Levon's Obsessions

A gal whose obsessions lie within fat, sugar, carbs, caffeine, and beverages that could strengthen the heart or seal up a wound.

Archive for the category “Drinks”

03 Sep 2012
2 Comments

Happy Hour Obsession of The Week – Pera, Soho NY

So me and my closest NYC friends / crew did our quarterly meet-up and ventured off to a really awesome Mediterranean spot in Soho called Pera.  Pera has a really innovative happy hour menu with great pricing.  I mean with cocktails like Bicycle Thief and small plates like fried mussels, you know you’re in for a surprise.  Getting trapped in traffic caused me to miss the excellent happy hour deal, but thankfully my good friends still had some food left for me to nibble off of.

They ordered the Fried Mussels and the Smoked Eggplant with Garlic Yogurt (2 items for $6 = $6 total).  The dip was good.  Pera had a fairly decent selection of other tapas (or meze rather) choices for happy hour, but the lovely gridlock at the Lincoln Tunnel caused me to miss out on their discounted segment of the menu.  My crew mentioned the Pera Rickey cocktail being extremely good but since I was tardy for the happy hour party, I went with one of the regularly priced cocktail items.

The regularly priced agave-type drink that the bartender suggested was amazing.  Pricey but amazing enough for me to order a second.

So there you have it.  A great Mediterranean selection at great happy hour prices, and an ambience and outdoor garden that will make you keep coming back.  Just make sure you come before 7:30, cause they ain’t cheap..

 

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Posted in Drinks, Food, Happy Hour Obsession of The Week and tagged , , , ,
01 Aug 2012
3 Comments

Chelsea Manor Martini Fest NYC

At the suggestion of Living Social, NY Cocktail Mixers will let you do as the Romans do… or did.   They have a $40 admission special to a 3hr Martini Fest  Mixer.  It’s weekly on Saturdays from 8 to 11 (pm obviously) at Chelsea Manor.  The special includes five martini tastings, two full cocktails, and appetizers (an $80 value). Watch as expert mixologists battle to create the best martini and sample five signature drinks, such as passion fruit, mango, or piña colada martinis. Then, sip down two full versions of your favorite concoction, and pair them with tasty apps. You can do all this in the Chelsea Manor – well Chelsea Manor’esque type ambience with a glass bar area and crystal chandelier with the dj doing what he does..

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Photo Source - Chelsea Manor website

So buy your ticket today while the deal lasts!!!

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Photo Source - Chelsea Manor website

Find out more: http://www.livingsocial.com/cities/3/deals/408202-martini-fest-admission? ref=NYCMDeal080112_3_2614email422877

Posted in Drinks, Food, Late Night Spots and tagged , , , ,
16 Jul 2012
2 Comments

Happy Hour Obsession of The Week – Rosa Mexicano, Washington DC

The happy hour obsession of the week goes to Rosa Mexicano in Washington DC near the Verizon Center.  Although I have been to countless Rosa Mexicanos – Union Square NYC, LA Live, Fort Washington’s National Harbor, Chevy Chase MD, etc etc, the staple location in my mind is the one near the Verizon Center in DC.  It was the first one to open outside of NYC, and delivers the same signature guacamole that everyone flocks to nationally..

Photo Source Hauteliving.com

 ..and the authentic, upscale Mexican cuisine in the stylish and trendy, yet festive atmosphere that we have all come to love is also offered on a happy hour menu.  This including half off select appetizers and drinks.  They also offer Taco Tuesdays featuring their new signature tacos and cocktails..

Some of their happy hour menu items consist of Queso Fundido $4, Flautas de Pollo $4, Ensalad del Mercado $3, Tacos de Pollo $4, and Tacos de Panza con Callos de Hacha $6.  For their happy hour drinks they offer half price margaritas, Sangria pitchers, tequila shots and beer ranging from $3-14

So next time you’re near a Rosa Mexicano, do yourself a favor and take advantage of their excellent happy hour if not at least their prize winning guacamole.

Posted in Drinks, Food, Happy Hour Obsession of The Week and tagged , , , , , , , , ,
05 Jul 2012
8 Comments

Happy Hour Moment of The Week – Savoy, Pittsburgh

The happy hour moment of the week goes to Savoy in Pittsburgh, PA.  Although the urban elite flooded restaurant doesn’t have a happy hour menu per se, you can certainly indulge in happiness for at least an hour at this sexy bar with their lounge menu.

Trio Appetizer Plate – Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Arugula Salad and warm Vegetable Strudel $14

Although the food itself fluctuates from “ok I’ve had way too much to drink and I’m not sure how this affects my experience with this tilapia and braised asparagus” to mediocre, the experience is moreso about ambience..

savoypgh.com

decent cocktails..

and celebrity sitings.

Tyson Beckford – courtesy of ppg.com

So if you wanna run into the who’s who in Pittsburgh, as well as indulge in a great martini while you’re in town on business and itching to not go back to the regular hotel bar, Savoy has what you need.

Posted in Celebrities, Drinks, Food, Happy Hour Obsession of The Week and tagged , , , ,
03 Jul 2012
2 Comments

Ice Tea and Ice Cube

…literally.

From the Thrillist FB page

Posted in Celebrities, Drinks and tagged , , , , ,
27 Jun 2012
1 Comment

Diva – Soho NY

Quite eventful evening this was.  Apparently Kenyans get wild.  They do actually… Or at least from my experience this particular Friday night at Diva in Soho NYC.  Aside from the lively evening, a relatively satisfying Red Snapper was the lasting impression I walked away with from Diva Soho. The martinis were reminiscent of your older brother’s Kool Aid circa 1992, and the Lemon Drops were like someone’s grandmother’s lemonade, literally.  However it’s not as satisfying and fulfilling when someone’s grandmother’s lemonade is $12 a pop. On the flip side, the snapper and vibrant, Kenyan-embodied ambience played an integral role in my salvation for the evening.  The fish was a win.  Not to mention the Kenyan dj.  The Kool Aidy cocktails however, I could pass on in the future…

Oven Roasted Red Snapper with tomato salsa and arborio rice

Posted in Drinks, Food, Late Night Spots, Restaurant Reviews and tagged , , ,
25 Jun 2012
3 Comments

Happy Hour Moment of the Week – Rush Street, Culver City

The happy hour moment of the week goes to the Rush Street happy hour menu on Washington Street in Culver City, CA.

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Roasted cherry tomatoes, pesto, ricotta and mozzarella brick oven pizza $8, Flirtini with X Rated Passion Fruit Liqeur $7
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Falafel and tahini sliders $7. Total $22

Posted in Drinks, Food, Happy Hour Obsession of The Week and tagged , , , , , , ,
18 Jun 2012
1 Comment

Happy Hour Moment of The Week – Figaro Bistrot LA

The happy hour moment of the week goes to the tres bien happy hour menu from Figaro Bistrot in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Moules Gratinees aux Fromage, Pommes Frites (I don’t remember the name for sweet potato in French…) et Merlot maison le total 62.88 Francs / $12USD

**So essentially you have mussels, sweet potato fries and house Merlot for 12 bucks.  In addition to their great happy hour deals, any restaurant that loops Edith Piaf will always win my heart..

Photo from Vintagevivant.com

Posted in Drinks, Food, Happy Hour Obsession of The Week, Music, Videos and tagged , , , , , , ,
15 Jun 2012
2 Comments

My Exclusiv Cocktail

 So I don’t usually post homeade cocktail concoctions on here but I had to share this one.  So after a decent workout at the gym in my building I figured I could afford to pile on a few extra calories.  So I did exactly that.  After my flatbread veggie pizza I created, I ate a few of my carrot cupcakes I made from the other night, and didn’t stop there.  My rationale consisting of, it’s Friday and I don’t have much work left on my laptop.  So the potential cocktail ingredients cogs churning in my head led me to searching through my fridge to see what I could come up with.  After playing around with a few natural juices I came up with the following…

Zola Acai, Ocean Spray Cranberry, Natural Garden Aloe Vera, Natural Garden Coconut, and a few organic blackberries..

 I then threw in some Exclusiv Orange flavored Vodka (courtesy of a care package a friend of mine left me) into the concoction..

..and ice and then voila…

 

It was quite refreshing.  Perfect even.   These brands (mainly Natural Garden, Exclusiv Vodka, and Oceanspray cranberry juice) can be substituted for whatever brands you have in your fridge, none-the-less, the combination of fruit juices is great.  I have to say.  So cheers!  Do try this at home..

Posted in Drink Recipes, Drinks and tagged , , , , , ,
11 Jun 2012
2 Comments

Happy Hour Moment of The Week – Hyatt Santa Barbara

The happy hour moment of the week once again goes to the poolside happy hour menu from the Bistro 1111 Lounge at the Hyatt Santa Barbara.

Sunset cocktail, Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Carne Asada Tacos = $15

Posted in Drinks, Food, Happy Hour Obsession of The Week and tagged , , , , ,
07 Jun 2012
4 Comments

Marvin Gaye’s Belgian Soul Salvation in Washington DC

The Shaw neighborhood restaurant called Marvin is the designated go to spot on Monday night in Washington DC for a reason. The atmosphere and the vibe, combined with a little dose of my ‘former home’ nostalgia made for a great evening. It mentally took me back to the Republic Gardens, Howard U, Adams Morgan, and all things U Street days in the District. Along with the perfectly concocted martini the bistro level bartender cleverly created, my friend insisted that I try the Chimay.

Since I left beer behind with my yard days at NCA&T I was a bit hesitant. Curiosity along with his commercial ready background on the particular brand made me try it anyway. Need-less-to-say it was really good. Not to mention it is an authentic Trappist beer which translates to the champagne of beers, and is a part of the International Trappist Association. It also comes in the Red, the Triple, and the Blue Cap and has a line of cheeses perfect for pairing. Yeah this beer is kinda major and might quietly be a movement.

Courtesy of Chimay Official Site

It also ties into the history of Marvin and its Belgian marriage to soul. The story of Marvin Gaye and his journey to find solace overseas in Ostend, Belgium was apparently the inspiration behind this bistro, bar and rooftop establishment. This restaurant has a tremendous amount of history which is apparent by the décor the minute you walk in. The musical legend was born and raised just around the corner in this Shaw neighborhood and his spirit lingers on with the locals.  The Belgian culture plaid an integral role in his personal and spiritual development after his open and quite publicized inner struggles.  So frankly the beer makes sense, as does the menu, the theme and everything else.   I think the creators of Marvin have done a proper job of combining the cafe society of Belgium, with the proud soul of the Shaw neighborhood in DC. The next time I’m in town I will have to see if Chef James Claudio’s food is as good as the concept, because everything else is winning.  Truly an amazing place..

 

Posted in Celebrities, Drinks, Entertainment, Music, Premium Beer, Videos and tagged , , , , ,
28 May 2012
3 Comments

Happy Hour Moment of The Week – Bistro 1111 S. Barbara

The happy hour moment of the week goes to the poolside happy hour menu from the Bistro 1111 Lounge at the Hyatt Santa Barbara.

Sweet Tea Lemonade cocktail, Meyer Natural Angus Sliders and Pacific Tilapia Tacos = $15

Posted in Drinks, Food, Happy Hour Obsession of The Week and tagged , , , , , ,
25 May 2012

The Fat Dog W. Hollywood’s Perfect Happy Hour

John Gladish knows the right ingredients to lure non West Hollywooders and locals into his neighborhood establishment. The canine inspired cafe provides a friendly setting that falls right in line with the strip of bars and cafes on N. Fairfax, and much like its name is a very dog-friendly spot. It has a decent amount of natural light which gives it an easy feel and is a relatively casual environment.  It has really knowledgeable and savvy, yet laid back and friendly servers.  Most importantly however, it truly has the best happy hour I’ve experienced in W. Hollywood so far.  The Fat Dog offers a very impressive happy hour lineup that ranges from $3-6 and believe it or not, the food is actually good.  The food is amazing rather.  I tried at least five different items and they were all extremely tasty and perfectly prepared.

The onion rings were like no onion rings I have ever had before. They were crisp with a non-messy size and texture, and they were perfectly battered and seasoned. The alternative/vegetarian burger would please any anti-meat eater, and surprisingly with all the garnishes were neat and easy to eat. The sweet potato fries were simply great and everything else at that point, the fried green olives, etc is a blur. Oh but wait!  I can’t forget the mini burgers.  They were amazing.  They looked and tasted perfect, and were extremely generous in size.

It’s difficult to have high standards and expectations with places that offer food and drinks for $3, and skepticism does tend to come to play especially when quality not quantity is what you’re after in larger cities.  The Fat Dog will definitely change your take on cheap eats however. With the combination of quantity and quality, atmosphere, and service, I’d say this is a winning happy hour experience for anyone who appreciates all of the above.

Posted in Drinks, Food, Happy Hour Obsession of The Week, Videos and tagged , , , , | Leave a Comment
21 May 2012
2 Comments

Catalina Island Birthday Secret

As if a complimentary roundtrip ride aboard the Catalina Express Boat on your birthday isn’t generous enough, you can also indulge in a free meal at Buffalo Nickel Restaurant on Avalon.  The other week I did exactly that. You see, Catalina island has two parts – Two Harbors and Avalon.  Avalon is from what I gather, for the first timers and Two Harbors is for the “I’m over Avalon and all the tourist traps, been there done that, gimme’ something a little more exclusive” travelers.  Since we were Catalina virgins and since Avalon has its long list of freebies for people celebrating their birthdays, we decided to venture over to that part of the island.  Part of that list was Buffalo Nickel which consisted of birthday girls and boys being able to choose any entree on their menu for free.  So I did what any recession influenced foodinista would do and made arrangements for their shuttle to pick us up.  Shortly afterwards they drove down the mountainside to us, brought us to the restaurant situated near the Catalina Island helicopter landing pad, and then we grabbed a table outside so we could elite people watch near the helicopters and their respective baggage claim. All in all the food was ok, but I have to say the warmness from the patrons and the staff, and the fact that the bartender clearly poured our drinks in a way that screamed “we desperately want you to come back since our restaurant is inconveniently located on the side of a cliff and no one can easily see it”, definitely made this a notable spot for a possible revisit.  So if you happen to be on the island on your birthday and you want to eat for free as well as magically get nice off of just one drink, come here. 

Posted in Drinks, Food and tagged , , ,
17 May 2012
4 Comments

My New Zealand Love

After the painfully long day I had, an unexpected friend from New Zealand turned it around in two swirls, one sniff and one swallow..

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Eco Love Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough, New Zealand

Posted in Drinks, Wine and tagged ,

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