Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop Serves Breakfast

image002Mornings just got a bit brighter and a lot healthier as Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop (9671 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212) expands with a breakfast menu. Available from 8-10:30 am, Monday-Saturday, energize your mornings with a nourishing selection of made-to-order breakfast items from Owner and “Commander-in-Leaf” Jonathan Rollo and Executive Chef Kristi Ritchey, as well as fresh-squeezed juice blends from Greenleaf’s signature juice bar.

There is something for everyone! “Smart Starts” include dishes like the Cheap n’ Easy made with egg whites, turkey bacon, and aged cheddar on a whole wheat English muffin; Fresh Berry Parfait with homemade high-protein granola, yogurt, and a housemade blueberry compote; Huevos Rancheros  with a whole wheat tortilla, egg white, mushrooms, chicken, cheddar, spinach, red onion, and truffle oil; Breakfast Pizza topped with turkey sausage, roasted potatoes, goat cheese, arugula, and a sunny-side up egg; and French Toast served with blueberry-lemon compote, fresh berries, almonds, and agave.

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Los Angeles’ Vintage Shops

The Way We Wore
If you into picked-over piles at thrift stores to that one piece you’ve been looking for, then this shop is for you. This expertly-curated shop is the perfect place to nab a chic Chanel brooch, Valentino gown, or Yves Saint Laurent blazer. 334 S La Brea, Los Angeles; 323.937.0878

Sielian’s Vintage Apparel
Sielian and her husband are extremely knowledgeable about fashion and have pulled together an amazing collection of designer pieces, in perfect condition at very fair prices. 9013 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 90069; 310.246.9595

Hidden Treasures
Hidden is literally hidden…in the winding Topanga Canyon Boulevard. It’s a shack filled with retro clothes and accessories. 154 S Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, 90290; 310.455.2998

Resurrection
This boutique carries a tightly-edited selection of collectible and historic clothing from a ton of fashion houses. Be prepared to pay top dollar for jaw-dropping pieces by Halston, Alaïa and Hermès. 8006 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; 323.651.5516

Squaresville
This store has a wide array of vintage. Most of it is not high end, but in good condition. Plus, you’ll get a kick out of their window displays. 1800 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, 90027; 323.669.8464

Shareen Vintage
Whether you’re looking for something casual or glam, you’ll find it in this massive vintage warehouse. No boys are allowed, so you can drop trou to try on the cloths anywhere throughout the store (seriously). 1721 N Spring St., Los Angeles, 323.276.6226

Tavin Boutique
After selling at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, buyer/stylist Erin Julie Tavin opened her own Echo Park shop in 2009. It’s filled with a curated mix of glamourous, bohemian, and vintage pieces along with items from local designers. 1543 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, 90026; 213.482.5832

Wasteland
Whether you’re looking for designer pieces, vintage dresses or need to cleaned out your closet, Wasteland is the perfect spot for LA recycling. The kids at the counter perusing your used goods are picky, so the racks yields steals and surprises. 7428 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 90046; 323.653.3028

Decades
Decades is one of the finest pre-2000 designer resale boutiques in the world; its sister store, also named Decades, is of the same caliber, specializing in post-millennial chicness. With access to celebrity closets, they always have top notch designers. 8214 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; 323.655.0223

Rose Bowl Flea Market
On the second Sunday of every month, more than 2,500 vintage and antiques vendors set up outside the Rose Bowl stadium for thousands of shoppers, some of whom get there as early as 5 am. On offer: art, furniture, housewares, clothes, accessories and odds and ends of all sorts. If you haven’t experienced this yet, it’s an LA must! 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena, 91103; 323.560.7469

Virgo
Virgo’s vintage and reworked offerings tend to lean ’80s and ’90s. The clothing is priced right ($10-85), except for the leather motorcycle jackets. 216 E 9th St., Los Angeles, 90015; 213.988.8899

Gentleman’s Breakfast
Guys, when you needs frames and you want a lil more style, head to this Echo Park spot. They specializes in vintage eyeglasses, sunglasses, repairs and “various gentlemanly accessories.” 1101 Mohawk St., Los Angeles, 90026; 323.306.6766

Scout
Scout is the spot for anyone looking get some cool retro flavor. Curated by designer/owner Joey Grana, the boutique also carries Scout’s namesake line as well as a wide selection of hard-to-find pieces. 1646 N Cherokee Ave., Los Angeles, 90028; 323.461.1530

Jet Rag
Known for its unique array of secondhand apparel, accessories and footwear, Jet Rag is every retro-inspired style star’s secret weapon. Serious bargain hunters (and those not scared of the piles of clothes) should hit up the megastore’s famous $1 yard sale that goes down every Sunday. 825 N La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, 90038; 323.939.0528

Chuck’s Vintage
Chuck’s specializes in old-school denim from Levi’s and Wrangler as well as hard to find labels like Can’t Bust’em and Boss of the Road. You’ll also find vintage tees, cowboy boots, leather jackets and accessories. 8012 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 90048; 323.653.5386

Entre Nous
A must for serious label lovers, this designer resale boutique has tons of gems from designers like Louis Vuitton, Pucci, Prada and Balenciaga. The bonus is their selection of shoes. Expect Manolos, Louboutins and more. 8430 W 3rd St., Los Angeles, 91403; 323.655.9096

Iguana Vintage Clothing
Come to Iguana with lots of time to shop because there are three floors filled with racks and racks of clothes, all very neatly organized by decade, color and type of garment. 6320 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 90028; 323.462.1010

Painted Bird
Painted Bird owners Sunny and Nate Archer started selling vintage in San Francisco in 2005, and opened a Silver Lake spinoff in 2011. Their vintage finds are alongside contemporary pieces and everything is affordably priced. 4208 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, 90059; 323.522.3368

My Ulrika
Ulrika Krivanek selects only the most gorgeous gowns, prime condition alligator bags and elegant crystal tableware (among other things) for her La Brea salon. 353 S La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, 90036; 323.938.6855

Golyester
Focussing on clothes, shoes and accessories from the 1902s-1970s, Golyester’s mint-condition duds often come with a high price tag. 450 S La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, 90036; 323.931.1339

Mister Freedom
Expect selvedge denim, military memorabilia, and NOS (new old stock) fabric at this Beverly Boulevard outpost. It’s a combination retail space and design studio. Here you’ll find styles both old and new (Loiron collaborates with Japanese brand Sugar Cane Co) as well as boots, bags, tees and accessories. 7161 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036; 323.653.2014

Playclothes
Specializing in styles from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, this Burbank store also has a small men’s section and some vintage housewares. 3100 W Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, 91505; 818.557.8447

Gotta Have It
I pass by this eclectic shop when I am dog sitting for my brother in Venice. They carry duds from the ’40s to the ’90s. 1516 Pacific Ave., Venice, 90291; 310.392.5949

Flounce Vintage
This tiny Echo Park boutique is full of dresses from beaded to chiffon to rayon. Talk to owner Lisa Gerstein if you can’t find what you’re looking for. She’s got much more stocked in back. 1555 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, 90026; 213.481.1975

Ragg Mop Vintage
Want Mad Men style? Head to Ragg Mopp. They also have a stellar assortment of pretty dresses. 3816 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, 90026; 323.666.0550

Re-Mix Shoes
If shoes are your thing, this place will be your spot. Re-Mix has rows and rows of old-school styles alongside the owner’s own collection of throwback-inspired footwear. 7605 1/2 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036; 888.254.1813

Buttons & Bows
A newcomer to the Downtown retail scene, Buttons & Bows is part consignment shop, part vintage boutique. So, you’ll find up-to-date pieces from brands like Tory Burch and 3.1 Phillip Lim as well as vintage finds. 111 W  7th, Suite R11, Los Angeles, 90014; 213.622.0648

Lemon Frog
Lemon Frog is crammed full of women’s clothing and accessories from the ’50s through the ’80s, all organized by energetic owner Micki Curtis. 1202-B N Alvarado St., Los Angeles; 213.413.2143

Swift Vintage
Loaded with dresses both vintage and reworked in house, this girly Burbank gem also offers sewing classes. 3212 W Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, 91505; 818.558.1289

Melrose Trading Post
Held every Sunday in the parking lot of Fairfax High School, this weekly outdoor marketplace has nearly 200 vendors. Whether you’re looking for antique furniture or a perfectly worn-in leather moto jacket, this places has it all. 7850 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 90036; 323.655.7679

Society of St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store
Diehard vintage thrifters know all about this Lincoln Heights landmark. St. Vincent is in a massive warehouse and has a crazy amount of pre-loved items in a ton of categories. You can score a $1 James Perse top and a $20 couch in mint condition. 210 N Ave., 21, Los Angeles, 90031; 323.224.6280

Reformation
Founded by designer Yael Aflalo, this sustainable retailer with a cult-like following is known for producing covetable garments made from repurposed vintage and surplus. 8253 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 90046; 323.852.0005

Myrtle
This tiny shop is mostly filled with indie lines from female designers.  Find the small vintage rack. It doesn’t disappoint. 2213 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, 90026; 213.413.0004

Owl Talk
Eagle Rock’s very reasonably priced thrift, consignment and vintage shop offers a bit of everything. Get jewelry, denim, dresses. 5060 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles,  90041; 323.258.2465

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Early Weekend

Citywalk Celebrates Fast & Furious
Tonight, Universal’s displaying 8 pretty unique cars at Citywalk to celebrate the release of the Fast & Furious movies. Plus, only $2 parking if you go to the theater! Hey, it’s the little things.

Levi’s XX Sample Sale
Get  your summer wardrobe all set with vintage-inspired pieces and timeless staples for both guys and gals from the iconic label’s Vintage Clothing and Made & Crafted lines.  Tops, bottoms, and denim at $20-80 (reg. $90-275) and outerwear at $200-400 (reg. $400-1,000).  Today & Friday, 10 am-4 pm; Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St., ste. 315, Downtown.

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Celestino’s Black Truffle Menu

Celestino ExteriorPasadena eatery, Celestino Ristorante (141 South Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA  91101; 626.795.4006), part of the famed Drago Family restaurant group, has a brand new menu highlighting the flavors of the season on their new spring Black Truffle menu with a collection of authentic, old-world eats!

Calogero’s Antipasti offerings include a Mushroom Soup with Black Truffle; Soft Polenta with Mushroom in Fontina Cheese and Shaved Black Truffle Sauce; and Tuna Carpaccio with Mushrooms and Truffles.

In the Pasta-Risotto-Ravioli section is the Ravioli Stuffed with Quail Eggs in Asparagus Sauce with Shaved Truffles; the Risotto with Mascarpone Cheese and Shaved Truffle; and Tagliatella Primaverille with flat wide pasta, mixed vegetables and shaved truffle.

In the Carne e Pesce section has Filet of Dover Sole poached with julienne Vegetables and Summer Truffles; and Veal Scaloppini with Prosciutto, Sage, Provolone Cheese and Truffle.

The Dolce section  has Tartufo Ice Cream (“Tartufo” means “Truffle” in Italian). At Celestino, Calogero has paired three flavors together giving diners a taste of Chocolate, Vanilla and Pistachio.

Whether you choose to order a la carte or by creating a four-course Black Summer Truffle meal for $58, you will fall in love with Celestino Ristorante’s version of Italy in Spring, right here in Pasadena. Full menu here.

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Cheap Eats

We all know you can find a taco stand on about every corner in Los Angeles and grab some cheap eats. But, want some cheap eats that will really make your mouth water? Check these meals out (they are all $15 or less):

Nana’s Frito Pie at Bar Amá, $13
Grab some authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, but don’t forget your eatn’ pants. You’ll want to eat everything, but make sure to get the Frito Pie. This Frito Pie is made with lengua (beef tongue) and served in a heaping cast-iron skillet. It’s hearty Your eatn’ pants will thank you. 118 W 4th St.; 213.687.8002

The 50/50 Burger at Slaters 50/50, $9.95
We all love bacon. It makes everything better. This burger patty is 50% bacon and topped with a fried egg and avocado. You can even add more bacon on top if you want. 61 N Raymond Ave.; 626.765.9700

Taco Sampler at Guisados, $6.99
Tacos are a dime a dozen here, but some blow others out of the water. The six-taco sampler at Guisados is just that! It’s full of slow-braised meat. You may need a buddy to split this large meal. 1261 W Sunset Blvd.; 213.250.7600

The Burrata Pie at Pitfire, $9.95
This classic pie is topped with burrata cheese, wild arugula, caramelized onion, hazelnuts, and a pesto drizzle. It’s got a bit of everything to satisfy all the taste buds in your mouth. 801 N Fairfax; 323.544.6240

Spicy Corn Dogs at The Charleston, $10
Lately the corn dog is making a come back. The mini ones here have a spicy kick, and taste great with one of The Charleston’s signature cocktails. Tell your friends to get their own. Hey, they are only $10! 2460 Wilshire Blvd.; 310.828.2115

Braised Baby Octo at Barnyard, $6
Not only is this dish a beauty, it’s delicious too. Get beach side, order it up, and relax in the sun. 1715 Pacific Ave.; 310.581.1015

The Salmon Crudo at Fig & Olive, $13
Not all amazing dishes have to be heavy and pant busting. Grab this light crudo. This dish appears simple, but the quality and flavor of the oil (which Fig & Olive is known for) along with the sprinkle of crispy fish skins will have you happy and sophisticated at the same time. 8490 Melrose Pl., 310.360.9100

Chicken & Waffle Croquettes at Street, $10
Drench this amazing combo in maple syrup. This croquette interpretation of the staple Los Angeles dish will leave you with sticky fingers, but a belly full of happiness. 742 N Highland Ave.; 323.203.0500

Chubby Pork Belly Bowl at Chego, $8
Perfection is pork belly and a fried egg in the same bowl. This spot has savory, sweet, pickled, and something called “kochujang-lacquered kurobuta”, all wrapped up in one dish. Chego is BYOB, but if you bring your receipt from the liquor store next door you’ll receive 5% off of your drink of choice. 3300 Overland Ave.; 323.380.8680

Crispy Duck Egg at Cliffs Edge, $10
Anything is good fried. This dish amps it up with a deep-fried duck egg topped with pickled mushrooms and soy-braised bacon. This is an egg unlike any other. 3626 W Sunset Blvd.; 323.666.6116

Fried Oyster Poutine at The Parish, $15
Perfect for summer, get your hands on fried oysters and french fries. Oh, and drench them in pork gravy and a creamy gribiche sauce. This Parish staple is a hit among anyone who orders it. 840 S Spring St.; 213.225.2400

Tonkotsu Original Ramen at Jinya Ramen Bar, $8.55
Soup cures all. (Trust me, matzo ball soup runs through my veins). This massive serving of ramen will not only cure your day’s ailments, but it may give you super powers. (ok, maybe not, but it’s that good). Get it with the seasoned egg for an extra buck! 2208 Sawtelle Blvd.; 310.481.0977

Dinner Special #3 at India Sweets & Spices, $6.99
This plate might not be the prettiest, but it’s great for belly filling. Take it to go, or grab a seat inside and watch the Bollywood movie of the day. The special includes two sides, a samosa, naan bread, and a mango drink. 3126 Los Feliz Blvd.; 323.345.0360

Wasabi Poke at Poke-Poke, $7
This unassuming surf side alley has traditional fresh ahi tuna on top of rice in a variety of seasonings (try the wasabi zing). Adding seaweed or avocado is a must to complete. Then grab a seat on the boardwalk to take in Venice Beach. 1827 Ocean Front Walk; 424.228.5132

Anticucho Black Cod at Picca, $15
Order up these mini munchies on sticks that are full flavor. This cod skewer is perfect with miso anticucho and served with crispy sweet potato. The dish is as good as it is artistic. 9575 W. Pico Blvd.; 310.277.0133

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Los Angeles Hotel Pool Cheat Sheet

Screen shot 2013-05-20 at 9.03.49 AMAltitude at SLS
Normally reserved for hotel guests, everyone can now snag a spot poolside at Altitude, on the sixth floor of the SLS Hotel. Dine on a weekday breakfast and lunch menu by Culinary Director José Andrés while enjoying the views from Beverly Hills to the Hollywood Hills. Fare favorites includes the Croissantini (pressed croissant sandwich with eggs, chicken sausage and herbed cream cheese); Beverly Hills ‘Bikini’ grilled cheese with mozzarella, sharp cheddar and truffles; and the SLS Seafood Bowl with king crab, lobster, sea urchin, shrimp, scallops and oysters. Cabana resys are available Saturdays & Sundays, 2-6 pm; 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills; 310.246.5552.

The Annenberg Community Beach House
A mile and a half north of Santa Monica’s pier, is this swanky private estate-turned-public beach house. It has an exclusive beach-club feel without actually being exclusive. The Annenberg Community Beach House is a great pick for budget-minded beach-goers. 415 Pacific Coast Hwy., 310.458.4904

The London
Now through Labor Day, celebrate summer at the London West Hollywood’s rooftop pool deck. Enjoy 360-degree views of Los Angeles, free cocktails (for the first hour), gourmet bites and a DJ spinning tunes. Wednesdays through Labor Day; 6-10 pm; resys recommended: 310.358.7766; 1020 North San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood

The W Hollywood
Drai’s Hollywood located 12 floors above the W Hotel in Hollywood throws its weekly Sunday Dayclub pool party. Sip cocktails and hear new DJs every week with this Vegas party experience. RSVP: info@drais.net; W Hotel Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 213.400.3133

The W Westwood
Show Me the Movies kicks off the week every Monday with new releases and cult classics. Wellness Weekends offers pool-side fitness classes by celebrity trainers on Saturdays (Kit Rich) and Yoga on Sundays (Tiffany Russo). The hour-long classes feature a soundtrack curated by The Ladies of Table Manners and Lucy activewear provides yoga mats. Classes end with a mimosa on the house, and 20% off brunch that day. Sundays also offer the W’s WET Pool Party where you can lounge poolside starting at noon, sip cocktails and get some sun. If you’re hungry head to the Backyard BBQ at the W’s backyard and dine on classic BBQ with a twist by Executive Chef Dakota Weiss. 930 Hilgard Ave., Westwood, 310.208.8765

Tropicana Pool Bar
This lil oasis in the heart of Hollywood has VIP seating and roaring fireplaces (you know for the chilly LA nights). Known for their pool parties, Tropicana Pool “Swim” Hours are from 7 am-7 pm and Tropicana Pool Bar opens from 10 am-2 am with poolside dining until 10 pm. 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA90028323.466.7000

The Pool At Sunset Tower
Enjoy a light breeze, sun and a full day of doing nothing. The Sunset Strip is your backdrop while you sip on your cucumber martinis and relax. Day passes: $75; 8358 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; 323.654.7100

Yacht Club at Mr. C Beverly Hills
Passed this tight door, you’ll find DJs, pitchers of Bellinis, couches in the sun, eggs benedict and more of a party scene than a relaxing afternoon. Sundays, June 2-September 8, noon-5 pm; 1224 Beverwil Dr.; 310.277.2800; cabana reservations here

The Standard Hollywood
This is where you will see lots of skin on the Sunset Boulevard. The sceney spot has good DJs, gratis Jell-O shots, and organic Bloody Marys. Saturday & Sunday, 1-7 pm; 8300 Sunset Blvd.; table reservations: 323.822.3131

The Mondrian
While not a particularly large pool, they do have an ottoman large enough to seat 40. Sip on some cocktails (they have a large list) during a lazy afternoon in the middle of the Sunset strip. 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

The Sunset Marquis
This courtyard pool doesn’t attract an overwhelming crowd, which can be nice. The hotel restaurant just around the corner makes some incredible food and serves a yummy Sunday brunch. 1200 Alta Loma Rd., West Hollywood, CA 90069; 310.657.1333

ION Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Sitting four stories up in the middle of downtown, grab a cocktail and take in a different view (no more Sunset Strip here). JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, 900 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.765.8600

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For the Record: Zemeckis

ZemeckisRockwell: Table & Stage presents For The Record: Zemeckis beginning May 23 and officially opens Friday, May 31. Created by Shane Scheel, Christopher Lloyd Bratten and Anderson Davis, this latest installment of the “For The Record” series will highlight the work of the Academy Award winning director whose interest in state-of-the-art special effects has lead to the creation of some of the most memorable films of all time. Music and moments in the live, music concert will include Zemeckis films like Back To The Future, Forrest Gump, Death Becomes Her, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Cast Away, Flight and more.

FTR Zemeckis Drink SpecialsThe singers and actors perform throughout the space, bringing the show tableside, where you can also take advantage of the delicious cuisine and inventive cocktails available for purchase.

Tickets: $40 Reserved / $20 General Partial View; Thursday – Sunday at 8:30 pm and will run through Saturday, July 20; 323.661.6163 (ext 20)

Seating is fixed. You will be assigned a seat but can adjust it when purchasing tickets online. Doors open 90 minutes prior to the show. It’s an intimate venue with close seating quarters, and tries to accommodate as many patrons as possible. Be prepared to make new friends.

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The Belmont

Long time La Cienega staple, The Belmont (747 N La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90069) has a new style and a change in management. Current partners Ray Garcia (The Little Bear, Blue Dog Tavern) and Dylan Leong (Sunset Trocadero) overhauled the bar sports to an updated sleek and modern aesthetic with new tables, chairs, lighting, DJ booth, and a reworked bar by designer Derek Kistner of Ink & Wood. Out on the popular patio is a new awning, banquettes, and patio furniture.

Chef Shad Davis (The Counter, Federal Bar), original Belmont chef from 10 years ago, is back to consult on a new share plate menu. There’s also a craft cocktail list and rotating crafts beers.

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Aventine & Vino California

I was lucky enough to attend Vino California wine pairing dinner at the new Aventine Hollywood Trattoria. Approximately 60+ diners gathered on the beautiful outdoor patio for an impressive al fresco dining experience as part of the wine dinner pairing series during the Vino California 2013 Italian wine festival. Featuring amazing food from Chef Adolfo Veronese, the menu—created exclusively for Vino California—showcased food and wine pairings that highlight the distinct flavors and varietals of southern Italy.

The wine was amazing and the food was delicious. Both came together for a meal that was hard to beat. My favorite dishes were the Crudo, which was probably one of my favorite dishes I have had in the past few months. It had ahi tuna tartar with basil and pine nuts, sweet shrimp, and marinated baby octopus with yellow frisee, lemon vinaigrette. The Pesce Spada made from grilled Hawaiian swordfish, eggplant caponata, caper berried, oregano white wine sauce and the Scottaditi, grilled lamb chops, kumquat confit, fingerling potato chips with a balsamic mint reduction were other favorites too.

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Blue Cow Kitchen Happy Hour

270913_352136464857261_402186192_nBlue Cow Kitchen, (350 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles; 213.621.2249) has rolled out happy hour on weekdays 2:30-6:30 pm (drinks); 4:30-6:30 pm (food). A two-sided menu begins with $5 well cocktails with a choice of mixer, along with $5 beers (Eagle Rock Manifesto Wit), and $6 wines (3 to choose from). Food is a selection of appetizers and mini versions of favorite sandwiches, including pink eggs & ham, pork belly bánh mì sliders, and Pitman Farm’s duck wings.

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