August 2022

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I first got a taste of the industry when I decided to drop out of college to do a harvest in Paso Robles for 2011. After that, I did a few more harvests but on the other side of the industry for a vineyard management company. After that, I started working for a wine shop and bar and that’s where I got bit by the wine bug and started studying for the Court of Master Sommeliers as well as Wine and Spirit Education Trust. After being at the wine shop for two years I decided it was time to try my luck in a bigger city on a restaurant floor. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some very well-known chefs and very well-known restaurants, Faith & Flower, the Ponte by chef Scott Conant, and most recently Osteria Mozza with Nancy Silverton. I dabbled in the private club world with the Jonathan Club for a year but missed the rush and feeling of being on the floor of a busy restaurant.

How long have you been in the drinks industry?

I’ve been in the wine industry since 2011. 

How according to you has the role of the sommelier evolved, especially now during COVID times?

I think the role is going to evolve quite a lot. I think you’ll see less and less of a floor sommelier with restaurants not having the same economy. You’ll find more “jack of all trades” somms who may be a manager, GM, or something else helping out in the restaurant. A lot of us have to pivot a bit career-wise and be a little creative to stay in the wine world with restaurants hurting as bad as they are. I know some people leaving restaurants and going to retail wine shops or education. For myself, I won’t be on the floor for a while and decided to do a harvest this year on the central coast!

What are some of the most important skills for a sommelier?

As a sommelier, we have high knowledge of wine, beverage, and dining. You obviously need to have a grasp on those but for me, some of the most important skills for a sommelier are being able to read your table and understand what they want and being personable and approachable to our guests. I try to be as welcoming as possible. For some people, the wine list can be intimidating or somewhat of an uncomfortable part of dining. Guests may not know what certain things are and can get embarrassed. Helping them through it all as easy going as possible goes a long way. Some guests want to get geeky with it and talk about barrels or soils and some just want a wine that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. As a sommelier, I’m here to do both!

What do you look for when you plan to buy wine for your business?

I don’t buy wines for Osteria Mozza but I have been a wine director at a previous restaurant and some of the things I’d look for is obviously price point and if it’ll sell but I was mostly wanting smaller producers where there will end up being a conversation about the wines on the list rather than a guest just ordering something they could find at a grocery store. Creating and maintaining a wine list is all about balance. You have to have some of the wines that sell themselves but you also have to have an esoteric portion of the list.

Where and what you drink when not working?

One of my favorite places is Jones in Hollywood off of Santa Monica Blvd. You can find me there chowing down on some za’ with a Coor Banquet in my hand!

Your favorite places for happy hours?

Again, Jones! They have a killer happy hour that’s focused on industry people that start later in the evening. 

Your favorite nightclubs?

I’m not a huge nightclub fan myself but I’ve had some fun nights at Employees Only and Delilah!

What are some great new wines to taste right now?

I’m always interested in finding new and smaller champagne houses or wines from northern Italy. I’m just a sucker for high acid high minerality wines. 

Where do you currently work? 

Osteria Mozza

“Osteria Mozza is a casual restaurant where people dress to impress.” Presided over by always-dressed-to-impress Nancy Silverton, Osteria Mozza goes from strength to strength. From exquisite handmade pasta to grilled beef tagliata to Pastry Chef Dahlia Narvaez’s rosemary olive oil cakes. Osteria Mozza’s is a menu Angelenos can recite by heart: the greatest hits. The centerpiece of Osteria Mozza is a white Carrara marble Mozzarella Bar where Nancy composes a long list of small dishes featuring fresh imported mozzarella as well as ricotta and cream-filled burrata.

If you are looking to check out some awesome food, they are also delivering during the COVID-19 phase. And needless to say, feel free to ask for Michael there as he leads the wine offering and can suggest which wines you can pair with your meal.

Sometimes you want to add an extra twist to a cocktail-infused evening. Whether you’re looking for a prohibition-style speakeasy, or a retro gaming world, LA has you covered with its array of themed bars serving up endless entertainment.Themed bars and restaurants are popping up all over Los Angeles, and they let diners and drinkers step into another time, place, or mindset before they even order their first round.

BeetleHouse LA

Named after an undead bio-exorcist, the bar is a tribute to all things Tim Burton. Artwork, decor and photo-friendly tableaus reference Edward Scissorhands, A Nightmare Before Christmas and Batman Returns. Danny Elfman scores and dark wave tracks from the ’80s set a playful, spooky vibe that reflects Burton’s aesthetic. Drinks at BeetleHouse LA are themed and mostly sweet.

Scum & Villainy

This Hollywood Boulevard bar does its best to top the cantina where Han shot first, complete with war room-style maps and customers milling about in their best First Order cosplay. It wouldn’t be accurate to say Scum & Villainy is only a Star Wars bar. All fandoms are welcome at weekly game nights, karaoke, trivia contests and occasional cosplay evenings. Leading up to the final season of Game of Thrones, it transformed into Fire & Ice Tavern, with a sad-faced Weirwood tree, an Iron Throne , Stark and Targaryen sigils.

Black Rabbit Rose & Madame Siam

One of the Houston Brothers’ many nightclubs, Black Rabbit Rose is a magic-themed lounge and theater, decked out with apothecary bottles, portraits of famous magicians and an operational fortune telling machine. The theater offers a variety of ticketed magic and vaudeville shows as well as the occasional jazz night. Guests can order cocktails made with spectacle or Thai-Chinese cuisine from takeout window Crying Tiger. 

No Vacancy

Just down the street from Black Rabbit Rose you’ll find No Vacancy, another Houston Brothers property. The Prohibition-era speakeasy is set in an old Victorian home and has a clever secret entrance. Once you’ve made it in, you can explore the many spaces including the lovely back patio or the candlelit parlor. Live entertainment might be music, burlesque or vaudeville. They do serve food although most people come for the ambiance and the ever-changing cocktail menu.

The Green Room

The Green Room is fashioned after the green rooms in theaters and studios where performers relax when they are not on stage or camera. Everyone is a star at The Green Room with the immersive cocktail experiences, VIP service and the best views of the city. This is the place to see and be seen. Reservations are required.

Redwood Bar and Grill

Redwood Bar and Grill has been around Los Angeles for ten years now. Stop by during their lunch for various daily specials. They were once rated for having the best burger in LA! That doesn’t mean their other menu items aren’t fantastic such as fish and chips, mac and cheese, and even vegan burgers as an option. The pirate theme is included in their atmosphere, with dark wood, skulls and paintings of old ships. Redwood has a music venue where local LA bands perform in the evening.

Two Bit Circus

Two Bit Circus is a micro-amusement park with dozens of arcade and midway games, escape rooms, virtual reality experiences and a high-tech theater equipped for trivia, wine tasting and puzzle games. The main bar is located beneath a red-and-yellow striped circus tent while a robot tends a second, smaller bar. 

Cafe Jack

If you’ve ever wondered what the giant boat near Western and 5th in Koreatown is, it’s Cafe Jack, a restaurant, bar and karaoke lounge built in homage to Titanic — not the boat, the 1997 film that shot Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet to stardom. This is one of the most confusing themed bars in town.

Electric Pussycat

You might wonder why a bar that looks like a ’60s discotheque is blasting late ’90s/early aughts music. It’s because Electric Pussycat is actually a love letter to Austin Powers, teetering between the neon hedonism of the Swinging Sixties and the era that inexplicably gave us not one, not two, but three movies about the horny British spy.

Good Times at Davey Wayne’s

Good Times at Davey Wayne’s is a ’70s-themed bar mostly frequented by people conceived in the ’80s and ’90s. Guests enter through a fridge door off El Centro and emerge in a lounge that looks like your uncle’s basement pad. There’s not a bar to slide up to, per se, but you can relax on one of the comfy couches or try to snag a seat on the patio swing out back. Order cocktails and beer from the main bar inside or boozy snow cones and beers from the camper trailer on the patio. 

I started working in restaurants at the age of 15 as a dishwasher and soon worked my way into a part-time line cook position.  I then decided to continue my education at the Culinary Institute of America where I developed a passion for all things beverage. 

How according to you has the role of the sommelier evolved, especially now during COVID times?

It seems as if a lot of sommeliers took advantage of the relaxed liquor laws by selling off inventory at a heavily discounted price from the wine list. Though it definitely may have affected the bottom line, it’s given many of us great opportunities to start fresh once dining resumes to full capacity.

What are some of the most important skills for a sommelier?

Establishing trust with your guests has always been key for me; It can sometimes be difficult during a busy service, but always taking the time to slow down and truly understand what the guest is looking for can often help you exceed their expectations and earn their trust.

What do you look for when you plan to buy wine for your business?

When buying wine for the restaurant, my primary focus is on how the guest will perceive the wine. If I’m looking for a by the glass selection, the first sip of a fresh bottle has to be mind-blowing whereas if I’m looking at something for the bottle list in the 200-300 dollar price point, I can choose something that needs a little more time to open up. 

Where and what you drink when not working?

I spend most of my days off hanging out in some local dive bars by the beach typically with a beer or some tequila. 

Your favorite places for happy hours?

Sharkeez in Hermosa Beach. Lively bar & restaurant with simple Mexican fare plus lots of margaritas & a popular happy hour.

Your favorite nightclubs?

I don’t really go out to many nightclubs, but the underground nightclub at our hotel “Sunset” is incredible! 

What are some new wines to taste right now?

RAEN is probably one of my favorite new wines out there. It started in 2013 and has been over-delivering ever since. RAEN Winery was founded in 2013 by Carlo & Dante Mondavi, the two sons of Tim Mondavi. 

One of the labels of Raen wines.

Where do you currently work?

The West Hollywood EDITION located on the corner of West Sunset Boulevard and North Doheny Drive, where West Hollywood meets Beverly Hills. Featuring 140 guest rooms and 48 suites with 2 penthouses. The hotel also features 20 luxury residences and over 6,500 square feet of meeting and event space. The hotel boasts inspiring and sophisticated outlets which include a signature restaurant, lobby lounge, basement club, an expansive rooftop pool, and a 6-treatment room spa.

Recently Max also passed the exam for CMS Advanced Sommelier in Portland, Oregon along with other sommeliers.

Image Source: Guild Somm

The two coastal kings, New York City and Los Angeles, have a lot to argue about: Who has the best tacos and music scene? Who can complain about their commute to work harder? But one of the biggest battles to emerge in recent years is who can lay claim to the best drinking scene and the most discerning drinkers. While we’re not about to decide who wins that fight, we will say this: There are major differences between NYC and L.A. drinkers and what they look for in a night out and no one can speak to that better than the bartenders who serve them. Here, the five biggest differences between New York and Los Angeles drinking culture, according to the pros.

NYC Is All About the Scene; L.A. Focuses on Craft

“The New York crowd tends to be more about the ‘scene’—that is, the vibe, the music, the crowd. Los Angelinos are all about the craft of their cocktails and beer and pay great attention to the ingredients that go into them. They can’t seem to get enough of those hoppy IPAs.” — Russ Neipp, beverage director at Forman’s Whiskey Tavern and Laurel Tavern, Los Angeles

“L.A. nightlife was way ahead of New York in regards to craft cocktails. New York was primarily about speed and efficiency, whereas L.A. was about the craft that went into a cocktail. With that said, New York has caught up quickly, especially with the speakeasy bar concept. Speed and efficiency are still at the top of the list in New York, but you now have bar owners interested in making cocktails that are memorable. L.A. definitely has competition in that department now.” — Axel Jordan, bar manager at Clifton’s Republic, Los Angeles

NYC Loves Local Ingredients—But L.A. Loved Them First

“In New York, bartenders are beginning to follow chefs by diving into the local bounty. Farm to table beverages utilizing seasonal fruits and herbs are a growing trend, and that’s something Los Angeles bartenders have been doing for years. But here in New York, we are not granted the luxury of such pristine local citrus, so we are increasingly looking to options like excellent local cider vinegar and shrubs to highlight our local produce.” — Dan Pucci, beverage director at Gristmill, NYC

L.A. Does Big Bars; NYC Is More Independent

“L.A. still puts an inordinate amount of money into its decor and loves its themed joints. Also, because costs of getting into business are so much higher, well-funded bar groups dominate the scene, which means L.A. often misses out on the scrappy, independent, bartender-owned places that are much more common in NYC and the service culture that provides.” — Michael Neff, principal at Church Bar in Brooklyn, NY, and bar director of The Three Clubs in Hollywood, CA

New Yorkers Are Obsessed With Classics; Angelinos Prefer Innovation  

“New York City drinkers tend to lean more towards the classics. I believe with the hustle and bustle of the city, the bars are the one place where New Yorkers take their time, relax and knock back a couple of Manhattans. Los Angeles drinkers seem more willing to go outside their comfort zone and try something new, rather than stick to the classics.” — Danny Natali, bartender at Laurel Point and Public School on Tap, Los Angeles

NYC Is Accessible; L.A. Is Spread Out 

“L.A. is much more spread out, and driving was a major issue until very recently. Cabs are very expensive and much less reliable in L.A., so a night out at a bar—let alone several bars—involved coordinating with a group of people. Ride-sharing apps are totally changing that though, and people’s habits are quickly changing with it. New York has never had the infrastructural challenges that L.A. has, so drop-in bars have been common for much longer, and that culture is more ingrained in the population. Plus, entertaining in the home is difficult for your average Manhattanite who lives in a small space, so bars often serve as the backdrops for get-togethers and celebrations more often than they have in L.A.”  — Michael Neff

NYC’s Bar Culture Can’t Be Beat

“The biggest difference between New York vs. Los Angeles is that there’s simply more of a drinking culture in New York. Bars stay open much later, and it’s less complicated to drink since you don’t need to worry about driving. Especially during the dead of winter, people in New York just like to hunker down in a dark bar.” — Marisa Simkin, operations manager at Plan Check Kitchen + Bar, Los Angeles

I am from Italy, in North Piedmont, I moved to LA in 2014 after two years in Washington DC. I started at TTK as wine director, my role changed to GM in 2017. My experience in Italy is mostly on the beverage side of many different hospitality outlets, bars, restaurants, and hotels. My experience in wine started with Luigi Ferrando, a grower in one of the most fascinating towns in the very north of Piedmont.

Where do you currently work? 

The Tasting Kitchen

How long have you been in the drinks industry?

I have been in the industry since high school, over 20 years.

What according to you are some of the most important skills for a sommelier to have?

This will depend on the kind of business a sommelier is working in, hospitality and retail are very different businesses. Wine knowledge, salesmanship, negotiation, culture. All these are important, to me the management side of the profession is often disregarded but is most important; a program that is not profitable is useless. The ability to find and offer hidden gems is very important.

What do you look for when you plan to buy wine for your business?

A value above anything. Terroir, the wine needs to represent a place. Drinkability, it needs to be good and drinkable. A grower once told me “wine is for drinking not for tasting”.

Where and what you drink when not working?

Given the lack of wine bars in the US, restaurants are usually where I usually drink wine. I never drink at home, it needs to be shared with people. TTK and Terroni are my favorite wine programs. Obviously, there are many more that are great, lacking value in many cases.

Your favorite places to chill in LA?

In LA I often enjoy live music at Black Rabbit Rose in Hollywood and Jazz at the Sofitel lounge.

What are some new wines to taste right now?

Look out for the new young growers in Carema. The best wine I drank recently was Schioppettino Bressan, a rare find.

Ivan Zanovello joined The Tasting Kitchen in 2014 as Wine Director and was appointed General Manager of the restaurant in 2017. Holding the highest level of professional sommelier certification from Italy, he is passionate about delivering the best in wine, hospitality, and experience. Zanovello grew up in Saluggia, in the North of Italy, near the city of Turin. He found his passion for hospitality at a young age, helping his parents run the local café. As a teenager, he would find summer seasonal jobs in famous vacation spots throughout Venice and the Alps. 

He made his way to the U.S. as a college student studying abroad for a year in Phoenix, Arizona. Zanovello continued his studies in hospitality management at IULM, a University in Milan, Italy. During this time he developed a long-lasting professional relationship with his mentor Daniele Pozzi. Zanovello became the Bar Manager at Solativo Vinosteria, where he quickly took over the wine program and its management.

Daniele helped him understand the business behind restaurants, as well as the finer points of restaurant management. While at Solativo, he met winemaker Luigi Ferrando, who, together with his sons Roberto and Andrea Ferrando, inspired Zanovello to deepen his studies and to get to know the great and charismatic people behind the world’s greatest wines. Over the last 20 years, Zanovello has established many personal relationships with small wine producers throughout Italy and France – many of whom are found on the menu at The Tasting Kitchen.  With a focus on the concept of terroir and inspired by the quality of wines from Burgundy and Piemonte, value is important to him.

The Tasting Kitchen offers a well-rounded selection of wines at the restaurant, from approachable to best in the world. Zanovello speaks Italian, English, French, and Spanish and is in love with the city of Angels. When not at The Tasting Kitchen, he enjoys long solo drives along the coast and catching live jazz and funk bands playing across the city.

Warm or cold, sake has stolen the hearts of many, ours included. Lucky for us, Los Angeles never runs out of the white elixir. Fuelled by the second-largest Japanese population in the US, LA is home to some great spots that offer sake in its many forms. Here are our top picks.

Kinjiro

Sake bottles left to chill in an icebox, Source: Facebook

Known for their premium sake in Little Tokyo, Kinjiro has a collection of warm, cold, and specialty sake on the bar. The Kamoizumi Plum Sake carries subtle sweet and acidic notes, making a great pair with Kibinago Sardine Tempura. There are multiple choices for a sake lover to make, as the place serves cold sake in small and large bottles and hot sake like the Kenbishi Kuromatsu Honjozo. Named after a boy, Ninomiya Kinjiro, who became one of the most loved statesmen in Japan for bringing joy to the people with food during hard times, the restaurant aims to carry on the namesake legacy with exemplary food made by chef Yoshikazu Kondo. Sake and shochu drinks at Kinjiro will take you on a Japanese drinking roll.

Location – 424 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Timings – Closed (Sunday and Tuesday)
                5.30 pm to 9 pm (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)

Yen Sushi & Sake Bar

Sake options line up at Yen Sushi & Sake Bar, Source: Facebook

Yen Sushi & Sake Bar is a place to be if you are fond of Japanese cuisine. Not only do they offer tasty sake varieties like Kikusui, Shirakabegura, Hakkaisan, and others, but also present delicious bites such as the Golden Cracker Roll, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Rainbow Roll, and more. Find yourself sipping on hot sake and relish the Nabeyaki Udon noodle hot pot with it. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to call this casual eatery all Japanese, in operation since 2002, serving draft beers and sake under $2.

Location – 9618 W Pico Blvd #509, Los Angeles.

Timings – 12 pm to 3 pm, 4.30 pm to 9 pm (Monday to Sunday)

Sake Dojo

Pouring sake in the glasses, Source: Facebook

Translating the term Sake Dojo from Japanese, ‘Place of the Way’ will teleport you to a modern Tokyo establishment with an authentic Japanese-style culinary twist. Located in the hustle and bustle of Downtown, Sake Dojo invites you to relax with nigori and ginjo sake choices to go with bottled and canned Japanese beers. Tee up the tofu skewers with the Kikusui Perfect Snow Nigori or chomp on salmon sushi with the Kubota Senjyu Ginjo, as the well-finished wooden interiors make your experience simple and delicate. Everything is neat and tidy at the Sake Dojo, with the well-structured bar proving to be a great place for long drinking hauls. They also serve Jelly Shot Sake and anime-themed cocktails at the bar.

Happy hours – 5 pm to 7 pm

Location – 333 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Timings – Closed (Monday to Tuesday)
                4 pm to 10 pm (Wednesday to Saturday)

Oops Sushi & Sake Bar

Sake drinks at Oops Sushi & Sake Bar, Source: Facebook

A small place with a surprisingly large Japanese food and drinks menu, Oops Sushi & Sake Bar houses contemporary sake options, with the cheapest starting from $3, by the glass Suigei Tokubetsu junmai. The range extends to $70 with the Hakkaisan Yukimuro bottle that goes well with Tuna Sampler and baked green mussel. Famous for their stylish sushi rolls, the restaurant has a lot in store when it comes to small plates, sashimi, and salad. We recommend the Onikoroshi sake, nicknamed ‘Demon Slayer’, having a tantalizing palate of fruit flavors, favorably doing well with all meats because of its long dry finish.

Happy hours – 5 pm to 7 pm

Location – 11670 Gateway Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064.

Timings – 11.30 am to 9 pm (Sunday to Thursday)
                11.30 am to 10 pm (Friday to Saturday)

Shibumi

Senkin Omachi Junmai Daiginjo sake bottle, Source: Facebook

The list would have been incomplete without a Michelin star restaurant, thus, we bring forth Shibumi. Their menu might not be as extensive as some other mentions on the list, but Shibumi is paying a great deal of attention to detail. The dishes are made from high-quality organic ingredients, decorated beautifully before serving. Depending on your thirst for the Japanese liquid, select a sake either in a carafe or a bottle. Some notable sake on the menu includes Junmai Daiginjo, Natsu Nama Jinmai, and Tokubetsu Honjonzo. The restaurant is renowned for serving classic cocktails like highball, negroni, and old-fashioned on a 400-year-old cypress counter.

Location – 815 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90014.

Timings – Closed (Monday to Tuesday)
                6 pm to 10.30 pm (Wednesday to Sunday)

Izakaya Bizan

Sake served on the table at Izakaya Bizan, Source: Facebook

Highlighting the Japanese culture of Izakaya, Izakaya Bizan is set out on one clear objective – exceed the customer’s expectations with persistent effort towards perfection. Serving home-style food in a relaxed atmosphere, the restaurant is an ideal spot for a casual drinking session. The menu is filled with starter dishes like salads, sushis, cut rolls, sashimi, and more. But, for those searching for a premium sake dose, Izakaya Bizan poses with flamboyance. Apart from fancy bottles like Karatanaba, Kubota Manju, and Kurosawa, the establishment serves house sake (warm and cold), starting from $4. Not to forget their Japanese cocktail called Chu-Hi, made with white peach, green apple, shochu, lemon, orange, coke, calpico, oolong tea, and grapefruit, that comes alive with Yakitori meat dishes.

Happy hours – 5 pm to 6.30 pm

Location – 333 S Alameda St #314, Los Angeles, CA 90013.

Timings – Closed (Monday)                 5 pm to 10 pm (Tuesday to Wednesday)                 5 pm to 10.30 pm (Thursday)                 5 pm to 11.30 (Friday to Saturday)

                4 pm to 10 pm (Sunday)

There is a lot more to Orange County than Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland, and these bars showcase exactly why it is one of the most drink-friendly places. With over 50 golf courses and some of the best beaches in Southern California, Orange County is also home to quite a few bars that thrive on giving the best drinking experience to their customers. Take your pick from rooftop lounges, sports joints, hidden bar rooms, and crafty cocktail bars in the semi-tropical promise land of the orange nation.

Bar Louie

Strawberry Lemonade Sangria up for grabs at $5.50, Source: Facebook

With Bar Louie, no two bars are going to be exactly the same, with the gastro bar serving fine cocktails and food in The District. The bar encourages patrons to sit back, enjoy the drink and food services, and relax in a laid-back atmosphere. Introducing three limited-edition menu items to the list, namely, the Chipotle Chicken Grilled Cheese, Patty Melt Stack, and Frito Pie Mac & Cheese, Bar Louie is always on a roll with marked events and weekly specials ($5 burgers on Tuesday). To keep the ample food items company, you will find twisted mules, signature martinis, margaritas, sangrias, beers on tap, and hard seltzers on the drinks menu. Keep an eye out for newly arrived Louie’s cocktails such as the Staycation made with Captain Morgan, aperol, angostura bitters, passion fruit, orange, pineapple, and lime.

And if you seem eager to donate to a cause, grab a Tropical Paradise Punch cocktail made with Tito’s handmade vodka, peach liqueur, guava, pineapple, lime, Fever Tree ginger beer, and mint. With that, you will contribute $1 to the Meals on Wheels foundation actively supplying food to older adults in the country.

Happy hours – 4 pm to 7 pm

Location – 2467 Park Ave, Tustin, CA 92782.

Timings – 12 pm to 12 am (Monday to Sunday)

Danny K’s

Sports and drinks at Danny K’s, Source: Website

A hub for sports fans in Orange County, Danny K’s is a sports bar and lounge with more than 45 TV screens and over 30 beers on tap. And, if that is not enough to lure you in, they organize weekly 9 ball billiards tournaments for those wanting to flaunt their skills on the games table. Owner and world-class pocket billiard player, Danny Kuykendall, has made sure the game is always on with featured live NBA and MLB match screenings alongside popular beer options like Heineken, Coors, Carlsberg, and more. Tee up one of the appetizers such as sweet potato fries, fish & chips, chicken tenders, or others as you chomp down a relishing sports outing with your buddies.

Location – 1096 N Main St, Orange, CA 92867.

Timings – 11 am to 1 am (Monday to Thursday)                 11 am to 2 am (Friday to Saturday)

                9.30 am to 12 am (Sunday)

The Fifth

Lowkey Lychee cocktail at The Fifth, Source: Facebook

Looking for an unwinding rooftop experience? The Fifth Rooftop Bar and Restaurant provides an assortment of delicious food, craft cocktails, and live music with stunning skyline views in Anaheim. The bar’s 5000 square foot open-air rooftop is a front-row seat to the Disneyland Resort to kick off a celebration in style. You can either choose from a list of signature cocktails such as the Coconut’s Revenge made with Nosotros tequila, lime juice, Chartreuse Yellow, Tempus Fugit banana, and coconut cream, or opt for seasonal options like the Watermelon Sugar High, The Cure, Lowkey Lychee, and Rooftop Delight.

Apart from cocktails, you can find wine, beer, and classic spirits options to go with tacos (steak, shrimp, and chicken), Buffalo Shrimp, and nachos from the food menu.

Happy hours – 5 pm to 7 pm (Tuesday to Wednesday)

Location – 1650 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802.

Timings – Closed (Sunday to Monday)                 5 pm to 10 pm (Tuesday to Thursday)

                5 pm to 12 am (Friday to Saturday)

Stag Bar

Elusive bar counter, Source: Facebook

Growing from age to age, Stag Bar portrays its rich history and tradition with a long line of cocktails and over 75 small-batch whiskies. Since first opening its doors in 1908, the bar stands tall with its majestic grandeur as Balboa Peninsula’s favorite watering hole. Legend has it, the historic bar was known for card games, gambling, and also served as a brothel in the pre Prohibition times. From then, it has evolved and went through a complete reconstruction in 2014 without losing its touch.

You can try your hands on one of the classic cocktails like the Stag Old Fashioned, New York Sour, or the Manhattan for a staggering experience. But, we recommend the Cucumber Cooler cocktail made with Roku gin, St. Elder, lemon juice, agave, basil, and cucumber for a refreshing treat to the soul. And, the best part is that the drinking list only begins to open up for whiskey aficionados, as the bar expands its wings with numerous Irish, Japanese, Canadian, rye, American, and Scotch varieties. There is also a little something for those who have a nose for rare whisky breeds, with Stag Bar housing the much sought-after Pappy Van Winkle collection.

Tip: Have a look at the black and white pictures of the bar from early days while you sip on a drink, and we are certain you will come across a stag head taxidermy and gun rack at the oldest bar in Orange County.

Happy hours – 11 am to 6 pm

Location – 121 McFadden Pl, Newport Beach, CA 92663.

Timings – 10 am to 2 am (Monday to Friday)
                8 am to 2 am (Saturday to Sunday)

Paul’s Cocktails

Paul’s cocktail bar, Source: Website

You must have heard about the Beer Can Open Golf Tournament, and if not, let us tell you that its dinner reception will be at Paul’s Cocktails. Staying true to the orange town feel, the bar has been offering something unique since its origin in 1942. Owner Paul has been instrumental in taking the establishment forward throughout the years as he stays true to the orange nation with an unmatchable outdoor smoking patio. Enjoy an intense Angels or Dodgers game with your drinking squad with the bar’s favorite popcorn to accompany the thrills of the game. They serve classics like margaritas, gin and tonic, rum and coke, negroni, and more. But head to the bar and ask the liquid chef to craft a delicious concoction as per your liking.

Location – 207 W Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866.

Timings – 6.45 am to 1.45 am (Monday to Sunday)

Hive & Honey

Honey Bear cocktail at Hive & Honey rooftop bar, Source: Facebook

We weren’t shy of adding another rooftop bar to the list because, really, who gets tired of sublime aerial views? Hive & Honey is a paradise located on top of the Marriott Irvine Spectrum. For those looking to slurp nectar from a cocktail juice, this is a place to be. Just like the bees store precious honey on heights, the bar stores a touch of ecstasy with the Honey Bear cocktail. To explore more delicious treats from their beehive, we suggest you make your way to the nectar nest.

Location – 7905 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618.

Timings – Closed (Sunday to Monday)                 4 pm to 10 am (Tuesday to Thursday)

                4 pm to 12 am (Friday to Saturday)

Vacation

Marrakesh cocktail made with green tea vodka, Source: Facebook

The game of cocktail making doesn’t get any more detailed than what Vacation is playing at. Taking inspiration from food and drinks from around the globe, the bar is focused on delivering a distinctive tincture from their locker. The custom craft cocktails are named after famous cities in the world to take you on a stroll in the lands you might not have explored before. For our very own discovery, we tried the Marrakesh cocktail made with green tea vodka, mint, Chartreuse, sumac, lemon, and cucumber; and we weren’t disappointed. The owners have taken their imagination of a neoclassical setting with custom-designed furniture where you can sip on the Santa Ana cocktail made with aquavit, carrot, cardamom, lemon, aperol, and pineapple for a dash of authenticity.

Location – 204 W 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

Timings – Closed (Monday to Thursday)                 5 pm to 12 am (Friday to Saturday)

                5 pm to 11 pm (Sunday)

Central Bar

Central Bar’s seasonal cocktails, Source: Facebook

Changing seasons call for a changing cocktail list at the Central Bar. Serving unpretentious craft cocktails made from small-batch spirits and hand-crafted ingredients, the bar will engulf you with classics like the sidecar, Moscow mule, daiquiri, mojito, negroni, Manhattan, old fashioned, and many more. If you are looking to dip your taste buds in one of the seasonal options, try the Kick Up the Jams cocktail made with tequila, orange liqueur, strawberry cordial, agave, lime, habanero tincture, and tajin rum.

Location – 2493 Park Ave, Tustin, CA 92782.

Timings – Closed (Monday to Tuesday)                 4 pm to 10 pm (Wednesday to Saturday)

                12 pm to 5 pm (Sunday)

The Blind Rabbit

Rich and creamy On Being Earnest cocktail, Source: Facebook

Getting straight to the business with their beautifully crafted cocktails, The Blind Rabbit is a speakeasy, Prohibition-themed bar looking to constantly exceed customer expectations. You will be presented with tasty cocktails like the Blind Rabbit Milk Punch, Bananera, On Being Earnest, The Island in the Heavens, and others in the warm and cozy wooden interiors. The problem arises when you have to pick one because all of them are exceptionally appealing in their own manner.

Hint: Find the door to this hidden gem on the bottom floor of the Anaheim Packing House.

Location – 440 S Anaheim Blvd #104, Anaheim, CA 92805.

Timings – 5 pm to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)

Header image – The Blind Rabbit, Source: Facebook

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The NBA’s love affair with wine has been well documented over the past few years. There are plenty of players around the league who love a glass of red. The biggest superstar in the league, Lebron James carries quality wines with him during road trips. JJ Reddick on his podcast talks about wine with a lot of love. But there are a fair few, retired and current players who have forayed into the wine business. 

From starting their labels to talking about the world of wine on a podcast and also starting a scholarship program for budding wine enthusiasts, here are the different ways in which NBA players are dabbling in the world of wine. 

Dwyane Wade

D Wade Cellars, Source Twitter

The recently retired Miami Heat legend and part-owner of the Utah Jazz has long been a wine enthusiast. His love for wine began when Lebron James and Chris Bosh joined him in the South. The big three enjoyed wines from Napa Valley, with their friendship and mutual love for great wine, sparked a passion in D-Wade. When he decided to start his winery, he turned to his dear friend Jason Pahlmeyer for guidance. 

In 2014, Jason invited Dwayne Wade on a harvesting trip to Napa Valley and it was post this trip that D Wade Cellars came into existence. The wine list from D Wade Cellars currently features three wines, namely, the 2019 Three by Wade Blanc, the 2020 Three by Wade Rosé and the 2019 Three by Wade Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley. 

The 2019 Three by Wade Blanc is a crisp and versatile white wine that reminds you of honeysuckle and spring lemon blossoms. The palate of the Blanc is medium-bodied with snappy and refreshing summer melon fruit characteristics. A wine perfect for daytime picnics and long summer nights. 

Carmelo Anthony

Melo’s storied career is one of the best NBA stories ever. While his quest for a first championship unites him with close friend Lebron James in Los Angeles, the pair’s friendship is also the reason behind Melo’s love for wine. The infamous 2015 boat trip he had with Bron, D-Wade and Chris Paul is where Melo believes the NBA’s love affair with wine began. Melo is in the wine business, but not in the wine production business, instead, in the wine entertainment business. 

The tenth highest scorer in the league started his podcast, What’s in Your Glass? where he discusses and explores the fine world of wine with the biggest names in sports, music, entertainment, politics and wine. Contemporaries like Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler have come on the podcast alongside names like Snoop Dogg, Tiffany Haddish, Mark Cuban and more. Get your dose of Melo’s podcast on YouTube. 

CJ McCollum

CJ with his wife Elise, Source Website

If you are a believer in the fact that things happen for a reason, CJ McCollum’s wine story is one you can get behind. CJ was introduced to wine by his wife Elise when he was in his early twenties. As fate would have it, CJ was later on drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers. This meant CJ would move to Oregon, just a short drive away from one of the finest wine regions of the country. 

In Oregon, CJ took to learning about the wine industry, with Pinot Noir being one of the first varietals that he was introduced to. Through his learnings, CJ introduced the world to McCollum Heritage 91. He partnered with Adelsheim, a winery in the region, to bring his label to life. Currently, the winery has a 2019 Pinot Noir in its ranks. The wine has aromas of freshly picked raspberries, lavender, and ground spices. Silky and supple on the palate, with a long and elegant finish, the wine is very much like CJ’s shooting stroke, great!

McCollum Heritage 91 wines come in limited availability and get sold out in hours, as it was evident with the Rosé wine he introduced a while ago. 

Channing Frye

Channing Frye with his team, Source Twitter

There’s something about Oregon that leads NBA players to start their labels. Long before CJ McCollum was introduced to the region, another player was in love with the wines of the region. Channing Frye was introduced to Oregon wines when he was with the Trail Blazers back in 2007. His love for wines from the Willamette Valley continued to bloom during his time with the Cavs, the Suns, and Orlando Magic. Upon his retirement from the game in 2019, Channing’s career in the wine business took off. 

Channing, along with Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Kevin Love and two of their buddies, Chase Renton and Jacob Gray, introduced Chosen Family Wines. Through his learnings, Chase’s winemaking abilities, Kevin’s relentless curiosity and Jacob’s business acumen, the brand has become a well-known name in the wine industry. They currently have seven wines in their collection. 

2019 Pinot Noir: Possessing classic red fruit characteristics of raspberries and cherry, the 2019 Pinot Noir also shows notes of violet and wet forest floor. The abundance of elegance and the beautiful freshness make this 2019 vintage a truly enjoyable Pinot Noir. 

2020 Rosé Granville: A wine perfect to take on a summer outing, perhaps enjoyed under the stars, 2020 Rosé Granville from Chosen Family Wines delivers great acidity and a well-balanced fruit profile. The winery suggests popping this wine during a poolside gathering with friends and family. 

The other wines in Chosen Family Wines collection include:

• 2019 Syrah
• 2019 Chardonnay
• 2019 Rosé Langolo
• 2018 Pinot Noir Magnum
• One Barrel Challenge 2018 Pinot Noir

Josh Hart

Josh with Wine Access’ Vanessa Conlin, Source Website

The current New Orleans Pelicans guard was into wine from the moment he entered the league in 2017. When he was teaming with Lebron in LA, he was introduced to quality wines that Lebron often brought along during their flights and road trips. To honor his love for wine and to bring in more people from the BIPOC community into the world of wine, Josh Hart paired with Wine Access. The team at Wine Access believe in making the wine industry a vibrant, diverse, and forward-thinking industry. 

For that to be possible, the best people need to be found. Josh and Wine Access along with the Napa Valley Wine Academy introduced The Diversity in Wine Scholarship program which is open to all those people from the BIPOC community who want to pursue a career in the wine industry. The fellowship rewards 100 people with the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 certification. They’ll also get a chance to learn from the top wine industry professionals and the top performers will enjoy a trip to Napa with Josh himself. 

Header Image- D Wade Cellars, Source Website

The list of things to do in Los Angeles hardly ever ends. From enjoying scenic drives around the city to a playoff game at the Staples Center, eating your heart out at food trucks and going on pub crawls, there are so many things to do in LA come the month of June. This past month brought us back out on the streets after a long time and June will take it a notch higher. Come celebrate the summer with a great line-up of events in store this upcoming month. 

Zane Lamprey’s Laughs & Drafts

(June 4)

Zane Lamprey’s Laughs & Drafts, Source Eventbrite

Zane Lamprey, the award-winning travel show host and comedian, performs stand-up comedy based on his experiences while shooting Three Sheets and Drinking Made Easy. Known for being the guy who gets paid to travel around the world and drink, Zane has found himself in many awkward situations, which he’d love to tell you about! A strictly 21+ event. Buy the tickets and get set for a night of laughter and delicious craft beer. 

Price- $25 and $40 Where- La Verne Brewing Company, 2125 Wright Avenue, #C-15, La Verne, CA 91750

Timings- 6 pm to 9 pm

Hiking with the Busters

(June 5)

Hiking with the Busters, Source Eventbrite

Living in Southern California in June is utopian. The weather is pleasant and the outdoors call for an array of activities. Among these is Hiking with the Busters, an exploration of Griffith Park organized by the SnowBusters. These monthly hikes are free of charge and will be led by Vee, the hiking leader. If you have any questions or need more information contact Vee at [email protected].

Price- Free Where- Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Timings- 9 am

Malibu Wine Tasting and Driving Tour

(Throughout the month)

Rosenthal Estate Wines, Source Facebook

What could be better than an afternoon of beaches, great views, and wine? All that and more is waiting for you on this Malibu Wine Tour! The day tour includes 3 different wine tastings and a scenic drive through the Santa Monica mountains. The tour is arranged in advance by an expert which leaves you to take in the sights and enjoy the wine. Book your tickets in advance to get your group together for an amazing time. 

Here’s how the tour will go:

• After booking the tour, a custom pick-up and drop off will be decided. The guide will arrive at your location in a luxury car.
• From there it is off to Malibu. The stops will include Strange Family Vineyards, Summer Somewhere Wines, Rosenthal Tasting Room, The Barn at Cielo, and Cornell Winery & Tasting Room. (There will be 3 stops on the tour.)
• Food will be provided at one of the tasting rooms after which it will be a drive through some of Malibu’s beautiful canyon roads to take in the amazing views. The guide will fill you in on the local history and facts.
• The tour ends with a drop off at your pick up location. 

Price- $300
Timings- 12 pm to 5 pm

Hand-made Dumpling Party (in-person classes)

(June 4, June 18, June 26 and June 27)

Photo by Abhishek Sanwa Limbu, Source Unsplash

Discover the flavor-packed world of dumplings with these classes. A hands-on yet casual experience, this class is a great occasion for a romantic date night or a fun outing with your family and friends. Master the basics of dumpling wrapping in various different shapes. You’ll get a chance to work with high-quality store-bought dumpling wrappers. You will learn valuable knife skills and learn how to create your own fillings from scratch.   

All the equipment and ingredients will be provided, and are easy to find at local markets if you don’t already have them in your home kitchen. An absolute delight of an event to attend in June, so might as well book your tickets in advance. 

  Price- $59 Where- Penny Oven, 2131 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91107 Timings- June 4 and June 18- 6:30 to 8:30 pm

June 26 and June 27- 6 to 8 pm

Poolside Dinner & Movie

(June 6, June 13 and June 20)

JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live, Source Website

The rooftop pool deck at JW Marriott brings the experience of watching movies with a twist this June. Showcasing three different movies on all three dates, the accompaniments include appetizers, entrees and deluxe guest room stay. The ticketing for $45 tickets ends on June 6 and that for $299 ends June 1. Better hurry and grab them before the show is over.    The movies to be showcased are: June 6- Promising Young Woman June 13- Captain America: The Winter Soldier June 20- My Big Fat Greek Wedding Price- $45 and $299 Where- JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, 900 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Timings- Doors open at 7:30 pm

420 Summer Yacht Party

(June 26)

420 Summer Yacht Party, Source Eventbrite

The perfect getaway on the water comes in the form of the 420 Summer Yacht Party organized by NAAB Radio.  The event features unlimited drinks on board, VIP bottle service, and merchandise available to go with music by DJ Orphin and DJ Sketch. Followed by music from other genres like hip hop, R&B, EDM music, Reggae and more, this promises to be a fun-filled outing on the Marina Del Rey. With limited seating available, best book your tickets now.    Price- Upto $125 Where- NAAB RADIO, TBA, Marina Del Rey, CA 90000, United States

Timings- 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Catalina Island Day Trip

(June 27)

Catalina Island Day Trip, Source Eventbrite

The perfect adrenaline rush to get your heart pumping. On June 27, the Catalina Island Day Trip will include the Zip Line Eco Tour, or you can also try diving or an island boat tour. For a slower pace, visitors to Catalina Island can enjoy a laid-back time of shopping, soaking in the spectacular views and a trip to the spa. There are other activities like golf, hiking, biking, arts and museums and more.  

If you are a fan of water sports, there are options for scuba diving, jet ski rentals, kayaking and parasailing. There is also a cabana set up at The Descanso Beach Club. Transportation to and back from the island is offered on the Catalina Express. Sales end on June 24, book your trip today. 

Price- $160 Where- Descanso Beach Club, 1 Saint Catherine Way, Avalon, CA 90704

Timings- 8 am to 7:30 pm

Pinch Me! at The Port Sunday

(June 27)

Port Restaurant and Bar, Source Facebook

Pinch Me! is Southern California’s premier entertainment band, made up of five seasoned musicians. The band features some of the greatest hits from the ’60s to today, providing a wide spectrum of entertainment. A great time away from the “current normal” with your friends and family. Once you buy the tickets, it is recommended that you call The Port to confirm the party size and timings. Advance booking will cost $7.50. At the door, tickets will also be available for $10. Online sales end on May 23rd. 

Price- $7.50 and $10 Where- Port Restaurant and Bar, 440 Heliotrope Ave, Corona del Mar, CA 92625

Timings- 6 pm to 9 pm

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