B.D.L.A.

DOWNWARD DEAL: 30 BUCKS = 2 WEEKS OF UNLIMITED YOGA. IT’S YOGAWORKS “NEW STUDENTS” OFFER!

2008-10-06T20:56:33-07:00

Neighborhood: Throughout LA

With all this hype behind the ‘stay-cation’ this year, it’s hard to figure out what to do within LA that will truly make you forget about the stress of everyday life. Here’s an idea for the dogs… the downward dogs that is…

Yogaworks ongoing “new students” offer – sign up today, pay just $30.00, and get unlimited yoga classes for 2 whole weeks. Why pay for a pricey spa retreat when you can get in touch with your inner chakra, right here in town, for about 2 dollars a day? Being that the average yoga class costs $17.00… if you only go twice, you’ve still scored some savings.

Opinions on yoga studios are as varied as the types of poses one performs in class. Yogaworks is a chain of sorts – there are 8 in the LA area alone… but it offers clean, upscale studios with a huge variety of classes. Are you a yoga neophyte? There are plenty of intro classes at all the studios. Looking to relax? Most Yogaworks studios offer a few meditation and relaxation programs. Want something totally different? Sign up for the live music or candlelight sessions, available a few times a week at most of their locations. If you feel like keeping it interesting, you're permitted to use any Yogaworks, anywhere in the city, throughout the two week special.

I’ve personally done the 30.00 deal with Yogaworks twice (after a year, you are eligible again) at two different studios. Both places I found to be serene urban environments – polished bamboo floors in the classrooms, ample changing areas, and peaceful lobbies with hot, complimentary tea always brewed. With a friendly staff and encouraging teachers, I’ve never been intimidated. I’ve sweated it out and left sore at Level ½…. So if you’re unsure of your ability, start at beginner and take it from there.

Cost: $30.00 for 2 weeks of unlimited yoga, any class. New students only.

Link for deal: http://www.yogaworks.com/new_students/sign_up_now.aspx

IT MAKES CENTS TO TELL YOU... UPCOMING DEALS AT LA LANDMARK RESTAURANTS & CITY MUSEUMS....

2008-09-28T19:17:09-07:00

I wouldn't be doing my job as a 'good deal blogger' if I didn't pass on these October events, where two of LA's beloved and historic restaurants are reducing their menu to near-free prices.

This month, Philipe's the Original - the always-crowded french dip sandwich shop downtown - will celebrate their 100th (100th!!!) birthday. We all know how hard it is for restaurants to stay open for 10 years... 1 year... even a couple of months. Respect must be paid. Phillipe's claims to have invented the french dip sandwich (others dispute this)...however, nowhere else have I had a roast beef-on-a-French-roll sub that's already been dipped in the au jus sauce before it's served to you. That's right, the whole thing dunked once, twice...three times if you ask for it. On October 6th, from 4 to 8pm, Philippe's is rolling back their prices to the amounts they charged when the joint first opened. That means the sandwiches are 10 cents, the coffee 5 cents. Get downtown for the party...

http://www.philippes.com/

Also, Canter's Deli - that love it or hate it institution smack in the middle of the Fairfax district, will celebrate their own birthday - that's number 60 for them, by serving up their famous pastrami sandwich for only 60 cents on October 14th, noon - midnight. I like the historical vibe of this place, and you can't beat the mix of people (loyal senior citizens, tourists, and rock-n-roll locals), I've never totally fallen for the food though. However, the pastrami is good, and why not scarf one down at that low price?

http://www.cantersdeli.com

Off the subject of food and onto the topic of art & culture... almost all of Southern Cali's public museum's are offering free admission for a weekend - Oct Oct 4th and 5th. This includes LACMA, the Hammer, the National History Museum as well as 21 others. Check out the museum's website before visting to confirm they are participating.

Enjoy...

WHY IS "DOLCE" SO PACKED ON MONDAY NIGHTS? THE ENTIRE MENU IS 1/2 PRICE!

2008-09-27T15:07:54-07:00

Neighborhood: Hollywood

Heard of Dolce Restaurant on Melrose? When it first opened its doors, it was known to many as “Ashton Kutcher’s restaurant”. He was a hot star on the rise, and his name helped lure the Hollywood crowd Dolce was beckoning. In actuality, Ashton just was one of several major investors… and today the Dolce restaurant group has expanded their empire to include the sushi supper club Geisha House and the upscale Sunset-strip diner, Ketchup, amongst others.

I’m not normally into restaurants with a high-rollin’ attitude… Vegas can keep those to themselves. However, twice my good friend Kelly has treated me to dinner at Dolce, and both times I’ve left, well… a fan.

Here’s a secret that Dolce doesn’t tell on their website – Monday nights, the entire food menu is served at ½ price. That means that every appetizer and starter salad is less then $10.00. The same goes for the sizable pasta menu – normally around $17.00…on Monday’s around $8.00. The biggest treat for Kelly and I were the meat and potato entrees that we scored for less then $20.00 a plate. Kelly ordered up the mushroom filet mignon, brought down from $36.00 to $18.00. I indulged in the New York strip with peppercorn sauce for the same price. The steaks were smothered in the sauces… so if you like to enjoy the meat on it’s own, be sure to request the sauce on the side. My NY steak was good – not the best… but I found myself jealous of Kelly’s tender, more flavorful filet when she shared a bite. Next time I’m going that route. It should be noted we passed up one of Dolce’s signature dishes – a cherry port wine pork chop, that the waiter raved about… on Monday priced at about $13.00.

Though we didn’t try the pastas, they looked divine (and rather big) as they were served to the party next to us. We did indulge in the Hollywood Dolce Salad – a simple salad of mixed greens, fresh avocado and candied walnuts (just $7.00). Dressed just right and big enough for two– I absolutely recommend it.
Often in the restaurant world, Monday nights are the deal nights, as it is traditionally a restaurants slowest night. Here, the strategy is definitely working… the place was packed to the gills by 8pm. Be sure to make a reservation.

Dolce offers two distinct atmospheres – inside it is dark, lit mostly by candles and the roaring flames that burn along a pipe behind the bar. The music gets loud, and the feel is clubby. “Outside” (a closed in deck area of sorts) it’s easier to hear one another, and the lighting is just a bit brighter.
Service was friendly and efficient, though we had to swallow our pride and check with the waiter on the ½ price offering before we ordered, since there is no mention of it on the menu. Another server in our room was polite enough to welcome his tables explaining the deal.

At the end, we were given two bills – one which showed our total ‘before discount’, and the other the half off bill. It was cool to see we had saved on dinner, but of course, they are giving you both as a way of asking you to tip on the ‘original’.

Still, Kelly and I smiled at seeing our savings spelled out for us… our food bill of $100.00 halved to less then $50.00 made us feel like we were doing something right to kick off our week.

Link: http://www.dolcegroup.com/

Cost: Appetizers, pastas and salads are all under $10.00. Entrée dinners (steaks, seafood) all under $20.00. Monday nights only.

Notes: Valet is $4.50, but nearby street parking isn’t too tough to find.

A DAMN GOOD SANDWICH: THE "PANINI CART" INSIDE LARCHMONT VILLAGE WINE, SPIRITS & CHEESE

2008-09-18T11:04:20-07:00

Neighborhood: Larchmont Village in Hancock Park

It seems that on every corner of LA, a Subway or Quiznos can be found. It’s enough to make you forget what a sandwich can taste like when it’s a bit less… franchised. I highly suggest making a trip to Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese to find out – it’s pure heaven.

Larchmont Village is the name given to the block of Larchmont Boulevard that serves as the community center for the surrounding (and wealthy) neighborhood of Hancock Park. Though the street is composed of a variety of fancy restaurants, clothing boutiques, and yoga studios – the best reason to visit during the lunch hour is to get your hands on one of these crunchy, huge, fresh paninis – and they’re all under 10 bucks.

Even if Larchmont Village Wine & Cheese weren’t serving these, this is still a wonderful shop. Shelves stocked with wine from all regions, an expert and friendly staff, and hey – a whole area near the cash register devoted to European candy bars that are hard to find in the States. You certainly won’t be disappointed if you’ve come here to replenish your wine rack or pantry with interesting finds.

But let’s get back to those sandwiches. Only served Mon – Sat, from 11am – 5pm, just look for the deli counter in the rear of the store. Most likely you’ll be shuffled into a line, but don’t worry, it moves fast – as the sandwich makers create these delicious lunches with stunning speed and efficiency.

My personal favorite is the soppressata salami – served with Spanish manchego cheese, mixed greens, and sundried tomato mayo. This particular cut of Salami is so thin and flavorful; it’s closer to prosciutto then the old Oscar Meyer’s lunch box staple you may be used to. Speaking of prosciutto – that’s a great sandwich too, layered with fresh mozzarella, arugula, and extra virgin olive oil. For vegetarians, there’s a tasty caprese sandwich, as well as one that has roasted peppers and avocado. For all sandwiches, you get your choice of crunchy French baguette or a flatter, softer Italian ciabatta – both so fresh and so good, it’s a hard say which I prefer.

This is a perfect meal to pick up before the Bowl, or to bring along on a weekend picnic. You can even call your orders in advance and have them waiting for pick up. Oh, and you can order ½ versions of the sandwiches for less then $5.00. Unless your hunger is ravenous, the half size is quite filling… especially if you pair it with chips and the above-mentioned Euro candy bars. You may never look at Subway the same.

The Larchmont Village Wine & Cheese Shop – Panini Cart
223 N. Larchmont Blvd. (between Beverly and 3rd St)
Los Angeles, CA 90004
323-856-8699

Cost: All full sandwiches priced from $7.00 - $9.00. All ½ sizes under $5.00.

Note: Once the bread is gone, the sandwich making stops. Play it safe and get there on the earlier side, or call ahead.

GOT THE END OF SUMMER BLUES? PICK YOURSELF UP WITH LUNA PARK’S $10.00 BLUE PLATE SPECIALS

2008-08-28T14:11:23-07:00

Neighborhood: Miracle Mile

Luna Park Restaurant has always had a special place in my heart. A sister restaurant to the SanFran original, it is one of the few LA hotspots that have managed to be both popular and trendy, but not take it all too seriously. I fell for Luna months before I was actually able to visit. Why? Just check out the menu online – the focus is not only on quality food, but serving it up in fun and inventive ways. Is there any place else in town where you can order up a drink called “You’re a Pepper” – and receive a tray with a miniature (and adorable) bottle of Dr. Pepper, a pocket-sized Vanilla Absolut vodka, and a tiny jar of organic vanilla syrup? It’s you that gets to mix up the ingredients – and there’s enough here to make two glasses worth.

Luna Park has always kept the entrée prices reasonable for the quality of cooking you are getting – the delicious BBQ glazed pork chops with cigar onion rings are the most expensive item on the menu, and they’re only 20 bucks. Everything else – the pastas, the pizzas, the fish and the chicken – are all around the 15 dollar range.

Now, the menu just got sweeter – Luna Park has introduced their dinner Blue Plate Special – a select entrée from the regular menu, for just $10.00-$12.00 . In the beginning, this was just a Monday deal. However, the night proved so popular that they’ve expanded on both sides – you can now order up the blue plate Sunday through Tuesday. Talk about helping you over the start of the work week.

The pork dish I mentioned has been known to pop up here, becoming a half price steal. The delicious Moroccan spaghetti – pasta with lamb and beef meatballs served in a hearty red sauce – has been given the blue-plate treatment too. Vegetarian? They’ll always have a blue-plate option waiting for you as well.

In true Luna style, the blue plate special is served on an actual blue plate… and offered with a rotating $5.00 drink special, served in matching blue glassware. Isn’t it worth it just for the fun of it all?

No matter what night you dine here, or what you end up ordering, I must mention the dessert that made Luna Park famous – the Make Your Own S’mores. Before haute menus everywhere began introducing their own fancy-pants version of the camping favorite, Luna Park’s guests were dipping homemade graham cracker cookies into marshmallow fondue. Inevitably, someone I’m dining with will remark “it’s just not the real thing”. Maybe, but unless you have convenient access to a roaring campfire in your home, this dish remains a must-try for S’mores lovers everywhere.

So, let’s review – fun atmosphere, kooky cocktails, $10.00-ish entrée specials, and S’mores you can make as gooey and chocolaty as you wish. My Monday-workday blues are definitely forgotten about here – all it takes is a blue plate, a good price – and melted marshmallow.

(P.S. – need a good Sunday brunch spot, but don’t feel like dealing with a crowd? Somehow Luna Park’s Sunday brunch remains undiscovered by the masses. Great menu, cheap mimosas, and pretty close to empty. Eat it up before the secret gets out.)

Link: http://www.lunaparkla.com/

Cost: Blue plate special entrée offered Mon-Tue, dinner only $10.00 - $12.00. Blue plate special drink $5.00. "You're a Pepper" cocktail $9.50. S’mores dessert (for 2-4) $8.25.
See website for regular menu/cocktail prices.

Note: Metered parking (free after 6pm) available on La Brea, but sometimes tough. Valet parking is offered at Luna Park and is worth the price if you can’t find street parking in the immediate area.

THE WEEKLY JET RAG $1.00 SUNDAY SALE

2008-08-20T17:22:12-07:00

Itching to go on a clothes-shopping spree, but feel guilty about spending the cash? Maybe it’s time you worked your way over to resale giant Jet Rag to check out the Sunday sale that’s always happening in their parking lot.

First you’ll see the tents, then the swarms of thrifty hipsters scrambling this way and that. At their feet is the treasure – piles and piles of clothes of every variety, all priced equally – $1.00. You think they’re gonna hang clothes that cost this little?

If you like hunting for that one-of-a-kind shirt at the lowest price this side of free, then let the games begin. Every Sunday, starting at the 9am hour, clothes are literally dumped into 4 long piles in Jet Rag’s parking lot. The loyal and devoted are already there, ready to jump in and start digging. There’s a rumor that the best items are dragged out at this time (though the piles are refreshed all day).

There’s a whole lotta fabrics in those piles – I’ve never felt so much nylon-polyester blends in my life. T-shirts, button ups, bellbottoms, prom gowns, track jackets – even to my friend’s horrified surprise once – underwear (a slip up, I want to believe). If you see something you are considering, hold on to it tight. Those in the know won’t dare leave their finds anywhere but clutched in their arms like a baby. Once, I witnessed a Levi’s tug-of-war break out as two hippie boys unknowingly each pulled a leg from the pile, then after sizing up their opponent, battled each other for the dollar denim. Fantastic.

If this style of second hand isn’t your thing, understood. Some of us do like dressing rooms and air conditioning. However, no matter your taste, I suggest all Halloween costume planning start here, as I’ve personally witnessed disco queens, 80’s rockers and zombie bride outfits all creatively resurrected from these vintage ashes.

For a year or so, my friend Ray and I would make a pit-stop here part of our Sunday routine. It was fun to dive in to the fray, and have no financial regrets about dumping a pile of shirts in front of the cashier. Then one day, when we both reached a certain age, we looked at each other, and with a nod, knew we were done. We had outgrown the thrill of the hunt…

Now I enjoy driving by, and observing that both hippies and hipsters, punk rockers and funky fashionitas, have carried on the thrifty circus without us.

The Jet Rag $1.00 sale happens every Sunday, rain or shine, 9am to about 5pm.

Jet Rag
825 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038-3340
Phone: (323) 939-0528

Cost: All items in parking lot are $1.00. Sodas/water also $1.00.

Note: Metered street parking on La Brea is free on Sundays, and usually available between Melrose and Santa Monica blvd.

THE HOLLYWOOD SCENE WITHOUT THE VELVET ROPE: THE BELMONT HAPPY HOUR

2008-08-15T17:29:29-07:00

Neighborhood: West Hollywood

If you’ve been to The Belmont Café on a weekend night, you’ve seen what it is capable of becoming: a long line wrapped around the sidewalk, beautiful Hollywood girls dressed to the nines, and the men that will follow them anywhere. The music gets loud, the crowd gets drunk, and the bouncer gets slightly strict – I was denied entry once for donning flip-flops.

That’s fine – I prefer The Belmont during its more casual time – the daily happy hour from 4pm to 7pm. Here, the doorman is absent, the perky hostess is happy to seat you, and flip-flops are the attire du jour. The entire drink menu is served at half price. The real deal though is the appetizers, normally priced between $11 - $15.00, also given the half off treatment. This is no stale chips and canned salsa joint. The chef is working hard on these apps – sushi-grade ahi tuna chopped and mixed with diced avocado, served with delicately crunchy wonton chips. Beef filet skewers cooked to tender perfection, just right for dipping in the accompanying peanut sauce. Hungry for something heartier then hors d’oeuvres? Order up the beer battered fish and chips – it’s truly a complete dinner. Nothing here has ever disappointed – and a constant crowd pleaser is the mac n’ cheese – that’s blue cheese they are using, as well as scrumptious smoked applewood bacon. It’s heavenly… and even for a starter, heavy. Split this one with a friend.

This happy hour is so good, I fear the secret is getting out. Lately, I’ve found the hostess asking if I had reservations for the porch. The deck is fun – breezy, shaded, and an ideal people watching position over La Cienega’s smoking hot restaurant row (Spanish Kitchen, Area, Republic) The drawback for some? Smoking is permitted, and a good portion of the crowd is lighting up. If smelling second hand isn’t your thing, make sure to grab a table inside.

The service is adequate if somewhat short - I’ve found the young, attractive waiters usually have a look on their face like they’d rather be drinking with you then serving you. The crowd is undeniably trendy – I’ve mistaken 3 women for Jessica Simpson, if that paints a picture for you.

Still – it all comes back to the food and drink. My friends and I shared a variety of appetizers and drank our fill of frosty draft beer while the sun set on our weekend. At about 7.00 for each dish, and 3.00 per drink – we left full and buzzed and, with paying so little, quite happy. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

Cost: 2 beers, 2 appetizers = About $21.00 before tip

Link: http://thebelmontcafe.com

Note: The only appetizer not discounted at happy hour are the crab legs.
More deals outside of happy hour – arrive before 10am, and breakfast is $6.00 or less. The make your own Bloody Mary bar on weekends is a fun compliment to your omelet.

GET THE FULL SALON TREATMENT FOR $20.00! TRIM SALON'S 1st TIMERS DEAL

2008-08-15T17:11:31-07:00

Neighborhood: Venice

OK, so, the last couple haircuts at my regular barbershop left my less then thrilled. My usual hairdresser had left, and his replacements weren’t, uh, cutting it. I needed a change, but wasn’t ready to roll the pricey dice yet on an expensive salon.

Thankfully, Trim Hair Salon in Venice came to the rescue – practically beckoning me to give them a shot with their money-saving 1st timers deal – only $20.00. That price, by the way, is for the full salon experience. Let’s be clear – this isn’t a barbershop. It’s a casual, but upscale, salon located in the heart of the Venice's Abbot Kinney district, and only blocks from the beach. When I came in I was greeted with my choice of a complimentary wine or Diet Coke. I waited only mere moments in the comfortable lounge until my hairdresser, Dina, came to take care of me. She was polite and, thankfully, she was talented – after my shampoo, scalp massage, haircut, and style, I left more satisfied with my new ‘do then I had been in months.

The most important thing to note here is I wasn’t treated like a cheapskate, but rather, with the upmost attention. After all, this twenty-dollar offer is Trim’s way of enticing you to be a regular. If you become one, know that men’s haircuts are raised to the standard rate of $45.00, women $65.00. Or maybe you’ll note the style they give you, like I did, and be able to better describe what you want for your next haircut elsewhere.

I know many of you have your regular hairdresser, and leaving them for another salon is akin to breaking up a marriage. However, if the beauty budget has taken a beating this month because, say, you just had to buy those expensive jeans… maybe taking advantage of Trim’s deal this once will help redress the balance?

Trim Salon
1424 Abbot Kinney, Venice, 90291
310-396-3330

Cost: $20.00 + gratuity.

Note: Street parking is free and plentiful on Abbot Kinney and surrounding streets - even on weekends. Trim is a full service salon, offering highlights, coloring, and nail treatments for an additional cost.

WATCH THE SUNSET ON SUNSET – THE RED ROCK HAPPY HOUR

2008-07-08T13:07:59-07:00

Neighborhood: West Hollywood

I have friends who have said that Red Rock Bar on Sunset Boulevard isn’t for them – crowded, loud, floors sticky with booze. Every single one of them confesses to being converted once they’ve dropped by for Red Rock’s daily happy hour (5pm - 7pm).

When I moved to LA, happy hours at good LA bars were few and far between. They’ve only started to take off in the past five years or so. Like a stable friend in a fast moving town, Red Rock’s good drinking deal has always been there for me from the beginning, offering staggeringly low prices for great tap beer and well-mixed cocktails.

An anomaly of sorts on the famed Sunset Blvd., Red Rock feels like a true neighborhood watering hole surrounded by rock clubs that charge exorbitant admission fees or clubby tourist traps. Never a cover here, never an attitude – and even though ALL drinks are ½ price – never too crowded at happy hour. Even parking here comes easy – valet in the back for about 5.00 instead of paying upwards of 20.00 in any of the other Sunset ripoffs, er, lots.

Grab some friends, and head directly to the west of the bar upon entering – that’s where the best seats in the house are. Get a menu because the food here is better then your average bar grub, with the crisp calamari being a consistent standout. Sit back and enjoy a $3.00 Heifeweizen in front of the huge open windows, which allow the warm breeze to flow in. Watch the Sunset traffic drift by, the people float in and out of neighboring institution Book Soup, and toast the sun as it sets behind the Hollywood hills. Can you think of a more classic way to spend a LA afternoon?

COST: All drinks 1/2 off between 5pm-7pm everyday. (About $3.00-4.00 a drink). Metered street parking should be available at this time, or, park at the bar for $4.50 valet (parking lot in back)

LINK: www.redrocksunset.com

EAT 4 COURSES & DRINK 2 COCKTAILS FOR 40 BUCKS: THE PORTERHOUSE BISTRO PRIX-FIXE DINNER

2008-06-17T23:23:52-07:00

Neighborhood: Beverly Hills

The other night, my date and I slipped into this cozy and modern Beverly Hills steakhouse, settling in for an enjoyable, multi-course steak dinner - complete with 2 martinis for us both, and dessert. Who else knows about this unbelievable steal at the Porterhouse Bistro? The place has never been packed, but the customers are steady and varied. Around us: a young man and woman sharing a steak on a first date, and a group of friends who had to make sure the wine they were ordering was included in the deal – it is. Yes, the first course here is the breadbasket – but the rustic and warm La Brea Bakery rolls come with a platter of inspired spreads – tomato bruschetta, olive tapenade, and a roasted garlic clove share space with the standard butter. For the second course, my French Onion soup was a dazzler for the eyes – a heaping pastry puff baked over the cheesy onion broth. Unfortunately, the taste of the onion broth was bland and forgettable. Skip the spectacle and order the crisp Caesar or the steakhouse classic Lettuce Wedge. The meal’s centerpiece did not disappoint – the Porterhouse for 2 was brought out sizzling in its own juices, fresh from the grill. The tender meat was already carved off the bone, so all we had to do was lift our share onto our plates. Unbelievably rich and tasty, the perfectly done medium steak melted in our mouths. Did I mention we each got a side? The garlic mashed potatoes complimented the meat perfectly, while the creamed corn was some of the best I've had. There were enough of the side dishes to split these as well. The surprise here was dessert – usually an afterthought for ‘dinner specials’ (think a scoop of ice cream), here the presentation of the chocolate lava cake and the strawberry shortcake that we had ordered made our stomachs instantly forget that we were already full. Our server paced our food perfectly, and made sure we got our second cocktail before the steak arrived. The deal here is so good, we kept waiting for the ‘catch’. No catch, just a fantastic dinner at a great price – we can’t wait to go back and do it again.

COST: $43.20 for four courses, and 2 drinks (well cocktail, beer, wine, or soda)

LINK:www.porterhousebistro.com

NOTES: On holidays the price of the deal raises to $53.20. Valet parking. Reservations suggested.