I was pretty excited to go hang out at Salute last night- they've been promoting this special event: " Cash Door includes everything, worldly wine tasting and hors de ouevres" 7PM till Close was the timing, with live music and a fashion show. Let me tell you- Girls who would be models but like food and wine too much (me + Eva), still love to see a bit of chic sashaying, even if it is in a bar... so we were game for the whole lot.
I've been to Salute once, and it was very civilized and chic. Not tonight my dear! Eva and I paid $10 upon entry and got a magic marker X on our wrists. Guess what that got us? NOTHING. When I asked the gal at the door about the drink specials and tempting snacks, live music and models..she let me know that it was all over, we should have come earlier, they hit capacity already. When I asked why I paid $10- she motioned to the DJ, who was at that moment playing " Pour Some Sugar On Me" mixed straight into a Wilson Phillips song. Really? I should have right then asked for my money back, but as Eva had kindly fetched us two frosty glasses of Pinot Grigio, we waited out our drinks and watched the girls in short dresses take Gossip Girl-style pictures  in the banquet. Sad for Salute, I had high hopes, and I woke up this morning wanting my money back.

But there was a silver lining in the night after all- cause us girls refuse to give up! As we made our way over to Chloe, we passed the  Yard- and  here's a little happy hour info for ya: 5-7 PM $3 Beer, $5 margaritas, and killer $5 appetizers by one of the cleverist chefs on the West Coast.

I am eternally on the quest for a great burger, I'm  probably that person who could be fooled by a Carl's Jr in a fancy restaurant. Lucky for me, Library Ale House has a deal on burgers on Monday night, as well as a pretty great Happy Hour from 4 to 6. Between the half price hot wings, my juicy cheeseburger, and those ridiculously addictive seasoned curly fried (better than Arby's without the embarassment of drive thru!), it is a pig out party. Bar food at its best. What better way to wash it all down then with a glass of half- price beer? Well, for me, a glass of half- priced wine, but for the beer aficionados, there's a bevy to be swilled. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sara for her on going support as Research Assitant...couldn't do it without you lady! 

My favorite email this weekend comes from El Vino- these guys really know how to get ready for the Monday blues....

THIS SUNDAY IS SPARKLING SUNDAY!!!
As some may know, every second Sunday of the month is Sparkling Sunday here at Elvino!!! 
Step up to the counter and let us pour some bubbles for you:

 
Try All Three For Only  $12

 
2008 Bellenda Prosecco
 
NV Castell Roig Cava
 
Agrapart & Fils -Les 7 Crus-  Champagne

 

 


Step On Up and Enjoy!
                    
Fresh baked breads provided by 3 Square Café + Bakery & gourmet items from Market Gourmet 

Melty Cheese Hot Pots.
Let me say that again.
Melty Cheese Hot Pots.
Venice Beach Wines many not have a happy hour, but cheese at any hour makes me HAPPY. Just check out the menu- cheese plays a starring role ( mmmm cheese) and lingers everywhere from plates, to pots, to sandwiches. Sure I had the sangria ( light, peachy, white, perfect) sure, Peter had a rich glass of red wine ( eyes rolling back in his head sort of joy) but... really folks, its the cheese that stole my heart.
VBW is a great snug little neighborhood joint, a sheltered & welcoming porch filled with locals escaping the Abbot Kinney crush and catching up after a day at work. Don't worry about drunk hipsters or screaming to communicate with  your friends, you're now in an oasis of  relaxed folks and good conversation, who will slide over just a bit to squeeze you in. 
And once you find a spot in this sheltered little patio, and you pick your wine, order the Fromage a Trois... in which decadent gouda is swirled white truffle oil. It may be  " a trois", but trust me you will want it all for yourself.

Oh lordy there was a lot of Happy Hour-ing this holiday weekend, and with my greatest co-conspirator and inventor of " Brunch", in tow- we hit the lot. Sunday evening we bombed into Chaya with the rest of the free world, taking advantage of the three day weekend: Sunday is the new Saturday, and it sure looked like it. PACKED. Managed to get a $5 Lychee martini and a high top table in the back. The crowd was the usual Chaya bunch- just higher and sweatier then usual, the mood was indulgent. We ordered a vast sampling of the sushi deals- REALLY GOOD FOOD. Thank goodness because after 4 Lychee martinis, I was on my own little island and needed something to keep me grounded.