What better way to get 2008 started than with some cheap booze at some happening city spots? Here's a few more we managed to dig up this week -- send your secret spots and recommendations my way at carrie@laist.com. Yes, some of these are later than the usual after-work happy hour, but I know you L.A. kids -- you can't be bothered to go out before at least 9pm, so enjoy some after-hours drink deals just the same! more ›

"Vive l'independance!" Sure, we just hoisted back a few brews, grilled up some meat eats, and set off our own rockets' red glare on the 4th of July, but for the French--or merely fans of--today is the day of celebration: Bastille Day, which commemorates France's national uprising and storming of the Bastille prison. (We love history, but we'd rather talk parties, so if you've an inquiring mind, hop on over here and we'll continue with... more ›

Yesterday we rhapsodized a wee bit about a recent outing to LA's lovely Farmers Market, but we quite deliberately left out the part about our leisurely luncheon at the Market's Monsieur Marcel. After wandering the many shops and stalls and booths, we were lured by the sunlit tabletops boasting colorful cloths, a healthy wine list, and the notion of a quieter, less hectic meal somewhat removed from the central chaos of the Market. We settled in with a glass of wine (for us a nice, lightly sweet and pleasantly bubbly Prosecco, and for our dining companion a Chardonnay) and wrestled with our many menu choices. more ›