Bar of the Week- Gilligan's Sand Bar

I haven’t done a bar review for a couple of months now… but the bar from last night really deserved getting a write up. First you have to know that I have a tendency to get into trouble when I get into Arizona. Mainly because Mr. Arizona and I use to party the weekends away (oh the memories!). And we had our bar (Handle Bar J’s) that we went to every time, but we also have a selection of additional bars that we would rotate in (Dirty Dogs, Dos Gringos, Sugar Daddies, Martini Ranch) so it’s not surprising that I’ve had a hard time going to those places without him. Just too many memories of the tow of us. So last night when Jamie suggested a different bar I was all for it, and boy was I glad that I did! So here is my review of naughtiest bar in Scottsdale-

Gilligan’s Sand Bar.

4251 N Winfield Scott Plz

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

(480) 874-2264

Ratings on a scale of 1-4 Shots

Overall- 4 Shots

Location- 4 Shots. Just off of Scottsdale Road and located right in the middle of Old Town Scottsdale this place has a perfect location. Great for after dinner or before heading down to the road to Dos Gringos. Plus I was able to get rock star parking out front so I was very happy!

Atmosphere- 4 shots. When you first walk in it looks like any other dive bar. Until you start to look around. There is the “shot” corner that is manned by midgets (I KID YOU NOT). There are two separate wheels, one that is just a wheel o booze and the other one that is a wheel o shots. There are two beer pong tables in the back corner. A man in an Obama Mask… oh the list goes on and on with the craziness of this bar. The only thing that was missing was a Beer Louge though I wouldn’t put it past them!

Drinks- 4 shots. Alcohol is cheap… they have multiple beer in UBER LARGE SIZE for only 7 dollars and pitchers for 7.50! Plus if you want to try the wheel o shots it’s only 3 dollars for a shot or 7 dollars for 3!!! Add the 99 cent Jello shots and you have all the ingredients for a really drunken fun night!Food- 4 shots. The food was large, comforting, fattening, and cheap! If you are looking for something healthy than this is not the place for you. But if you are drunk and looking for some really damn good cheese fries than head on over! No kidding when I say that plate of fries was the size of a large TV.

Bartenders- 4 Shots. Although I didn’t try any mix drinks there were some attractive bartenders and I have to say they were entertaining. There was a microphone and they were yelling totally non-pc insulting things (kind of reminded me of Dicks but EXTREME)… and since I was never picked on I thought it was pretty damn funny!

All in all I have to say a pretty funny evening… and you know it was a fun night when I made quite a few drunken calls and text messages. Sorry to all of you that got the holy goodness it’s a midget ones… Thanks Jamie for a new fun place to visit when I’m in town. And next trip I plan on seeing you all out there spinning that wheel with me and the midgets!

Pitchers. Shots. Shooters. And more… (Go Buckeyes!)

Yesterday afternoon I had plans to watch the college football games with Kris and some of his guy friends, who we will call Michigan, Sir Marks-A-lot and Brooding. There was a 4th but really he made no impression on me and we left him at one of the bars anyways. Although most girls would think that spending a Saturday afternoon with 5 drunken guys watching football was one of the top levels of hell, I think of that as paradise. So off I was… on a little adventure. And boy did I find it. Here is a play by play of last night, or at least what I remember of it. And yes sadly there are some points that are a little blurry! Sorry these aren't reviews...but a jumble of drunkeness instead!

Bar #1- The Shack
Now the Shack was my pick for afternoon bar mainly because it’s an Ohio State Bar (go Buckeyes) but looking back it probably wasn’t the wisest choice seeing as I sent in there a group of not only Michigan fans but a former Michigan football player. Needless to say they got called out of the bar pretty much on entry.

Bar #2- Sonny McLean’s.
Happens to be caddy corner from The Shack so it was the logical next choice. At that point I became well acquainted with Michigan and Sir Marks-a-lot and their tactic of picking up women. Sir Marks-a-lot has a sharpie and Michigan has two arms that he asks woman to draw on. I kid you not! At that point I realize that they have been drinking non-stop since the 9am kickoff of the Ohio-Michigan game. My choice was to sit there and be annoyed or to catch up. I’m sure you can guess which one I choose. And a pitcher of beer later I was starting to enjoy watching them get turned down…

Bar #3- Busbys
This is where the day starts to get a bit fuzzy. Mind you it’s not even 5 at this point and already we are on our way to getting trashed. And what better way than with lots and lots of shots and shooters. And this also is where judgment goes out the window. I had to know I was in for trouble when after our 4th round of shots in about a half hour Mr. Uni turns to me and says- ok from this point on I can’t be held accountable for what happens… um ok. And of course you guessed it. This is where both of us seemed to think it was perfectly acceptable to make out. At. A. Bar. Oh don’t snicker, you know you’ve been there before! And it was hard to resist when he kept telling me how he doesn’t want to scare me off but has been in love with me since high school. Sober I would have run, but drunk it was very cute. This also is where we met up with Miss Lip. Yay another girl…but of course she was very nice but not much of a personality. So much that when we left Busbys to drop off Sir Marks-a-lot to change it wasn’t until we were at his place did we realize we had left her at the bar and had to go back. Once again, I kid you not!

Michigan’s Apartment
Needing a break from the bars at around 7 we went back to Michigan’s Apartment where of course you guessed it, had more booze. And of course got to christen the couch ;) There also was a little freestyle be-bopping with the neighbors on the way out… yes it really was one of the most random nights I’ve had in a long time!

Bar #4- South
One of my favorites so you know this bar of course had to make an appearance. And now this is the part of the evening when Michigan thought I too needed a tattoo so yes I woke up this morning and was like why the hell do I have Zonie written on my arm! Now after some dancing and some more kissing we were off to another bar. But not before we ran into Miss High School. Now this was the part of the evening that I actually found really amusing. We sat there and watched her attach herself to Mr. Uni. But while I was like ok I don’t need to compete. After all it wasn’t like I had to guess which one he wanted to go home with. But his friends and Miss Lip were very upset by her. Michigan came over to me and was like who is she and why is she all over Mr. Uni. You obviously are “his girl” and it’s crazy how into you he is so why is he even bothering with her. His words not mine. But at this point I just laughed. So Michigan and Miss Lip decided we needed to head out to another bar in order to ditch her. Though at the same time we lost the rest of their friends. We think they were still at the bar but really we were all so drunk it didn’t matter! So off we go without Miss High School.

Jack In The Box
We had been drinking all day so of course I needed food in my stomach to drink some more!!! Sourdough Jack you really are my GOD!

Bar #5- The gaslite
Karaoke bar. Enough said.

Bar #6- The Parlor
Way too long of a line. We give up and head home.

Now we all know that when I drink I shouldn’t be allowed to be in possession of the phone and on the way back to my place I ended up in fun drunk text conversations with both Steve and Bryan. How I miss my San Diego boys who both were just as trashed as I was. Good to know I’m not the only drunk out there on my Saturday night! And even a 3am text message from Rob… goodness the drunken texts sure were flying last night!

So here I sit on my Sunday afternoon a little bit hungover, ok maybe a lot hungover still laughing at the events of last night. Sure there are parts I’ve forgotten but for the most part those were the basics of last night. And I take one thing from this experience, I might be able to hang with the boys, though I probably shouldn’t… but damn was it ever fun!

Happy Hour of the YEAR: 90 West Lounge

90 West Lounge
12740 Culver Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90066


Phone: (310) 821-4000

Rating: On a scale of 1 – 4 shots
Overall- 4 Shots

Location- 4 Shots. Ok this probably is a little bias since I live just down the street and could basically ride my bike home (oh yea and I work here!) But 4 shots for location, right off the 90 (Hence the 90 West) on Culver Blvd right between Culver City and the Marina.

Atmosphere- 4 shots. The crowd is mainly regulars where I swear to God every really does know your name here. More like a family than a bar, but a great place to hang out. All locals from the area, so it’s a pretty mixed crowd. Younger group than most dive bars so come out and make yourself known.

Drinks- 4 shots. Ok it’s only Beer and Wine, but there is a 2 dollar PBR on tap, and with that price you can’t beat it! All drinks are 50 cents cheaper before 6pm (except the PBR because really you can’t get much cheaper than it already is!)

Food- No food right now, but everyone seems to have no problem bringing their dinner right into the bar, so come order yourself a pizza, have a beer and enjoy!

Bartenders- 4 Shots. You will see a very sexy me bartending… so really you can’t get any better than that! Shoot me an email and I’ll let you know which days/nights I’m working, and come on over and have a beer. Don’t forget to tip your Bartender because I’m trying to earn my way to Jamaica in 3 weeks!

Happy Hour of the Week: The Village Idiot

The Village Idiot
7383 Melrose Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90046

Phone: (323) 655-3331

Rating: On a scale of 1 – 4 shots

Overall- 3.5 Shots

Location- 3 Shots. Seeing as I live on the West Side I think that anything east of the 405 should be downgraded a shot, and this one is right in the heart of West Hollywood where your options are minimal street parking or a Valet which was a little above the price of most 5.50. And he when he only gave me back 4 dollars from my 10 I was tempted to just leave him with no tip since he already seemed to have given himself one!

Atmosphere- 3.5 shots. The crowd was kind of mixed, but unfortunately the usual Hollywood metrosexual guys and industry girls looking to hook up. The place though is really cool inside, more pub than bar. And although it was packed there was room to get a drink, and even empty tables. And it seems to be a watering hole that even us Westsiders frequent, I even ran into my neighbor.

Drinks- 4 shots. The beers were cheap (only 5 dollars) and the mixed drinks where ridiculously strong!

Food- I can’t judge the food since I didn’t try it, but as it was going by it both smelled and looked amazing. Traditional American and Pub fare, nothing too exciting though the fries were calling to me.

Bartender/Waitress- 3.5 Shots. More women bartenders than men so they lose half a shot for that, but they were very quick, attentive, and mixed strong drinks!

A special thanks to Kelly, Kelli, Laura, Matt and Rex for making it out to another weekly Happy Hour (though this time it was at un-Happy Hour hours)… and for entertaining me with stories of penises and celebrity hook ups (personal not tabloid!)

Happy Hour of the Week: Blue on Blue

Blue on Blue
At the Avalon Beverly Hills
9400 West Olympic Boulevard
Beverly Hills, California 90212
310 277 5221

Rating: On a scale of 1 – 4 shots
Overall- 2.5/3 Shots depending if you stick with the Happy Hour times or want to go a little later and pay way too much!

Location- 3.5 Shots. Right in the heart of Beverly Hills but a little off the main drag, this place is easy to get to (valet is free which is a big plus in Los Angeles) and if you have a little extra money and get too drunk you can always just stay at the hotel

Atmosphere- 4 shots. There is nothing more romantic than sitting by candlelight in a cabana poolside. The mix of crowd was young, yuppie and hot-ish, the usually LA hotel bar crowd.

Drinks- 3 Shots (during Happy Hour) but only 2 shots on a normal evening. More than anything in life I have having to pay 15 dollars for a Martini, it’s insane. And even worse was the 13 dollar glass of chardonnay that came, I kid you not, only 1/3 full! During Happy Hour (from 4-7pm Monday through Friday) the drinks go down to 8 dollars. Still a little pricey but at least a little more affordable.

Food- 3 shots (during Happy Hour) but only 2 shots on a normal evening. Once again during Happy Hour their tapas for to a great price- $6 for one item and $15 for three. Which is a big improvement over the $12 that the hummus was after 7. But I have to say- it was pretty damn good. Though on the plus side, I kept ordering more of the bread- which was equally as good and FREE.

Bartender/Waitress- 2 Shots. Come on guys, filling a wine glass only 1/3 full is not my idea of a good drink! Sitting outside we had a waitress, and although she was attentive I felt she was finding us a waste of her time since we weren’t drinking drink after drink, or ordering the more expensive bottles of wine that were on the menu.

A special thanks to Laura and Kelli for coming out and enjoying another weekly Happy Hour with me! And keeping me entertained with stories of bad dates gone wrong… wow we’ve had our share, haven’t we?!

Cocktail of the Week: Lazy Day Mango Daiquiri

After an exhausting weekend, my Margarita Mondays became Mango-Daiquiri Monday with this easy (read LAZY recipe)… and this made for a perfect Monday Afternoon laying on a pool float!

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 Bottle of Light Rum

- 1 Pint Mango Sorbet (though you can choose just about any fruit flavor you want)

- Orange Juice Ice Cubes (or just plain ice if you really are lazy)

Step One: The night before

Fill ice cube trays with Orange Juice (or if you want to go more traditional you can use Mango Daiquiri Mix). Freeze Overnight

Step Two: The day of

In a blender, puree 2 cups of Rum, a pint of Mango Sorbet and Juice cubes to taste. Pour into a pitcher, grab a glass and a pool float and enjoy!

Happy Hour of the Week- Millers Field

Millers Field
4465 Mission Blvd.,
San Diego, California, 92109
(858) 483-4143
Rating: On a scale of 1 – 4 shots
Overall- 3 Shots

Location- 0 Shots (if you live in LA) though 3 ¾ shots if you live in San Diego. This one is literally stumbling distance from Pacific Beach (between Garnet and Grand if you know anything about PB). A ¼ shot was deducted because it’s not literally on the beach, but from the outdoor patio on the 2nd floor you will be able to get a glimpse of the ocean!

Atmosphere- 2 shots. I actually choose this bar because it was fairly empty. Though mind you I was doing my happy hour during a non-happy hour at this bar on a Sunday afternoon in July. All the bars along the beach were rocking, and having to kill some time alone I actually was looking to just sit outside, have a beer and read a magazine. They also have free wi-fi so I have a feeling I’m not the only dork that has stumbled into that bar looking to relax with a beer alone!

Drinks- 3 Shots. I only had a Hefeweizen but I noticed that they do have really cheap Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s on Saturday and Sunday mornings until 1pm. Just wished that the weekend happy hour went a little longer!

Food- 2 1/2 shots. I only tried the French Fries (which mind you were actually really good) but it was pretty much standard bar fare without any healthy food other than the salads. I was looking for some kind of quick veggies but was FORCED to go for the greasy fries instead.

Bartenders- 3 1/2 Shots. Although they were not the attractive bartenders that you usually find in Los Angeles they were very quick and very attentive. I got my fries, my beer, and my check right away! And I wasn’t made to feel like a loser to be spending my early Sunday evening in a bar alone reading.

A special thanks to the Las Vegas Airport for making my trip to Millers Field happen… if Chris hadn’t gotten stuck on the runway I would never have had time to enjoy a little San Diego Happy Hour!

Top Budget Champagnes: Blason de Bourgogne- Cuvee Brut

I figured for my reviews of the top Budget Champagnes (and trust me I plan on tasting ALL of them) I should probably start with my favorite! Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you should be stuck with ghetto wines… and as much as I do occasionally enjoy my 2-buck Chuck it’s always nice to branch out and try different things. So for my top favorite of budget Champagnes I give to you Cuvee Brut. Its 8 dollars from Trader Joes (a really great deal let me tell you) and comes the closest to tasting like one of my favorite pricier Champagnes Vive Clique (Orange Label). The Cuvee Brute was dry, crisp, and surprisingly light. For those wine snobs it’s from France (Burgundy) and officially is termed “sparking wine” with a very subtle Apple and Nut taste to it. But really what you need to know is that it was great in my mimosas but was also able to stand out on it’s own for a good glass of champagne. I liked this one so much I’ve bought a couple more bottles, even though I’ve been slowly driving through TJ’s Champagne and Sparkling Wine section.

Cocktail of the Week: Hardt’s Tropical Sangria

Now of all the drinks that have been forced on my friends this one by FAR has been the group favorite. Originally tried out on a hot 4th of July in the Valley, but would recommend it for everything from Brunch to a Dinner Party. Best Part- you can feel “healthy” by serving it with a fork and you will have alcohol fruit! Now I changed (read messed up!) the original recipe and it came out fantastic. So here is my version, but feel free to add and change anything because that usually will make the best drinks. Originally it did have Mangos and Papayas but due to the fruit shortage at Trader Joes it became Mangos and Pineapples- still tasted great so feel free to experiment!

INGREDIENTS:
- 1 Bag Frozen Mangos
- 1 Bag Frozen Pineapple
- Passion Fruit Pulp (I used just the frozen concentrate but didn’t add the additional water to it)
- Rum (you can use either dark or light rum for this)
- Bottle of Pinot Grigio (don’t bother with the more expensive bottles, 2-buck chuck works great and it all will taste the same anyways in the end)
- Club Soda or 7-up

Step One: The night before
Fill a large pitcher with 16oz Rum, Mangos, and Pineapples. Mix together and leave in your fridge overnight.

Step Two: The day of
When ready to serve pour in the Pinot Grigio and 8-16 ounces of either Club Soda or 7-up. I mixed two different sets to try both of them and they tasted about the same. I prefer the club soda, but the 7-up will give it a sweeter flavor.

Now it’s ready to serve over a glass of ice!

Cocktail of the Week: Byrne-sicle (AKA Creamsicle)

INGREDIENTS:
- Orange Soda (or Orange Cream Soda if you want it extra sweet)
- Vanilla Vodka
- Either Ice or Vanilla Ice Cream

Step One:
Fill a large Pilsner Glass or Glass Mug with either Ice or Vanilla Ice Cream.

Step Two:
Add 2 shots of Vanilla Vodka.

Step Three:
Then just fill the Glass up to the top with Orange Soda. Stir and enjoy.

Happy Hour of the Week: Mexicali

Mexicali Cocina Cantina
12161 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604-2515
Phone: (818) 985-1744

Rating: On a scale of 1 – 4 shots
Overall- 3.5 Shots

Location- 2 Shots. Since it’s in the Valley! But anyone from over that side of the hill will rate it a 5 since it’s in the middle of everything over there, and only a short canyon ride away from Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

Atmosphere- 2 shots. Although it’s a great bar it was pretty empty for a Monday night and the crowd was mostly much older (unattractive) men. Though as a disclaimer I have to say I’ve been here many times and it’s usually packed. But had to deduct a shot based on the fact it only has one Women’s restroom!

Drinks- 4 Shots. The Margaritas were good and cheap. During happy hour (4 – 5pm, Monday – Friday) it’s under 5 dollars for a regular margarita! But watch out the specialty margaritas are a little more. Though the low carb (AKA Jessica Simpson) is actually really good and worth the extra money!

Food- 3 shots. The foods great, usually a little over priced but you get big portions for your money. And on Monday night it’s 30% off all food so for 10 dollars I got a huge plate of nachos (too much for 3 people!) and a Margarita.

Bartenders- 4 Shots. They were attractive, quick and attentive.

A special thanks to Kelly and Alissa for enjoying Margarita Monday with me!

Vodka Infusion of the week: Skittles Vodka- Taste the Vodka

Ingredients:
1 bottle of Vodka
1 large bag of Skittles

This weeks infusion is going to be Skittle Vodka… now reading up on it, it does seem to have mixed results. Some say too sweet, some say too syrupy, and some say just right! Though all did have the same warning- you can’t taste the alcohol! So remember that by adding the skittles you aren’t changing the proof of the vodka. Drink wisely!

Step 1:
You have two options- you can either add all the skittles (except for Green and Purple- they make odd color and taste combos) or you can separate out each color and make individual flavor vodka. I’ve decided to try separating the colors.

Though a hint to you- do this on a full stomach! I started when I was hungry and quickly wanted to throw up from eating too many skittles (that and I started to get worried I was going to eat all the skittles and then only have ½ skittles vodka!

So I put on some music and started my sorting… though I have to say it did get a little tedious (making me wish maybe I should have just thrown them all in together and just chance that they come out good!). Though it turns out there are only 5 skittles colors, I guess you can’t really taste the entire rainbow! But my second tip of the day is to probably do this with someone so you can chat as you sort… but I digress and must get back to my sorting…

Step 2:
Place skittles (use 20-25 skittle per 350 ML of Vodka) in a glass/plastic jar with an airtight lid. Fill with Vodka.










Step 3:
Place in a dark place for 1 -2 weeks.

Step 4:

Strain out the Skittles with a cheese cloth and enjoy!

Cocktail of the Week: Pimosa-ade

INGREDIENTS:
- Champagne
- Pomegranate Juice
- Lemonade

In each Champagne Glass mix: ½ glass of Champagne, ¼ glass of Pomegranate Juice and ¼ glass of Lemonade.


* This one is perfect for a lazy Sunday morning or an afternoon laying out by the pool. Personally used this one on a hot summer Saturday while having a yard sale.