Wandering around DTLA. Started my day with a shot of Dandy Espresso at Blue Bottle. The old Handsome space still exclusively roasts Handsome’s signature espresso and despite its zombie-esque feel they still make it pretty close to the original. On the citrusy and acidic side of which I am a huge fan.
Walked over to Grand Central Market and got a Fresh Ginger Shot with Cayenne and a Rasberry Back from Press Brothers Juicery. The raspberry juice back is a great touch here if you’re into ginger shots.
Needed some more caffeine and a place to hang for a bit so I grabbed a fresh cold brew from G&B:
Then I hit up Wexler’s for an Everything Bagel w/ Cream Cheese. Not sure what bagels are supposed to taste like but in terms of crunch, chew and flavor I am hard pressed to think of a better bagel I’ve had in my life.
Feeling good I went walking and ended up at Howlin’’ Ray’s where I grabbed a Howlin’ Plus Wing. A secret level above Howlin’. I really love that there is an option to grab just a solo wing for $3. It was really cold out while I was spending the day wandering around DTLA and this was the best snack imaginable. super crispy and juicy with this magical wallop of spices that are kind of pungent and sweet but also endorfin-rush-inducing in their heat. A flavor unlike any other. I didn’t find water necessary for it, but boy howdy does it pair well with some comeback saucd and pickles. Best chicken wing ever!
They hooked me up with fries and some plain wings to go as I slipped in at the end of the day. HR one of the coolest places in LA just to be at honestly.
I needed a place to relax for a bit and more caffeine, so I hit up Demitasse for a Kyoto Cold Brew, which was quite excellent.
And then I headed over to Mikawaya for some Mochi because by this point my stomach felt like it could use a bit of dairy. I actually liked the pistachio a little more than the toasted almond, but both are pleasant simple bites with a nice texture for $1.30 a piece.
I circled back to the Arts District to hit up ERB’s happy hour.
Their Moscow Mule was aggressive with the ginger and lime, feel it would not work for most people, but it worked ok as a back for the Espadin Mezcal they have on at happy hour, excellent mezcal, though Broken Spanish has a better HH deal on it.
They serve Free Chips and Salsa as well, which were a nice snack. Would be cool if the chips were warm but they were good chips and the salsa had a balanced range to it. Not a bad free snack at all.
By this point I had a concert in mid Wiltshire to attend. Had a really nice Lost Abbey Saison at the show.
Capped the day of hitting up places at Wally’s with some Mexican Pavo Real, Valle de Guadalupe, 2012 which was excellent, lots of cherry notes and a smooth finish. Love seeing more Mexican wine making it to the US.
And some Tenuto San Guido Sassicaia 2013, which has to be one of my favorite wines I have ever had. Just so earthy and rich and utterly delicious. Actually makes you forget that it’s $52 glass while drinking it haha
They also do a pretty great sandwich stacked with delicate meats and cheese and veggies on fresh Clark Street ciabatta. I was too out of it to get a great photo but it’s a pretty tasty and strangely cheap sandwich for Bev Hills.
Heck of a day