Officially Introducing El Granjero Cantina at The Original Farmers Market!

February 8, 2022 by evebushman

(Los Angeles, CA) – El Granjero Cantina is L.A.’s newest most colorful cantina featuring a top-notch culinary team delivering a delectably delicious fun and fresh take on authentic Mexican cuisine influenced by Southern California farmers market ingredients. With its lively, bright, and inviting indoor-outdoor seating and great patio for people watching, El Granjero (pronounced gran-heh-roh) Cantina is the perfect one-stop spot offering up Tacos, Dorados, Vegan Tacos, Salads, Bowls, Burritos, Quesadillas, Tequila, Mezcal, Top Shelf Margaritas, Sangria, Specialty Cocktails, Cerveza, Mocktails and much more for Los Angeles locals and pleasure travelers alike to all enjoy!

Photo Credit: Michael Brown

Located in the former Ulysses Village space on the Market Plaza at The Original Farmers Market, El Granjero Cantina originally opened in late June 2021 and is the brainchild of EGC Founder and Owner John Moshay who has a deep connection to the cultural traditions of Mexico. Moshay, also Co-Owner of Fritzi Coop inside The Original Farmers Market with Fritzi Coop Partner Chef | Owner Neal Frazer (Redbird | Vibiana), put together a dream team of young culinary talent starting with General Manager Grace Etchegoyen who spent time on the floor at Pizzeria Mozza, and was General Manager at Fritzi DTLA, PYT, and Redbird earning her hospitality stripes by first becoming Event Manager, then Assistant General Manager, and then General Manager while working alongside her celebrated father Chef | Owner Neal Fraser and stepmother, Co-Owner & Operator of Redbird | Vibiana Amy Knoll Fraser. Next, Moshay sought out Executive Chef Jenni Sklar (Lucques, Sqirl, Son of a Gun, and Whoa Nelly Catering) to create El Granjero Cantina’s modern Mexican menu and oversee the kitchen, and finally, Moshay reached out to Cocktail Consultant Tobin Shea (Bar Director, Redbird | Vibiana) to create El Granjero Cantina’s innovative agave-forward bar program.

Executive Chef Jenni Sklar’s ingredient driven menu embraces regional Mexican flavors using seasonal and fresh ingredients showcasing a selection of Antojitos (Snacks) including Guacamole, Fiesta Nachos, Papas Fritas and Pork Belly, and the Ensaladas (Salad) spotlight Chef Sklar’s signature Caesar Salad prepared with romaine lettuce, cured egg yolk, sunflower seeds, and breadcrumbs, or Kale Salad made with avocado, griddled cheese, house pickles, corn, and black bean salsa. The Oaxacan Quesadillas are house favorites featuring the HIBISCUS made with sauteed hibiscus flowers, onion, and cheese, or the Queso prepared with cheese, black bean puree, salsa negra, and escabeche relish served with lettuce. Chef Sklar’s Tacos do not disappoint and there are two for every guest to enjoy featuring a sublime selection including Avocado, Beef, Carnitas, Chicken or Crispy Fish. The Dorados (Golden Tacos) are lightly fried to perfection and offer up three delicious options, Chili Braised Beef & Cheese, Tomatillo Chicken & Cheese, and Soyrizo & Vegan Cheese. The Los Tazones (Bowls) include the California fresh Crispy Avocado Bowl prepared with chipotle aioli, marinated kale, corn, black bean salsa, and pickled red onions, along with a Chicken Bowl, Beef Bowl, Carnitas Bowl, Seared Fish Bowl, or Keto Bowl comprised of your choice of protein with cauliflower rice, griddled cheese, cabbage slaw, marinated kale, and crema. Chef Sklar’s Cheese and Chicken Enchiladas are a family favorite and her Carnitas and Chili Beef Burritos are packed with flavor. As, with any proper Mexican meal, Chef Sklar’s Acompanantes (Sides) are the perfect addition to each dish featuring fresh Avocado, Blistered Jalapeno, Cauliflower Rice, Corn Tortillas, Flour Tortillas, Guacamole, Black Beans, Black Bean Puree, and Herb Rice. “We make everything in-house from our pickles to our salsas, carnitas, and our tortillas,” states Sklar. El Granjero Cantina’s tortillas are extremely special as Sklar spent months looking for the perfect blend of fresh corn masa and maseca (dry corn flour) to create a unique texture that resembles a flour tortilla. Says Sklar, “Our Tortillas are soft, pliable, full of moisture and fantastic flavor. The density reminds me of a tamale and every tortilla is handmade to order every time.”

“I am constantly impressed with Jenni’s cooking as she knows the perfect way to balance every dish with acid, salt and texture,” states Etchegoyen. “She is excited by Mexican food, and it definitely shows. It was important to her to make everything from scratch, and I love the vegan items she created for our menu. She put extra time and attention into preparing them to make sure they were thought through, exciting and delicious.”

BAR: El Granjero Cantina’s bar program, created by Cocktail Consultant Tobin Shea, honors traditional agave-based spirits from Mexico with a specially curated list of Tequilas y Mezcal showcasing a special selection of Blanco Tequila, Reposado Tequila, Anejo Tequila, and Mezcal, while also featuring fun and frothy Frozen Margaritas, Cocktails on Tap, and collection of Classic Margaritas and Specialty Cocktails such as the EGC Old Fashioned comprised if reposado tequila, mezcal, Meletti Amaro, and orange, Lifesaver made with mezcal, Fiero, lime and pineapple syrup, and Rasp-Hib Cocktail prepared with guests choice of tequila, Italicus, hibiscus tea, lime and soda to name just a few. In addition, El Granjero Cantina also offers select Beer, Wine, house-made Sangria, and non-alcoholic beverages such as El Granjero Cantina’s handmade Horchata and freshly carbonated Agua Frescas.

“I am really proud that we squeeze fresh lime juice for all of our cocktails as this is something that is very important to us, and it really helps us produce the best quality beverages we can provide,” says Etchegoyen. “Tobin introduced us to the Spinzall which clarifies juice to give a perfect texture and color. We clarify our cucumber juice and raspberry hibiscus for our house-made Agua Frescas, and I am in awe of how Tobin took classic cocktails, the Old Fashioned and the Mai Tai, and he put a tequila twist on them. They are well balanced and it’s a fun way to lean into agave-based spirits. We truly have something for everyone – a red Sangria for easy drinking, a frozen strawberry margarita for those hot days on the patio, and the option to have your very own version of the perfect margarita with a choice of over 30 different tequilas, mezcal, and/or spicy tinctures.”

El Granjero Cantina was designed by Amy Knoll Fraser who wanted to take full advantage of the existing architecture of the space and exposed joist of the ceiling. Fraser drew inspiration from many trips to Mexico City and she wanted the space to feel like a lively bustling cantina where the energy from the street outside gives back to the restaurant inside, spilling into each other. She saw the space as casual, but cosmopolitan and created a subtle division between the two with tall folding panel doors and dangling light fixtures meant to evoke lightning bugs in a jar creating a warmth that immediately attracts guests into the space. Fraser created bold pops of color throughout the restaurant which inspired the stripes running down the back bar and interior side wall and the bold and bright mural on the outside walls based on a traditional Mexican Otomi embroidery with a nod to Matisse cut outs. The chair design was created by Hee Welling inspired by refrigerator racks, and all the woodwork throughout the space was thoughtfully designed in hickory by John Moshay’s son designer Ned Moshay making this project a full family affair.

El Granjero Cantina is open every Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and every Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. El Granjero Cantina offers Happy Hour “All Day” every Monday and Tuesday, and every Wednesday through Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. For more information about El Granjero Cantina at The Original Farmers Market or to make reservations, please call 323.879.9324 directly or visit www.CantinaLA.com.

Social Media: Follow El Granjero Cantina on Facebook @ElGranjeroCantina and Instagram @elgranjerocantina

El Granjero Cantina

The Original Farmers Market

6333 W. 3^rd Street, Stall 750

Los Angeles, CA 90036

T: 323.933.9211

www.CantinaLA.com

Happy Hour Etiquette: A Round Up

November 26, 2021 by evebushman

I recently asked this question on social media, more or less, “Is it okay or tacky to order a second cocktail when you haven’t finished your first during a Happy Hour?” Below is a roundup of answers from Facebook pals that may help you if you’ve ever had the same question:

Derek A: Ehh, tacky shmaky. Lol I needs my medicine!!

KJ: I do it. I think they use the cheaper booze & mixes at HR so it’s ok.

Toni P: I totally understand what you’re saying. Guess maybe it depends on the restaurant. The bartenders at a couple of my happy hour go-to’s, usually offer a last call for food and drink, even before people are done. It’s a way to get a little more business, plus I’m a really good tipper, so that’s probably an incentive.

Les H: I do it too.

Marleen R: I agree with most above. It’s a great way to push for patrons to buy another, which is more money for the business. It’s a win win for all!

Michelle T: I don’t really pay attention to the “happy hour” hours. I just order another one when the waiter asks or if I’m getting low.

Kai H: I don’t think it’s tacky if you tip generously. It’s worse to sit for an hour and nurse just one drink and leave a buck tip.

Eric F: I like to tip more for attitude adjustment hour… after all, I saved on the food and drink, and the servers were probably busier.

Donny T: Order away. They’ve factored in the costs and on alcohol sales it’s pretty good. Plus if you’re a little warmed up you’ll splurge at the table. And you can always tip extra to make up for the discount if you’re feeling guilty. Just know that if you tip greater than 25% on your card it charges the business a significantly higher processing fee due to a card brand setting called “tip tolerance,” so heavy tippers should consider cash.

Scott K: I drink whisk(e)y, neat. Never a problem finishing one with a quick swallow. I paid $10 for a Maker’s yesterday at my hotel bar in Mendocino. I have no problem taking advantage of discounts.

Diane R: We’ve been trying to eat out at our favorite restaurants and make sure we add a little extra to the tips too.

Sonja R: My experience is that many bartenders tell you it’s almost over and they usually offer another. And I tip well.

Haydee S: Not tacky at all!! Happy hour is supposed to bring in people during a slow time so your orders are helping!! Order away!!

Gary W: Such a slippery slope for the past two years. I can’t believe as many bars and restaurants survived. Can’t wait until they are all back to full strength and serving happy hours as usual.

Caren C: I don’t have any problem ordering before times up, but it depends.

Robin A: I don’t think so as long as you tip well.

Vashti R: You always treat your server well.

Elaine H: No!! We do it all the time.

Barry S: I do understand your perspective. When I do order w/discounts, I always tip heavily and end up paying the full price. It’s just that the money goes to the bartender.

Dorothy D: I don’t think it’s tacky! My server often asks us if we want one more before happy hour is over!

Cathy M: I’m not much of a “happy hour” person anymore. Pre-Covid, when I’ve ordered a drink, I’ve received a watered down drink, to the point that I’m questioning if there is any alcohol in my glass. Or the other no no, why did my glass arrive so packed full of ice that I can’t fit a straw in it? I’ll order a glass of wine/bottle or a bottle/pitcher of beer. I always tip in cash. The IRS keeps track of the credit card sales of each server. They assume you give a 15% tip. They tax them accordingly on income received as tips. I give at least 20% cash when I use my credit card. I write “zero tip” on the credit card receipt so they can’t be questioned about it, by anyone.

Debbie M: We do it.

Tamar H: Oh come on! The drinks are like 5 times what they cost so if I can get them for 3x, then you bet your ass I’m gonna do that! Just tip on the full price, as usual!

Phil H: In many places the bartenders make a final pass to ask if anyone needs a “last call” before happy hour ends. They’re happy to sell you one more discounted drink rather than have you drink up and leave. I’m ok with “loading up” and so is the establishment!

Me, in response to Donny T above: Donny, as a consultant for bars, wineries and restaurants I know this. Surely others here don’t so thanks. But I will tell you some of my clients got rid of their happy hours as it did cost them.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Finger Lakes Wine Alliance announces Finger Lakes Wine Month Reboot!

July 25, 2021 by evebushman

GENEVA, NY – The Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, in partnership with the Wine Trails of Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, Finger Lakes Wine Country, and the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, invite you to join in the reboot of FINGER LAKES WINE MONTH this August!

Through specialty tastings and unique experiences at member wineries, virtual tastings and events online, and meetups and happy hours at favorite regional restaurants, the organizations have partnered together to remind the world how great the Finger Lakes wine region and its wines are, and ask the world to celebrate the new and improved Finger Lakes wine region.

“We are very excited about our organizations partnering together for this region-wide promotion,” said Brittany Gibson, Executive Director of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. The sentiment was echoed by Kyle Pallischeck, Executive Director of the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance; “We look forward to increasing the visibility of the Finger Lakes wine region through this collaboration,” she said. “2021 will be the first of many years where we’ll celebrate Finger Lakes Wine Month in August, and we can’t wait to kick it off!”

Participating wineries will be easily identified by flying a FINGER LAKES WINE MONTH flag for the entire month of August. Specials, promotions and events planned for the month will be listed on www.flxwinemonth.com, shared on social media by the participating organizations and wineries, and with the hashtag #flxwinemonth.

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About the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance

Founded in 2004, Finger Lakes Wine Alliance is a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to increase the visibility and reputation of the Finger Lakes region, its wines and wineries. The alliance is composed of 32 members and it is guided by a board of directors composed of winery owners and principles from the Finger Lakes AVA. The Finger Lakes Wine Alliance offers a wide range of programs to its members including wine submissions to trade publications and a number of local and national events that increase the visibility of Finger Lakes wines.

With its glacier-sculpted landscapes, ideal microclimates and gifted winegrowers, the Finger Lakes region is home to almost 150 wineries that produce exceptional cool- climate wines and world-class Rieslings. For more information, visit www.fingerlakeswinealliance.com, call (315)563.1480 or connect on Facebook or Instagram.

My Fave Wines From 2020: The Year When Drinking Wine Became Everyone’s Favorite Pastime

February 12, 2021 by evebushman

Lots pop into our heads when we think of 2020, and of course we aren’t out of the woods yet, or even close, so far for 2021. For me it was a windfall of wines sent for review, often accompanied by a Zoom tasting led by the winemaker. I (virtually) traveled to Germany, Spain, Argentina, France, Italy and more in those meetings and via my own cellar. And before Covid shut things down I did have quick trips to Los Olivos, Paso Robles and the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. Below is a collection of some of my favorite wines from 2020. If any of this sounds good to you, go find these wines!

It turns out that I had about 50 wine tastings, if not more, in 2020. These shout-outs are from EveWine101 website articles: the 2020 Gambero Rosso Master Class, 2017 Bordeaux presented by the Union des Grand Crus, Vega Sicilia collectors dinner with Pablo Alvarez, Fontanafredda Barolo, wine from New Zealand’s Waipapa Bay, Folded Hills Winery with winemaker Angela Osborne, California Wine STARS 2020, LA County Wines (Byron Blatty, Acri Wine Company, Angeleno Wine Company and Cavaletti Vineyards), Zoom tasting with Suzanne Phifer Pavitt and their 2012 Date Night Cabernet, Camins 2 Dreams, Gary Farrell single vineyard Pinots with winemaker Theresa Heredia, revisiting Montemar, catching up with winemaker Mark Cargasacchi and Jalama wines, also visiting Ampelos and Zotovich in Lompoc, Switchback Ridge via the Grand Reserves Reward Master Card, tasting from family-owned wineries with Dr. Laura Catena, Anne Trimbach, Laure Colombo and Alessia Collauto Travaglini, great wines that stole my palate but not my wallet from Guarachi Wine Partners, reviewing DAOU’s Soul of a Lion, Tenuta Montemagno sparkling Barbera, Castello di Fonterutoli with Giovanni Mazzei, Paul Kornell Sparkling…

In SCV Elite Magazine this year I got to write about wine tasting in Paso Robles just before the shutdown. Had exceptional experiences at Thacher Winery, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Derby Wine Estates, Steinbeck Wines, Cass Wines, Eberle Winery, Oso Libre Winery, HammerSky vineyards and the Allegretto Vineyard Resort.

January started out great with my first, and last, visit and dinner at Marstons with my VP/BFF Michael Perlis, our wonderful spouses, all over lots of wine ($10 corkage!) including 2013 Audacious Grenache/Syrah/Cab blend by Law Estate, 2013 Comstock Rockpile/Sonoma County Zinfandel, 2009 Regusci Zinfandel Napa Valley…

At Wine 661: Lucas And Lewellen tasting where we sampled five of their Santa Barbara County wines, including a Rose of Pinot and a Bordeaux blend. Had a couple of wines off of the Happy Hour menu. This was not the last time I went to Wine 661 in 2020…

Now some single bottle shout outs:

Vinos Zanzonico 2017 Syrah Reserva: 100% Syrah, 13.5% alcohol, from the Valle de la Grulla area of Baja. With a regal dark purple color, I was drawn in to fantastic aromas of sweet black cherry, plum, tri-color peppercorns, layers of rich bark, milk chocolate…all very welcoming. I went in for a taste and was rewarded with a very rich and layered mouthfeel, with dark and dry blue to black fruit, grilled mushrooms, peppery spicy goodness and tannins that held my back palate at attention for a length that just would…not…quit. 99 Eve points.

2014 Old Vine Zichichi Family Vineyard Zinfandel from the Dry Creek Valley: The 14.8% alcohol didn’t translate at all to a hot wine on the palate, instead it delivered incredible substance. It started with a nose full of sweet dark plums, pipe tobacco, black licorice, toasted oak, black pepper and popcorn kernel. Going in for a taste my mouth was filled with delicious dried blueberry and blackberry, that same black pepper, tannins that held firm, and a great balance of the dark fruit and tannins to keep it lingering a long time on the palate. This was a new Zin discovery for me, will definitely be looking for it again!

Entourage by Two Papas Wine barrel fermented (1) and stainless steel (2) 2019 Chardonnay, Thompson Vineyard, Santa Barbara County: 1. Barrel: Designated by a gold wax top (the stainless has a silver wax top) I was amazed that this was a young 2019 vintage! It had lovely notes of creamy butter, pineapple, golden delicious apple and popcorn kernel that morphed into caramel apple on the palate, mild acidity, with a long, balanced and lush finish. 2. No barrel: Our stainless sibling gave off nicely scented whiffs of Meyer lemon, both cantaloupe and honeydew melon, and a little unsalted butter. When I tasted the wine I got homemade fruit cocktail, wet pebbles, low acidity and a medium finish.

2018 Kindred Rose of Pinot Noir: The color of rose gold, complete with sparkles! Then on the nose I found pink grapefruit, lemon pith, French Toast, Creme Brûlée, and Mandarin orange = all very inviting! In for a taste next, there is a very round mouthfeel, and the same citrus fruits I found on the nose – grapefruit, lemon and orange – with a medium acidity. Enjoy now, with or without food IMO!

2015 Phifer Pavitt XRoads Cabernet Sauvignon: Crushed dark cherry, wet forest floor, grilled steak and mushrooms, dark chocolate, black licorice, pipe tobacco, toasted oak, a hint of sweet cream and more all on the nose. Flavors included that same black cherry as well as blackberry, blueberry, a gamut of spices, velvety and firm drying tannins that of course require that you go back in for another sip…and another.

2012 Regusci Patriarch Proprietary Red: aroma: dark berries, dried leaves, figs, toasted oak and a bit o’ mint. Some of the same aromas in the flavors with the addition of dark chocolate.

2001 Giacomo Conterno Cascina Francia, a Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont…I looked for the roses, tar, licorice and red berries (notes from a professional critic) and also found tart berries, spice and tannins after decanting for 7 hours. So interesting.

Have you tried Guentota, aka the “Soul of Cuyo”, a “100-YR-OLD-VINE PREMIUM 2016 MALBEC” from Mendoza, Argentina? It’s from Belasco De Baqueano and was awarded 91 points from James Suckling. And I was far too busy lapping it up to make any tasting notes. But find it at Newhall Press Room. (Truth be told I had a LOT of wine from Newhall Press in 2020!)

2002 Joseph Phelps Insignia, I have no notes as I was also too busy drinking to take any. A stellar wine as it’s been proven vintage after vintage.

1999 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo: The nose and taste had really changed and mellowed over the 7 hours, with aromas of dried dark fruit, grilled mushroom, balsamic, dust and oak; on the palate I got both bright and dark fruit in a very fine balance.

From my local Pulchella Winery we had: Suspect sparkling wine, 2019 Latitude Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier blend, 2017 Mercenary Zinfandel blend, 2018 Witness Grenache…among others!

A note on Los Olivos: this was a non-press trip so no notes were taken. With that in mind we loved: Barbieri and Kempe are “Boutique wines made by Master Sommelier Paolo Barbieri” along with his wife Erin Kempe = bought a case! The second, Bella Cavailli Farms and Vineyard, produces some amazing wines against a backdrop of a working horse ranch, as well as some fun distilled spirits from Dorwood Distillery. Jeff Lockwood is the winemaker and his brother Jay the head distiller. We left there with both wine and spirts to enjoy at home.

A note from Wine on the Porch: During the summer months we enjoyed Hanzell Chardonnay, Saintsbury Chardonnay, Parhelion Cellars Light Pillar Chardonnay, St Supery Virtu Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blend, Pagter Brothers 2018 Viognier, and from Hoi Polloi I snatched up their 2018 Rose of Grenache and Double-Gold Best-Of-Class 2018 Chardonnay!

A note about spirits: Yea, I wrote a lot about spirits this year too, stay tuned for a roundup of those next!

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Women Who Whiskey and Straightaway Cocktails? Yes! Because Not All Whisky Drinkers Stick to Whiskey Alone!

September 18, 2020 by evebushman

Been a member of the Women Who Whiskey group since I first discovered their LA chapter a few years back, but I had never made it to one of their events. Who would have thought that a pandemic, and the ease of Zoom meetings, made joining in finally so easy? This was the invite that grabbed my thirsty attention:

Enjoy FIVE delicious Straightaway Cocktails (+ paired snacks!) at a virtual Happy Hour with Women Who Whiskey members from around California! (There would also be a) Guided Tasting and History… (where we would) Sip and learn about the origins of the following cocktails: Old-Fashioned, Paper Plane (both rye-based), Negroni, Lintik (both gin-based) and The Cosmos (vodka).

The event was held on August 26. The snacks that Straightaway Cocktails included with the cocktails were Marconi almonds, dark chocolate, rosemary bagel chips, corn nuts, and sweet/salty hazelnuts. We picked up the small sample bottles and the pairings at Remedy Liquor in Glendale. (Remedy also carried very limited quantities of 750 ml bottles of Straightaway Cocktails.)

What Happened

At the appointed hour I was let into the Zoom meeting, watched faces pop up and pages grow from one screen to three. Lots of thirsty women out there. Women that usually gather over single malt or whisky cocktails, and yet here they were, anxious to try these drinks, some made with gin and vodka.

Niki Green, the president of Women Who Whiskey Bay Area instigated the event for every chapter statewide. She introduced Cherina Sellens, the GM for Straightaway. Sellens explained that the company was new, about 19 months old, and had two founders. (More information about the founders and the cocktails themselves can be found on their website, listed at the end of this article.) Knowing she was addressing a group of drinkers she quickly got us started. I was able to jot down some tasting notes:

Lintik: A cocktail of gin infused with bitters and lemon, reminded me of a Limoncello laced martini, as it had none of the cloying sweetness that can sometimes be the case in a straight Limoncello, but with the same rich mouthfeel. Sellens said that the cocktail itself was over 90 years old. I liked the aroma, the balance of tart and sweet, the lightness and found it very refreshing. Sellens prompted us to save a bit to mix with our next drink which was…

The Cosmos: A vodka cocktail in the spirit of a Cosmopolitan but without the pink to red coloring, and a lot less sweet. I think everyone liked this drink far better than Carrie Bradshaw’s of Sex in the City fame. Sellens called it their “Blanco” version. I found it very interesting, with lots of citrus and ginger, which paired nicely with their ginger candy and Marcona almonds that are roasted in olive oil. Also tasted great with just a splash that I had left of the Lintik.

Negroni: This one was sadly missing from my sample box. I’m a big fan of the cocktail and it was described as being made with gin, liqueur, vermouth and cochineal extract. Sellens said that historically the drink was too sweet, so bartenders added more gin.

Paper Plane: Unfamiliar with this rye whiskey-based cocktail, it reminded me of a nicely spiced Whiskey Sour. This drink was Sellens’ favorite. Straightaway makes their own Amaro, and the Paper Plane, as well as the Negroni, benefited from the flavor.

Oregon Old Fashioned: This may have been my favorite drink. Certainly was my favorite pairing as it came with chocolate covered hazelnuts. The difference in this one compared a standard Old Fashioned was the addition of Filbert and Fir bitters, both of which are found in Oregon where the company is based.

One more tasty idea: Anyone that likes low-alcohol Spritzers (and who doesn’t when it’s nice and toasty out?) look for these: Negroni Spritz, Apico Spritz, Last Word Spritz and Fiore Spritz. All are made with their in-house amaros. Information on the full ingredients can be found on their website below.

My conclusion

In a time of Covid or not, having batched and bottled ready-to-drink cocktails is a great convenience. Of the ones I’d tried before I felt most were lacking in flavor, balance, and/or alcohol content. It was not the case with these from Straightaway. I will purchase them again, at Remedy Liquor in Glendale, or locally if I can find them.

https://www.straightawaycocktails.com/

Vintage Eve Circa Jan 2018: Call it What Happy Hour Really Is…A Precursor For Dining in Our Old Age (With new photo of courtyard at Salt Creek Grille!)

July 14, 2020 by evebushman

I was at one of my regular Happy Hour haunts, The Social in Newhall, when I noticed that the bar was completely packed at 5pm, much like it is at Olive Terrace Bar and Grill and Salt Creek Grille when we venture over to the other side of the valley and Le Chene when we want to go even further.

And then I noticed that the people that were packing these bars weren’t 20 somethings…not even 30 somethings…they were people that have “cultivated” their palates for a couple of decades longer than that.

There are lots of great Happy Hours all over Awesometown and we used to do a round-up of their menus annually just to share what they offer. (The last one is our 2016 version you can read here.) The four that I mentioned just happen to be the ones we have been going to of late…at least the past 10 years or so.

So why do we prefer these bars over others? They aren’t particularly loud or noisy, have comfortable seating and, as drinking at 5pm is a precursor to dining at 6 or 7, it seems to work for our seasoned age group.

Of the Happy Hours we go to – the ones that specifically were full very early in the evening – they also offer small bites for free or nominal prices, and some larger plates culled from the main menu. The libations extend from beer and wine to excellently crafted cocktails; one even doesn’t offer any kind of price deal on the drinks at all, just a Happy Hour menu of food. (And that one just happens to be our favorite. Why? Well we can walk there – we’ve said this many times, and yet we never actually have walked there! It’s the neighborhood bar and we often run into people we know. The owner gives us a welcome hug, maybe a peck on the cheek, and we know some of the servers and bartenders. Maybe at a certain age we just like to feel welcome…)

So, as we dined on dishes from appetizers to pastas we noticed how nice it is to dine early, have a well-made cocktail, linger a bit, then go home and…be asleep by 9pm. (And well on our way before the young’uns took over the bars.) However many younger people do go out to Happy Hour – when we were younger these were places with deep discounts, we could get a little rowdy with pals and we would end up staying for dinner as well. (Many were/are family friendly – we weren’t really hip on the idea of bringing our daughter to a bar or winery, but to each his own.) Back in the day that meant the party was to be found at places like TGI Fridays and El Torito. (The latter, if you stayed long enough even offered dancing in the bar. Anyone else remember the Discos of SCV? LOL.)

I feel like the next step for us will be the early bird dinners at iHop, and no cocktail at all…? I hope not. I do know that older friends of mine have pulled back from wine club memberships – at least from wines that are meant to sit in our cellars for 10 years or more – because my pals in their 70s are buying more splits (half bottles), trying to drink through what they already do have and/or are looking for wine brokers to sell their wines to. They do go out…or at least join us for wine on the porch sometimes!

Life is an every changing highway.

I’m hoping by the time we start dining at 4pm we’ll be in a place like Atria assisted living, where my mother has happily camped for nearly a year now, and be having cocktails by 2pm and up to two glasses of wine with dinner…now that doesn’t sound too bad does it?

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Raise Your Glass as HATCH Yakitori + Bar Introduces Cracking New Cocktail Bar

June 5, 2019 by evebushman

Los Angeles, CA – With their first anniversary just around the corner, DTLA’s HATCH Yakitori + Bar raises their glass and kicks-off the celebration by introducing a cracking new Cocktail Bar!

Photo Credit: Jacob Layman

Centrally located in DTLA’s The Bloc, a vibrant, open-air metropolitan center with its own access to the 7th Street Metro Station, HATCH Yakitori + Bar is the vision of Owner-Partners Akarad “AK” Tachavatcharapa, Nara Latip, and Executive Chef Daniel Shemtob. These hip-hop jammin’, globe-trottin’, food and drink lovin’ “Yakitori Boyz” created an urban nest for the burgeoning DTLA community and commuter’s alike; an oasis to congregate, rejuvenate, and celebrate with progressive Japanese cuisine and unrivaled new Bar Program that includes handcrafted Cocktails, meticulously curated Sake List, select premium Japanese Whisky, and eclectic Japanese Beer Menu, poising HATCH Yakitori + Bar as a not-to-be-missed drinking destination among the ever-evolving landscape of Downtown Los Angeles. The new Cocktail Bar features seating for lucky guests to get a premium view of the bartenders working on their craft, while the standing side bar welcomes guests looking to stretch their legs after a long day sitting in the office. The man behind the bar, Bar Director James Fastiggi set off to shake and stir things up as he first embarked on a culinary journey to better understand Partner and Executive Chef Daniel Shemtob’s menu. “I learned everything about the food before I even thought about the cocktails,” says Fastiggi. “Comprehending the menu was key to developing the cocktail menu.” With this epicurean education as his foundation, Fastiggi confidently moved forward to expand his knowledge on Japanese spirits, building the menu outward from his tutelage. “There is a Japanese twist to each of these cocktails, all of which beautifully compliment the overall Hatch Yakitori and Bar Menu.”

Paired with food or enjoyed on their own, eight thirst-quenching bangin’ Cocktails are ready to drop, like the Matcha Highball made with Iwai Whisky, coconut lemongrass nigori, lemon juice, house-made honey syrup and matcha powder, or the Yuzu Sour offering guests a refreshing twist on a reliable standby, prepared with Iwai Whisky, yuzu liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup and a fresh creamy egg white. The shocking pink For Goodness “Sake” receives its vivacious color from the splash of prickly pear juice, also featuring dry sake, Tito’s vodka, lychee juice and pear syrup, while the sweet and spicy Mangorita is comprised of Lunazul Tequila, house-made mango syrup, agave nectar, lime juice, orange bitters, and serrano pepper. Guests will be too furious if they are too fast when drinking the Tokyo Drift driven by Kaiyo Whisky, Angostura & orange bitters, and magic sauce (a citrus laden elixir) developed by Fastiggi which was based on a savory sauce originally created by Chef de Cuisine Erick Cielo. The Rum Tum Tum begins with house-made tepache, a beverage of Mexican origins in which pineapples are fermented for seven days before spices are added, and then joined by Greenbar Spiced Rum, lemon juice, Demerara syrup and Angostura bitters. Intriguing as it is innovative, the Wassup Bae is made with Roku Gin, wasabi, cucumber, lemon juice, lemongrass syrup and charcoal salt rim. Says Fastiggi, “When a guest requests a drink outside of the box, the Wassup Bae is where I will direct them.” Finally, for those feeling adventurous or indecisive there is the Bartender’s Choice, a special weekly cocktail crafted by Fastiggi to keep his creativity sharp and offer regulars something new.

HATCH Yakitori + Bar exclusively sources a myriad of Sake equally approachable for the sake novice and enticing for the sake connoisseur. Available on draft or carafe is the Bushido: Way of the Warrior, paying homage to the code of honor and morals developed by the Japanese samurai that stresses loyalty, self-discipline, and bravery. By bottle or carafe, the Junmai Sake selections are ready for guests to imbibe including the aromatic and ultra-dry Itami Onigoroshi: Demon Slayer, the light and mild Shintaro: Imperial Loyalist, the clean and crisp Joto Nigori, or the Hatch Organic brewed right here in California. The Ginjo style sake selection includes the delicately complex Gokujo: The Excellence, while AK is personally excited to introduce guests to the almighty Ryujin: Dragon God, noted for its vibrance and full-bodied flavor. Finally, Junmai Daiginjo, the highest caliber of sake categories begins with the award-winning Soto: The Outside, or the highly sought after Kitaya Kanasansui: Cold Mountain Water. Finally, for true aficionados, HATCH Yakitori + Bar offers guests a miracle with the Kimurashiki Kiseki: Miracle Sake, certified organic and produced under the supervision of Akimori Kimura, the pioneer of modern organic farming methods in Japan.

HATCH Yakitori + Bar also offers a new highly curated selection of premium Japanese Whisky, such as the Mars Iwai, with tasting notes of pear, quince, red fruits and vanilla. Matured in the finest Japanese handmade mizunara oak casks, Kaiyo Mizunara Oak spends the last leg of their maturation at sea, the salt air and ebb and flow of the tides enriching the whisky. Named by Forbes as one of the “10 Japanese Whiskies To Try Now,” the Akashi White Oak hails from Japan’s smallest whisky distillery, where only two months out of the year are dedicated to whisky production. Blended from whiskies matured in oak for 10 years, Yame Eight Goddesses 10 Yr is inspired by the mythical Yametsu Hime protector of the mountainous beauty of the Yame Region, home of the famed Kitaya Distillery. Dubbed a ‘worldwide blended whisky’, Ichiro’s Malt & Grain is comprised of whiskies from distilleries in Scotland, Canada, U.S.A., England, and Ireland, as well as young malt and grain whisky stock from the legendary king of Japanese distilling, Ichiro Akuto. HATCH prides themselves on being able to offer rare, high-end whisky, such as Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu “The US Edition”, a highly-limited single malt release made specifically for the US market from the extremely sought-after Ichiro Akuto Chichibu Distillery. Dry and honeyed with gentle oak spice and Tahitian vanilla, Mars Lucky Cat “Mint” Whisky is limited to less than 4,000 bottles, while the Mars Komagatake Limited Edition 2018 is aged entirely in Shinshu, the highest elevation of any distillery in Japan, creating a noticeable influence on this unique whisky’s taste.

If Beer is more your brew, HATCH Yakitori + Bar has an array of beers on Draft: Asahi, Sapporo, Orion, and Kirin, as well as select offerings that may inspire guests to expand their tastes including Coedo Shiro Hefeweizen Wheat Beer, Samurai Blonde Ale, Delicious IPA, and the Cali Creamin’ Vanilla Cream Ale. Two varieties from the Kyoto Brewing Company kick off the Bottle selections beginning with the Kyoto Matcha IPA, followed by the Kyoto Kuromame Black Soybean Ale. At 8% alcohol content the Hitachino Ginger Brew is not your Mama’s ginger ale, although let us not forget its slightly herbaceous sibling, the Hitachino White Ale. Brewed from kintoki sweet potatoes, the award-winning Coedo Beniaka Sweet Potato Ale is earthy and rich, while the equally acclaimed Coedo Shikkoku Black Lager boasts an enchantingly smooth elegance. It’s in the Can with the Yona Yona: Every Night Pale Ale, made with premium Cascade hops, and the Suiyoubi No Neko: Wednesday Cat White Ale is smooth enough to get guests through every day of the week. If Wine is the only way to wind down, there is selection of California Wines and one deliciously unorthodox Chinese wine. Adventurous minds are encouraged to inquire within.

There is no better companion to a cool libation than Happy Hour and Partner and Executive Chef Daniel Shemtob has pulled out all of the stops to deliver guests one solid hour of discounted gluttonous glory. Guests can enjoy Oysters, Chilled, Grilled, or Fried accompanied by ume mignoette, Sticks like Breast and Plum, Thigh & Miso, and Mushroom Party, or the Plates with selections such as the Black Karaage, with two day brined chicken thighs, squid ink, house pickles, grilled lime, and black ranch dip, or Miso Pork Spare Ribs, featuring slow cooked pork ribs, miso caramel, spice blend, and green onions. During this happiest hour, a selection of Drinks including Draft and House Sake, Wine by the Glass and Beer by the Glass will also be available at special prices.

Whether your glass holds the liquid amber of Japanese Whisky, the aqueous ambrosia of a perfectly chilled Sake, or a meticulously crafted Cocktail, raise it high and give a mighty, “Kanpai!” to the bangin’ New Cocktail Bar at HATCH Yakitori + Bar!

HATCH Yakitori + Bar is open for Lunch every Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, and for Dinner every Monday through Thursday from 5:00 to 10:00 pm, every Friday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, every Saturday from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and every Sunday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Happy Hour is every Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. For more information or reservations, please visit www.HatchYakitori.com or call HATCH Yakitori + Bar directly at 213.282.9070.

Please follow HATCH Yakitori + Bar on Facebook @hatchyakitori and Instagram @hatchyakitori

HATCH Yakitori + Bar

700 West 7^th Street, suite G600

Los Angeles, CA 90017

T: 213.282.9070

www.HatchYakitori.com

Perlis Picks: Vintners Inn

February 9, 2019 by Michael Perlis

Karen and I often extol the virtues of staying at a winery when visiting wine country. Nothing beats the ambience of waking up to a vineyard scene. But, maybe you are looking for more than what a typical winery may have to offer.

What about staying at a property modeled after a Southern Mediterranean village, with all the amenities you could ask for? And, yes, you will have that vineyard view all day long.

Welcome to Vintners Inn.

Located in Santa Rosa with easy access to local wineries as well as being able to jump on the freeway to expand your adventures – but Vintners Inn offers so much that you don’t need to leave the property if you don’t want to.

We spoke to Percy Brandon, General Manager of Vintners Inn. He’s been with Vintners Inn over 18 years as he has shepherded them through their master plan with the expansion of additional luxury rooms, bringing the total from 44 to 78 – all of the new rooms have tons of modern features as well as vineyard views. Percy emphasized that the Vintners Inn motto of “Celebrate Everything” is not just a catchy phrase but it truly applied to all aspects of the guests’ stay.

Acquired by Rhonda Carano and her late husband Don in 2000, it was a great addition to their existing ownership of Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery. Percy came on board initially to manage the onsite John Ash & Co restaurant but soon took over the entire property. His enthusiasm and clear love for what he does permeates all aspects of the Vintners Inn.

The elegant John Ash & Co restaurant is only the beginning of what this property has to offer. Other dining options include the The Front Room Bar & Lounge (its Happy Hour is a locals’ favorite) as well as the River Vine Café for breakfast and lunch. The recent additions not only include the luxurious new guest rooms but also the Vi La Vita Spa.

Being very environmental conscious, Vintners Inn has achieved the California Green Lodging Program’s Environmental Level. Not only is there an onsite 68 acre vineyard, but vegetable gardens and olive trees to supply the property’s restaurants. There are even beehives. Feel free to stroll among the vines and experience wine country firsthand.

With a total property size of 98 acres, Vintners Inn also boasts a meeting and event center – who wouldn’t want to hold a business or pleasure function in this paradise? Not to mention the outdoor Vineyard Pavilion. No wonder Vintners Inn is such a popular wedding site; I think we saw two during our last stay and Percy told us they host dozens of weddings annually.

Vintners Inn

https://www.vintnersinn.com/

4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com.

Dining at the Hyatt’s NEW Greater Pacific Restaurant

January 4, 2019 by evebushman

On Facebook, as usual, and I spied a post about a local long-time respected restaurant that made a complete reboot of their menu by adding: “sea-to-table” fare that represents “the farmers and fisherman of this state in the most delicious and delectable way” courtesy existing Chef Daniel Csotai and new sushi Chef Eric Hu. The new restaurant takes over where Vines restaurant left off, in the Hyatt Regency Valencia on Town Center Drive and McBean Parkway in the beating heart of downtown Valencia.

The Setting

I was very surprised as I walked through the main doors to the hotel and entered the restaurant. The wall that previously stood between the reception area and the bar was no more; instead, by removing the wall, there was a much more open feel just to the bar alone, and it traveled from the bar to the seating in the reception area. In the past I had to get to the bar early for Happy Hour if I wanted to get a seat, now it would be no problem, and my people-watching view would be larger than ever before. There was also now two refrigerated units at the bar just for the sushi chef, who would be between two full bar areas. The bar is the same, but it looks completely different than before.

The restaurant’s main dining room has changed as well, from floor to ceiling with new flooring, dining tables and lighting. It has a very open and airy feeling. For our dinner that night we were ushered into a room that formerly housed small dining areas, now it was turned over into a private dining room, with doors on two sides, very nicely done. I settled in to see what we were going to be trying out for the first time.

The Dinner Menu

The dinner menu focuses on a “Chef’s Taste” section featuring charred local pear, Hamachi crudo…as well as pork belly with edamame, duck, and Baby Back Ribs. Then there’s a “Garden” section with four choices, several “Sandwiches”, five items in the “Share” section and then eight choices for mains: Pork Shank, Black Cod, Scottish Salmon, Bone-in NY Steak, Filet Mignon, Vegetarian Carbonara, Black Tiger Shrimp and Shelton Farms Chicken. The reverse side is a full page of wine choices, and there is a separate menu for cold sake that includes no less than seven choices = there should be something for everyone here! (Some of us at the table had sake with our dinner, the big hit was the Cowboy Yamahai: cowboy junmai ginjo – 50% of the sake rice was milled I believe – genshu yamahai.)

Greater Pacific Chef’s Table

Chef Csotai spent some time with us before each dish was served, introducing the dish as well as explaining their new program. He said that the new menu was their way of moving “away from the past to a greater future,” and added, “Everything is “farm-to-table, locally sourced, sustainable, no additives, fresh and clean.” We would notice that the “natural original flavor (as) intended by mother nature” would come through as well as what Chef Csotai called “the integrity” of the dishes.

We began with a First Course of Sushi, Carpaccio and Crudo. Chef Eric Hu prepared all of these. Accompaniments, like ginger, wasabi and soy sauce were available but I chose to enjoy mine as the chef intended and eat as prepared. This would prove to be my favorite course in the tasting, and set my palate, also enjoying the Cowboy Yamahai sake I paired it with, to welcome in our next course.

Our Second Course was Valencia Orange Pork Belly that was served over the most delicate and flavorful carrot puree – homemade of course. Chef Csotai explained that the pork had been marinated overnight – it was like charred butter, simply delicious. Alongside this on our plate was a Poached Baja Shrimp Cocktail that most of us dispatched in one or two bites, diving back into the dish to finish every drop of the homemade sauce.

Next up for our Third Course was a salad presentation: Camarillo Strawberry and Baby Kale. There was also some candied walnuts, maybe a feta or goat cheese and a dressing none of us could exactly describe…was it curry…or something else? Very delightful.

Our Intermezzo was a Yuzu Sorbet served in a martini glass. Of course I joked that the only thing the dish would benefit from would be three ounces of vodka – so don’t be shocked to find that on the bar menu soon! LOL. Todd Wilson, of FEEDSCV and the Santa Clarita Foodies group on Facebook, explained that Yuzo is used for Ponzu sauce. Ah, interesting as the flavor was hard for most of us to recognize, it was very unique, floral, fruity and tart.

Our Main Course was a sampling of several dishes: a Soy Miso Cured Black Cod with Garlic Miso and Parsnip Puree that I just loved for all that Miso; Shelton Farms Grilled Breast of Chicken with Wild Mushrooms had a lovely flavor; Aged Beef Tenderloin with a Maytag Blue Cheese Demi Glace that was cooked perfect with just the right amount of pink inside; and a side plate of roasted potatoes and Parmesan cauliflower.

I really had no room left for more food, however Chef Csotai put us all over the edge with his version of S’mores: several layers of graham crackers stacked high with both white and milk chocolate – and pop rocks!

Now, it’s your turn to go try!

Hyatt Regency Valencia: 661-799-1234

Fall In Love With Happy Hour At Eight Happy L.A. Hot Spots!

November 14, 2018 by evebushman

Bone Kettle:

Serving original Southeast Asian dishes in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, Bone Kettle, is the perfect place to take your taste buds on a culinary adventure while relaxing on a fall afternoon. Sip your way through the 5 o’clock hour by enjoying Craft Beers on Tap, House Wine, and Hot Sake all for just $7.00 each. Pair your beverage of choice with Executive Chef Erwin Tjahyadi’s mouthwatering Small Plates like the fresh Oysters with a seasonal mignonette and granité, or the Steak Tartare prepared with St. Helen’s Ranch hangar steak, chili vinaigrette, lemongrass and krupuk. For those looking to enjoy more than a snack, there are Chicken Wings made with fried citrus-brined Petaluma free-range chicken wings and charred lime; the Bone Marrow with scallion confit, toasted bread, mizuna, pears and apples, and Bone Kettle’s famous savory Oxtail Dumplings with seasonal mushrooms, leeks and San Bai Su. So, do not just choose one appetizer to enjoy, as Happy Hour at Bone Kettle will leave both your pocket book and your belly full all season long!

Bone Kettle offers Happy Hour every Monday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm; 67 North Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA 91103; 626.795.5702; www.BoneKettle.com

Casita Del Campo:

For over 50 years, Casita Del Campo has been known as an exceptional Mexican restaurant in Silver Lake that serves up delicious dishes and drinks in a party atmosphere with two outdoor patios and a beautiful dining room. With a lively nightly Happy Hour, guests may enjoy a wide selection of margaritas including the Casita Classic prepared with tequila, fresh squeezed lime, Triple Sec; the Fruit Margaritas with selections such as Strawberry, Peach, Banana, Watermelon, Mango, Ginger, Pomegranate and Guava, as well as a Smoky Margarita made with Cazadores Reposado Tequila, mescal, Triple Sec and fresh squeezed lime. Bartenders also serve house-made Pina Coladas, Tequila Sunrises, Palomas and Mojitos. Appetizers include Quesadillas Con Rajas prepared with two corn tortillas with a combination of cheese and mild green chile strips; Casita’s Special includes six crispy mini tortillas topped with chicken, beef, beans, guacamole and sour cream, and the Sweet Corn Tamales include two delicately sweet tamales filled with raisins and jack cheese. Every day is a Fiesta at Casita Del Campo during Happy Hour!

Casita Del Campo offers Happy Hour every Monday through Sunday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm; 1920 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027; 323.662.4255; www.CasitaDelCampo.net

CHAYA Modern Izakaya:

CHAYA Modern Izakaya offers the perfect respite to long days plugging away in Silicon Beach or just a fun day relaxing on Venice Beach with their great Happy Hour that is available “All Night Long!” You cannot start without a proper Happy Hour Cocktail like the Lychee Martini made with vodka, St. Germaine, lychee purée and lemon; the Last Mule made with bourbon, ginger, cassis and lime, or a Highball prepared with Suntory Toki Whisky and club soda for just $8.00 each. If cocktails are not your style, guests can also enjoy a Sapporo Beer on draft or House Wine for $5.00 each. With a beverage in hand, treat your palate to the Happy Hour Food and Sushi without ever having to worry about breaking the bank. Nigiri and Sashimi lovers can enjoy fresh Tuna, Hamachi, Eel, Salmon and other seafood selections from the Kaisen Bar, along with a daily selection of fresh Oysters. Sushi is also a must at CHAYA Modern Izakaya and guests will not be disappointed with rolls such as the Yuzu Spicy Tuna Roll; the Salmon California Roll with crab, avocado, and cucumber, and the American Wagyu Roll prepared with spicy shrimp, cucumber, and green onions. Guests can also spice up the evening with the Spicy Chicken Wings served with sambal chili; Beef Sliders with white cheddar and spicy aioli, or the Chicken Kara- age prepared with Jidori fried chicken and smoked soy. When Cocktails and Happy Hour Food are this good, every night feels like a Friday at CHAYA Modern Izakaya!

CHAYA Modern Izakaya offers Happy Hour every Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and every Friday and Saturday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm; 110 Navy Street, Venice, CA 90291; 310.396.1179; www.TheChaya.com

Church & State:

A long day at the office or an early evening out with friends calls for a fun and festive Happy Hour filled with cocktail specials and delectable dishes which can all found at Church & State in Downtown Los Angeles. Enjoy a daily selection of Executive Chef Tony Esnault’s $1 Oysters paired with lemon and mignonette; the Le Cachat, a lavender herbed goat cheese on crostini; the Foie de Volaille which is a chicken liver mousse on crostini, or the Deviled Eggs with paprika, lardon, and chives. For Cocktails, guests can enjoy the specialty Craft Cocktail prepared with gin, lemon, Pimm’s, Aperol and mint. At Church & State Happy Hour, guests can easily let the hectic day slip away as they sip and savor the DTLA night away!

Church & State offers Happy Hour every Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm; 1850 Industrial Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021; 213.405.1434; www.ChurchandStateBirstro.com

Lunetta All Day:

Spend the afternoon and early evening at Lunetta All Day in Santa Monica for a Happy Hour that is sure to end your day the perfect way! Whether with friends or wanting a place to unwind after the long workday, Lunetta All Day is here to greet and treat you with House-Inspired Libations ($8.00), Well Spirits ($7.00), Draft Beer ($6.00), delicious Wine By The Glass ($6.00 – $7.00), and special Bites from Proprietor & Chef Raphael Lunetta and Executive Chef Emilio Cuyuch. Sip a crisp glass of Vinho Verde paired with the Albacore Crudo with mashed avocado and Meyer lemon relish, or enjoy the Rock Shrimp Ceviche with fresh guacamole and house-made lime chips. For Beer enthusiasts, savor a large selection of Draft Beers that taste best when paired with the Chicken Wings with pineapple wing sauce and Cabra Verde, or indulge in the Wood-Fire Octopus Tacos prepared with white beans, fire-roasted peppers and charred tomatillo salsa. Regardless of how the day went, Happy Hour is always happy when lounging at Lunetta All Day!

Lunetta All Day offers Happy Hour every Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm; 2420 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310.581.4201; www.LunettaSM.com

Preux & Proper:

Preux & Proper Photo Credit: Ziv Sade

Happy Hour at Preux & Proper is the perfect place to unwind after a long, laborious day or to gather with friends before heading out to explore a night in DTLA! Grab a seat in the Barroom and start with a classic Beer or House Wine special for $7.00, or branch our get really happy with one of the delicious Frozen Daiquiris or select House Cocktails for just $9.00. Specially priced Barroom Eats are also available for guests to enjoy including items like Executive Chef Sammy Monsour’s Baked Mac & Cheese prepared with orecchiette pasta, scallions, Turbodog ale and Cabot extra sharp cheddar; the Colorado Lamb Ribs made with Jamaican jerk rub, passionfruit-scotch bonnet barbeque and radish pickles, and Lowcountry Mussels served with house-andouille, sweet corn, shallots, butter, scallions, boil spice and crispy fingerling potatoes. On top of daily Happy Hour, guests can also enjoy $1 Oysters every Monday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Preux & Proper’s tasty drinks, delicious dishes, hearty Happy Hour and genuine Southern Hospitality will quickly have you falling for Fall!

Preux & Proper offers Happy Hour every Monday through Saturday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and every Sunday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm; 840 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014; 213.896.0090; www.PreuxandProper.com

South City Fried Chicken:

Sometimes, all you need is a Fried Chicken Sandwich and a sweet treat to help wash away all the work day woes and Happy Hour at South City Fried Chicken offers you just that! After a long day, head to Corporation Food Hall in Downtown, Los Angeles to enjoy Happy Hour at South City Fried Chicken where every city-inspired Fried Chicken Sandwich is just $9.99 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Try the Greenville prepared with house-smoked chicken bacon, gruyère, Duke’s mayonnaise, shaved gem lettuce, heirloom tomato and bo spice, or the Birmingham made with Tillamook cheddar, Alabama white barbeque sauce, hickory-smoked red onions and chimichurri. For those who enjoy some heat, spice things up with the unique Miami made with jerk spice, lemongrass remoulade, mint, jalapeño, lime, shaved gem lettuce, and heirloom tomato, or enjoy the classic Nashville which is served with house-made Nashville hot sauce, house pickles, cookout slaw, and guests choice of four levels of heat. Pair your favorite Fried Chicken Sandwich with a Fountain Soda and cut all that spice with something sweet by savoring a frosty (and vegan!) Dole Whip for dessert, made exclusively of Dole pineapples and served with shaved coconut, pecans, or Mexican chocolate. Happy Hour at South City Fried Chicken will have you leaving with your belly, and wallet full this Fall!

South City Fried Chicken offers Happy Hour every Monday through Sunday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm; 724 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014; 213.278.0008; www.SouthCityFriedChicken.com

The Raymond 1886:

There is nothing like a good Happy Hour to help liven up a long workday or start a fun night with friends and Pasadena’s The Raymond 1886 has exactly what you need. Guests of The Raymond 1886 can enjoy 50% off Well Drinks and Bar Bites, $5.00 Select Wines, $4.00 Craft Beers, and $7.00 Daily Craft Cocktails. Pair the drink of your choice with a variety of tasty Bar Bites like the Hand Cut Onion Rings served with The Raymond 1886’s aged Worcestershire; the Suckling Pig Carnitas Tacos with white onions and salsa verde; Mac-n-Cheese baked with Irish cheddar and gruyère, or the Steamed Mussels served with Angry Lady sauce and Chinese sausage. Sip a cocktail (or two) and enjoy Pasadena’s finest as you lounge the rest of the day away without breaking the bank at Happy Hour at The Raymond 1886!

The Raymond 1886 offers Happy Hour every Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm; 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136; www.TheRaymond.com