Latest news with #StephanieBreijo


Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
It's time to fall in love with a new cocktail: Here are 21 new L.A. bars to check out
While cuisine often takes center stage in Southern California, at L.A. bars it's also quite possible to 'have it all.' And we all have our favorites: the Short Stop in Echo Park after Dodger wins, the Tiki Ti in Los Feliz when you're looking for the island vibe or a refreshing sidecar at Pico Rivera's bustling and dimly lit Dal Rae. Sure, they're all wonderful. But it's also fun to experience new scenes, different twists on some classics and to just find yourself in a different locale with a new drink. The Times' Food team, led by colleagues Stephanie Breijo and Danielle Dorsey, is inviting readers to add to your favorites by visiting one or all of their 21 new bars to check out. Here's a quick look at their full list. Cheers. This is the place to let the good times roll in true New Orleans fashion. All of the requisites are here: Ramos gin fizzes hand-shaken to an inch-high fluffy top, smooth sazeracs, mint juleps crowned with bushels of fresh mint, frosty hurricanes and more. But the Evangeline Swamp Room also makes room for a few of its own creations, such as a pink-lemonade take on the Pimm's cup, a Cajun riff on the bloody Mary that's garnished with blackened shrimp, and a rotation of frozen seasonal cocktails that go down dangerously easily. When you need food to sop it all up, opt for po'boys, charbroiled oysters, jambalaya fritters, fried okra and gator chili. Walk through the bar area of Mother Wolf past the semi-open kitchen where Evan Funke's celebrated Roman dishes come flying out at a rapid clip. Head through the double doors, hang a left and you'll find yourself at the entrance to Bar Avoja. Like Mother Wolf, Bar Avoja — Roman slang for 'hell yeah' — is co-owned by operator Giancarlo Pagani and inspired by the cuisine of Rome. The cocktails in this Thursday-to-Saturday lounge deserve praise. Sometimes they incorporate region-appropriate ingredients, such as limoncello and amari, other times they blend the unexpected (the Morso Di Vita, made with vodka, tomato, basil and passion fruit, is a highlight). Dimly lit and slightly upscale, it feels like a pared-down, intimate experience. Silver Lake's first bar dedicated to women's sports opened during Pride Month courtesy of wives Janie and Stephanie Ellingwood. Untamed Spirits features TVs throughout the space, from the open-air interior to the covered patio with string lights and hanging plants. The menu offers elevated bar standards including brisket nachos, kimchi fried rice and a smashburger, with house cocktails such as a pear lychee martini and tequila watermelon punch. Taco Tuesday brings tacos priced from $3 to $5, $3 tequila shots and $10 margaritas, while weekend brunch adds smoked brisket hash and a breakfast burrito. Untamed Spirits is an official bar partner of the Angel City Football Club and will host its first watch party on Sept. 7. Day parties, trivia and drag bingo round out the bar's regular programming. The lush, Grecian-inspired escape features a coastal palette with umbrellas, tables and comfortable couches for wasting away a summer day, all with a clear view of the crashing waves at Venice Beach. The beverage program fits the theme with strawberry and cucumber slushies that can be swirled together, a Mediterranean gin and tonic packed with fresh herbs and a pomegranate za'atar mule. The food menu from chef-partner Thomas Lim includes shareable bites such as mezze, skewers, crispy saganaki and a refreshing watermelon salad topped with whipped feta. The rooftop turns clubby with DJs in the evenings and on weekends; its patrons are a healthy mix of locals and tourists. For the entire list, click here. Get wrapped up in tantalizing stories about dating, relationships and marriage. Jim Rainey, staff writerDiamy Wang, homepage internIzzy Nunes, audience internKevinisha Walker, multiplatform editorAndrew J. Campa, reporterKarim Doumar, head of newsletters How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to essentialcalifornia@ Check our top stories, topics and the latest articles on


Los Angeles Times
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Tesla's 24/7 Diner features smashburgers and superchargers
Tesla's long-awaited diner has just opened in Hollywood. Serving smashburgers, hotdogs, chicken & waffles and more; the restaurant has attracted visitors from all over. The lot has about 80 superchargers available, a parking lot movie screen, a viewing deck on the second floor and, of course, a popcorn serving robot named Optimus. Food writers Lauren Ng and Stephanie Breijo share what you should know before you go.


Los Angeles Times
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
LA Times Today: Michelin adds 15 restaurants to its California guide. Nearly half are in Los Angeles
It is the holy grail for restaurants: appearing in the famed Michelin Guide. A star – or even just a mention – can boost a restaurant's visibility and a whole new batch of eateries are being featured in Michelin's 2025 California Guide. L.A. Times food writer Stephanie Breijo joined Lisa McRee to talk about the new additions.