0 vous suit
k rey in CA
This list is under construction, but will include reviews from trips to L.A. and perhaps a few San Fran as well...
- 518
- 217
8 lieux
-
L'avis 5 étoiles de Kathleen Nights like the one I spent at B&B have me convinced that, at least in terms of alcohol consumption, I lead a pretty charmed life. I happened to be in San Francisco on business, and thus made it MY business to visit this well-known speakeasy on my first free evening -- which happened to be the same night as an industry-hosted bartender's competition in B&B's Library back room -- to which I HAPPENED to have scored an invite! I made a reservation at the main bar so I could give that a go first, and was amused with the email confirmation and password, "ducky." Unfortunately, I was not asked for this at the door -- dammit, where else can one legitimately use this word?! Oh well, as I was seated, a server arrived with a complimentary citrus-y amuse cocktail. What a fantastic way to start things off! Sipping and perusing the lengthy, leather-bound menu, one could easily become overwhelmed --"seasonal cocktails," "original cocktails," "classic cocktails," "champagne cocktails," etc. But I gravitated toward the Laphroig Project, a smoky scotch blend that came with green and yellow chartreuse, maraschino and a slew of other amazing ingredients. Little did I know, the bartender that evening was also this cocktail's creator, so we delved deep into conversation about scotches, mutual friends in N.Y. and even some inside scoop on B&B's plans to open a new space downstairs. Thoroughly warmed by my first drink and new friendship, I was ready for the Library and the evening's main event... Just imagine my first impression: a cozy room surrounded by books and SF's best and brightest bartenders! I stepped up to receive my first of many complimentary cocktails, a "Baby Ginger," with fresh ginger, Broker's gin, cardamon, cinnamon, pepper, honey and who the hell cares what else. Just guess whether it was any good. I would have probably been content sitting in the corner with my cocktail, but forced myself to make the rounds and introduce myself, and somehow became known as "THAT girl visiting from N.Y.," leading to countless conversations with guests about my favorite haunts back East and other mutual friends (such a small world!), along with their picks for SF's hottest spots. All the while, we watched alcohol all-stars step up to mix their original creations (all I can say is that there were crates of secret ingredients involved and that there's no shame in drooling, people). Although one bartender rose above the rest in the competition, I considered myself the real winner of the night, and left inspired by the new cocktails I'd tried and invigorated by the new friendships sparked. If you want an evening of high-class cocktails, sexy surroundings (complete with a few trap doors), lots of literature and incredibly attentive service, head there now. We can't all be "THAT girl visiting from N.Y.," but I bet you'll still enjoy. And here's a little jealousy (served neat), just in case you didn't get enough from this review. *Evil laugh* ;-) -
L'avis 5 étoiles de Kathleen On a recent business trip, I found myself lamenting the perpetually overpriced and underwhelming $20 breakfast spread found in most chain hotels. I knew there must be better options for this price, and I certainly found one in the Butler and the Chef. Ways this topped said lame hotel breakfast: 1) It's situated in the lovely South Park part of town. This is both pretty and slightly funny. 2) It's just around the corner from a cool-looking boutique called Jeremy's, which I'll have to visit next time I'm in town. 3) It's certified as one of the Bay Area's "greenest" restaurants and everything is organic. So you fulfill your crunchy / do-gooder / health buff needs. 4) Fellow patrons were friendly, and it was clear that this is a neighborhood spot everyone enjoys. I felt right at home even though I was an out-of-towner and all by myself. 5) Service was quick and knowledgeable. Addressing my indecision on what to order (waffles, crepes, omelets, oh my!), my waitress confidently suggested that since this was my first time, I needed to try their Eggs Benedict. 6) She was correct. Topped with fresh smoked salmon and served on olive bread with tons of fresh spinach on the side, this was incredible and the serving was huge! (see pic) 7) My small cappuccino was one of the best I've ever had, and not really small (see pic). It got me through my morning Blackberry-ing and work calls. 8) Along with the bill, I received an unexpected complimentary chocolate truffle. I'm of the mind that a free, tasty chocolate makes anything better. Apparently, so are they. For $21 including tip, I had an amazing breakfast, a lovely walk and free chocolate. I'll be back to try their wines, soups and other later-day offerings. Visitors, put it on your list, and if you can, I'd greatly appreciate it if you can squeeze the place into your carry-on when returning to NYC. SFers, you're obviously onto it! -
L'avis 5 étoiles de Kathleen Ok, don't hate me -- but it's helpful in the context of my El Farolito experience to explain frankly and unabashedly that I've been blessed with a stomach of steel and a lightning-fast metabolism. This combo. has helped me impress (or in some cases perhaps, disgust) onlookers come chow-time. Ok, I exercise a bit, but still, eating-wise, I go bite-for-bite my brothers, my Dad (who's 6'4" / 230) and put my husband to shame (personal trainers are so INTO being HEALTHY)!!! At a party, I'm the girl polishing off pretzels, downing drinks and housing every piece of sushi in sight. I do not like most diet foods, and normally do not turn down cake or office treats of any kind. When necessary, I can also disregard the fact that I may have just eaten a full meal if another tempting option presents itself. One day, these habits will catch up to me, but until they do, I'll eat. And drink. And smile. And not apologize. I give you this build-up because after a meal at El Farolito, I now know that my lifelong eating affair was all just a prelude to the Super Burrito. It may have only been $6, but I wish I had a scale, because it felt heavier than five pounds. It was full of chicken, and avocado, and beans, and veggies, and cheese, and rice and three kinds of salsa on the side (see pic). The counter man brought this monstrosity to my table and smiled all-too-knowingly in a, "let's see what you can do with this, gringa," kind of way. Game on, hombre! And so I went to work. It wasn't easy, and it wasn't pretty, but 25 minutes later, it was done. Not gonna lie -- I hit a wall about 15 minutes in, but kept at it, thinking about all my East Coast friends who may never have a burrito from El Farolito (this one's for you, guys)! And thank God it was tasty. I handed counter man my empty tray and managed to say "mmm, yum" (read: do not underestimate me)! on the way out, patting my tummy on another job well done. Gracias a mi estómago fuerte! -
L'avis 5 étoiles de Kathleen I do love visiting Los Angeles, but there are several things about the City of Angels that make me uncomfortable, such as: 1) Numerous signs in the park where I ran that read "beware of rattlesnakes." 2) The fact that jaywalking is actually enforced and one can be fined hundreds of dollars for doing it (yours truly escaped with several serious warnings from the locals). 3) People who say "for sure," "gnarley," or "rad" without a trace of sarcasm. But while I often feel like a displaced East coast girl in a West coast world, things aren't all bad out there. For one, who can complain about continuous sunny, warm weather? I know I wouldn't bat an eye at transforming our signature winter attraction into "The Rockefeller Palm." Also, not much makes me happier than a new little place hidden inside another old little place where one can go gawk at Prohibition-clad barmen (and ladies donning dapper hats), laugh at people who like vodka and get a Penicillin. I had one expertly made, followed by the local tequila-based variety -- "Medicina Latina." Just what the doctor ordered. I felt so at home that I actually visited twice in a one-week trip. I didn't come home with a key, but I think I heard the term "honorary regular" tossed around. Maybe it was "crazy cocktail stalker." Hmm.. Seriously, the Varnish delivers well on what its historic Gilded Age namesake (and co-owners Sasha Petraske / Eric Alperin) intended to provide: a private, splendid little refuge with jazzy old music and amazing cocktails. In fact, check your receipt for a little "Varnish" etymology...an English major's dream come true! In addition to the drinks prescribed above, we also sampled things on and off the menu, including the Brooklyn (ironically better here than the Big Apple -- ask the bartender why), 19th century, Pancho Villa, Little Italy, Paper Plane, Old Fashioned and Clover Club. Not a bad one in the bunch. The final icing on the cake (or should I say aus jus on the meat) is that you can bring one of Cole's tasty pork sandwiches in from the to-go counter upfront. And we all know the pork bone's connected to the bourbon bone. N.B. House rules here aren't as strict as sister establishments in N.Y. (e.g "Disrespectful behavior toward ladies will not be tolerated") which resulted in one unwelcome encounter. No worries, it was nothing k rey couldn't handle, and after one quick brush-off (not gonna lie, it was after one quick drink was procured), all was well with the world once more. -
L'avis 4 étoiles de Kathleen During a week-long work visit to Los Angeles, my colleagues and I decided to end our last night in town with a nightcap in Beverly Hills. It was a Saturday night, so we wanted something swank without too much of a "scene" or wait. If you find yourself in the same situation, I highly recommend the Blvd at the Regent Beverly Wilshire... "Are you writing it down ? You'll forget it. Write it down. REG... BEV... WIL..." ;-) Unfortunately, we did NOT see anyone tickling the ivories while getting it on. I was also NOT presented with a ruby jewelry set, nor was I whisked off to San Francisco for a box seat opera performance. What gives? But, all "Pretty Woman" references aside, this place was perfect for what we had in mind. Our cocktails were tasty and well-prepared, and we snacked on olives and fancy nuts (this is Beverly Hills, people -- yes, even the nuts were fancy! :-) Our server was cool, as were our fellow patrons, and the jazzy music ensemble delivered a solid performance without overpowering any conversations. The vibe was classy without being stuffy, and I enjoyed looking at the wine cellar, displayed through glass on one side of the room. We only had one minor "celeb." sighting (one of the sidekick characters from CW's "Smallville" -- why couldn't it have been gorgeous Tom Welling)?! But that was ok, as we would have done Chateau Marmont or Villa if we were looking for that kind of crowd. Of course, the prices are in accordance with the atmosphere, so bring lots of green -- or your corporate Amex. Either way, it was a great way to end a week in L.A. before jetting back (i.e. flying coach) to the Big Apple! -
L'avis 4 étoiles de Kathleen If the cocktail lovers created an amusement park, it would probably be a lot like the Edison. Like your favorite roller coaster, lines can be pretty long, especially on weekends. But getting one of those "Flash Pass" cards, or better yet, a connection to director of spirits and beverages, can really help. I didn't see Mickey or Minnie (sigh, we all know how I feel about the former), but there are definitely "characters" floating around, such as the absinthe fairy (wings and all) toting a cart of the green stuff, flapper waitresses with fringe and hair adornments and old-school outfitted bartenders. Winged or not, everyone was very friendly and relatively quick on orders, in spite of crowds. The Edison, historically L.A.'s first private power plant, also resembles a huge Haunted House (NYers, you won't believe just how big this place is). Dark, romantic lighting, cavernous corners, etc. For the record, if I ever become a ghost, this is exactly the kind of "haunt" I'd hope to inhabit. Drinks were a bit of a rocky ride. My first selection, The Edison Direct Current (get it - "direct current?!") with cognac was brilliant. My second, the Havana, seemed great in theory (gin, apricot brandy and fresh lemon juice -- "perfected by the Milk & Honey family") but wasn't in execution, even with a bit of pyrotechnics. It was a syrup bomb -- and I'm a fan of apricot brandy. The "family" wouldn't have been proud. You may think the theme park comparisons are meant to be pejorative, but I was mostly in awe. Think about a New York MPD monstrosity in terms of size, but beautifully done, with lots of intimate, speakeasy-esque corners -- and a generally stellar cocktail menu. Fellow patrons also seemed classy, and the dress code brought out people's best (read: NOT club-trashtic) styles forward. They also have a guest bartender program that attracts some of the country's best mixers and shakers and a Friday happy hour special offering mac 'n cheese, tomato soup and a specialty cocktail for -- wait for it -- 35 cents -- with all the change raised going to charity. New Yorkers, fear not -- the management team is on the hunt for a comparably gorgeous, big space in the Big Apple. And if it's anything like its Left Coast counterpart, this will be one ride you won't want to miss. -
L'avis 4 étoiles de Kathleen *3.5 Stars* The natives are a bit harsher on this spot than I am -- I really liked it! I got into L.A. a night before my colleagues last year for a business trip, so I had some time to saunter from my hotel on Hollywood Blvd. and shop around Melrose, finally coming upon this cozy spot for an early dinner. I had an awesome fancy salad to start (toasted walnuts, beets, goat cheese and champagne vinaigrette), followed by some sort of decadent pasta with spinach and ricotta. And the waitresses recommended two lovely wines which I'd never had, followed by a third glass on the house (thank goodness for a cab back to the hotel)! Great food, friendly vibe and tasty wine to boot made this New Yorker feel right at home in the crazy land of la-la. -
L'avis 3 étoiles de Kathleen Sooo not our normal scene, I decided to check this place out on the last night of a business trip last year to la-la land. It was close to our hotel, so the mister and I stopped in on a Saturday night and soaked up the scene. Cosmetically enhanced as many were, I thought crowd was good and everyone was having a good time. The drinks were stylish and sweet, if not expertly concocted. We went with the Blushing Geisha (gin, pomegranate and melon) and the Geisha's Kiss (sake, lychee, chambord and champagne). Although I'd like to think we fit in with the crowd ("enhancements" aside), our empty wallets certainly didn't, so we left after one round. I'm glad I tried Geisha, but beyond the stylish vibe, I didn't see much substance (in L.A. -- "NO WAY" you say ;-) P.S. Ashton, where were you?
