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July 2022
Handmade gin from the world's most tropical distillery
Bluelight gin, a handmade gin from the world’s most tropical distillery comes from a small operation making Caribbean Gin on the ‘isle of spice’ (Grenada). With a Caribbean cane base and 15 botanicals including locally grown cocoa, nutmeg, cinnamon, and three different types of citrus it is a super smooth drop of paradise.
Starting in 2018 at the beachfront resort of “Le Phare Bleu” (The Blue Lighthouse) their gin is uniquely tied into the fabric of the resort. The on-site marina is home to a “Lightship” which is a traditional floating lighthouse built-in 1900.
The Lightship was decommissioned some years ago and now acts as a floating bar/restaurant/live music venue. The distillery has constructed a gin storage barrel in the ship’s lighthouse which gravity feeds gin directly to a tap in the bar for “gin on tap”. This lighthouse can be found on their bottle’s back label and is their go-to venue for gin parties and events.
Their overall aim as a business was to create a unique product and tell a new Caribbean story using local ingredients. It has not been easy to lead with a new kind of spirit in a place so assimilated to rum. There has been a total shift in the way that people are looking at the amazing array of ingredients that are grown here. They feel blessed to be able to work with such incredible, fresh botanicals direct from the source.
The beautiful Caribbean islands are their inspiration. They provide them with a constant feeling of wonder. A big part of their mission is to highlight and create awareness of the necessity to protect these islands.
On June 8th, 2020 (World Oceans Day), the distillery released their new “Blue Ocean Edition Gin”. The first batch had been resting underwater (under the Lightship) for 2 weeks prior to its collection. This gin is dyed naturally using the Butterfly Pea Flower, which grows on site.
Partial proceeds from the Blue Ocean Gin sales go towards local marine projects. They are involved in an artificial reef project which is helping to restore coral (approx. 80% of the Caribbean’s coral has been lost over the last 50 years). They are also cleaning the mangroves which play a vital role in the marine ecosystem and provide a great source of Blue Carbon (Dioxide) storage.
What is the future of Caribbean Gin? Bluelight gin hopes that to spread awareness around the world of the importance of Caribbean coral/marine life protection while providing a unique tropical beverage.
It’s been an extremely fun and rewarding process for them so far, and they don’t see themselves slowing down any time soon. In fact, they are constantly developing new ideas for unique recipes and batches. For the moment their little solar-powered, resort distillery will continue to push the limits of the Caribbean and global spirit markets. They also encourage travelers to make their way to this beautiful island and stop in for a look inside the distillery followed by a tropical G&T or a snorkel tour of one of their marine projects (or both).
The distillery is the birthplace of Caribbean Gin. It’s their creative space to explore the wonders of local flavor and the infinite possibilities of the distillation process. Here they do everything by hand. From carrying and configuring boxes to measuring the right amounts of spices, to labeling each bottle. They believe that their boutique batch gin deserves the utmost level of attention. Every bottle of Blue Light Caribbean Gin is made with a purpose. The purpose is to capture, share, and enjoy this beautiful Caribbean Dream.
Located only a few steps away from a white sand beach in one of Grenada’s best beachfront resorts their little distillery is a colorful place. Established in 2018 they have been making small batches from their little, solar-powered space. They recently had a makeover, with an amazing hand-painted mural to cover the main wall by the talented Paige Semianer. This turned into a lot of late nights and a hands-on experience. But the results; priceless.
Boutique Batch Caribbean Gin won 88 points, a silver medal at the 2020 Bartenders Spirits Awards where leading bartenders of the USA judge spirits from all over the world.
The Gin is 100% natural. No artificial colors or flavors, so you know it’s clean. With hints of Caribbean spices like nutmeg, cacao, cardamom, and more, this gin captures the tropics, perfectly. Base: Caribbean cane bottle. Proof: 40% ALC. VOL.
The Gin will be available in the USA later this year.
Know Your Sommeliers: Nevin Kumar
I’m both a certified Sommelier as well as a certified Cicerone, so I hold both a passion for wine and beer. As a consultant, I help build beverage lists for restaurants based on their menu and customers. I derive the most pleasure from teaching and conducting private tastings.
How long have you been in the drinks industry?
20 years in hospitality with 15 years being focused on drinks and food pairings.
How according to you has the role of the sommelier evolved, especially now during covid times?
Indoor dining in California never resumed so almost all sommeliers are unemployed or furloughed still. It’s hard to pour wine in 90 plus degree weather with wildfires and smoke, so almost all of the market is takeout. Social media platforms like Instagram are being utilized by out of work Somms to build relationships with both the public and others in their industry. Some are reviewing products and others posting educational material.
What are some of the most important skills for a sommelier?
Listening to one’s guests to learn their palate to better share recommendations is paramount. After listening, comes having knowledge of trends, styles, food pairings, and manners.
What do you look for when you plan to buy wine for your business?
I look for what the guests will enjoy and for what will make the business money. Both the owners and patrons must be happy.
Where and what you drink when not working?
I usually drink a Belgian Trappist ale or Saison with lunch. With dinner, I enjoy red or white burgundy.
Your favorite places for happy hours?
Sushi spots can have some great happy hours.
Your favorite nightclubs?
I’m up too early for nightclubs but I do dig on shows at the Hollywood Bowl during the summer.
Which new wines do you suggest we should try?
I think wines from Priorat and Montsant Spain are picking up steam. Rene Barbier and his family are doing some innovative and yet still terroir-driven stuff there worth checking out. Clos Mogador, Clos Figueros, Dido, etc. If looking for a beer, here’s what I had recently.
Where do you currently work or worked at last?
Sommbiosis
What are your favorite food pairings with great values wines?
Nacho/ Wine Hack!
$10 Rioja split (2010 Alberdi 95pts) cherries, cigar, leather
$10 Smoked chicken nachos
24 Hours of Beer Drinking in Los Angeles, California
For many, Los Angeles associates with fancy cocktails, lavish nightclubs, and everything else that is glitz and glamour. However, did you know that Los Angeles is one of the best cities in the US for beer lovers? It all starts with prime craft beer breweries spread around the Los Angeles area which leads us to plenty of bars blazing with tasty craft beer and its vast selection. Let‘s go through 24-hours of best beer drinking in the city of angels. Are you ready?
Three Weavers Brewing Company
There‘s a good chance you will be landing in Los Angeles by plane; therefore, we can start our beer journey right away! Three Weavers Brewing Company is located just 10 minutes from the Los Angeles airport by car.
Once here, don‘t be surprised when their tasting room will offer you an outstanding selection of around 12-18 tap beers, both seasonal and core. From double IPA to amber ale, pale ale, and beyond – Three Weavers Brewing Company will be your perfect start in Los Angeles.
The brewery is also a part of the CANarchy Brewery Collective, a group consisting of many other professional breweries. You can expect nothing but high-quality beer here.
Full Address: 1031 W Manchester Blvd A-B, Inglewood, CA 90301
Official Website: https://www.threeweavers.la/
Image Source: Facebook
Firestone Walker Propagator
Before moving deeper into Downtown Los Angeles and experiencing the infamous traffic, we can turn towards Santa Monica and make a 20-minute ride to Firestone Walker Propagator.
Feeling hungry after the trip and first taste of LA‘s beer? This will be a great place to grab a fulfilling meal like pizza! But let‘s focus on beer selection.
Pale ale made by Firestone Walker won awards, but they certainly don‘t stop there. Check out their creative series of beers that include the whole pallet of unique flavors and taste – from cherry blossom vintage and salted caramel to blackberry mint and so much more. Firestone Walker Propagator will truly show you how beautiful the beer can be in LA!
Full Address: 3205 Washington Blvd., Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Official Website: https://www.firestonebeer.com/
Image Source: Facebook
Modern Times Dankess Dojo
Into downtown LA we go! You probably noticed how these locations have such funky names. These names perfectly match their vibe and beer selection, and Modern Times Dankness Dojo is another perfect example.
Their identity, interiors, and craft beer are vibrant, artsy, and lovely in both appearance and flavor. Think of ingredients such as bright tropical fruits, lemon, berries, and other crisp goodies – perfect for the Los Angeles climate.
For an extra experience, try their coffee too which is just as good as their beer! This also allowed them to create beers like Vanilla Latte Oatmeal Stout. Sounds intriguing? Don‘t hesitate to try them out!
Full Address: 832 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Official Website: http://www.moderntimesbeer.com/
Image Source: Facebook
Beachwood BBQ & Brewing
Let‘s make lunchtime as great as it can get in LA without forgetting the beer and continuing our ways into Downtown. Welcome to Beachwood BBQ & Brewing – where hearty meals meet dozens of craft beers to create a brewpub concept for us to enjoy.
The brewery is known for its award-winning house beers, and the location in Long Beach compliments this well.
The pub has everything you could imagine. Their blender draft beers and long beach house beers deliver a powerful selection of over 30 different beers. Milk stout „Udder Love“ or Belgian-style sour ale aged in oak barrels with nectarines „Floating in Space“ gives a good idea of how creative and interesting the beers are here.
Full Address: 210 E 3rd St, Long Beach, CA 90802, United States
Official Address: http://beachwoodbrewing.com/
Image Source: Facebook
Indie Brewing Company
Let‘s get across the river and step away from Downtown LA for a moment. Indie Brewing Company is one of the hottest spots in Boyle Heights, and a perfect alternative for those looking to escape Downtown LA crowds.
Their tap selection is usually over 15 different beers that are constantly rotating and changing. They are mostly focused on IPA and Stout beers, but also boast great lager, pilsner, and fruit beers in their selection.
American-style beer is also available here. Try their „Recreational Wheat“ beer made with local satsuma mandarin peel and citrus-focused approach. Be sure to check their selection beforehand to get a better idea of what this expansive beer menu has to offer. Come prepared!
Full Address: 2350 Sunrise St, Los Angeles, CA 90023, United States
Official Website: https://indiebrewco.com/
Image Source: Facebook
Phantom Carriage
Phantom Carriage is one of the best South Bay beer locations. Their excellent craft beers are exactly what propelled them to the top of the game as one of the most unique breweries of LA.
You will certainly love the unparalleled atmosphere and cozy outdoor seating with a touch of haunted house decor and vibe. After all, they even play horror movies through their screens! When it comes to beer, bottle, or tap, all of them are creative and worth trying. Whether it’s a farmhouse ale, Kolsch, or something that was aged in a tequila barrel, you are bound to find something interesting and fitting for your taste.
Phantom Carriage also received a lot of positive reviews to be one of the safest venues to visit during the pandemic with temperature checking, a bottle of hand sanitizer on every table, and good social distancing measures.
Image Source: Instagram
Conclusion + Bonus Beer Spots
There you go! These high-quality locations will unveil the real LA for beer enthusiasts and lovers with a 24-hour beer-drinking potential for those beer adventurers. However, if you are still up for more or another 24 hours of beer, feel free to check out these prominent locations that are just as great as the ones above!
Monkish Brewing
Smog City Brewing
Dry River Brewing
The Slice & Pint
The Surly Goat
Great food, authentic beers, and unmatched selection – all there, and yours for the takin in Los Angeles!
Header Image Credit: Three Weavers Brewing
Blog archive

4 Leading Women Sommeliers of Los Angeles
Women sommeliers in LA are making waves like never before. They run restaurants, curate wine lists, from the most extensive to the most exclusive. Some of them make wine, they have successful Youtube channels, they drive charity work, and helm cancer fundraisers. People everywhere – make way for these dynamic LA sommeliers.
Taylor Grant: If you read a story of a woman, born and raised in LA going on to change how people look at wines in the city, the name on the top of that list would be Taylor Grant’s. A sommelier and wine director at Scopa in Venice, she is also responsible for curating wines at their sister project, Old Lightning and she does a fantastic job wherever she goes. Apart from these two gigs, she has her hands full with churning up a great wine list for Dama, another one of Happy to Serve You’s Latin-inspired restaurants in Downtown, LA. She took her love for wine to a bigger avenue in 2017, when along with her friends and fellow sommeliers, Conner Mitchell and Cristopher Miller, she set up TRESOMM, a winery in Baja, Mexico. She holds an Advanced Level Certification with the Court of Master Sommeliers and is one of the best sommeliers in the city from Los Angeles.
Image Source: Instagram
Cristie Norman: A firebrand when it comes to talking about wines, Cristie Norman has been a revelation in the wine industry of the USA. She champions the cause of helping people understand the greatness of wines while also making significant contributions to better society through her charity work. A certified sommelier and entrepreneur, Cristie Norman has changed the dynamics of how the wine industry functions through her love and dedication towards her craft. From being attracted to the ways of being a sommelier at the tender age of 16, and going on to becoming a wine expert, she has managed to let her love for wine shine through at every step. She also has an amazing YouTube channel, “Adulting with Alcohol” which any budding sommelier or wine lover can use as a reference point for their successful future in the wine industry.
Image Source: Instagram
Caroline Styne: A veteran of the Los Angeles wine and dine scene, Caroline Styne has a reputation crafted with decades of amazing work behind her. A master sommelier and restaurateur, she leads restaurants The Larder, A.O.C, Tavern, and Lucques along with Suzzane Goin. Her hands are full of two things, making amazing wines while also directing the wine list at her restaurant and the resultant accolades and recognitions that come from it. As a wine expert, she has produced her own wines, a Pinot Noir from the Santa Maria Valley, Jules Harrison, an unoaked Chardonnay in the form of J&H. A humanitarian, she along with her partner Suzzane and her husband, are also at the helm of a childhood cancer fundraiser.
Image Source: Instagram
Sarah Clarke: The Beverage Director at Mozza Restaurant Group in LA, Sarah Clarke has her hands full with curating the selection of wines at three of their restaurants, Pizzeria, Osteria and Chi Spacca. All three of these restaurants come with a different challenge for Sarah, and she overcomes them with aplomb owing to her knowledge about wines. Osteria brings her the challenge of bringing together a list of almost 1400 high-priced wines while Chi Spacca, an Italian steakhouse is where she gets to craft a versatile list of wines, some of which are benchmark classics while some are defined as reasonable. Pizzeria is a place where she has to pair wines with pie and the list of wines here is small, albeit focused on the food pairing. Sarah Clarke in her time as a wine director, has managed to bring together a list of wines that call for celebrations of food, and come from not just your usual wine regions but also some of the less famous wine regions which add to her mystique as a wine sommelier.
Image Source: Instagram
The world of wine sommeliers which was once thought to be defined by men is changing because of the stellar work of these women from Los Angeles and of course, other cities. These four ladies have shown that the dedication to craft and keeping at your goal of celebrating wines can get you rewards of the highest order apart from the joy that comes with following your passion.
While the stories and beginnings of all four ladies are different from one another, they are converging because of the one thing they love possibly above everything else, bringing together the finest wines from all over the world.
Plan your brunch and beer at South Bay’s Gastropub
At Rockefeller Gastropub, the thing that makes the place stand out from the rest is not just that the food served there is excellent but very simple. The price list of the meals displayed on the menu is so affordable that it endears them to numerous customers.
The detailing expended in Rockefeller’s menu’s arrangement is pronounced through the abundance of creative elements and diversity; this new approach to the culinary activities easily gives Rockefeller Gastropub’s menu the advantage over all other restaurants in the city of Los Angeles.
Many people have commended this restaurant for the inventive way they introduced them to new tastes and experiences. It’s like you can almost find all spices, ingredients, and flavors in their kitchens because they are known to experiment with new things and experiences. Rockefeller owners, all born and bred in the South Bay community, have decided that one of their essential characteristics for development is that the Gastropub focuses its attention on the local customers’ maintenance and satisfaction. The business is not run; it is lived through, and that is the company’s target – to make sure that the business is taken seriously, but also done with joy. When you take your business as a lifestyle, what happens is that you put more priority into making it a success.
Rockefeller has several branches of Gastropub all across the LA city, where they serve good food to their numerous customers. All Rockefeller Gastropub branches are also partners with Dia De Campo, Saint Rocke, Captain Kidd’s Fish Market and Restaurant, and Primo Italia. These establishments are where Rockefeller gets their raw materials for cooking.
Some of the best-tasting beer you can find in Los Angeles is also served there. Rockefeller Gastropub pride itself on serving original American beer made by independent producers all around the country. The beer featured on the drinks menu is a combination of almost all the local and regional beer in the country.
And the beautiful thing about all this is that there’s an option for everyone. The Rockefeller Gastropub has the beer for every one of you, whether you are a beginner or a learner in the art of beer drinking. The company insists on serving its beer fresh and straight from the production lines because its health and security are very important to the company and Gastropub owners won’t even dare serve stale beer to its customers.
Image Source: Facebook
The Rockefeller Gastropub is more than a gastropub – it is also a beach venue for hangouts, a sports bar, brewpub, and the esteemed location for some of the best brunch you can ever think of. There’s a lot of hype surrounding the beauty of the Rockefeller experience, but it is all justified because they are most likely to be true. There is tasty food available there and also great-tasting beer to wash it all down.
The Rockefeller places high importance on the diversity of their meals and cultures, so it has fast become a hub that brings together different food and drinks chains and also allows for diversity between the customers and restaurant owners. There is a meal for everyone no matter the part of the world you’re from.
Although the dishes are mostly creative and maybe a bit outrageous when you really look at it, there is also some normalcy attached to it all, so you don’t get scared away when dealing with the new experience at the Gastropub. You can order a meat scramble, a veggie scramble, some slices of the pork belly Benedict and then some eggs dressed and served with bacon. And if you are also thinking of new ways to eat your eggs, you can try the Rockefeller’s egg specials like the chilaquiles, breakfast burrito, etc.
Creativity is what makes this particular establishment stand out from the rest with their genuinely innovative dishes like the heirloom tomato & avocado salad, Manhattan meatballs (veal, pork, and beef), ruffle mac & cheese, kalbi, cheese, steak, etc. And to top it all, customers are served with some chocolate chip cookies for breakfast!
Image Source: Instagram
Other Useful Information About Rockefeller Gastropub
Rating – The restaurant is rated 2.5 stars out of 4 with many positive reviews. When you need valuable time at a restaurant, the restaurants rated 4 stars are the journey, time, and effort. 3-star restaurants are still excellent, and they are worth the trip in you are anywhere in or around Southern California. 2 stars are for visits if you are in the neighborhood, while the 1-star restaurants are mostly only useful for visiting when you’re hungry.
Full Address – No. 1707 South Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach.
Contact –424-350-7862
Website –www.eatrockefeller.com
Type of Food served – American meals.
Scenery – There is a large patio outside of the restaurant where you can catch the view of one of the best dining environments in the South Bay.
Pricing Policy – The food costs about $35 per person on average.
Time for sales –The restaurant serves food every day during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Type of drinks served – The Rockefeller serves beer and wine, but you have to make reservations beforehand because the available spaces could quickly fill up.
The large outdoor patio of the Rockefeller Gastropub on Catalina Avenue in Redondo Beach is a trendy place for people to have a good meal with a pleasant experience, especially when the weather is warm.
Although the Rockefeller is known as a Gastropub, in the heart of the matter, they are something more of a culinary masterpiece eatery. The memories created after having some of their food is one that you will not easily forget quickly.
All their meals aim to please the customer with their original blends and tasty sustenance.
Header Image Source: Instagram
Explore LA's Tucked-Away Speakeasies
If you’d like to get to know the history of a city, eat it. If you want to know the heart of a city, go to its bars. Cocktail fever is a global phenomenon, and a city’s ever-evolving cocktail can give you a great insight into where it is headed; this is where culture and taste converge to highlight the artistic pulse of a city. That being said, these are just a couple of the locations that are certainly hitting us right now in the busy downtown of LA. So, take a sip and drink it all in.
Birds and Bees
The perfect balance between kitsch and craft. You’re not going to assume that you’re headed in the right direction to find this spot as you walk across the parking lot in the direction of club music, but disregard those instincts. When you see a series of industrial stairs that look like they’re not for public access, they are. Then you’ll find yourself in a short, outdoor, concrete hallway, and you’re still not sure you’re heading in the right direction. But then you arrive.
Once you’ve found the entrance, a shockingly large and vibrant mid-century modern room complete with bright orange sunbeds, suspended fireplaces, video projection, and a delicious dose of Hollywood-tiki flare is waiting for you. Unlike other speakeasies, which concentrate on small intimate spaces, this offers more of a spacious shared meeting place. It aims to encourage people to settle for the evening, to invite friends, and to meet new ones. It’s as if Tiki came to Hollywood in the 1950s and went to the mod.
Birds and Bees playful vibe is completely exposed as soon as you get acquainted with their menu, which is almost a retro magazine. Nostalgia sketches of 50-year-old hula girls welcome you on the cover and inside classic Hollywood actors and communities each with their own artfully made, well-balanced tiki personality. Such retro perfection is achieved thanks to the bar manager, and master mixologist Jake Larowe and his several variations of distinct liquor infusions, tinctures, bitters and even food accompaniments made in-house.
In Sheep’s Clothing
A lounge in Japanese-sushi bar clothes, without a wolf’s snarl. One element of a speakeasy that can be off-putting to people is their desire to project an air that’s too cool for you. This place does not need to project any sort of attitude. Hidden inside the stunningly delicious Lupetti Pizzeria, but not hard to spot, is the remnant of In Sheep’s Clothing. There’s no scenery to get in at the unmarked entrance, and the only thing they’re calling for is to use your phone minimally. But it can hardly be called detrimental to inspire people to actually be present when inside instead of looking down at little metal boxes.
The vibe is a classic Japanese sushi bar that meets the luxurious 70’s New York apartment with a killer vinyl collection as its focal point. Instead of serving sushi, freshly cut Japanese whiskies and a few forward spirits are on offer, and creative cocktails are on sale. Visually, walking in a room like this is a totally refreshing experience. The highly curated musical program strengthens the already intentional scene. This is a place where the cocktail menu needs to be as accurate as of the recording selection and sound system to complete the vision, particularly because your bartender will also act as your DJ most nights. Providing a lounge, listening and drinking room with intent was the aim of owner Brian Ling (No Name Bar) and, after enlisting the aid of music supervisor Zach Cowie (Master of None, Forever), it is perfectly executed. You’re probably going to walk out with a little more musical experience, too. Bonus!
Duello
Detail, quality, art and history that you can taste. Often you go to a venue, and you immediately know that whoever put this venue together really knows their things. In this situation, Ian McPherson has already gained fame and popularity with his Scottish bar Panda & Sons. This is a well-appointed cocktail bar smack in the center of the Arts District, which acts as the gateway to the revered Simone Restaurant. This is a spot that’s all smoke and mirrors, practically, which is why we love it!
T-shaped art deco, constructed with the highest quality materials, the past of downtown Los Angeles comes alive as soon as you step through the doors and into this living painting. This stunning glimpse of the past comes across a cocktail menu that provokes and dazzles as much as the décor. With a storybook menu crafted to take you on a libation (and actual) journey through the varied history of the Art District, each offering has its own unique personality and presentation.
Ingredients vary from fresh and vivid to classic or obscure, rich and strong or aromatic and delicate. You’ll be astounded by how these ingredients come together and surprised that they’ve even been brought together. All your senses are tickled here, and that’s BEFORE even exploring the possibilities for pairing.
Header image credit: In Sheep’s Clothing
New restaurants in LA: Lulu, 1010Wine, and more
There are never enough places in Los Angeles when it comes to grabbing a drink or having a bite. If you have grabbed a pint at some of LA’s best rooftop bars, the bars in Downtown LA, or enjoyed lip-smacking food at LA’s tucked-away speakeasies, there are a few new places that have opened up in the city that are well worth your time and your bucks.
These places are home to truly delightful dishes, employ folks trained in the arts of modern mixology, and combine culinary passion and drinks with contemporary decor and amazing vibes.
The Wyman Bar
Wyman Bar NeueHouse Bradbury, Source Website
NeueHouse’s latest addition, their third overall and second in Los Angeles is The Wyman Bar. The bar opened in Downtown LA and is welcoming people with open arms to come and enjoy an otherwise member-only social club. The daytime menu at The Wyman Bar includes freshly brewed coffees, light bites, and teas to recharge your energy levels. It is one of the bars that shifts seamlessly from a work and meeting place to a peppy scene perfect for a gathering of groups looking to have some fun.
On the menu, you can also find exquisitely crafted cocktails from The Wyman Bar’s team along with beer and wine selections.
Hours- Monday- 8 am to 4 pm Tuesday to Saturday- 8 am to 10 pm
Location- 304 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
View on Maps
Caboco
Caboco Los Angeles, Source Facebook
The Caboco Project began in 2014 when restaurateur Bill Chait sent renowned food writer Bill Esparza to South America to find a talented chef to bring his vision to life. Bill posted his research and enlisted Rodrigo Oliveira, chef at Mocoto restaurant in Brazil. Rodrigo, however, wasn’t sold on leaving his popular Brazilian outlet for the beaches of Los Angeles. Upon persistence, he finally decided to go all in on The Caboco Project and came to Los Angeles.
After some delays in finding a suitable location that matched their ideas, Caboco was finally opened in the Art District of Los Angeles where it now serves delectable treats and lively cocktails to the local residents and travelers who come to the city. On the food menu at Caboco, there are dishes like Cuscuz Paulita and Bolinho on the entrees, small bites like Pupunha and Moela and Joelho de Porco as the mains that bring a Brazilian tinge on the tongues. The drinks menu has everything from cocktails like caipirinhas to beer and kombucha choices along with a few non-alcoholic alternatives.
Hours- Wednesday and Thursday- 5 pm to 10 pm Friday and Saturday- 5 pm to 10:30 pm Sunday- 5 pm to 9 pm
Location- 1850 Industrial St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
View on Maps
Tatel Beverly Hills
Tatel Restaurants, Source Facebook
While the name gives away the location, it doesn’t give away Tatel’s biggest attraction. Tatel attracts the biggest celebrities in Los Angeles like moths to a flame. A Mediterranean restaurant bar with its roots in Madrid and Ibiza, Tatel Beverly Hills has become an immensely popular joint in Los Angeles very quickly.
Bringing a quintessential, contemporary Spanish culinary experience with a modern twist to Beverly Hills, Tatel is the place where music, cocktails, and food all blend into one to create an unforgettable experience. A gastronomic concept of the highest order, Tatel Beverly Hills has live music shows daily. It is the place for champions to dine, with the Tatel name co-owned by Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest soccer players Cristiano Ronaldo, and Los Angeles Lakers’ own Pau Gasol.
If you are aching for celebrity spotting, great food, and amazing drinks, or all of them, Tatel Beverly Hills is the spot to head to without any second thoughts.
Hours- Monday to Thursday- 12 pm to 1 am Friday and Saturday- 12 pm to 2 am Sunday- 11 am to 11 pm
Location- 453 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA 90210
View on Maps
Lulu
Lulu at Hammer Museum, Source Facebook
Acclaimed chef and cookbook author David Tanis joined hands with legendary chef and food activist Alice Waters to conceive Lulu, which opened its doors to the public at the beginning of November. Lulu was started by the pair to bring importance to two things. The first is the celebration of food that is good for our planet. The second, Lulu is a restaurant that is committed to bringing light on local, regenerative food sourcing and design.
Open during lunch hours at the moment, at Lulu, people can feast on dishes like Sonoma goat cheese with garden lettuce and golden beets, mains like Mediterranean fish and shellfish stew, North African lamb tagine with saffron couscous, and desserts like a hearty olive oil walnut cake with pomegranate and more. An indulgent experience at Hammer Museum.
Hours- Tuesday to Sunday- 11 am to 6 pm
Location- 10899 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024
View on Maps
Destino
Destino Restaurant, Source Instagram
The latest place of glamor in LA’s Arlington Heights is Destino, a modern, chic Latin restaurant specializing in seafood. A place where the decor, the atmosphere, and the delicious plates of food work in tandem to give customers a lasting experience, everything about Destino is glorious. The white-picket fence on the entrance, the honeycomb decals on the walls will take you back a few years, while the modern, sumptuous cooking will transport you to a place by the beach, where you are served the freshest and best meat on your hand.
Destino has a separate lunch and dinner menu, both focused on bringing South American flair and culinary delights to Los Angeles. Whether it’s tacos on the lunch menu or entrees like jidori boneless fried chicken sandwiches on the dinner menu, there’s a lot to choose from. A place where Latin flavors mingle with Californian culture.
Hours- Sunday to Wednesday- 10 am to 9 pm Thursday to Saturday- 10 am to 10 pm
Location- 3224 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90019
View on Maps
Sugar Palm
Viceroy Santa Monica’s Sugar Palm, Source Facebook
The ultimate indoor and outdoor space at Viceroy Santa Monica, Sugar Palm combines coastal flavors and poolside vibes to bring Los Angeleans a new party spot perfect for a weekend treat. At the heart of the restaurant’s ideation is a coastal dining experience meant to be enjoyed in a laid-back manner. Sip cocktails by the pool, meet some friends for a quick meal, or work quietly in the lounge, Sugar Palm is the king of all trades.
Sugar Palm opened its doors to the public in October and since then has quickly become a favorite of the audience. The restaurant has a fabulous brunch menu in place which includes classics like steak & eggs, pancakes, and more with revamped dishes like the tuna sashimi and the sugar palm burger which can all satisfy food cravings easily. The dinner menu is replete with appetizers and cocktails, with drinks like Day Trip to Oaxaca, Samo Sunset, and The Botanist making for a fine sip. Enjoy wines by the glass or beers on draught with delectable dishes and watch the sunset with some wonderful lighting that turns the golden hour a tad bit shinier.
Hours- Brunch (daily)- 6:30 am to 2:30 pm Dinner (daily)- 3 pm to 10 pm
Location- 1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
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1010Wine
Leslie and LeAnn Jones, Source Facebook
Jones sisters, Leslie and LeAnn used their perfect evening plan, which is enjoying wine and great food with friends as the focal point for 1010Wine, Inglewood’s first and only wine bar. Leslie, a luxury wedding planner, and LeAnn, an attorney, wanted to bring a place where wine was celebrated to their neighborhood. 1010Wine was opened and today serves as an upscale wine bar in the heart of Inglewood.
1010Wine’s menu features a large selection of Black-owned wines, alongside other top vintages which can be enjoyed with good food while tapping feet to great music. While the drinks menu is kept under wraps for visitors, the food menu consists of Kobe beef sliders, shrimp & risotto, pesto linguine, and more. The wines can also be paired with a couple of desserts, the peach cobbler panna cotta, and flourless chocolate cake.
Hours- Wednesday and Thursday- 5 pm to 10 pm Friday and Saturday- 5 pm to 11 pm Sunday- 4 pm to 9 pm
Location- 1010 North La Brea Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90302
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Los Angeles always has something new to offer, whether it’s places to drink or places to eat. The next time you are faced with the where to drink question, turn to any of these new places across the town.
Header Image- Tatel Restaurants, Source Facebook
Blog archive

In and Around Hermosa Beach: Top 10 Bars With Live Music
Sometimes things get too fast and spiral way out of hand so quickly that you can’t just place your finger on the occurrences. Sometimes, you want to step back from it all and relax your mind.
In these times, our recommendation is for you to visit places like Hermosa Beach.
Hermosa Beach is one very relaxed location to come to if you are in the mood for a good time after a period of tension and stress. Come to this beachside if you are in the mood to unwind and take the load off. The warm weather and calm outlook of this scenery is one that is bound to take the mind off the things that bother.
Ever since the years after 1940, The Lighthouse located on Pier Plaza has been a cool spot for music enthusiasts and performers worldwide to come, and create, experience and live the art. In the 1960s, this spot became one of the best jazz clubs in the USA, well-sought for throughout the country. Even to this day, the beach is the venue for various live shows featuring many sounds like blues, reggae, rock, jazz, etc.
As far as you are there to have a good time, Hermosa Beach is open for you to explore and move to for leisure periods and so many wild nights of unadulterated fun. The beach is the unofficial Party City of the United States of America. Singles from all over America, and indeed all the world too, come through to engage in sunbathing, beach surfing, dancing, reveling and partying in the beautiful beach environment all day long.
The bars and clubs attached to these beaches are packed around the juncture connecting the Pier and Hermosa Avenues, all within walking distance of the tiny municipal by the beach. You don’t need to walk too far for you to have a good time in this part of the world.
There are a variety of options when it comes to the bars you want to get your entertainment from. You can hang out at the classic piano bars and jazz clubs, or chill at the liberal surfer joints, or you can party away at the live music sceneries.
These Hermosa Beach bars and clubs are not spacious and are quick to be filled to the maximum, so it is best for you to either make reservations quickly or get to the party places as early as you can to avoid getting stuck in line when you want to be getting your groove on.
As we have previously established, there is a scene for everybody in this part of the world and you are cordially invited to see for yourself what you are missing. You can chill out at Sainte Rock, listen to live music or engage in brasserie dining, which happens at the Abigail.
Live beer brewing also happens on Hermosa Beach, and you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean from Ocean Bar’s rooftop.
Do you want to come to an agreement with your quiet side on the low? You can visit the Tiki bar made of bamboo at Waterman’s. You can also turn up at the Establishment – the wildest Beach party location in Hermosa.
The point of the thing is that there are various options for you to know where exactly you want to catch your fun time and leisure on the Hermosa Beaches. Since there is an array of choices available, it is easy for you to get confused and maybe make the wrong choice.
Don’t be panicked; however, we’ve created a list of the top 10 bars in the Hermosa Beach scene where live music is played. Let’s look at these clubs –
Best Bars with Live Music in and Around Hermosa Beach
Ocean Bar
The Ocean Bar features some of the best aspects of the Hermosa Beaches – Great food, awesome patios to chill in, the exciting night-life, and an amazing view of the ocean that’s bound to take your breath away.
The ocean bar is one that you must be involved in because they are known for their excellent customer service, and they will not stop serving until there’s maximum customer satisfaction. The reviews about this place are great and we too encourage you to give it a try. The joy of the entertaining things happening there makes the Ocean Bar a place to be for unwinding and listening to great live music.
You can find Ocean Bar at No. 1301, Manhattan Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Image Source: Californiabeaches
Elevate Lounge
On many reviews, the Elevate Lounge has scored 5-stars for their excellence in carrying out their duties. (Many people talk about how great the view from their 21st floor is so amazing.) The purple lights of the Elevate Lounge are one that will surely make you remember this cozy environment for good.
You can find this establishment at No. 811, Wilshere Blvd, Los Angeles.
Baja Sharkeez
Baja Sharkeez is a Mexican bar that is all about the relaxed, calm atmosphere that’s idealistic of Hermosa Beach. The bar is one of those that are always stuffed to the brim with people on those favored nights on the weekends so it’s not going to be easy if you are a conservative person.
You can find this bar at No. 52 Pier Ave Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Tower 12
Tower 12 is an affordable location that mostly serves seafood by the beach. But don’t be deceived by that, that’s not all, there is also their extended collection of hard drinks they have available for customers.
You can find Tower 12 at Hermosa Beach.
Image Source: Facebook
Joe’s Crab Shack
Joe’s Crab Shack is respected for its seafood, mostly engaging in the sales of crabs and lobsters. Joe’s Crab Shack is at Redondo Beach.
Hennessey’s Tavern
Hennessey’s Tavern is one of the Irish Pubs in the area, which is a part of the Irish SoCal franchise. It is one of the original places of entertainment in the beach area that was opened for people (beach-goers) who wanted to eat some good food, have drinks, and listen to cool music at the same time.
You can find Hennessey’s Tavern at No. 8, Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.
Saint Rocke
Saint Rocke is another place for beach-goers and music lovers to unite to listen to good live music.
Saint Rocke is located at No. 142, Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Image Source: Facebook
Patrick Molloy’s
This is another one of the Irish establishments in the area part of the Irish SoCal franchise. Patrick Molloy’s stands out easily from the crowd of clubs and bars in the chill beach setting with its live music performances, and their happy hour which goes on up to five hours. Their outdoor patio helps keep the people on the beach entertained when the sun is high up in the afternoons.
The Standing Room
The Standing Room is another live music scene you would want to check out.
You can find it at No. 1320 Hermosa Ave Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is a jazz club that has been in the business of entertaining music lovers and musicians on the beach for a very long time. The beachfront located in front of the Lighthouse still is the location of many music and party events today.
You can find this establishment at No. 30, Pier Ave Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Image Source: Facebook
Depending on the kind of scene you are comfortable with, it would be wise for you to note that the beaches’ bars and clubs are mostly filled with the surfer guys and girls, liberal youth, and generally young single people between the ages of 20 – 27.
Hermosa Beach is clustered with so many different bars and clubs catering to different clients; there is a bar for a regular surfer. There are also some exclusive ones for that serene feeling and places where live music with a live feeling in the crowd is to be expected. Whatever your group is, you need to realize that the people at Hermosa Beach are welcoming and warm to strangers because there are no strangers really. We are all connected.
Header Image Credit: The Light House Cafe
Neighborhood Focus: Drinking in Downtown LA
The Downtown neighborhood is the most fascinating in LA when it comes to drinking. The appearance of loft apartments and skyscrapers has accelerated the number of unique coffee shops, restaurants, museums, and art galleries. All of that makes Downtown LA a craved destination, even for those that dislike the traffic.
Such innovative developments have birthed many watering holes, ranging from beer bars to upscale cocktail businesses and dive bars. In Downtown LA, there is a place for you to indulge in your drinking habit at every corner. In this article, we are proud to announce some of the best neighborhood locations where you can drink in Downtown LA.
Resident
Now, let us start from here, where you can quench your taste with excellent funky drinks. Many people, including kids, usually come here, not mainly for the drink but for the patio, which happens to be one of the best around, or for the live shows that often happens in its wonderful Art District. Some also come for the delicious potatoes served to buyers from a cart located at the courtyard.
Whatever reasons bring you here, there is always something engaging you can do. The Resident is an excellent cocktail bar with so many other thrilling experiences.
However, because of the Covid-19, the new sheriff in town, the Resident is open for pickup and delivery only.
Seven Grand
If you love whisky, Seven Grand is your best bet. Located in Downtown financial districts with super quality lounges, Seven Grand is LA’s most sought-after whiskey port of call.
The atmosphere in this bar is electrifying yet relaxing. It is a place where drink-loving business personalities running from a suburban lifestyle comes and hang up their tired hats to smoke, drink, and play a good pool.
One cannot help but fall in love with the interior decoration that conveys a gentleman’s club’s midcentury personality. Yes, they have an old-fashioned menu, but that is just a fraction of what Seven Grand has to offer in its wide selection.
Currently, Seven Grand is closed for in-store drinking, no thanks to sheriff covid-19. However, they are offering constant virtual whisky tasting from home. With that, you can buy tasting kits customized to suit each specific virtual event.
They are open for pickup only, so make sure you follow the instruction during the pickup, go home and let the expert and the whiskey do the talking.
The Spots – Apotheke
Apotheke is one of the famous bars around in Downtown LA. You can liken it to the New York fancy cocktail bar. It’s not a speakeasy, but a great place to relax and drink a good cocktail while people relax on the back patio watching all night.
The decor bears a touch of the 1800 aesthetics, and although some prefer that the bartenders would have turned out best without their lab coats, the cocktails with their medicinal themes are so good. So, many people don’t care. Apotheke is the number one bar destination for Downtown drink enthusiasts in LA.
Precinct
Downtown LA is also home to several gay bars, and Precinct is one typical example of such bars. Although the bar isn’t the type that leaves an awestruck feeling on you, the wide-open floor is just perfect for the mammoth crowd of visitors going there for special downtown nights entertainments.
Whether it’s the bi-monthly thrilling night celebrations or the Madonna or Latin night, Precinct is the most daring craziest neighborhood party at the moment.
Birds & Bees
Located in the lofty basement of one of Broadway’s memorable buildings, Birds & Bees is a crowd favorite. Visits to this bar after 10 pm, especially on weekends, means you will have to wait until it gets to your turn. But if you can turn up before 9 pm, especially during weeknights, you and your friends will get to enjoy some of the best cocktails in town. The inside of the bars’ building looks like you’re into some bomb shelter. Hit it and enjoy what the offer brings.
Pilot
When you want to sip from a good bottle of drink while enjoying unbeatable views, you go straight to Pilot. The rooftop restaurants of the Hoxton Hotel spots a beautiful outdoor bar you will find on the other side of Pilot’s pool, and from this angle, you can have a magnificent view of Downtown.
Paella, prawn cocktails, oysters, and fresh pasta make this spot an excellent place for two people. The cocktail’s vibe is just perfect where different Holiday’s signature Honeybear involves sherry, tequila, cumin honey, and apricot. Even if you don’t like alfresco, Pilot is also offering a complete bar menu.
Rhythm Room
We bring you greetings and good tidings from Downtown’s largest group bar. Rhythm Room operates from an office-building basement located at the side of 6th and Spring. The space inside is massive and large enough to entertain you and your companions. There are three ping-pong tables, four pool tables, dart, board games, shuffleboards, and a live and beautiful jazz band.
Lastly, the room has a separate bar space dedicated to enjoying good cocktails alongside a fun-seeking crowd.
Crawfords
You may not find many bars at Historic Filipino town, but with Crawfords, you can forgive this neighborhood for its lack of excellent drinking places.
The inside of the bar is small, with a dive-y and weird feel to it. There is a pool table at the center, plus some few tables scattered here and there. At the corner lays a Buck Hunter. Apart from the drinks, this place’s hidden secret is the fried and delicious chicken sandwiches that you can also enjoy over there.
The Escondite
If you have been looking for that perfect secret place to indulge in your drinking habits, go to the AD/Little Tokyo border, and there you will find the Escondite, a carefully hidden bar.
Live music, great crowds, authentic bar foods, great cocktails, and a small patio delivering a perfect view of Downtown is just about everything you need from a decent bar.