Neat: Classic Cocktails in your Neighborhood
Tucked up a side street in Glendale, away from the corporate behemoths of downtown Glendale - CPK, Olive Garden, Islands - there is an intimate oasis known as Neat. This is a bar for cocktail-philes made by a bar man himself. The owner stocks the bar with libations that he would like to drink: single malt scotch, bourbons, japanese whiskies, piscos, gins & amaros (and not a single flavored vodka in sight). The idea is: they want you to experience the liquor "neat," side by side with your favorite cocktail -- hence the name.
I have been geeking out on classic cocktails, ever since my brother introduced me to Vintage Spirits & Forgotten Cocktails (above). I love that I can drink a piece of history and read the story of its inception. There are bartenders that claim that cocktails are an American Invention - our contribution to the imbibed landscape. The liquor itself may have been distilled, created and forged in far off lands, but the act of mixing said liquor with bitters and sour is an American Invention. I don't know the veracity of that claim, but the resurgence of classic cocktails is a fine indication that Americans do enjoy a good stiff drink & I am proud to count myself among them.
This beauty is called The Blinker. It is a mixture of gin, raspberry syrup & grapefruit juice. It is delicious. I mixed it myself from a classic recipe in Vintage Spirits & Forgotten Cocktails. That picture above was from my home bar one night when I was flipping through the book looking for a fix.
However, you don't have to break out the jiggers, shakers and strainers to experience cocktail nirvana. If you would like to taste a piece of history, try one of these great bar establishments: Neat, The Spare Room, The Library Bar, The Varnish @ Coles. I'm sure one of them is in your neighborhood.
Neat Bar
1114 North Pacific Avenue
Glendale, California 91201
Open Daily: 5p-2a
Sawtelle Blvd
Westsiders take note. You don't have to go all the way Downtown to experience Little Tokyo. This little strip of Sawtelle Blvd is the mini Westsider destination for all things Japanese. You can easily walk the short stretch of Sawtelle Blvd that is chock full of Izakaya & Japanese cuisine ready to broaden your horizons beyond sushi. In addition to the great food, you get a healthy dose of Japanese Culture by way of boutiques, karaoke bars & Asian Spas. Here's just a quick taste.
Food
Orris - If the Japanese had tapas, this would be it. Chef Shiro is a master with small plates. He blends French cooking with Japanese flavors & the result is delicious.
Chabuya Noodle Bar - This is the Ramen House. Noodles all day long.
Robata-Ya (skewers) - This would be your neighborhood pub, if they barbecued mini skewers & served sake. They have a great happy hour & you can order ordinary things like grilled asparagus wrapped in bacon or be adventurous & try the deep fried chicken cartilage (kara-age). My personal favorite: grilled shishito peppers and Yaki-Onigiri (grilled rice ball).
Curry House - for true Japanese Curry. If you have never had a delicious flaky breaded pork cutlet (Pork Katsu) with Japanese curry, you are in for a treat.
Shopping
Black Market - Filled with great low brow art, clothing & knickknacks worthy of urban hipsters. All the hand selected items are filled with healthy dose of dark humor and disdain for authority (and that is a good thing). This is where I found Fomato: the most amazing greeting card creator of all time.
Giant Robot - The magazine is Asian at its core but pop culture to the max & the store is a wunderkamen of beautiful beasties. If you don't understand what I mean, perhaps you should just check it out.
Bonus:
There is the huge Mitsuwa Market on Centinela where you can find everything from freshly baked red bean buns to the infamous Pocari Sweat. In addition to the market itself, you can pick up quick eats right there in their Japanese food court: ramen, soba, & bento boxes are all available.
Physique 57
Happy New Year. Welcome to a world of pain. After the holidays, all we can ever think of is 'how the heck am I gonna fit in those skinny jeans again'. I know. It's February. I celebrate Chinese New Year - what do you want from me?
I have your solution though. Physique 57. This looks like your run of the mill barre workout slash floor pilates slash hang out for skinny girls, but it is so much more than that. It will kick start you right into 2012. Promise. Here's a little preview of your year to come:
STATS:
- 57 minutes of wall to wall workout - using your body's own weight for resistance
- Core work for days.
- soft squishy carpet to dig your toes into while your grimace
- mirrored walls ala ballet school so you can cheat off your neighbor
Ninja Tips:
- Hydrate
- Breathe. You won't get it the first go 'round - the instructor moves fast. Just try to stay in the moment.
- Parking is validated, so you can park for free in the Rite Aid Parking lot (as long as you don't stay all day)
- They have a cute little sitting area and you can buy workout gear or water if you forget.
- Complimentary Green Apples. So sweet.
- Bring socks. You're not allowed in the studio without them.
Physique 57 Los Angeles
320 North Cañon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 271-0570
Oh Christmas Tree
Oh Christmas Tree.
I can't stay mad at you.
In honor of the holiday season, I would like to introduce you to my Christmas Tree. I am in love with this tree. I have always been a bit contrarian in that I never saw the appeal of a live tree. I, in fact, really liked the plastic trees with fake kitschy colors that needed an electric plug more than it needed a bucket of water.
I got this baby at the Outlet at ELS. After Christmas, on sale, for $70 $35. It is the Sears Trim a Home Glitter White Tree. Yes, the one that is usually $200. The Outlet at ELS is an amazing place to find electronics, decor, kitchenware and appliances that used to be at Costco, Sears or other large department stores. I have found everything from wine fridges to baby gear to a Kitchen aid Artisan mixer (for $179).
The first year I had the tree, I left it up through February because I loved it so much. This year I decided that it needed a little bit of fun instead of the stark modern look (which I also adore). So, I bought these great colorful birds from Aldik home which now live in my White Christmas tree.
Aldik home was recommended to me by a friend who is an art director when I complemented her on the gorgeous wreath on her door made of succulents. She made me touch the wreath because all of the cacti were FAKE. They were plastic. BUT THEY LOOKED SO AMAZINGLY REAL.
Aldik Home will do arrangements of all kinds, but they are known for their CUSTOM ARTIFICIAL TREES. These trees look amazing. You want to touch them. You can't believe they're not real. As with anything, there are a few lone trees that don't look as great as others, but the ones that stand out are really quite worth the drive into the valley.
Right now it is Christmas and that is a sight to see! You can shop right off the trees that are decked OUT. Michael's eat your heart out. You got nothin' on Aldik Home.
Go. Just to see it. If you still need Christmas Decor. OR Hit up their after Christmas Sale. Ahhhhhmazing.
Renegade Craft Fair – Holiday Edition
If you missed Unique LA's Holiday Show, don't fret. Renegade is this weekend...and it's FREE. Head over to The Cornfields, aka Los Angeles State Park, and find that unique gift that eluded you last weekend. Yes, Renegade is for all you holiday procrastinators who didn't take advantage of Black Friday or have only been shopping for yourselves (guilty).
Renegade's roots started in Chicago where its founder, Sue Daly, wanted to show off all the DIY/craft/art community had to offer. From that, Renegade was born and has since spawned offspring in Austin, San Francisco, Brooklyn, and our own City of Angels.
Ninja Tips
- Here's a MAP of the vendors in case you wanted to plan your attack
- If you wanted to see websites for vendors before going - here is a list of all attendees
- Some Favorites: PookaQueen, Coldwater Canyon Provisions, Fomato
- Bring CASH as most vendors will not be able to run credit cards. It's like the Farmer's Market y'all.
- Pets are allowed (as it is a public park) - so keep them on a leash and be respectful of your fellow patrons and your furry friend can enjoy Renegade as well!
- Check out their FAQ page for parking information and any questions you may have about the show
Unique LA {Christmas Edition}
Unique LA 2011 | Dec 3 & 4
Looking for that perfect gift for your person of interest who has friggin' everything? Well, lucky for you, my favorite circus of local hipster-handmades is coming to town! Unique LA is now a huge deal and has morphed into the STATE OF UNIQUE which produces shows in NYC and SF as well as our fine City of Angels. You can read more about the show in my previous post for Unique LA's Summer Show or you can watch this little video that I put together for you.
My video is from their first ever Summer show which was held in Santa Monica. The Holiday Show is a little different, in that it is Downtown at the gorgeous Penthouse at the California Market Center and that the vendors will have perfect holiday gifts for your bestie, your Facebook stalker, or your barista secret crush.
The California Market Center (CMC) is where Unique LA calls home for their Spring and Holiday Shows.
Here are all the big details you need to KNOW...
Admission Includes
- An exclusive, collectible cotton tote bag (each show features a tote designed by a guest artist)
- Unlimited re-entry for both days + our printed Vendor Directory & Mini Magazine
- Free drinks! (Holiday Punch featuring Sailor Jerry Rum, Blackstar Beer, The Naked Grape wine, IZZE, Honest Tea, GT’s Kombucha)
- Free DIY workshops + crafts by The Urban Craft Center, L.A. Zine Fest and the Craft and Folk Art Museum
- Free portraits and a print at the Oh Snap Photo Booth
- Access to Amoeba’s rockin’ downtown Pop-Up Shop – exclusive just for us!
- Two different cafe areas so you can grab a coffee or enjoy lunch, snacks or a treat
Ninja Tips
- Try to carpool. It's downtown so unless you took the metro, you'll probably have to pay to park.
They have a set rate of $6 at the CMC or sometimes the surrounding lots have rates at $3-$5 (however check the signs, as sometimes those are $5 for 15 mins with a max of $10) - Try to buy your tickets online before you go. It usually saves you time at the entrance as the "pay there" line is usually longer.
- Bring a friend and a re-usable bag. Your friend can stand in the beer line for you or help you decide which hat looks better on you. The re-usable bag, well you know, is for all your loot.
- Here are some of my favorites: Fomato read my post about Fomato here, Color Blind Cloth, Magic Industrie, P.O.P Candy, Truffle Salt from Hepp's Salt Barrel, the ahhhmazing hats by Bijou Van Ness
Happy Thanksgiving… and Black Friday
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you spent the day with people you love and ate your fill of savory and sweet. I brought two dishes to Thanksgiving: bacon scalloped potatoes, to take a few years off your life and a kale brussel sprout salad to add some of those years back to your life.
Thanksgiving weekend kicks off my favorite time of year... SAMPLE SALE SEASON! The end of the year is when most of the sales happen because designer showrooms and warehouses clear out remaining inventory in preparation of new product, so it is the best time to shop.
Bring CASH as that is usually the only thing people accept. It is FINAL SALE, so check what you're buying and make sure it is what you wanted. So, here's what I hit up this weekend.
New Coat (Ted Baker of London)
The Saturday Sale: This usually happens one Saturday a month but this time of year they have special holiday hours and have opened extra days to help you out for the holidays.
Hours are 10am to 3:30 pm.
Admission is $1
Saturday November 12
Friday November 25
Saturday November 26
Thanksgiving Weekend
Saturday December 10
Saturday December 17
Sunday December 18
The New Mart: New Mart, like the Cooper Building and the California Market Center, only opens on select occasions. On a regular business day, this is where buyers and fashion designers rendez-vous in order to get the finest designer duds into your favorite stores. However, at the end of the year, the old must go out in order to make room for the next season, so this is the best time to get some great deals. Sample sales are held at The New Mart Building on the last Friday of each month. This is the only time that they are open to the public. Check their website for hours and which showrooms will be open.
Happy Shopping! Let me know if you get anything good!
Pop Up Store: Graffiti Beach
More local. More hip. More California. This is a Pop Up store just in time for the holidays featuring emerging local designers in the LA scene. Here is your chance to discover new fashion and support local designers. Graffiti Beach was formed to showcase new talent in fashion, music and art. They strive to give them exposure through events and pop-up boutiques all over SoCal.
STYLED BY DANIEL TERRANOVA | Photo by Heather Feather Shivonne Gildroy Hai & MU by Giovanna Avila | Top by ColorBlindCloth | Pants by SkarGorn
The Pop Up Store opens its doors Today, Friday November 18, but their Opening Celebration Party will be on December 3rd. Details below. Check out their website to buy tickets.
Opening Celebration
Time: December 3, 2011 at 8pm to December 4, 2011 at 12am
Location: GRAFFITI BEACH HOLIDAY STORE
Street: 1221 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
City/Town: Venice Beach
Event Type: grand, opening, shopping, runway, show
Organized By: Graffiti Beach
Patchwork: Indie Arts & Crafts Festival
Yesterday in Culver City was the Indie Arts and Crafts Festival: Patchwork. It is exactly what it sounds like, independent artists and crafters get together to pimp their wares. However, this is not your grandma's craft fair...not that your grannie's not cool... but these are hipster crafts with buzzwords like 'up-cycling' and 'sustainable' in their wheelhouse. Perfect for the holidays, it's local and handmade, so you can ensure a unique gift for that family member who has it all.
Personalized Owl Mug from Rock Paper Scissors
It features some of my favorite local goods like p.o.p candy and rock scissor paper
pop candy santa monica savory nut crunch
Just like the Rose Bowl Flea Market, it happens rain or shine, so if you missed this last one, there's one more in Santa Ana, over Thanksgiving weekend.
{Get Outta Town} ACE hotel for Halloween
If you don't want to try one of the many LA Environs activities this Halloween -- high tail it out of town. Starting tonight there are many hipster activities happening in our neighbor to the east, Palm Springs. For Lifestyles of the Hip and Fabulous, there's the ACE HOTEL and Swim Club. Tonight: Thursday - A Thriller themed Dance Night all the way through to my personal favorite, Sissy Bingo on Halloween with the FABULOUS Linda Gerard.
Check out their Calendar of Events for details.
If you have never been to the ACE Hotel - check out pictures from the party my friend Autumn threw for her birthday - you might even see a few pics of me there 
Follow Us Fool!
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Ash - Ash Virgin Nappa Wax Sneaker - Atrium
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Pokket Mixer - MINI DJ POCKET MIXER
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Having a drink at Neat - my revamped neighborhood bar
Tweeting...
- Westsiders: Santa Monica Fest this weekend. Free Admission. Bike Valet. Clover Park. My fave The Dustbowl... http://t.co/gcUjruZC 18 hrs ago
- Burger & Cocktail - $15 - sounds like dinner... http://t.co/zOrsPR7n 2 days ago
- Help foster arts in our youth! Help my friend @eleishaeagle out & the amazing @PerfArtsProj! http://t.co/gBZC3Gs0 via @FundRazr 3 days ago
- More updates...
Posting tweet...
