Kick up your heels over continued existence....

Whee! We made it!

You survived Christmas AND the Mayan apocalypse.

Good job.

Pack away the canned foods and escape route map and celebrate the coming millennium (or just 2013) at one of the following fab New Year’s Eve parties.

Bonus: no need to coordinate your evening wear with your gas mask.

Swankin’ It at a Speakeasy

Kick up your heels over your continued existence at Midnight in Venice: the NYE bash at the Del Monte Speakeasy in Venice.  Put on your dancing shoes and eat (yum food), drink (crafted cocktails and punch), and make merry (with the rootin’ tootin’  Dustbowl Revival) at this original speakeasy by the sea.

It’s great to be alive.

MIDNIGHT IN VENICEMon, Dec 31; 8pm – 2am. $30 – $40; 21+Del Monte Speakeasy at the Townhouse, 52 Windward Ave, Venice, 90291.

For tix, table reservations etc. go to http://townhousevenice.com/#/nye/4571963135

Break on through to the other side at the Edison's Cabaret Ball 2013

Break on through to the other side at the Edison’s Cabaret Ball 2013

New Year’s Eve with the Green Fairy

What better place to celebrate the passage of time than at the gorgeous Edison: a steampunk fever dream and cocktail palace?  Highlights of their New Year’s Eve 2013 Cabaret Ball: performances by Eccentriques, surprises from the Green Fairy for those who dress for the occasion  (so swank it up, sheiks and shebas) a midnight toast, and assorted festivities.

THE EDISON NYE CABARET BALLMon, Dec 31 @ 8pm. $100/21+ – The Edison,108 W 2nd St, 90012. For tix, table reservations, etc. go to: https://www.edisondowntown.com/tickets/index.php?eventid=1214

Walk Like an Egyptian

An Egyptian hieroglyphic light show may seem an uncomfortable reminder of that squeaky close brush with Yucatan doomsday.  Luckily, the five bars, red carpet atmosphere of the Egyptian Theater, suggested Cleopatra-and-Pharoah attire, and go go dancers will help offset any lingering, narrowly averted trauma.

Nefertiti here....

Nefertiti here….

Go Go dancers help offset most things.

3RD ANNUAL CLEOPATRA BALLMon, Dec 31; 9pm – 2am. $95-$1975; 21+Egyptian Theater, 6712 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood 90028. http://cleopatrasball.com/

Go Go’ers, have fun and be safe on New Year’s Eve with the Metro’s Overnight 24-hour rail service on all lines.

Go here for specific information:

http://www.metro.net/service/advisories/update/special/24/

Ready? U Know U Want 2 Go Go….

Even the dead will drink on Cinco de Mayo

It’s been seven weeks since Saint Patrick’s DayAngelenos have had an excuse for an all-city bash and while there are Cinco de Mayo drink specials all over town, Ms. Go Go’s hand-picked “cinco for Cinco” list features events with that especial something that translates as fiesta.

Stay festive, my friends.

LAS PERLAS

In addition to the year’s best Cinco de Mayo poster, Las Perlas, Downtown’s dedicated palace of mezcal and tequila is teaming up with Herradura for wallet-friendly  Cinco de Mayo revelry: $5 Margaritas, $5 Herradura Silver shots and $4 Modello Especial cans.

Julio Arenas (voted best street taco in LA by…someone) will be selling his signature fare in flavors of chicken, chorizo, carne asada, and pastor on the patio for $1.50 a taco.

That’s going to be one crowded patio.

LAS PERLASSat, May 5, noon-2am; Free/21+ — 107 E 6th St, DTLA 90014; http://213nightlife.com/lasperlas

Yes, the Battle of Puebla was won with a trumpet.

THE EDISON

The dilemma: You want to celebrate the Mexican army’s victory over France but you’re damn well not doing it with a plastic margarita glass.
The solution: The ever-elegant Edison handles your Battle-of-Puebla-victory needs in the classiest way possible.

In addition to music by the Latin Jazz band Mambo Loco, the Edison is cracking open their own Private Label barrel of Casa Noble tequila, pouring $10 Margaritas and $5 Victoria beers, and serving $5 Short Rib Tacos all night.

Nothing says victorious-battle-celebration like mambo and a short rib taco.

THE EDISONSat, May 5th, 7pm-2am; 21+/$10108 W. 2nd St, DTLA, 90012.  Reservations:  213.613.0000; http://www.edisondowntown.com/

VILLAINS TAVERN

Weather update: Cinco Saturday promises to be “mostly sunny”.   Sounds close enough to party weather to Ms. Go Go.

If you want to get a cheap, early, al fresco start to the day, Villains Tavern is a Cinco de Mayo grand slam.  From noon to 6:00 p.m., the semi-patio’d drinkery offers $2 Milagro cocktails, $2 Tecates, hand crafted Milagro punches, three bands, and a selection of great taco trucks.  Post 6pm, check out Chef Rosie’s Ceviche Tostada and VT’s killer tacos.

A word about the punches: Milagro means “miracle”.  Just saying.

VILLAINS TAVERNSat, May 5th, noon-2am; free/21+1356 Palmetto St, DTLA, 213.613.0766; www.villainstavern.com

For those who like their Cinco pink….

TE’KILA

The tequila bar in the courtyard of the historical Jane’s House has 100+ tequilas.  An unspecified number will be used in festive Cinco cocktail specials.

So far, so good.

From 11am to 2am, Te’Kila will also have $3 Modelo Especial and draft Dos XX.  And just to make sure you stay awake ’til closing, there’s a live Mariachi performance from 9-10 pm.

Just so you can set your watch.

There are also shot girls, free gifts, and, throughout the day, pinata smashes filled with surprises.

Which basically sounds like the best birthday party EVER!

TE’KILASat, May 5th, 11am- 2am; Free/21+6541 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood 90028; 323. 960.2404; http://tekilahollywood.com/

FIVE0FOUR

FiveOFour may be more NOLA than Baja but the Big Easy outpost  always throws a damn good party.  And since you’re in the neighborhood (literally, the same courtyard),  you might as well check out what may very well be the best Cinco de Mayo drink prices in the city: 99 cent Coronitas, $3 pints of Pacifico, $12 pitchers of Pacifico, and most exciting, $5 Herradura shots served out of the FiveOFour ICE LUGE.

They’ve also got some food specials in the works.  Presumably not delivered by ice luge.

FIVEOFOURSat, May 5th, 11am-2am; 21+/free (but RSVP)  – 6541 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028  RSVPhttps://www.facebook.com/events/404111569621374

Ready?  U Know U Want 2 Go Go….


That's a scary gnome, yo....

Go Go’ers, the above chant of Macbeth’s hags could certainly apply to Ms. Go Go’s recent months and consequent long absence.

But let’s use it as marching orders for this Dark Side of the Moon weekend., shall we?

Here’s how to get in double trouble every night.

Saturday, October 29th

Villains Tavern (1356 Palmetto St, LA 90031, 213.613.0766)

Downtown’s outdoor cathedral of cocktails has the weekend’s marathon witching hours.  The free night starts off young…at 1:00pm.  That’s eleven hours for:

– Frivolity (Costume Contest!  Tarot Card Reading!)

– Fine bands (12, including Icy Hot Club, Dustbowl Revival)

– Fancy drinkies (a.k.a. handcrafted punches)

— Freakshow Deluxe (Yeah, the guy sticks a needle through his skin.)

BONUS!  A beer bus takes you to the One-Eyed Gypsy, the carnival-themed sin-sister of Villains Tavern.

Oh to be a fly on that beer bus….

Urban DeathZombie Joe’s Underground   11pm/$15 (4850 Lankersham, North Hollywood, 91601, 818.202.4121)

Go Go’ers, Urban Death is not for the faint of heart, delicate of stomach, nor small of mind.  Think Grand Guignol/Haunted House tableaux…except instead of shuffling through a dark building, you’re trapped like a rat seated in a black-as-night theater.  Think lusty nuns, self-cannibalizing artists, things that slither past your foot. THIS is real Halloween horror, baby.

Ms. Go Go double-dares you.

Sunday, October 30th

Haunting your dreams.

5th Annual Haunted Halloween Festival – Out of the Box 6-8:30pm/$25 (6500 Hollywood Blvd LA 90028, 323.799.1374)

After all that racketing around and terrified sitting still, you will surely want to get out into the wide spooky world on Sunday.  Ms. Go Go isn’t sure who counts the ghoulies but Out of the Box Events claims Los Angeles is the 5th (or is it the 7th?) most haunted city in the U.S. of A. This scavenger hunt — but not a dweeby one — takes you on a tour to all of Hollywood’s haunted haute spots, including the (now-closed) speakeasy where the Black Dahlia drank the night she died.

Out of the Box urges you to join them for a drink after the tour.  You’ll want to do that.

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari – Silent Film/Live Organ – Disney Hall  7:30pm/$38-$63.50 (Walt Disney Concert Hall, 11 South Grand Ave, LA 90012, 323.850.2000)

Sure, it’s a little pricey,Go Go’ers but figure you’re getting a movie AND a concert AND a Los Angeles icon at this one. Those in the know go for the cheap seats anyway.

You don’t want to be looking up Dr. Caligari’s nostrils, do you?  Ms. Go Go thought not.

Monday, October 31st

Seven’s Grand Devil’s Cut Halloween Party Free (515 W 7th St, 2nd Floor,LA 90014, 213.614.0735)

You drink cocktails, they'll eat your flesh.

It’s the Big Night and you could wander aimlessly around Hollywood Boulevard with the year-round Living Dead but if you prefer your animated corpses in kilts bearing whiskey — and really, who doesn’t? — head Downtown for a  creepy pub crawl culminating at the Seven Grand’s Devil’s Cut launch party.  All of Cedd Moses’s 213  gin joints will be zombified through the weekend and All Hallow’s Eve  and serving liquid courage/specialty punches for $5 a glass.

You always appreciate a booze bargain while fending off flesh eaters.

All Hallow’s Eve @ The Edison $25 – $40/8pm (108 W 2nd St, LA, 90012, 213.613.0000 – Call for table reservations)

It’s always a little bit eerie downing libations amidst The Edison’s Industrial Age graveyard — who knows what lurks beyond those hulking machines?  If you prefer a spooky-but-civilized All Souls Eve, choose this Downtown haunt for an elegantly ghoulish evening.  Tix are cheaper in advance/on line but if you show up at the door in your bone-chilling best, it’s only $30.  According to The Edison, “Gifted Eccentriques from across the Globe” will perform including Helios Jive and the Stilt Circus.

You always prefer your terror on the tall side.

Go Go’ers, it’s been a helluva decade.  Ring it out in style at one (or if you’ve got the stamina…ALL!) of the following Downtown palaces of drinks, delight and debauchery.

THE BIG TICKET: “1 Ticket, Eight Open Bars” is 213 Downtown L.A.’s promise to help you welcome the New Year in style.   You’ll want to wear your high-heeled sneakers for this celebratory crawl!

Casey’s Irish Pub
GRAM RABBIT on stage and well spirits +11 craft drafts and wine in your hand.
‘Nuff said.

Golden Gopher 
Go Go to the Gopher for open bar all night on well, beer and wine
DJ Mike Turski spins rock ’n’ roll till 2am

Las Perlas
Flower power your New Year! Open bar features handcrafted Spiced Daisy and popular Las Perlas house Margaritas
Indie Big Sonic Heaven DJ Darren Revell and Kapsoul rock the casa.

Seven Grand
Step into 2011 in high style  with Vieux Carre, Manhattan, Bourbon Fix cocktails inspired by Jim Beam Rye, Wild Turkey Rye, and Buffalo Trace or well spirits (or call for Maker’s Mark) + Deacon Jones All-Star Blues Revue w/ Artwalk Jamal and Special Guests

Broadway Bar
Party like it’s 1999! DJs B-Mix and J-Cru spin 80′s, Disco and Funk while you patronize the all-night open bar on all well products.

Tony’s Saloon
Keep it real at Tony’s; open well bar with select premium cocktails all night +
Raw roots blend of rock and twang with Paul Chesne and Guest DJs

Cole’s French Dip
Get your champers on at Cole’s.  Open Champagne Cocktails  Bitter Bar  featuring cherry, chocolate, mole and other libations  made with your choice of   housemade or branded  bitters.

Cana Rum Bar
Drink in the decade like Papa Hemingway with Cana’s Daiquiri Bar. Fresh handcrafted cocktails served throughout  the night while Icy Hot Club serves up vintage gypsy jazz with a modern twist.

(All-access Downtown L.A. New Year’s Eve party pass; $119 - $250 http://nyedowntownla.eventbrite.com/)

THE ROGUE’S CHOICE: Roots orchestra Dustbowl Revival will be tearing up the joint for FREE (That’s right!  A No Cover New Year’s Eve!) at  Villains Tavern.  The raucous revivalists go on at 9:00p.m.; the temple of boozy toasts starts serving free champagne after 10:00 p.m. (1356 Palmetto Street, 91003, 213.613.0766, www.villainstavern.com/)

IF THE COCKTAIL IS KINGCocktalian purists will want to head to the Varnish  to welcome the new with expertly handcrafted cocktails and a bottomless Bols Genever punch.  The Apple Sisters comedy trio (“Sarah Silverman meets the Shaggs” as described by the L.A. Times) will count down to the midnight champagne toast.  Contact general manager Chris Bostick to make reservations. (9:00 – 2:00 a.m. $119.  118 East 6th Street,   213.622. 9999  www.thevarnishbar.com

IF LUCK IS ON YOUR SIDEPresale tix to the Edison‘s ever-elegant New Year’s Eve event  have been snapped up but it’s worth stopping by the palace of steampunk at 10:00 p.m. for a chance to snag any unclaimed tickets.   The $75 billet  includes a midnight champagne toast, midnight tray passed dessert and performances by DJ James Spooner and two Stilters (that’s stilt-walkers to the uninitiated) PLUS a rare chance to see the Yard Dogs Road Show, a traveling cabaret self-described as a “love letter from the bordello of your imagination.”  Yes, you hope that Lady Luck smiles on you at 10:00…. (Yard Dogs Road Show performs at 10:00 and at 11:45;   $75; 108 West 2nd Street, 90012; 213.613.0000; www.edisondowntown.com)

BONUS TRAVEL INFO!

***Ride with the Angels — On New Year’s Eve only, the Angels Flight railway fare will be a penny to commemorate the 109th anniversary of the opening of the “World’s Shortest Railway” December 31st, 1901.   Angels Flight will maintain its regular 16 hour schedule that day, from 6:45am to 10:00pm.  A one way ride on the 298 foot railway currently costs 25 cents, $1 for five rides, or 40 rides for $7.50.  (351 South Hill Street, 213.626.1901.)

***Go Metro – Holiday Service FREE all night so no need to drink and drive, Go Go’ers!

***AAA Tow Service –  AAA is offering free towing for the 14th year in a row. Between 6pm and 6am December 31 to January 1, call 1-800-400-4AAA and ask for a “tipsy tow”. This does not include rides for passengers, and is a one-way tow up to seven miles. Anything after seven miles will be charged at normal rates. You do not have to be a member of AAA to use the free towing.

Demon alcohol claims another victim. (Image courtesy of http://www.pastreunited.com/)

Go Go’ers, have you been busily refining your recipe for bathtub gin in anticipation of  Boardwalk Empire: Terence Winter (and Martin Scorsese’s pilot) paean to Prohibition and its profiteers?

No need!  Thanks to HBO and Canadian Club, you can toast the booze-fueled bloodbath that was the Noble Experiment (and the much-anticipated series that celebrates it) for free at three of Ms. Go Go’s fave speakeasies: the Varnish and the Edison in DTLA and R Bar in K-town.  (Shhh…. Link to the oh-so-secret password and louche lounge addresses after the break.)  One complimentary Canadian Club cocktail per patron, you lushes, so don’t plan on being a hooch hog.

Composer/bandleader Hoagy Carmichael (no stranger to Jazz Era speakeasies) described Prohibition as “a bang of…booze,…bare legs, jangled morals and wild weekends.”

You’ve always loved a good party.

Ready?  U Know U Want 2 Go Go….

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Cocktails to sigh by....

Every month, the Edison, that glorious temple of steampunk and swizzling, flies in master mixologists from around the nation for the Radio Room, where guest gin geniuses create signature sips for the thirsty masses.

Add a lounging divan and some peeled grapes and you pretty much have Ms. Go Go’s idea of the perfect staycation.

This month, the Radio Room is “Celebrating Manhattan” in honor of the launch of the Edison New York; the visiting kings of cocktail will be Michael Neff, Kenneth McCoy, and Abdul Tabini of Tribeca’s Ward III, home of the Bespoke Cocktail: a custom drink created in the moment based on the imbiber’s choice of Spirit, Flavor, Texture, Fruit and Spice.   In other words, you bring your drink ordering A-game here.

The Wonder Boys of Ward III (Photo: Ward III)

The Ward III boyz won’t be bespoking at the Edison but lush lifers will have no regrets when they get a gander at the July 13th joy juice menu.

Baby Eveline (Michael Neff) – Vodka of your choice, muddled strawberries, lemon juice, Peychaud’s bitters, Martini & Rossi Prosecco.

Four Stars (Michael Neff) – Herradura silver tequila, lime juice, muddled rosemary and cilantro, dab of Sriracha hot sauce.

Hell Bent for Leather (Kenneth McCoy) – Woodford Reserve bourbon (Edison’s private bottling), Irish whiskey, orange and lemon peel, muddled cardamom seed.

The Collective (Kenneth McCoy) – Dewar’s 12-Year, Martini & Rossi Sweet Vermouth, clover honey, lemon juice, orange bitters, egg whites.

Angel Zakir (Abdul Tabini) – Martin Miller’s gin, muddled cucumber, basil and lime juice, Aperol.

Tortuga (Abdul Tabini) – Bacardi 8 rum, muddled lime, orange and lemon, dusting of shaved cinnamon.

Note to Go Go’ers: peeled grapes pair perfectly with all of the above….

Ready?  U Know U Want 2 Go Go….

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Celebrate Mexico's victory at the Edison with $1 shots of Casa Noble tequila.

 

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over French forces in 1862.   But  you knew that….   

Cinco de Mayo isn’t widely observed in Mexico but that shouldn’t stop you from hoisting a glass to celebrate the triumph of tequila and mezcal over champagne.  Here are a handful of barras y restaurantes where you’ll have the least chance of getting an embarrassing picture taken of you wearing a giant sombrero while soused on Sauza.  

The Edison downtown may be more grand than guerilla but drink like a wage worker with $1  shots (1 per person) of Casa Noble tequila from 5:00 – 7:00PM.  Willie Martinez y Mombo Loco will perform at 7:00PM with DJ Tatiana accompanying.   Plot your next uprising amidst the underground artifacts of the city’s first power plant.    

The doors at Las Perlas open at 4PM to give you an early start on the $4 Tecates,  $5 shots of El Jimador Blanco Tequila, $6 shots of Herradura Antiquo, and $7 margueritas and shots of Herradura Blanco.  There’s no $8 special but at 9:30PM,  DJ Jose Galvan (of 103.1 FM) helps you count down the night with Latin and Mexican beats in the Oaxacan inspired charm of  downtown’s temple of tequila and mezcal.   

If you’re a reality T.V.  junkie, you probably already know that Ciudad‘s Susan Feniger, one of the Too Hot Tamales, has been competing on Bravo’s Top Chef MastersCiudad will host a TCM viewing party on Cinco de Mayo with $3 tacos, 1/2 off Mojitos and Margueritas, and “special surprise tastes” of one of Ms. Feniger’s TCM dishes.  RSVP by TODAY, May 4th if you’re craving a gourmet, Cinco de Mayo experience with your Wednesday night T.V. fix.  

If you couldn’t get tickets to Lucha Va Voom’s sold out “Cinco de Mayan” extravaganza, head over to “modern Mexican” Provecho Restaurant.  In addition to $2 mezcal shots, $3 Dos Equis, and $5 Cazadores margueritas, the sleekly beautiful bar and restaurant will host one of the wildest nights in town with burlesque, luchadores, and mariachis.  Ay, ay, ay, ay!  

Lula Cocina Mexicana was voted one of North America’s best tequila bars – they only serve 100% Blue Agave tequilas and mezcals and have over 300 varieties – so you know they know how to throw a party.  On Cinco de Mayo, you can roll out of bed and start toasting la revolucion at 10:00AM with special tequila and liqueur promotions; David Duque will perform with Mariachi Mexican Colonial.  Don’t turn into un nasty borracho though;  roaming magician David Groves might turn you into un canejo  and pull you out of a hat.  And the whole point of the evening is to avoid the sombreros, remember?  

Get your caliente on at Border Grill from 11:30AM to 10:00PM in the bar.  In addition to $3 Border tacos and $5 bites, desserts and drinks  (except for the Bacardi mojitos, which are $5.50), the Two Hot Tamales offer a chili challenge: if you can finish a Fresno Chili Popper, a Jalapeno Popper, and a Serrano Popper, they’ll give you a Habanero Popper free!   Ms. Go Go assumes this is a reward for a job well done but it’s really a good thing those drinks are so cheap….  

Ready?  U Know U Want 2 Go Go….  

   

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EARTH DAY 2010: Drink up, do good (Photo by Kim Ohanneson)

 

You’ve planted trees, cleaned up beaches,  and handed out hundreds of ”Reduce, recycle, reuse” bumper stickers.   Now,  relax,  refresh and renew you while still doing good for the planet with these Earth Day drink and dine options.  

Want to attend an Earth Day edible feast TONIGHT?  Potchke up your best potluck dish and stop by the Glassell Park kitchen of Jennie Cooks: A Catering Company  for a cozy, community  Sustainable Supper!   Dubbed “Best Caterer for These Troubled Times” by L.A. Weekly, Cook will make (non-alcoholic) Magic Mambo Punch  and a few  seasonable, vegan offerings.  For a small donation to cover eat-wares and the punch, you and your fellow, environmentally conscious foodies can dine and dish the dirt before a screening of film festival fave Dirt! The movie right in the shoppe.  Inspired by the movie?   Your  $10-$15 voluntary donation will go towards the next Southern California Permaculture Convergence.  RSVP ASAP!  

Larry Nicola is turning out the lights at  Mexico Restaurante y Barra.  He’s also turning off the gas, the phones and the cash register but aficionados of his authentic Mexican food needn’t panic; Nicola is going dark for Earth Day on Thursday, April 22nd, but will be dishing up a special, $20, four-course, family style meal cooked on his famous, wood-fired oven.   Clientes can imbibe beer and sip Mexico’s signature, hand-squeezed margaritas by candlelight, proving that you can reduce your energy use  and be romantic at the same time.  DO make your reservations today; the phone really will be off the hook tomorrow.  

Limiting yourself to liquid refreshment as part of your Earth Day efforts to reduce unnecessary consumption?    The Edison and Tru Organic Gin and Vodka are happy to aid you in your eco-friendly endeavor; Tru will plant a tree in the rain forest for each SPECIAL $10 cocktail purchased at the Edison on April 22nd.   Celebrate biodiversity…have another drink.  

Ready?  U Know U Want 2 Go Go….  

  (more…)

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