The Valley
North Hollywood
You may associate The Knitting Factory with music, but they've got their fingers in a few pots, including bars and restaurants...two of which are located right here in North Hollywood: Bow & Truss and The Federal Bar. I had the chance to try some of the NYE offerings of both places. Here's what you have to look forward to:
Bow & Truss: Their new executive chef, Raul Garabito, has put together a prix-fixe menu for $50, which includes one glass of cava and a four-course meal. They have a surprising amount of vegan options on both their regular and New Year's Eve menu, like the Paella Primavera with zucchini, broccolini, squash, mushrooms, baby heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, & micro cilantro. Of the selections we tried, some stand-outs were the Tuna Tartare on a house-made cracker, Prime Striploin on pan de cristal, grilled onions, & duck fries, and the Arroz con Coco, a coconut rice pudding with chocolate mousse, candied coconut, mango jam, & crunchy coconut tuile.
If you're going to imbibe beyond the included glass of bubbly, they had two types of fantastic sangria. The Traditional Red adds pomegranate juice, brandy, and "drunken fruit" to a red wine base. B&T White uses rum, orange juice, and fresh fruit.
They also have some enjoyable, well-balanced cocktails like the classic Blood & Sand and the newly imagined Titian Harvest made with Cold Cock Herbal Whiskey, Diplomatico Añejo Rum, Dry Curaçao, Honey, and Lime.
11122 Magnolia Boulevard
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 985-8787
bowandtruss.com
The Federal Bar: $75 gets you a choice of beer or wine, a champagne toast, and a four-course meal with both meat and vegetarian - not vegan - options. For starter and salad, the table favorites were Chorizo Filled Dates with manchego fondue (I would have just eaten a bowl of the fondue with a spoon), and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad with spinach, crumbled goat cheese, pancetta, blackened onion, & balsamic. For the main course, everyone loved the Grilled Rib Eye with garlic roasted cauliflower puree & mustard greens with chimichurri.
For additional drinks, I preferred their wine to the cocktail list, but they have a full bar and can make whatever you fancy.
5303 Lankershim Boulevard
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 980-2555
thefederalbar.com
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 980-2555
thefederalbar.com
Valencia
solita Tacos & Margaritas is a delicious new addition to Valencia, and is offering a fabulously affordable option for the New Year. $14.75 gets you the El Primo Taco Taster Plate which lets you mix and match four of their delectable tacos including choices such as wood Grilled Ancho Chile Chicken, Chorizo, Bacon & Sweet Potato, Crispy Fried Fish, Chile-Garlic Tofu, and many more. They also have over 40 tequilas, including the Casa Noble Single Barrel, which is exclusively blended for them and their sister restaurant.
The restaurant will be open until 10:00, with the bar open until midnight. If you stick around for the new year, you'll get to participate in a complimentary champagne toast complete with party hats and noise makers. Feliz Año Nuevo!
24201 Valencia Blvd. Suite 3470
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 291-1399
Los Feliz
photo courtesy of Alcove/Big Bar
Fairfax/Mid-City
photo courtesy of Wagstaff Worldwide
Tom Bergin's: Everybody was sad when historic Tom Bergin's closed in 2013, but then we could all be happy again once local regular Derek Schreck bought the place and spruced it up a bit (while leaving historical details intact) and reopened it in January 2014.
840 S. Faifax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 936-7151
tombergins.com
Cardamom: A delicious $50 four-course menu awaits you here, which includes a glass of champagne as well as chai or coffee. Start with your choice of a Tandoori Platter or Vegetable Platter, then select a main course that includes choices like Murgh Tikka Masala (diced chicken tikka tossed in Hyderabadi spices then cooked in a creamy tomato sauce) and Aloo Palak (potatoes and baby spinach tossed with turmeric). All choices come with fresh Naan, Raita, special Zafrani Rice, and Gulab Jamun (Cheese dumpling with saffron syrup) for dessert.
7233 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 936-1000
www.cardamomla.com
Downtown
Make a memorable musical end to the year by heading to Disney Concert Hall to enjoy local favorite Pink Martini as they ring in the new year with special guests The von Trapps. Yes, THOSE von Trapps. But, the younger generation...the great grandchildren of Maria and Georg. Catch the show before your party at 7:00, or ring in 2015 with them at the 10:30 show.
111 S. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 850-2000
Santa Monica
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2723 Wilshire Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 453-6776
miloandolive.com
photo by Emily Hart Roth, courtesy of Wagstaff Worldwide
Rustic Canyon:If you'd like a fancier pre-party meal, $95 per person allows each table to choose eight of sixteen menu items to share. Choices include plates like Steak & Geoduck Tartare with sunchoke, spread egg, & shoyu, and Duck Leg Confit with chicories, duck ham, cracklings, and mustard. Seatings are available from 6-6:45 and again from 8-8:45.
1119 Wilshire BoulevardSanta Monica, CA 90401
(310) 393-7050
rusticcanyonwinebar.com
photo by Emily Hart Roth, courtesy of Wagstaff Worldwide
Out of Town: Palm Springs
Tinto is offering two four-course meal options which include complimentary sangria cocktails and a champagne toast. The $65 menu features options such as Cheese Mixto with acacia honey & bee pollen, Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp, lemon, garlic), Chorizo a la Plancha (garlic & paprika sausage), and Moules (mussels, almond picada, saffron aioli). $85 gets you choices such as Jamón Iberico, Lamb Brochette (lamb loin, eggplant, bacon, sherry jus), and Pan Roasted Scallops (with polenta, bacon, and apple).
1800 E Palm Canyon Dr.
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 322-1900
palmsprings.tintorestaurant.com
1800 E Palm Canyon Dr.
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 322-1900
palmsprings.tintorestaurant.com
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