Raiding Roosevelt Hotel's Eateries & Watering Holes: Spare Room, Public Kitchen & Bar, Library Bar and 25 Degrees (No. 205)

(photo credit: ericthenorsk)

It was totally something I did just for the heck of it. It was Wednesday, I needed a little adventure, and Hotel Roosevelt happens to boast quite a few reputable eateries and watering holes. So I decided to hit up four of them in one night.

My first stop of the night was Spare Room, the classic (and classy!)-looking bar on the second floor decked out with duel bowling alleys & a variety of classic table games. There, I met up with Naomi Schimek, well-known for her eclectic vintage-meets-garden approach to cocktails. And coincidentally enough, I found out all summer long they are doing a special Wednesday Happy Hour, with $5 mini lobster rolls and $7 Nanucket Sounds . . .

. . . made with lemon balm & chamomile-infused Plymouth gin, Bianco vermouth, fresh cantaloupe & lemon juices, Peychaud's bitters and a hearty dollop of housemade spiced ginger sorbet -- served with a wooden spoon so you can eat while you drink. And it's perfect for the seasonal cusp... refreshingly spicy to soothe away the warm summer days, but with a complex, warm-spices aroma and a depth that eases you into the autumn. And while I sipped away at this heavenly cocktail, I picked up a few tips to emulate that ginger sorbet at home... if I'm so daring (the trick is to use inverted sugar so it stays fine & smooth upon freezing, as opposed to a coarser granita with regular sugar.)

While I had no initial plans to eat at Spare Room, I simply couldn't resist the lobster roll for a Lincoln. It was bigger and meatier than I expected, and two of these would've made for a satisfying meal. There were hearty chunks of chilled lobster with crunchy onions and celery, lightly dressed (yay for not being overly-mayo'd up) in a buttery roll.

And to go with the roll, a Kentucky Glove Box -- which smells and tastes like Gold Rush's more aromatic & feminine cousin w Bourbon, Yellow Chartreuse, simple syrup and fresh lemon juice. Great sipper!

Afterwards, I proceed down to Public Kitchen and Bar, a place I've been meaning to revisit since its Grand Opening week -- having filled up a little from the roll, I decided against my planned order of zucchini risotto with diver scallops & mint mascarpone (that were AMAZING when I had them last time) and opted for two side dishes.

Grilled king oyster mushrooms w sweet garlic & truffle jus and oven-roasted rainbow chard w olive oil, shallots & balsamic vinegar--both totally solid sides that's as straightforward as the menu described it, you can taste every component listed and the combination of them all is definitely a little magical. I especially appreciated the super-light touch of the truffle jus on the 'shrooms, which are already woodsy-earthy to begin with (and because so many places tend to overdo with the truffle flavorings! Less is more here, people!)

Drinks @ Public are in oversized portions and lean on the sweet side. Their Public Manhattan involves a generous splash of Luxardo Maraschino, which admittedly does smooth out some of the sharper edges of the (Ri)1 whiskey. But the Alexandra cocktail (made w Milagro Silver, Aperol, St. Germaine, Lemon Syrup, Mint, Passionfruit & Yuzu Juices -- photoed w the rainbow chard) can easily do double-duty as a drink and dessert ... if that's your thing.

Following the somewhat light dinner, I sauntered (or possibly meandered) to Library Bar, where Matt Biancaniello was busily mixing up his market-fresh cocktails--picking out fruits, vegetables, herbs from his vibrantly-colored "bar" that looked more like a farmer's market stall.

After hearing of my affinity for gin and spiciness, he made me a Monkey See, Monkey Do with Hendrick's Gin, pepper-Infused St. Germaine's, purple shiso plus peach & lime juices. An absolute delight to drink, with a bouquet and flavor profile that felt infinitely intriguing. It's definitely fruity but without being too sweet, a little tongue tingle action with the spiced liqueur, and heavenly herb backdrop from the shiso & gin.

Afterwards, Matt served up a seemingly simpler Italian Greyhound (Campari, Aperol, fresh passionfruit & grapefruit juices), but the two fruits & two apertifs combined into an alchemic creation that's just as sophisticated (and super-quaffable!)

I saved 25 Degrees as my last stop since I know they're open 24/7 and because I figured I would need some heavy duty munchies-style grub after all those libations! But alas, instead of burger & fries -- I opted for their three-cheese plate, Tuscan tomato soup & a refreshing glass of Sam Adams Octoberfest (turned out I arrived during their late night happy hour!) In a more sober moment, I would've consider the soup a bit too salty (maybe left boiling too long?) but that night it just hit the spot to sober me up, and tomatoes & basil notes definitely shone through.

And I will also give kudos for 25 Degrees' bang for the buck... look at the size of the $5 soup & $9 three-cheese platter (use the pint glass of $4 beer & the standard bread slices as comparison); and those aren't just everyday ole' cheese either, the trio I chose from their upscaley selection were Carr Valley's Benedictine Washed-Rind Sheep-Cow-Goat Blend, Cypress Grove's Midnight Blue Aged Goat Cheese and Ciresa's Gorgonzola Prelibato... needless to say they didn't stay in that doggy bag for long in the days after.

Hotel bars & restaurants have traditionally gotten a bad rep as far as food quality & value goes, often stereotyped as spots for out-of-town tourists who don't know any better or for businessfolks to harried to wander outside the lodging's confines for a bite or a sip. And while there are the occasional one or two gems in a hotel, I'm most pleasantly surprised and delighted to report that there are FOUR options @ Hotel Roosevelt that are solid and fitting for a variety of budgets & cravings, from $4 beers at a burger joint, to casual-chic multi-course meal to a fun round of games & drinks with friends to just lingering over a bar of fresh produce, waiting to pleasantly surprised . . .

Or if you are so inclined, hitting all of them up in one night!

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

7000 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.466.7000

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Spare Room

323.769.7296

Public Kitchen & Bar

323.769.8888
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Library Bar

25 Degrees Hollywood

323.785.7824
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No. 193: Stark Bar @ LACMA

The Ginger Rogers always had a special place in my heart, it was the first "serious" cocktail I've ordered -- at the ripe age of twenty-one years & a month at Dupont Circle's Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe (also known for their everything-but-the-kitchen sink Dysfunctional Family Sundae) -- and a far cry from the collegey drinks I've had thus far (whose "recipe" - if you can call it that - is burying the burn of cheap spirits with whatever cloyingly sweet, artificially colored and flavored mixers at hand.) The Ginger Rogers was fizzy and tingly and refreshing and absolutely perfect for those balmy D.C. summers. In short, it got me dancing on air after a long day of interning.

Alas, it's rare that I got this drink after my Washington days, I hardly see it in menus and when I inquire about it most bartenders steered me towards the gin-gin mule instead. It's fine, esp. since ginger syrup is not exactly a standard bar component, but oh -- how I long to tap my feet with Miss Rogers again.

So you can imagine the gleeful nostalgia I got when I saw this very drink on the Stark Bar cocktail list . . .

. . . yes, please! And it was just like I remembered - the spicy-sweet ginger, the citrusy zing from fresh limes, the cool refreshing scent of mint -- all backed by that subtle, florally Plymouth Gin bouquet. Combine this with the al fresco setting of Stark Bar and you got total bliss.

Likewise, they did a magnificent job with the Bijou; another classic that's rarely on a drinks menu and another one that I usually hesitate to order, since it's made with three potent potables (gin, vermouth, chartreuse) and can be easily thrown off-balance by slightest error in proportions. Thankfully that wasn't the case here, and this silky, fragrant jewel of a cocktail made for a wonderful sipper.

The gussied-up bar bites here are well worth ordering too, Connie and I shared the marrow & bacon flatbread. Roasted marrow is pretty much a no-fail, but we appreciated the extra zip of pesto on top, which we continued to lap up with the grilled bread long after marrow's spooned out (and yes, we did contemplate sucking on the bone.) The flatbread - generously topped with mozzarella, pancetta and kale - was more than satisfying, and I justified that the crispy kale mean that it's a healthy dish.

Nutritional debate aside, Connie and I decided that our nibbles & sips were tasty and this place is definitely worth checking out again (esp. for some outdoor sipping & snacking in the summer, or perhaps after a cultured tour through LACMA.) Maybe even a full meal @ Ray's too!

What Do Others Say?
- Caroline on Crack did a "He Said, She Said" review of their signature cocktails w John from Social Domain, agreed that it "would be a perfect way to pass a warm summer evening."
- EstarLA found that "there are really just so many cocktails and treats – not to mention mains – to try on this menu."
- Sinosoul, in a retort to Midtown Lunch's snarky tweet, did a picture-only post of his hosted meal there.
- Chowballa declared that "lunch is a no-brainer here since it’s at the museum . . . But I think it’s worthy of its own trip, even for dinner."
- EatingLA noted that "LACMA finally has a restaurant worthy of the sleek new buildings on its campus."
- FoodGPS highlighted Ray's Chile Relleno as part of his Dose of Vitamin P series.
- StreetGourmetLA was also enamored with the space. "The moment I arrived I felt as though I were arriving at some gala event. This is going to be a hot spot in the summer."
- ShopEatSleep pretty much summed it up with her blog headline "Coolest museum eatery ever."

Stark Bar @ LACMA
5905 Wilshrie Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.857.6180
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No. 190: Tasting a "Mai Tai" @ Library Bar (Hollywood)

While more than half the country is bundling in layers, keeping their furnace on full blast and generally freezing their butts off, here in LA we get to complain about the occasional drizzles, temperature dipping below 50F, and how all those award shows are disrupting our usual commutes.

Oh, and we get to hold Mai Tai making contests too!

For the past 3 weeks, Los Angeles magazine has held a mixoff amongst 9 of the top bartenders in town, with 3 finalists mixing off in a showdown next week @ the Supperclub.

As much as I would love to visit all 9 bars; alas, I only managed to squeeze in a checkout of Library Bar @ the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (and that's only because I had dinner plans in that hotel's restaurant that night.)

And as expected, bar master Matt Biancaniello - known for his farmer's market bar setup with plenty of fresh herbs, fruits and veggies next to housemade bitters and syrups - took the ubiquitous tropical drink to a whole new level, with a nine-ingredient concoction aptly named Lost in Laos . . .

. . . which he described as "a Mai Tai and a Pina Colada making love on the islands of Thailand." However geographically challenged, it was a delightful cocktail that definitely pushes the standard boundaries of a Mai Tai. Using ginger & pistachio syrups and lime juice in lieu of the orgeat, it was also given an aromatic boost with green Chartreuse, kaffir lime zest plus basil and curry leaves, rounded out with coconut milk for some richness.

And upon sipping, I can smell and taste Matt's colorful description -- with the fragrance of a Thai green curry and the creamy-tangy flavor profile of the pina colada, finishing off with a pleasant linger of nutty & spicy aftertastes, provoking me to take another sip. Mmmm...

Of course, don't take my word for it, give it a try yourself @ The Library Bar. And while you're at it, check out the versions whipped up by Joe Brooke @ the Edison and Naomi Schimek @ First & Hope, the two other contenders this week, with the winner facing off against Spare Room's Aidan Demarest & La Descarga's Adrian Biggs. And your vote also gets you a chance to win a Hawaii vacation! Mai tai included, of course.

Friday Quickies #82: Festive Drinking Edition

The Tar Pit's Jamaican Firefly

It's almost all about watering stations opening this week . . . because everyone can use a little liquid courage, post-entertaining relaxation or a new place to ring in the New Year's ;)

In the Mid-City on La Brea near Melrose, The Tar Pit opens today. A collaboration between Mark Peel (of Campanile) and Audrey Saunders (of New York's famous Pegu Club) the 1940s theme restaurant and bar features surprisingly reasonable Neo-classical cocktails (most are $11), wines (everything on the list is $38 a bottle) and menu (priciest dish, Steak Diane, rings in at $17.) I was fortunate enough to be invited to a press preview party yesterday; the Jamaican Firefly (a sweet-n-spicy concoction of dark rum, housemade ginger beer and lime) is a favorite in the crowd, and the gnocchi w escargot is worth a try too.

Further out West, Bar Bouchon is also opening today - with a more casual vibe than the restaurant upstairs and seating less than 50; it's a great spot for those who want a few drinks and some small bites (a great way to preview some of the fare without dropping as much change.) And while it is a full bar, the beers (artisanal ones picked by Keller himself) and wines (carefully selected by head sommelier Alex Weil, including the Vin de Carafe program) are definitely worth more than just a passing glance.

And in the East, the much anticipated Eagle Rock Brewery finally opened! While tours and tastings are RSVP only now while they get their bearings straight. Right now they've just released their first batch of Solidarity, a mild black ale - but you may get a preview of their witbier-style Manifesto or their Revolution IPA as well. Email here or call 323.257.7866 to RSVP.

And while you're out in Eagle Rock, you may as well swing by Larkin's - a contemporary soul food joint that is doing an adopt-a-family drive now until the 23rd. Bring in clothes, toys and other non-perishables to help the cause and you get 15% off the bill, warming the soul in more ways than one (esp. when you get their seafood broth gumbo, Momma's BBQ meatloaf or their "dirty" grits with bacon, pepper and onions.)

And my favorite festive reads of the week:

Slate tackles the history and variations of the often-misunderstood fruitcake

And also answers the question for the most eco-friendly cheese to bring to the table (go young, go soft, go local)

Meanwhile, LA Times go full hog with the turducken, which test kitchen manager Noelle Carter makes seamlessly easy

And for a little more deets about The Tar Pit, Pat of EatingLA already summed up her experience from yesterday's preview

And being the chocoholic I am, definitely appreciated gawking at Diana Takes a Bite's chocolatey last-minute holiday gift list

And, for a little laughter, check out S. Irene's snarky zero-star review of Firenze Osteria and Don't Even Reply's prank response to a call-for-catering ad (makes me think twice about using craigslist!) May I interest you in a little Le Sandwich Rouge?

My Favorite Rainy Day Drink . . .

Given these cooler nights are probably the last we'll see for awhile, I figure I better get on this cocktail recommendation stat while the weather's still appropriate to slowly sip a steamy cup.

While my previous 2-3 visits to the Varnish didn't leave a particularly stellar mark in my mind (admittedly all my prior swing-bys were to a pretty packed and happening joint, so the bartenders are harried, backlogged and obviously a little less careful,) one drink that I fondly enjoyed on a chilly night was their Hot Buttered Rum.

A simple drink made with aged rum, a little honey, lots of hot water and a dollop of butter -- it's a cocktail Paula Deen will definitely approve, even if she's on a quest to kill us all. Truth be told, it didn't taste too greasy and the butter taste was a wonderful complement to the honey's sweetness and the rum's spicy-sugary aroma. A potable kettle corn, so to speak.

So if there are any more rainy days slated for these next few months, you know what I'll be enjoying at Cole's backdoor speakeasy.

The Varnish Bar
118 E. 6th St, Los Angeles, CA
(213) 622-9999
Website

Special Drinkventure #105: Copa d'Oro (Santa Monica)

Just like food, I love it when bars and restaurants take advantage of fresh, seasonal produce to make tasty and innovative cocktails. Of course, it's also great to know an experienced set of hands are making those drinks - so I am especially delighted with the recent opening of Copa d'Oro in Santa Monica, bartended by pros like Vincenzo Marianella and Damian Windsor.

I'll admit to coming with a bias, when I first heard of their "build-your-own-drink" menu I thought it was kind of hokey, 'cause really -- can't you do that at just ANY bar? Then I read their menu and realized that they featured many farmers-market-fresh ingredients that not so readily available at just any ole bar -- and the concept made more sense. Tell them what base spirits you prefer (with a regular and an upscale option, for $9 and $13 respectively) and the fruit / herb / vegetable flavors you want - then sit back and let the bartender take care of the proportions and other ingredients as needed to make that delectable drink.

On my first trip here with Caroline and Esther, I felt like something refreshing and fruity - so I asked Damian for something with 10 Cane rum, strawberry and ginger. He made a drink with just that, balancing it with agave nectar and a dash of Angostura - it was sensational! Definitely a more summery drink, though I expected that already when I ordered it, it was fruity without being too sweet, with nice caramel-grassy-sugarcane undertones from the rum and rounded out with the bitters and spicy ginger.

My second custom cocktail is "something with Sagatiba, raspberry and sage" - which was then combined with lime, simple syrup and kumquat. This came out delicious as well, and considerably more complex with the fruit-sage contrast and the zinger from the 'quat. Tasting this, I don't know if I can go back to just an ordinary capirinhia again!

Finally, I decided for something off their pre-built menu -- "Pablo's Tuesday" (though w ewere there on a Monday) made with applejack, Aperol plus freshly squeezed lemon and orange juices (see? I'm being healthy!) Nice and punchy, I can easily imagine myself batching this up for a party! And believe or not, the inventor of this drink - Pablo Moix of the One Group - happened to be there at that time, so we had a nice chat about his upcoming cocktail creations.

Three drinks later, Caroline and I (Esther left earlier) reluctantly closed out our bill -- only to find many of our drinks comp'd! The bill that did came out was $14 for each of us -- of course, we tipped generously. But even at full price ($9-14), it's still a very worthwhile experience -- and I can't wait to return to taste a few more delights while munching on their fancy seasoned bar mix or maybe even order a panini.

What Do Others Say?
My drinking compadre Caroline loves the "pick your poison" concept
LA Times considered it a "quiet-yet-still-hip bar" on the Westside
A full five stars from four Yelpers
Alli411 had a nice small sip here, also looks forward to return trip

Copa d'Oro
217 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 576-3030

Mini Foodventure #94: POP Champagne & Dessert Bar (Pasadena)

At long last, a place just for sweets and drinks, brings back such fond memories of my days in dessert bars on the East Coast. And even though POP specialize in sparkling wines and closes comparatively early (1 a.m. at the latest for now), it's in nearby Pasadena and is the only thing like it in L.A. And after months of longingly eyeing that "coming soon" banner, I finally got their grand opening email so I got few friends to join me in popping into POP.

The decor is very chill and relaxing, lots of dark tones with deep purple chairs and booths, dark wood furnishings and a red brick wall; also some art deco elements with the wallpaper and the no-picture gilded frames, a touch of elegance with crystal chandeliers and some mellow jazz and French bistro tunes playing in the background. Particularly catchy was one yellow wall towards the back with many little circular mirrors on it, emulating the sparkling wine look. However, I do agree with my friends that in the day this atmosphere looks a bit dreary, but at night it has good potential for a mellow after-hours spot to hang out post-clubbing, a nice follow-up to a dinner date or even a nice little break before or after an Old Town excursion.

Our server, Gregory, was fairly knowledgeable about and gave good insights on what's popular, what's a good value and what's trendy on the foods and wine menu (which covers more than just sweet and sparklies, they have selections of still wines and beers, and some small plate savories as well).

Wanting to try a little of everything, we opted for two bubbly flights, a rosé and a true Champagne trio. Between the six wines, we pretty much ran the whole gamut of smells, flavors and mouthfeels from being light, sweet and fairly bland to rich, dry and fragrant, but we agreed with Gregory on his favorites of the flights, finding them tastiest ourselves.

The first sweets we decided on was a pear poached in a honey-sauternes sauce with pear chip and creme fraiche. While it lacked the visual flair of the red wine poached variety, it was a light, refreshing, not-too-sweet dessert, with the fruit still having a little bit of a crisp. The creme fraiche added a little flavor contrast and richness that my friends liked, but I thought it was unnecessary.

We also got a petit fours plate that included macarons and macaroons, biscotti, chocolate-covered sea salt caramels, truffles and pecan shortbread. We loved the assortment but had mixed feeling about the individual desserts. The macarons, caramels and truffles were a hit, but the shortbread wasn't sweet enough (maybe meant to pair with a dryer sparkly?) and the macaroons were too dry and seemed overbaked.

And just for kicks, we also got something we rarely see, a bottle of Hou Hou Shu Blue sparkling sake, which tasted like, no surprise, sake with bubbles. Ok, to be more specific, I think the carbonation help brings out sake aroma more, and this one was pretty pleasant with a tropical coconut, melon and banana fragrance.

All in all, we left with a positive experience. The place isn't particularly cheap (the bill for what we ordered was around $70) but not super pricey either especially if stopping by for a little wine (ranges from $5-20 a glass or $12-$20 a flight) and some sweets (around the $10 mark), and I hope this makes it in the future since it fills a very unique one-of-a-kind niche, esp. for sweet toothers like me!

POP Champagne & Dessert Bar
33 E. Union St.
Pasadena
(626) 795-1295
http://www.popchampagnebar.com/

Special Foodventure #27: Edison Bar (Los Angeles / Downtown)

Disclaimer: I was invited to this event, so pretty much everything was gratis (save for tips)

After hearing the Edison buzz from EaterLA, I knew I had to check it out on its grand opening on Feb. 9. So I made a few correspondences and got myself in (alas, unlike EaterLA I was not paid a personal delivery of the invite by the nice-looking man, which, by the way, deserves a pat on the back for a neat PR/marketing campaign.)

An ultra-lounge situated in the basement of 108 W. 2nd Street (same building as the downtown Pitfire Pizza Company; it's no Mozza, but has gotten pretty good buzz, and I digress,) upon entering I give mad props to the layout - which, true to its name, had an old-school-yet-classy industrial power plant theme with furnaces, generators and spiraling chandeliers with old-style light bulbs (think Power Company card/square on the Monopoly game.) The restrooms were also uniquely designed, with a communal fountain-style hand sink and a side table where, if you wanna get your game on right, you can grab some Eclipse breath mints, slap on some hand-softening lotion, and spritz on one of a dozen varieties of perfume/cologne, all for a contribution to the tip jar.

There were also giant screens playing silent flicks, pool table, jukebox and stage where a jazz band were bellowing out some lively tunes.

But onto the part we all care about: drinks & food! Like all events where the alchy's free, the bartends at both bars were going beserk stirring, shaking and swizzling it up. When I approached the bar at 9:15 p.m. (fifteen minutes after start time) - there were already empty Liter bottles of spirits being swapped out by the bussers & bar assists.

Thankfully, even with all the bustle, bartender Deanna had some time to show off some of Edison's house specialty drinks:
The Edison - lavender-honey & pear liqueurs + pear nectar -- reminds me of a fruity and lighter Manhattan.

Lady MacBeth - sparkling wine with port "the color of blood" (I can only assume it's a ruby) - a nice bubbly cocktail that can easily rival those made at French 75s. Alas, I didn't go crazy and ask for someone to be rubbed off.

Peeled Apple Buck - not your usual overly sweet & fruit appletinis (and for a real one, go to Lola's, which lay the claim for inventing it) - this is made with apple brandy & ginger ale, smells and tastes like a fizzy spiced apple pie.

Steel Trap - gin, kahlua, vanilla vodka + tonic - despite the ingredients involved, it's a deceptively dangerous & delicious drink.

Others worth mentioning (but I haven't tasted, for the sake of my driving WAY later in the night, and oh yea-- my liver!) included the Hot Blooded (a blackcurrant cosmopolitan with a flamed orange wheel), the Hemingway with absinthe (not sure if it's the real green fairy deal, since its importation is prohibited in U.S.) and an enough-said Marlowe Would Roll Over. Also, an impressive Scotch catalog.
As for the food, the menu consisted of pretty standard classic bar fare: burgers, salads, sandwiches, etc. Not sure if the passed around canapes came from their own kitchen or a catering company from afar, but the tasty bites included soba in sesame sauce (pictured), deviled eggs topped with caviar, mini paper cones of fried calamari, smoked salmon & horseradish cream on bread and oyster shooters that weren't particularly spicy - undecided on whether it's a good thing, since I'm used to more fiery shots but the oysters in this one turned out to be really fresh which would've been otherwise masked from the heat.

But all in all, it's a pretty fun place that I would swing by if I'm downtown with some moolahs to spare (it's fairly upscale) and perhaps after a heavy meal from Little Tokyo that's a few walkable blocks away. And while I'm still ambivalent about the gentrification of the neighborhood - the city's moving forward with it anyways and it practically is screaming for a place like this. And now, it's here!

Edison
108 W. 2nd Street (cross: Main)
Los Angeles
213.613.0000
www.edisondowntown.com