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Chew On This: New Cocktails at Townhouse & Naya, National Paella Day, Be a Certified Beer Server & More

New Cocktails Debut Tonight @Townhouse
Spring has sprung, and tonight the new Spring-inspired cocktail menu debuts at Townhouse in Venice. The bar uses local farmers' market seasonal produce for the cocktails, and fresh, homemade syrups and juices. Downstairs, at the Del Monte Speakeasy, there's another full bar. Check out cocktails like the Brown Derby (hand-squeezed grapefruit juice, house-prepared honey syrup and bourbon) or A Touch of Evil (Mescal, house date syrup and market-fresh clementine and grapefruit juice).
Lunch Re-Launched @Mezze
It's their one year anniversary, so Mezze is switching up how they do lunch. They will now offer a selection of small plates and sandwiches; for $15 guests can now choose two Mezze specialties (like Fatoush, Beet Salad, Cauliflower Flatbread, Manila Clams, Braised Moroccan Chicken Wings, sandwiches and more). $5 more gets you a glass of house red or white wine. Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday, Noon to 2 p.m.
National Paella Day @ Cafe del Rey
Did you even know there was such a celebration? If you're a fan of paella, hit up Cafe del Rey on Tuesday, March 27 when they will be "exploring [their] Mediterranean roots with menu specials inspired by the east coast of Spain. Executive Chef Daniel Roberts will prepare three versions of paella—seafood, meat, and vegetable—within an interactive open kitchen, located in the main dining room. Guests ordering the paella special will also receive a complimentary glass of sangria (with additional glasses available for $8 and pitchers for $25). Paella specials: $25 - 36; Dessert: $10; Sangria: $8 a glass; $25 per pitcher (+ tax and tip). 5:30-10 p.m. Reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling the restaurant at (310) 823-6395.
Black Lab Mixologist Joel Black's Cocktails @Naya Sunset
The new drink menu at Naya Sunset is by Black Lab Mixologist Joel Black and features hand-crafted, India-inspired cocktails, traditional Indian street foods and a roster of live entertainment and DJ nights. We're told: "Taking inspiration from all aspects of Indian culture and cuisine, Black concocted a range of cocktails that bring to life (and lips) the vibrant, colorful and exotic sensibility of Indian streets."
Certified Cicerone Launches LA's First Certified Beer Server Class
Want to learn more about beer? You might be interested in this upcoming class series taught by Cicerone's Thomas Kelley (recently of Santa Monica's Library Alehouse). The three-part class begins on Wednesday April 11th at 7 PM, and is continue for the next two consecutive Wednesday evenings. The class set is $50 (three 1.5 hour sessions) and each session includes a tasting flight, a pint from the El Segundo Brewing Company. The class is structured around Randy Mosher’s book Tasting Beer; the first class focuses on history and the brewing process; the second class how to evaluate beer, as well as how to serve and pair with food; he third class is on the great wide world of styles. The goal is to prep for the online beer server exam. More info on the program is available via the Cicerone site. Also: For more information on the class, or to sign up email: ciceronetom@gmail.com
A Few Extra Nibbles:
- No more double coupons at Ralphs [Fast Food Maven]
- Starbucks is getting into the juice market [Daily Breeze/AP]
- Take a look inside the just-opened Pitfire Pizza on Fairfax [Eater LA]
- VIDEO: Drag Queens Make a Hilarious Commercial For Chick-Fil-A [Stick a Fork In It]
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