CityStyle LA

Bar Bouchon, James Perse, and More

Editor — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:00:32 +0000

This weekend knows who’s been naughty and nice.

BAR BOUCHON OPENS

The more casual nightlife offering from the very buzzworthy Bouchon Bistro opens tomorrow. Find the party below Bouchon and you’ll be rewarded with a mini winebar and all the requisite pairings (cheeses, charcuterie, salads, desserts) you can imagine.

Bar Bouchon at Bouchon Bistro, 235 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 271-9910, bouchonbistro.com

BASTIDE RE-OPENS

In LA, good restaurants don’t die. They just get some work done. And so it is for the new Bastide, now open with an adjacent Assouline Bookstore. Expect casual bistro fare (Risotto with Wild Mushrooms, Braised Lamb Shanks) expertly prepared by chef Joseph Mahon, formerly of Bouley.

Bastide, 8475 Melrose Place, West Hollywood, (323) 651-5950

FRIDAY

70% OFF JAMES PERSE

With seven days until Christmas, now might be the perfect time for a James Perse Winter Sample Sale. Hit Siren Studios tomorrow (and through Sunday) for up to 70 percent off men’s and women’s tees, loungewear, and more. Happy hunting.

James Perse Winter Sample Sale at Siren Studios@Orange, 1050 North Orange Drive (near Santa Monica Boulevard), (323) 960-9045, jamesperse.com

SATURDAY

SANTA MONICA PUB CRAWL

Santa stays jolly with his righteous beer belly. Work on yours and don your red had for the First Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl. Your admission of one non-perishable food item to benefit Westside Food Bank will bring you a night of holiday cheer, complete with food and booze specials like $3 beers and $5 Champagne at W. 4th & Jane. Do it for Santa.

Visit santamonicapubcrawl.com for more details.

Editor’s Note: CityStyle returns in the New Year (with a tan!). Enjoy the holiday season. We mean it.

Ho, Ho, Holiday Gift Guide

Editor — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:00:19 +0000

Holiday season is officially here. And with it comes the joys of giving (and receiving) glorious gifts. Here, our short-list of toys, threads, and other cool stuff. Enjoy.

FRED’S COOL JAZZ ICE CUBE TRAY

Sometimes the best bar in town is the one at home. Especially when your ice cubes are shaped like Stratocasters. That’s the idea behind Fred’s Cool Jazz Ice Cube Tray. For less than a ten spot, you get a trio of groovy guitar molds made of premium food grade silicone. Bonus: they also double as Popsicle molds. Hendrix would be proud.

Get into the guitar lifestyle at amazon.com.

FRIEND OR FOE’S SINATRA TEES

Of course, if you would prefer to wear your appreciation of music, the good looking tee shirts from the jazz aficionados at Friend Or Foe have got you covered. For their latest collection, they’ve hooked up with Ol’ Blue Eyes. So the next time you feel like channeling a little Rat Pack, start here.

Check out Friend Or Foe’s full Holiday 09 Collection.

WALLETS BY MAKR

Sure there a lot of handsome wallets out there. But not many are hand-crafted to such precise measurements using premium leather for so few Washingtons. That’s the charm of MAKR, a superb, little leather-goods shop located in Orlando, Florida. Think of them as stylish, wallet-friendly wallets (and bags).

Peruse the goods at makr.com.

THE VIPER SMARTSTART

It’s not easy to get excited about winter. But when your ride’s equipped with the superior technology of Viper SmartStart (and you have an iPhone), the coldest season is that much easier. With VSS and an iPhone, not only can you remotely start your car from your apartment, you can also get the heat started too. Ah, technology.

Learn more about Viper SmartStart here.

BACON POP

Standard microwavable popcorn is okay. But sometimes you want something more… bacon-y. (Or is it bacon-ish?) Either way, the bacon-loving food engineers at Justin & Dave’s have a greasy good solution: it’s called Bacon Pop. As in bacon-flavored popcorn. You can thank us later.

Experience bacon in a whole new way at baconpop.com.

Global Tapas, J. Lindeberg, and More

Editor — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:00:52 +0000

This weekend is getting wet.

TIGER SUSHI OPENS

Cajun salmon. Ten-inch Nigerian prawns. Short-ribs cooked in leaves of cohibas (yes, like the cigar). Japanese fusion is taken to its highest levels at the brand-new Tiger Sushi in Beverly Hills. Consider dinner there a nice reward for getting through the week.

Tiger Sushi, 340 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 274-3200, tigerbh.com

BLOODY BILLS POPS UP

Speaking of excellent fusion food, starting next week, Libertine restaurant plays host to Bloody Bills, a new, pop-up restaurant from Chef William “Bloody Bill” Annesley and restaurateur Michael Della Femina. Expect bold and delicious flavors, like Bacon Wrapped Dates stuffed with Blue Cheese, Tandoori Drumsticks with Hot Mango Chutney, and Pamplona BBQ Shrimp. Plus, all dishes will be under $15.

For reservations, call (646) 345-5287 or email dellafeminahospitality@gmail.com.

Bloody Bills at Libertine Restaurant, 8210 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, (323) 656-3005, libertineonsunset.com

UMAMI BURGERS IN MOTION

Yes, it’s true. The Umami Burger Truck is finally rolling. Now you can score the eatery’s popular burgers anywhere that their Twitter page tells you. We hear Sherry Shiitake Smashburgers are on tonight’s menu…

Get in the burger mood at umamiburger.com.

FRIDAY

70% OFF J. LINDEBERG

Winter in LA is almost here. Which means a super sale on outerwear, apparel, and accessories from J. Lindeberg and William Rast is nice. And with the goods going for up to 70 percent off, how can you resist? (Hint: don’t).

J. Lindeberg and William Rast Warehouse Sale at the Cooper Building, 860 South Los Angeles Street, 8th Floor, thewarehousesale.com

Little Tokyo Gets a Big-time Gastropub

Editor — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:00:26 +0000

You’ve been known to appreciate the unexpected when it comes to dining.

So when we heard of a very-soon-to-open eatery pushing Beef Tartare with Juniper Berry and Brick Roasted Apples with Creme Fraiche & Peppered Caramel, we knew you would would be intrigued.

And hungry. Get ready for THE LAZY OX CANTEEN, opening next week in Little Tokyo.

Think of TLOC (yes, that’s were calling it) as LA’s answer to New York’s Momofuku. The menu, crafted by Chef Josef Centeno (Lot 1, Meson G, Opus), will be ambitious and seasonally-driven. A blackboard of daily specials will complement an eclectic menu inflected with the tastes of Catalan, French, Japanese and Mexican cuisines.

For starters, try the savory French Feta and Olives with toasted almonds and olive oil, and Brick-Roasted Morcilla Sausage with licorice pear. Entrees are appetizing and hearty, too. Have the Grilled Beef Petite Tender with Frites and Warm Marrow Butter on Toast or a luscious Crispy Confit Duck Leg with Caramelized Onions and Walnut-chile sauce.

Of course, every great meal deserves a great dessert, and The Lazy Ox has many.

Blood Orange Flan, anyone?

The Lazy Ox Canteen opens next week. Preview the menus (dinner, desserts, drinks).

The Lazy Ox Canteen
241 S. San Pedro Street (between 2nd & 3rd Streets), Little Tokyo
(213) 626-5266 | lazyoxcanteen.com

Futuristic Cars, Morrissey, and More

Editor — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:00:33 +0000

This weekend is motoring on.

FRIDAY

THE LA AUTO SHOW

Exotics. Hybrids. Concept cars. There’s something for every type of speed racer at the LA Auto Show. The annual showcase of the hottest cars (BMW, Cadillac, Lexus) of the future kicks off tomorrow. Through next Sunday (12/13).

LA Auto Show at the LA Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa Street, (213) 741-1151, laautoshow.com

IX TAPA CANTINA OPENS

You’re always in the mood for good drinks and good food. So is restaurateur Jack Huang (Bar Celona, Villa SORRISO). For his third restaurant on Colorado Boulevard, he’s gone all out. Big space meets big flavors. Welcome Ix Tapa Cantina.

Ix Tapa Cantina, 119 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, (626) 304-9955

SATURDAY

50% OFF OPENING CEREMONY

It’s just about half-time in the Fall/Winter fashion season. And to celebrate, the clothiers at Opening Ceremony are treating you to half off designer threads from Alexander Wang, Band of Outsiders, and others. Check out the goods at openingceremony.us.

Opening Ceremony, 451 N. La Cienega Boulevard, (between Rosewood & Oakwood Avenues), West Hollywood, (310) 652-1120, openingceremony.us

GET MORE MORRISSEY

The more you ignore him, the closer he gets. Yes, Morrissey is headed to LA next week, and bringing his soulful sound with him. Witness the glory at the Gibson Amphitheatre. Score your tickets, on sale now here. Thursday, 12/10.

Los Angeles Gibson Amphitheatre, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City

The Best Luxury Sales of the Season

Editor — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:00:26 +0000

Yes. That was great turkey.

And now that December is officially here, it’s time to retire the old gear for the new. Here, our roundup of the season’s very best sales. High fashion, meet low prices.

THE BARNEYS DESIGNER SALE

Gift giving season is almost here. And we’ve been thinking, you sure could use another cool gift. Fortunately, Barneys is having yet another sale. This time, the Beverly Hills luxury department store is luring you in with up to 40% off select men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, shoes, and gifts for the home. Consider yourself lured.

For more details about the sale, head to barneys.com.

Barneys Beverly Hills, 9570 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, (310) 276-4400, barneys.com

THE GUCCI FALL/WINTER SALE

Speaking of luxury, Gucci is also having its end-of-season sale. Saunter over to their Rodeo Drive flagship and score up to 40% off the select threads for men and women. Bonus: shoes, boots, and sneakers are on sale, too.

Check out the goods at gucci.com.

Gucci Flagship, 347 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 278-3451, gucci.com

40% OFF ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Do something naughty for a nice price, and treat yourself to some Alexander McQueen. 40% off fall/winter apparel, accessories, shoes and jewelry means more sharp designs with a side of leather and signature skulls. Like we said, naughty.

Eye before you buy at alexandermcqueen.com

Alexander McQueen, 8379 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, (323) 782-4983, alexandermcqueen.com

3.1 PHILLIP LIM YEAR END SALE

Yes, you guessed it - another 40% off, this time at the perfectly-cut 3.1 Phillip Lim. The WeHo boutique is featuring discounted apparel for men and women, and even their kids’ collection. Because you’re never too young to appreciate great style.

Peruse the collection at 31philliplim.com

3.1 Phillip Lim, 631 N. Robertson Boulevard, West Hollywood, (310) 358-1988, 31philliplim.com

Something To Be Thankful For Next Year

Editor — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:00:17 +0000

This time of year, we like to slow things down a little and reflect.

Then it’s back to business and looking ahead to the cool and artistic.

Which brings us to models. In swimsuits. In the tropics. Yes, we’re talking about the one and only PIRELLI CALENDAR.

For those new to the ultimate pin-up calendar, think of the Pirelli Calendar as the perfect Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition shot by the world’s best photographers with a touch of European edge. (And by edge, we mean liberal attitude towards toplessness.)

This year, the good people at Pirelli commissioned hipster photographer Terry Richardson for the 2010 version of their iconic calendar. The exotic location was “It” country of the moment Brazil, and the models were all A-list (Ana Beatriz Barros, Miranda Kerr, Georgina Stojilkovic).

Of course, we could go on and on about the gorgeous models, the great use of color and light, and the scenery.

Or we could just point you the site…

View the Pirelli Calendar here. Warning: Tropical beauties are not always safe for work.

Cheap Beer, Pricey Lingerie, and More

Editor — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:19 +0000

This weekend howls at the New Moon.

THURSDAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GOOD LUCK BAR

To celebrate fifteen years of good times at Good Luck Bar, the Los Feliz haunt is luring you with awesome drink specials, like $2 beers and $5 cocktails. And to guarantee your happy ending (pun, definitely intended), they’re also bringing in Chinese burlesque dancers and not one, but two Kogi trucks. Happy endings, indeed.

Good Luck Bar, 1514 N. Hillhurst Avenue, Los Feliz, (323) 666-3524, committedinc.com

WESC WAREHOUSE SALE

It’s that time again. When the crew at WeSC decide to generously discount the season’s surplus. Swing by their warehouse sale today, tomorrow, or Saturday, and the goods will be going for up to 80 percent off!

WeSC Warehouse Sale, 11099 S. La Cienega Blvd (near W. 111th Street), Suite #170, Mid-Wilshire, (310) 670-5190, wesc.com

FRIDAY

LA PERLA MALIBU DEBUTS

If the sound of “La Perla” rolling off your tongue doesn’t make you think “sexy lingerie”, then acquaint yourself with the Italian lace and satin masters at their new Malibu boutique. It’s brand spanking new…

La Perla Malibu, 3939 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, (310) 456-7078, laperla.com

UP TO 80% OFF FURLA

The luxe Italian label, famous for its good looking weekend bags, is holding its first-ever sample sale. To help make it memorable, they’ve reduced merchandise by up to 80 percent. Stop by Siren Studios today or tomorrow to get the goods. Happy hunting.

Furla Sample Sale at Siren Studios, 6063 W. Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, thesavvy.com

Hollywood’s Next Great Cocktail Scene

Editor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:15:59 +0000

You’re always ready for another top-shelf, well-made cocktail.

And when your libation temple of choice also happens to be serving Fried Oysters and Saffron-Infused Shrimp Cocktails, well, then you’re really ready.

Which is why you’ll be thrilled to indulge your appetite for drinking and eating at THE TAR PIT, opening to the public in just under two weeks.

The next big thing in Hollywood is the product of a partnership made in nightlife heaven. Running operations are Jay Perrin and Mark Peel, the dynamic duo behind Campanile. Audrey Saunders, the reigning queen of the cocktail scene in New York and owner/mixologist of Pegu Club heads up the bar side, along with Marcos Tello as head mixologist. All of this to produce a modern version of the grand, old Hollywood-style supper clubs.

Speaking of supper, The Tar Pit will also be serving Classic American fare. Think Clams Casino, Steak Tartare, Oysters Rockefeller, and yes, Saffron-infused Shrimp Cocktails.

But our money is on liquid cocktails. The kind that used to be served with vintage barware and crafted with housemade bitters and homemade sodas.

Don Draper would be proud.

The Tar Pit opens soon.

The Tar Pit
611 N. La Brea Avenue (between Melrose & Clinton), East Hollywood
tarpitbar.com

Ping Pong, Art Night, and More

Editor — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:00:05 +0000

This weekend is causing a (table tennis) racket.

LUDOBITES & ROYAL/T

Because you can never get enough of top toque Ludo Lefebvre’s cooking or the popular Culver City cafe, LudoBites is now taking reservations for a thirteen-day dining and art collaboration at Royal/T. Good food and good art, now that’s a team we can root for.

Reservations are here.

SATURDAY

PING PONG-ING AT THE STANDARD

DJs. Ping pong. Cocktails. It’s just another Saturday night at The Standard in Hollywood. Except this time, the stakes are higher as the popular hotel plays host to a new weekly ping pong tournament on Saturdays from noon to 5pm. The victors win free nights at the hotel or comped dinners for two. Let the games begin.

The Standard Hollywood, 8300 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, (323) 650-9090, standardhotels.com/hollywood

TUESDAY

ART NIGHT AT KATSUYA

You’ve always admired Katusya’s penchant for art. Now, the Glendale location is upping the ante as they transform the Dragon Lounge into a full-blown art gallery. For one night only, you can appreciate the works of 8 local artists. Or you can just appreciate the happy hour specials, like $7 specialty cocktails, and $5 sushi rolls.

Katsuya Glendale at the Americana at Brand, Glendale, (818) 244-5900, sbe.com/katsuya

WEDNESDAY

DINNER AND WINE AT THE BEACHCOMBER

Braised Kona Short Ribs - there’s a wine for that. Lobster Bisque? A wine for that too. Chappellet pairs perfect libations to mouth-watering dishes at their five-course dinner at The Beachcomber Cafe (view the menu here). Wednesday, 6:30pm, $75 per person.

The Beachcomber Cafe at the Malibu Pier, 2300 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, (310) 456-9800, thebeachcombercafe.com