Chew On This: Noshing at LAX, MexiKosher for the Holidays & New Winter Cocktail Menus

LAX Gets a Nate 'n Al Deli
As part of the HMS Host food overhaul of Los Angeles International Airport, popular L.A. deli Nate 'n Al has opened up inside Terminal 2. From HMS Host: "Nate 'n Al has a long and wonderful heritage that spans more than 66 years. The restaurant is considered a landmark in Los Angeles and one of the best delicatessens in the world. Nate ‘n Al epitomizes comfort food, which is just what the LAX traveler needs before or after a flight. A step into the LAX Nate 'n Al will transport guests back in time, as the walls are full of 66 years of memorabilia, history, and of course, Los Angeles stories." More new L.A.-centric restaurants will open up at LAX in 2012.

Gin & Tonic Cocktails @Bar Pinxto
Inspired by tapas bars in Spain and Spanish chefs who love Gin & Tonic, Joe Miller of Bar Pinxto has launched a Gin & Tonic cocktail menu. They're using a variety of gin brands and flavors to showcase different takes on the classic basic drink. Of the drinks, we're most intrigued by the Gin de Toronja y Tomillo con Tonica, (grapefruit and thyme-infused Farmer's Organic Gin) and the Gin con Cilantro, Pepinos y Tonica (Hendricks Gin and Fever Tree Tonic with cilantro and cucumbers). The Gin & Tonic drinks are $8.50-$12.

Eight Days of Hanukkah & Tamales @MexiKosher
To celebrate Hanukkah, Chef Katsuji Tanabe and the folks at MexiKosher will be giving away a holiday-themed prize each day via social media contests on Twitter and Facebook. Plus Tanabe is cooking up a selection of homemade tamales for the holidays.

Winter Cocktails @1886 Bar
Things are getting a shake-up on the seasonal cocktail menu at 1886 Bar (one of our favorite classy watering holes). "Every drink is a multi-sensory experience," says master consultant and mixologist Marcos Tello. There's a "grown up" Mexican hot chocolate, a grog, and even a couple of drinks that are "smoke" inspired (like "The Smoking Jacket," featuring Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 1886 tobacco bitters, Maplewood smoke and orange-vanilla ash) and a few more. The drinks there are divine, so any pick is likely to be a winner. Cheers!

Chocolate Grab Bag (Image courtesy fonuts)
Chocolatey Treats @(fōnuts)
(fōnuts) is serving up some sweet grab-and-go treats perfect for the holidays. Chef Waylynn Lucas is making chocolate grab bags (marshmallow, pretzels, almonds, corn flakes, dark chocolate), salted chocolate caramels ($8.50) and chocolate bourbon pecan pie ($45 - special order). We won't tell if you get a bag of goodies for yourself!Winter Cocktails @Drago Centro
Downtown's chic and fun Drago Centro is kicking off a new winter cocktail menu. From the impressive list, we'd suggest getting good and warmed up with the Dead Man's Tale (Wray and Nephew Overproof Rum, Bombay Gin, Bertagnolli Grappa, Oloroso Sherry, Orgeat, Lemon, Bitterman's Amer Nouvelle, Orange Juice, Galliano Mist); Silver Screen Quotations (123 Blanco Tequila, House-made Thai Chili/Cinnamon Syrup, Lime, Red Bell Pepper, Mint); Rode Duivel (Bols Genever, St. Maria Al Monte Amaro, Miracle Mile Sour Cherry Bitters); and Fated Seeds (Nolet's Gin, House-made Persimmon Shrub, Miracle Mile Bergamont Bitters, Basil, Soda Water). Bonus: Next Wednesday (12/28), all the drinks will be priced at $8.

A Few Extra Nibbles:

• Squid Ink takes on a galactic food battle: The Star Wars Cookbook vs. Food That's Actually Star-Warsy
• Treehugger shares the Vegan Black Metal Chef's video for creating an edible Christmas Yule Log.
• Michael Voltaggio's ink., one of 2011 hottest newcomers on the restaurant scene, will be offering $70 tasting menus next year, says Grub Street LA.
• Eater LA reports that while LA Creamery couldn't keep it scoopin' at their local ice cream shops, they're planning to open several stores...in the Middle East.

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