The Walker Inn @ Hotel Normandie – Los Angeles

It’s happy hour somewhere! I’ve had the pleasure of having drinks at the Walker Inn twice so far. The first time I went with a group and we sat in the lounge area, the second time was at the “omakase” bar.

My visits were both in December, which is when they had their holiday villain menu. Drinks were named after things such as the Sticky Bandits, The Grinch, etc.

First off – if you get any sort of hangover I highly recommend telling the bartender to stick to only one spirit. The next days were not my best.

Although it is quite nice to be able to try a few things off the menu, I tried all the whiskey beverages and one wine situation (the Grinch). Every drink tells a story – like what would the grinch drink? I loved that they were all thought through so well. One of them came with a flask on the side, another in the cutest budweiser glass, you really can’t go wrong.

My absolute favorite was their version of a hot toddy which came with ice cream on the side. The ice cream tasted like ice cream cake, which is pretty much one of my favorite things in the world.

All in all, The Walker Inn is a fabulous place for special occasions. The drinks are on the pricier side at $20 a pop but absolutely worth it. Just don’t forget to make a reservation!

 

 

The bazaar by Jose Andres Part tres.

I had dinner at The Bazaar by Jose Andres this week. Always a wonder dining experience. I find myself trying to order anything that sounds obscure (or just plain delicious) like Ceviche and avocado roll, Wild mushroom rice, Jamon iberico and fried farm egg with truffle butter and “your life will change” dashi linguini (with Parmesan, quail egg, basil). My life was changed- Jose does not lie.

For dessert I had the hot chocolate mousse, but the best was the Nitro Coconut Floating Island and Dark Chocolate Pop Rocks that my friend ordered.

I’m ready to go back now…who’s with me??

tea time.

Remember when I was Torn between Teas? I finally decided (okay, I flipped a coin….) to do The Berkeley Hotel’s Pret-a-Portea. Delicious as it was creative! They let you get seconds on EVERYTHING. It’s like going to a family reunion where they won’t stop making you eat! So much fun looking at and eating the little couture-esque goodies. I had Earl Grey tea (my absolute fav!) and two glasses of laurent perrier. The Paul Smith china was stunning. I will definitely try the Langham another time but this extra special tea was a perfect birthday treat. Our lovely server even had a little birthday dish made for me. A sugar rush immediately followed! Yum!

Birthday Tea Party.

Not just any tea will be had- but a Birthday Tea in just under two weeks. It’s my idea of the perfect relaxing birthday. People think that all you do is eat tiny sandwiches and are still hungry after, but the British do it RIGHT. Their afternoon teas are coma-inducing. They will force seconds of sandwiches, scones, crumpets, cakes, tarts, tea, champagne, you name it!

First up: The Langham’s Afternoon Tea. Awarded by the Tea Guild as one of the top Afternoon Teas in London. Yes, they have a tea guild, and it is like the Oscar’s of Afternoon Tea. They have been serving tea since 1865. My second option is The Berkeley’s Pret-a-Portea. According to their website, it is “inspired by the themes and colours of the fashion world. The menu is transformed every six months to follow the changing seasons in fashion.” Equally amazing! And both so different and special in their own way. I can’t chooooose!