotelier/ nightlife impresario, understands this concept far better than most, which not only explains her stellar track record but also the latest reinvention of Villain’s Tavern.

I popped into Villains Tavern last night to check out the new seasonal food menu which was conceptualized by Chef Vartan Abgaryan of Hollister’s Cliff’s Edge and I left satisfied that this was one bar whose reputation as one of downtown Los Angeles’s coolest destinations would remain intact for some time to come.

Stellar live music each and every night is one of Villains’ staple attractions and Thursday night was no exception.  As authentic Americana performed by two bands worthy of a spot on ABC’s Nashville blared and patrons grooved, I sampled Villains’ new cocktail experience complete with ‘crafted cocktails on tap’ alongside menu items like the Fish Tacos and the hearty Villains Burger, which is made with ground brisket, Mezzo Secco jack and topped with tomato, avocado and jalapeno aioli.  And on all fronts Villain’s excelled itself.  (In fact, I highly recommend the Pierre Le Grand cocktail, a delicious concoction of Absolut Elyx, Yellow Chartreuse, Pineapple, Lime and Sugar Cane that is so smooth it’s almost lethal).

Though I didn’t get to try them this go round, I’m looking forward to going back to sample everything from new bar snacks like the Salted Caramel Corn featuring bacon & bourbon, caramel, sea salt and black pepper to other downhome menu showstoppers like the Grilled Cheese, Kentucky Shrimp, the No Kill Burger, Bacon Dog and tempura Green Beans with chili aioli. Exactly how many ways can you spell Y-U-M!

Hidden away on the still more industrial side of downtown Los Angeles, Villains Tavern feels more like a speakeasy and a well-kept secret than a hipster destination, which is precisely how I suspect the regulars hope it remains. And something tells me that no amount of reinvention will change that aspect of this tavern’s ultracool vibe.

Find out more about Villains Tavern at http://villainstavern.com/.

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As those of us who partake know, there are times in life when you just want a drink. You know the moments. The ones where a couple shots of liquor poured over ice and mixed with juice or some manor of fizzy beverage (or not) will do the trick. And then there are times when you want a cocktail. And by ‘cocktail’ I mean a proper cocktail—a balanced libation that not only tastes good but evokes a mood and sets the tone for an afternoon or evening. (I purposely do not include morning here, because my assumption is that if you are imbibing in the wee hours of the day you probably won’t notice or care one wit about the difference between a drink and a cocktail.)

In any case, if you’re in the mood for a drink, any ol’ watering hole will do. Pick a bar—any bar—call your liquor, and your appetite will more than likely be satiated. However, if you are in search of a cocktail, a skilled hand and the proper setting are not just required, they are de rigueur. Just this week I had the opportunity to sample the new cocktail menu at The Churchill, a popular gastropub on West 3rd Street that does both while celebrating the best of contemporary cocktail culture in the City of Angels. And to say I was duly impressed by the experience would be something of an understatement.

In recent months, the Churchill had actually already become something of a favorite of mine. But with the addition of this snazzy new cocktail menu, its stock has gone even higher. Head barlady and cocktail sophisticato Mia Sarazen has crafted a menu of cocktails that are sophisticated and layered, while at the same time being as accessible as the rustic space in which they are served.

For those not familiar with The Churchill, it’s not a place anyone would describe as precious. In fact, like its namesake (Sir Winston) the restaurant itself is brash and a little rough around the ages, but it is also more classic than it looks, and what it offers is more complicated than one might expect—which is exactly what might also be said about Mia Sarazen’s cocktails.

A flaming redhead with a masterful hand, Sarazen honed her mixology skills on the L.A. scene by creating buzzed-about cocktail programs at hotspots like SoHo House, Harvard & Stone, Black Market and Tasting Kitchen. Not surprisingly, all of the experience and flair she acquired at those popular boites is on full display in the cocktails at The Churchill. Drinks like “The Churchill Old Fashioned,” a combo of Old Fitzgerald bourbon, house bitters and sugar, particularly highlight Sarazen’s skills. Sometimes Old Fashioneds can be overly sweet, but at The Churchill it is a perfectly balanced delight.

The same could be said for drinks like “The Statesman,” a harmonious blend of Famous Grouse, apricot, lemon, baked apple bitters and sparkling wine, or “The Iron Mule,” a refreshing mix of Russian Standard, ginger, lime, soda and bitters. They may sound a little fancy, but they really are just straight-ahead delicious libations designed to highlight and complement the many moods and spaces within the cavernous space that is The Churchill. More importantly, each of Sarazen’s cocktails displays her deftness at melding the classic with the contemporary by using the freshest ingredients and handmade components to create the kind of cocktails that make memories (or better yet, sometimes erase them). In fact, one sip in and it wasn’t hard for me to see why she cracked the top 10 list in 2011’s GQ/Bombay Sapphire “Search for the Most Inspired Bartender.”

Unlike reading, drinking is certainly not fundamental—but it can most assuredly be fun. Especially if you’re sipping a cocktail at The Churchill.

Find out more about The Churchill at the-churchill.com.

Until next time – Be well…Live Wells!

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As those of us who partake know, there are times in life when you just want a drink. You know the moments. The ones where a couple shots of liquor poured over ice and mixed with juice or some manor of fizzy beverage (or not) will do the trick. And then there are times when you want a cocktail. And by ‘cocktail’ I mean a proper cocktail—a balanced libation that not only tastes good but evokes a mood and sets the tone for an afternoon or evening. (I purposely do not include morning here, because my assumption is that if you are imbibing in the wee hours of the day you probably won’t notice or care one wit about the difference between a drink and a cocktail.)

In any case, if you’re in the mood for a drink, any ol’ watering hole will do. Pick a bar—any bar—call your liquor, and your appetite will more than likely be satiated. However, if you are in search of a cocktail, a skilled hand and the proper setting are not just required, they are de rigueur. Just this week I had the opportunity to sample the new cocktail menu at The Churchill, a popular gastropub on West 3rd Street that does both while celebrating the best of contemporary cocktail culture in the City of Angels. And to say I was duly impressed by the experience would be something of an understatement.

In recent months, the Churchill had actually already become something of a favorite of mine. But with the addition of this snazzy new cocktail menu, its stock has gone even higher. Head barlady and cocktail sophisticato Mia Sarazen has crafted a menu of cocktails that are sophisticated and layered, while at the same time being as accessible as the rustic space in which they are served.

For those not familiar with The Churchill, it’s not a place anyone would describe as precious. In fact, like its namesake (Sir Winston) the restaurant itself is brash and a little rough around the ages, but it is also more classic than it looks, and what it offers is more complicated than one might expect—which is exactly what might also be said about Mia Sarazen’s cocktails.

A flaming redhead with a masterful hand, Sarazen honed her mixology skills on the L.A. scene by creating buzzed-about cocktail programs at hotspots like SoHo House, Harvard & Stone, Black Market and Tasting Kitchen. Not surprisingly, all of the experience and flair she acquired at those popular boites is on full display in the cocktails at The Churchill. Drinks like “The Churchill Old Fashioned,” a combo of Old Fitzgerald bourbon, house bitters and sugar, particularly highlight Sarazen’s skills. Sometimes Old Fashioneds can be overly sweet, but at The Churchill it is a perfectly balanced delight.

The same could be said for drinks like “The Statesman,” a harmonious blend of Famous Grouse, apricot, lemon, baked apple bitters and sparkling wine, or “The Iron Mule,” a refreshing mix of Russian Standard, ginger, lime, soda and bitters. They may sound a little fancy, but they really are just straight-ahead delicious libations designed to highlight and complement the many moods and spaces within the cavernous space that is The Churchill. More importantly, each of Sarazen’s cocktails displays her deftness at melding the classic with the contemporary by using the freshest ingredients and handmade components to create the kind of cocktails that make memories (or better yet, sometimes erase them). In fact, one sip in and it wasn’t hard for me to see why she cracked the top 10 list in 2011’s GQ/Bombay Sapphire “Search for the Most Inspired Bartender.”

Unlike reading, drinking is certainly not fundamental—but it can most assuredly be fun. Especially if you’re sipping a cocktail at The Churchill.

Find out more about The Churchill at the-churchill.com.

Until next time – Be well…Live Wells!

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Speaking of Martinis—those beautiful, clear, mind-numbing libations that bring such joy and pleasure—if you’re anything like me, you just can’t get enough of them. As a bit of a connoisseur of the drink, I make it a point to try them as often and in as many places as I possibly can. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, and yes, it is a grueling endeavor, but I feel like I owe it to you and to everyone who wants to understand the art of Living Wells to continue my quest to find the most brilliant martinis in every destination around the globe.

This week I reconnected with one of my favorite martinis at my favorite hotel in London, the Egerton House. You absolutely have not lived until you’ve sat by the fireplace in the elegantly appointed, cozy drawing room of the Egerton House hotel and sipped one of the house martinis made by the hand of legendary bartender Antonio (no need for a last name, as with most icons).

The other night I stayed up until 5 a.m. having far too many martinis and chatting with Antonio about his 40-plus years behind the bar serving a plethora of boldfaced names from both sides of the Atlantic at some of London’s swankiest hot spots over the years. The man is a legend, and a very smart set from all over London—and, indeed, the world—gather nightly to watch the legend work his magic.

All martinis at the Egerton House are prepared right in front of guests on a little table that carries all the ingredients Antonio needs—a splash of vermouth, perfectly chilled Belvedere vodka and a thin slice of lemon rind cut fresh before guests’ eyes and dropped into the martini glass as a finishing note. How such simple ingredients become so much in Antonio’s hands is a mystery (although I think it has something to do with the way he shifts his shoulders as he puts the final touches on his creations), but the magic of his martinis is undeniable.

Stop by the Egerton House and plan to be transported over one of these delicious cocktails, but do be sure to make a reservation or at least call ahead, because the bar is small and Antonio’s martinis are always in demand. Here’s the contact info:

The Egerton House Hotel
17-19 Egerton Terrace
Knightsbridge
London SW3 2BX
Tel: +44 20 7589 2412

Cheers!

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From West Hollywood institutions to hip Silver Lake alternatives, we give you the 10 best gay bars and clubs in LA.

Abbey

• Critics choice

The Abbey is annually voted one of the world’s best gay bars. That explains the long lines on the weekends to get into this once humble coffee house that now boasts four full bars and sits on about five times the amount of real estate it originally occupied. The drinks at this West Hollywood stalwart are notoriously strong (they should be at $12 to $14 per) and the upscale, Gothic-meets-the-Mediterranean indoor/outdoor spaces, plentiful cabanas and hunky bartenders are all aesthetically satisfying to be sure. If there’s a downside to The Abbey it is actually its success. Not so very long ago, it was the nucleus of gay life in West Hollywood, but as its popularity has grown, increasingly the crowd (particularly at night) seems to be made up of tourists and a hodgepodge of bar flies in which West Hollywood locals no longer feature as prominently as they once did. To its credit though, the Abbey banned ‘Hen Nights’ and bachelorette parties in early 2012, which helped to shore up its gay street cred among some of the faithful who felt it had overextended itself in its efforts to be hetero-friendly. All that said, make no mistake, The Abbey is the granddaddy of gay bars in Los Angeles and as such it still rules the roost. Other bars and clubs come and go, but, bitch and moan as some may, every gay in West Hollywood still worships at the altar of The Abbey from time to time.

1. West Hollywood

St. Felix

• Critics choice

A favorite among locals, St. Felix is as close to a neighborhood bar as it gets in West Hollywood. The wait staff is memorably friendly, the bartenders are expert mixologists and the bar’s daily Happy Hour is one of the best bargains on the Boulevard. Always buzzing but rarely uncomfortably overcrowded, St. Felix is the perfect place to go when you actually want to have a conversation with friends over a cocktail after work. No dancers here, just good food and great drinks in a bordello-style setting that keep all the cool kids coming back for more.

1. West Hollywood

Akbar

• Critics choice

Akbar’s retro-style lounge has become Silver Lake’s ultimate gay alternative hipster hangout. As such, the crowd tends toward the younger side, drawing from the LA’s burgeoning pockets of cool like Echo Park, Downtown and Elysian Fields. Best nights include Promis, a self-described ‘new millennium cabaret’ helmed by resident songster and piano man Jose Promis; and Mario Diaz’s big Saturday dance party Full Frontal Disco, where classic and soon-to-be classic dance hits commingle with boys in bowlers, wearing fishnets and stillettos in the center of the action.

1. Silver Lake

Revolver

• Critics choice

Revolver is a video bar reborn. Several years ago, it went out of business and the space became an upscale gay lounge. But when the lounge folded in 2011, Revolver came roaring back with a new look, better cocktails and, in a nod to the times, strippers on the table tops. The result has been a resounding hit with the West Hollywood crowd, who now pack the relatively small bar to overflowing and often wait in line to get in at peak times. A happy medium between neighborhood bar and megaclub, Revolver strikes just the right note with a simple winning formula that combines good music, familiar videos and an inviting atmosphere.

1. West Hollywood

Fubar

• Critics choice

As the WeHo gay bar residing furthest east on Santa Monica Blvd, FUBAR is the most alternative of the Boys Town clan of bars and clubs. Ripped, tattooed and pierced bartenders pour strong drinks in this steamy dark bar that oozes sex seven days a week. Hooking up is always in the air at FUBAR thanks to its underground vibe, so be ye not confused—this is not the bar you go to for a casual drink, this is the bar you go to looking for casual sex. Most popular nights are the Mario Diaz–hosted B.F.D. (Big Fat Dick), which features a contest where patrons agree to have their private parts photographed and be voted on by the crowd at the end of the night (the winning title is obvious), and Dance Bitch! on Fridays hosted by the ever irreverent Billy Francesca.

1. West Hollywood

Faultline

• Critics choice

When Los Angeles seemed ready to give up on leather as one leather bar after another closed, Faultline kept its doors open and embraced the growing bear community. Today, the rawness of the crowd at Faultline couldn’t be more different from the trendily coiffed West Hollywood contingent. Ripe with the smell of pheromones and dried sweat, rather than the latest Gucci scent, Faultline prides itself in carrying on the tradition of the “men’s bar.” So if bellies, beards and tattoos make the man for you, then program your GPS for Faultline. If not, steer clear because this is not a place for lookey-loos…that is of course unless you enjoy playing with the bears from time to time.

1. Koreatown

Eleven

• Critics choice

As the newest addition to the WeHo gayborhood, Eleven has the shortest history of the hot spots that made the cut on this list—a fact that speaks volumes about the fanfare with which this multilevel mega-club arrived on the scene a few years back. Popular with a younger, glossier crowd, Eleven’s popular nights include nightlife impresario Jeffrey Sanker’s Fresh Fridays, the twink-friendly Tigerheat Monster on Saturdays and Musical Mondays, when popular musical numbers from iconic films are splashed across a large screen and a stellar roundup of local talent perform mostly standards and showtunes. An almost nightly line up of jocky, musclebound strippers rounds out the scene at this new WeHo staple. On the downside, the flow of this space is less than ideal, which makes busy nights at the club a bit of a nightmare as bottlenecks are impossible to avoid, the bathrooms quickly reach capacity and drinks become elusive as the crush of thirsty patrons descend upon Eleven’s two bars.

1. West Hollywood

Eagle LA

• Critics choice

If you prefer beer to cocktails and like your strippers hairy and in harnesses (or some form of leather), then the Eagle might top your list of favorite bars in LA. Formerly known as the Gauntlet II, the Eagle has become the haunt of choice for a cross-section of LA leather daddies, bears and sexy alternative Silver Lake types, all of whom play well together in this dark, sweaty no-frills space that really packs in a crowd on the weekend. Popular monthly events include the bearish Cub Scout, produced by Chris Bowen and Victor Rodriguez, Meat Rack on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month and Mario Diaz’s super sexy, extra dirty Big Fat Grunt. (Check the website for exact dates of these and other regular events).

1. Silver Lake

Mickey’s

• Critics choice

Mickey’s is a West Hollywood institution. A few years ago it literally burned down, but it came back bigger, better and gayer than ever… as if it had never missed a beat. The cavernous club has two notable distinctions: Its various stages, boxes and showers are always filled with an abundance of scantily clad boys in every imaginable shape, size and proportion; and it is the only place on the entire boulevard with a regular after-hours that goes until 4 AM on Saturdays. Like other local hot spots that have stood the test of time, Mickey’s also has a loyal local fan base, which makes it a premier spot to get better acquainted with the boys of WeHo.

1. West Hollywood

Mother Lode

• Critics choice

Mother Lode is another one of those West Hollywood staples that has withstood the test of time. In fact this laid back bar built around a pool table and stash of video games has been around so long that it has come full circle: from “it” spot to out of favor to “it” spot again. Thanks in no small measure to the fact that it counterbalances its more stylized neighbors with a low-key, dive bar atmosphere, Mother Lode is experiencing a bit of a renaissance at the moment. Elsewhere in Boys Town, attitude and preening may best define the current posture of patrons, but not at Mother Lode. Here, the vibe, from the bartenders to the crowd, is casual and the only attitude allowed is “friendly.”

1. West Hollywood

Honorable Mention

The Roosterfish

• Critics choice

The Roosterfish deserves a shout-out if only because it’s the far Westside’s only gay bar. Not only that, but this fun little hole in the wall, just a stone’s throw from the ocean, has been serving the gay community for over three decades—long before Abbott Kinney Blvd, the street it calls home, was the fashionable address it is today. The staff can be notoriously rude. Still, this gem of a bar attracts a quirky bunch of artsy Venetians and Westsiders of all stripes, making it a refreshing choice for Angelenos in need of a change of scene or who just happen to be hanging at the beach. Hint: The back patio is an excellent option for whiling away a few lazy hours in the sun on the weekends.

1. 1302 Abbot Kinney Blvd

Oil Can Harry’s

• 1/4
• Critics choice

Oil Can Harry’s is one of the few destinations that even West Hollywood diehards will, on occasion, intentionally venture over the hill and into the valley to experience. Oil Can’s is like another world…one that hasn’t changed much since the late ’80s or maybe the early ’90s judging from the décor. Most of the week the bar is filled with guys in cowboy hats enjoying some pretty serious line dancing, but on Saturdays Oil Can Harry’s comes alive with Retro Disco Night, where the vibe is pure ’70s and the energy is high. A welcome diversion from a night of standing and posing in WeHo, Saturdays at Oil Can Harry’s recall a time when going out was more about community and interpersonal communication. More importantly, it’s just freewheeling fun.

1. 11502 Ventura Boulevard, between Colfax Avenue & Tujunga Avenue

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I think everyone should have a place outside of home that feels like home. For lack of a more original idea, I might call it a place where everyone knows your name. In another era, such a place might have been something along the lines of a gentleman’s club or even a country club but in these less formal times a good old-fashioned watering hole is what most of us are left with to fill the void. Now, in choosing said place, the obvious choice is a locale that not only speaks volumes about who you are and the way you like to live, but also feels as comfortable and cozy as your own living room (or at least what you envision your living room to look like). For me, that place is the new Sur Lounge in West Hollywood.

The lounge, which is owned by the utterly divine Lisa Vanderpump Todd and her husband Ken Todd, is actually an addition to Sur Restaurant which has been a West Hollywood staple for years. Like the neighboring restaurant, Sur Lounge evokes a sort of sexy, eclectic, romantic elegance. The back patio celebrates the joys of living in Los Angeles with its airy tropical atmosphere, the lighting is beyond flattering, the drinks are perfection (try the Strawberry Gimlet…it makes wrong right…trust me), the bartenders are delicious and the staff is not only helpful but knowledgeable. And better still Sur is actually a lounge rather than a poor excuse for one. The ambiance, the music and the whole vibe lend themselves to the very reason that lounges were created; to provide a backdrop where friends and friendly folks can meet up for a casual cocktail and nibble in a relaxed setting. Do a little business or do a little catching up with old friends. Sur Lounge lends itself to all of the above. Now…speaking of nibbles, did I mention the food?

Currently Sur is only serving a limited opening menu but some of the bites are outstandingly delish. Personal faves include the Goat Cheese Empanadas, the Chicken and Shrimp Dumplings, and the Roasted Chicken Salad.

I honestly love this place so much that I almost don’t want to share it. A dear girlfriend even hosted a little birthday soiree there for me just this past week. But with Miss Vanderpump herself promoting her latest masterpiece (as she bloody well should because she has excelled herself this time around) and every smart group in town clamoring to hold an event at the Lounge, it is all but certain the secret is out.

Find out more about Sur Lounge at www.surlounge.com. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

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Welcome to the hotel california
Such a lovely place
Such a lovely face
Plenty of room at the hotel california
Any time of year, you can find it here

– The Eagles

The Hotel California in Todos Santos, Mexico may or may not be the place The Eagles sang so lovingly about on their seminal hit song bearing the hotel’s name back in 1977. Nobody knows for sure really. Despite published reports to the contrary, the urban legend connecting the tiny boutique hotel to the song many consider a rock classic persists even to this day and the claim is not without some merit.

After a recent visit, I can personally confirm that there is a mission bell that rings regularly at the Mission Church of Pilar located next to the Hotel California in Todos Santos.  I can also confirm that the hotel resides on a sleepy road towards the end of what could quite easily be described as a dusty, “desert highway”.  And there is no doubt that for all its quiet loveliness and unspoiled charm, the bohemian chic hotel could also quite easily become “a lonely place” in a very short period of time.

That said, I’d hardly say there was “plenty of room” at the 11-room Hotel California, nor could I  say that I literally believe you could find a room at the popular hotel  “any time of year” given that the town was widely considered to be a pot smokers’ paradise back in the 60‘s and 70‘s. (For the record, “colitas’ is apparently the Mexican slang word for joint…just another link between the song and the hotel that may actually be a bridge too far).

But here’s the thing…who cares? The Hotel California is a charming and funky little hotel where you can kick back and enjoy a kick-ass Margarita at the property’s La Coroneda Bar & Restaurant in the company of some folks who make the pilgrimage to the hotel because of legend and some who just enjoy a good drink and good food. It‘s also a place where you can shop for jewelry, leather goods and ceramics steps away from the hotel’s entrance or sample authentic Mexican culture just outside the hotel’s doors as I did when I came across the cutest bunch of little girls practicing a dance routine on a neighboring square on a lazy, humid afternoon.

Whether you buy into the hotel’s mythology and connection to the Eagles song or not, two things are undeniably true:  It’s worth the drive from the neighboring metropolises of Los Cabos and La Paz and it is indeed a lovely place. (Oh and did I mention that nothing says welcome like a cold Margarita? Well yeah…that too).

Find out more about The Hotel California at: www.hotelcaliforniabaja.com.

MoxieQ Rating: Muy Caliente

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