The famed art fair, Frieze, returns to LA this week, at the Santa Monica Airport — and features not just a full lineup of galleries, programming, and partnerships… but also a delicious lineup of pop-ups from local restaurants.
Maestro Dobel, the official tequila of Frieze North America and the world’s first Cristalino, is toasting to the return of this year’s Frieze at the Santa Monica Airport by hosting a VIP Happy Hour opening night and opening the lounge to the public through March 3rd.
Frieze LA returns to the Santa Monica Airport this year with a full lineup of galleries, programming, and partnerships.
It’s always a good time to celebrate…especially when you’re celebrating with El Cristiano Tequila.
Photo courtesy: El Cristiano Tequila
A few days before National Margarita Day, El Cristiano Tequila hosted its inaugural mixology workshop at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills. Co-founder Karan Khanna was on hand to help guide us through the class, where all guests learned how to create three cocktails: a “Mighty Pepper” margarita, the “Aloe There!,” and the “El Negroni.”
Photo courtesy: El Cristiano Tequila
Great tequila, like great wine, or really anything in life, is a balancing act. And it’s this balancing act that sets El Cristiano Tequilas apart from others you’ve likely had. While a night out drinking tequila is likely to reward you with a not-so-fun hangover (along with any other regrettable moments, such as dialing an ex), El Cristiano is additive-free and uses only the finest blue agave from Jalisco’s Highlands.
Photo courtesy: El Cristiano Tequila
So you can say adios to that burning sensation that typically comes with a shot of tequila. If you want to get all science-y, it’s said that the burn comes from ethanol in the alcohol, which lowers the activation threshold of VR1 receptors. Do away with the lime chaser by just upgrading to good tequila. (You’re welcome.)
Photo courtesy: El Cristiano Tequila
And for those who may not be as familiar with Jalisco, true tequila can only be crafted in this legendary region of Mexico, much like true champagne can only be cultivated in the Champagne region of France.
Photo courtesy: El Cristiano Tequila
The mixology class is an ideal way to learn how to make some great drinks, whether you could be Tom Cruise’s double in a reboot of the Cocktail movie franchise or whether you’ve never mixed a drink before in your life.
Photo courtesy: El Cristiano Tequila
Guests also enjoyed yummy bites paired throughout the night with the drinks, including spiced chicken samosas with cilantro-lime yogurt, black truffle cheese fritters, and french fries. Yum!
About the drinks:
Both the “Mighty Pepper” margarita and the “Aloe There!” cocktail featured El Cristiano Silver, earthy and sweet with notes of mature fruit, cooked and fresh agave.
The Negroni is a classic cocktail, always made with Campari — but the mixologists added a nice twist by adding El Cristiano Reposado, smooth with light spice notes.
About the brand:
El Cristiano Tequila was born from a close-knit group of friends’ shared passion for tequila and Mexico — as well as over four decades of experience.
You can find El Cristiano Tequilas in stores across the country or check out the online store locator for a shop near you.
Photo credit: Lex Gallegos
Toast to the glamor of the season (as well as clear LA skies after a few rainy days) by checking out The House of Campari, open to the public on Thursday, February 22 with two separate openings: 4-6pm or 7-9pm. Enjoy the official SAG Awards cocktail, aptly called the Campari Red Carpet (or perennial classics, the Campari Negroni and Campari Spritz) at the West Hollywood event.
HOW TO GO: Reserve your own spot for the special Thursday-only event for the House of Campari.
WHEN: February 22, either 4-6pm or 7-9pm
WHERE: 9169 W Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood
Whether you’re rooting for the casts of Barbenheimer or Poor Things, or even whether or not you’re a card-carrying member of SAG — you can drink to the SAG Awards by RSVP’ing “yes” via the link above… so long as you’re 21, of course. Spots are limited.
Photo credit: Lex Gallegos
We were invited to the VIP Preview of the event on Tuesday night. Camparino’s Global Head of Mixology Tommaso Cecca flew in from Milan, and was in the speakeasy bar to create the official drink, which came with a specially carved “film reel” orange peel. Because if you’re going to do the red carpet, you want to go beyond leveling up your dress game — but your cocktail as well.
Photo credit: Lex Gallegos
Hard to predict what Margot Robbie is going to wear on the red carpet (okay, probably 100% likely it will be something Barbie themed), but this cocktail will for sure make it to all the buzzy lists of “best-dressed.”
Photo credit: Lex Gallegos
A sneak peek of what goes in to make the official drink of the awards show, aka the drink you’ll be wanting to make all year long (awards show or not).
Photo credit: Lex Gallegos
Ingredients:
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- 0.5 oz Campari
- 1 oz Appleton Signature
- 0.5 oz Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Raspberry-Mint Syrup
- Top with Champagne Lallier Rosè
Method:
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- 1. Combine Campari, Appleton Signature, raspberry and mint syrup and lime juice in a shaker filled with ice
- 2. Strain into a coupe glass
- 3. Top with Champagne Lallier Rose
- 4. Garnish with film reel orange peel
You can also get your drink on at the event with a Campari Negroni or Campari Spritz.
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Photo credit: Lex Gallegos
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Chiefs fans. 49’ers fans. Swifties. Everyone was a winner on Super Bowl Sunday who was lucky enough to be invited to the first annual Super Bowl Viewing Party, held by Director and Producer Jonathan Baker and The Creative Coalition.
Jonathan Baker and Richard Kind. Photo credit: Dylan Riley
It was a true Hollywood story with Baker opening up his stunning Mulholland Drive home to over 120 guests. Of course, Baker’s home isn’t just any beautiful home in the Hills. Once the residence of the iconic Warren Beatty, this is a home with stories to tell… both past and, thanks to Baker, present.
AnnaLynne McCord. Photo credit: Dylan Riley
In attendance were such celebrity guests as Harry Hamlin (LA Law), Evan Handler (And Just Like That…, Sex and the City), Richard Kind (Mad About You), AnnaLynne McCord (90210), Kat McNamara (Shadowhunters), Rob Morrow (Northern Exposure), Brooks Darnell (Shadowhunters), Sandra Lee (TV chef and author), Jason Kravits (The Practice), Rachel Boston (Hallmark films), Joel Michaely (Can’t Hardly Wait), and many more. The event was co-hosted by Robin Bronk, Creative Coalition Founder, and Creative Coalition President, Tim Daly.
Brooks Darnell. Photo credit: Dylan Riley
Cocktails came courtesy of El Cristiano Tequila and kept guests partying throughout the entire game — with neat pours from the XR Extra Reposado and Extra Anejo Black Label. Guests also enjoyed drinking Peroni Beer, Casa Luigi Prosecco, Passion Tree Hard Seltzer, Hollywood Vodka, Brothers Bond Bourbon, Essentia water, and Super Natural zero sugar soda.
Photo credit: Dylan Riley
Of course, what’s a Super Bowl party without some epic game day snacks?
Photo credit: Dylan Riley
Baker and The Creative Coalition leveled up the game with a lavish catering spread that went beyond guac, chips, and pizza by featuring Buca Di Beppo’s signature pastas, appetizers and salads, including their Spicy Shrimp, Caprese Skewers, Chopped Antipasti, Meatless Chopped, Spicy Chicken Rigatoni, Chicken Parmigiana, Fried Mozzarella, Baked Ziti, and Meatballs, and Cannolis.
Guests also snacked on yummy dips and popcorn throughout the night, including options you can find in your local grocery store or easily purchase online for your next gathering — such as gluten-free Penne Straws by Pasta Snacks, Candy Pop Snickers (The official candy of Super Bowl), Cookie Pop Oreo popcorn, and Snack Factory Buffalo Wing Pretzel Crisps.
Kat McNamara. Photo credit: Dylan Riley
Of course, one of the most epic feasts of the night centered on the football and what turned out to be an historic night. Not only because of Taylor Swift’s appearances (And ya know, halftime king Usher’s roller-skating, pumped-up show) but the Chiefs overtime win (only the second time the Super Bowl has gone in to OT).
Harry Hamlin. Photo credit: Dylan Riley
What an epic way for Jonathan Baker and The Creative Coalition to kick off their first annual Super Bowl Viewing Party.
Photo credit: Dylan Riley
How can you support the arts and The Creative Coalition? Donate by texting “Give” to “954 PUSH TCC (954-787-4822).”
Rachel Boston. Photo credit: Dylan Riley
Ladies (and gentlemen), it’s time to get frosted.
The magic is back.
This weekend, glam-looking Los Angelenos raced to check out the triumphant return of fan fave Beautycon, presented by Walmart. The weekend-long extravaganza was held at The Reef in DTLA.
There’s always a new story and a new side to Paris. Whether it’s the artistic flair of Montmartre, the history of the Latin Quarter, the romance of the Eiffel Tower, or of course the chic luxury in the heart of the city… your trip to Paris is very much what you make of it.
So it’s fun for adventure seekers to go out and explore new neighborhoods that can show a fuller side to the city they already love.
Lobby at the 25 Hours Hotel Terminus Nord, Paris.
The Vibe
The 25 Hour Hotel Terminus Nord in Paris is a chic oasis in itself with lovingly eclectic designs that will elevate your stay.
Located in the 10th arrondissement, which has a strong North African and Indian presence, the design draws inspo from the neighborhood with vibrant color, patterns and textures… which juxtapose nicely with the Baron Haussman era exterior.
Many travelers are likely to enter the hotel straight from getting off the train at the Gare du Nord and the hotel is an immediately welcoming presence. Step into the wide doors and you’ll quickly be charmed by the eclectic gifts in the shop as you reach the reception area that has been stylized like a French kiosk.
There’s a cool hip bar upstairs that travelers can enjoy, as well as office working space.
Moving in for the stay, adding some clothes and prints found along my travels. Photo credit: Lauren Goldenberg
The Rooms
Particularly for Paris, this hotel felt massive with 237 spacious rooms. The decor continues its North African/Indian theme with bold colors, bright prints, and a Bollywood-style poster hanging in my room. The bed and linens were super, super comfortable and like my stay in the 25 Hours in Florence, probably gave me one of the best nights of sleep during my trip.
My personal favorite feature of the room was definitely the open closet, with the fun lighting display that read “Applause,” giving it a cheeky star attraction vibe. Perfect for a city known as the fashion capital of the world.
It was also really cool to have my own Parisian balcony to step onto and enjoy the sunshine or have a bite of a croissant.
Like my stay at the 25 Hours Hotel in Florence, I was design-obsessed with all the other little details in the room — which appear to be a trademark of the hotel brand.
These include the fun spin on the usual tired ‘Do Not Disturb’ signs — here, you can open the book and choose a new saying like “the love birds have finally left” or, my personal fave “imagine the rolling stones stayed in the room.”
The Food
Neni is the hotel’s first-floor restaurant and, like the rest of the hotel, dishes up a cool instagrammable vibe and ambiance (with views of the iconic train station across the way). But naturally, the starring dish here is the cuisine.
If you indulge in their all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, you’ll probably come home dreaming about it. Wander through the tables and you’ll find croissants and pain du chocolat, french toast, the array of cheeses and breads, lox and eggs, cold meats, fresh fruit, dried fruit, labneh and hummus, radishes and other veggies, and so much more. Because the menu is influenced not just by French food, but also Israeli, Persian, and Moroccan fare — you’ll have more choices that you’d expect. (Just in case you have pain du chocolat overload on your trip). Although, seriously, their chocolate croissants were among the best I had at any hotel.
As for what to drink… why not have some champagne for the breakfast buffet? Ouais, s’il vous plaît. Of course, you can also opt for the orange juice… and voila, you’ve got a mimosa.
While I didn’t get to try their lunch or dinner offerings, the buffet was so amazing that I’d highly suggest a stop for anyone who wanted to grab a bite before (or after) departing their train from Gare du Nord across the street.
Location
The hotel is literally opposite the iconic Gare du Nord — so this is a particularly perfect base for those who’ll be taking several train trips either while in Paris (perhaps a day trip to Brussels or the London) or even if Paris is simply a quick stop en route to your next destination.
Also, the metro is literally in front of the hotel’s entrance so making your way around the city will be a snap.
Since it’s located in the 10th arrondissement, the hotel is also ideal for travelers who perhaps want to stay away from more tourist-centric spots and are curious about other neighborhoods. One thing to keep in mind is that although the Gare du Nord itself is iconic and the busiest train station in Europe, it’s probably not the spot where you’re likely to be hanging out late at night.
But Montemarte is nearby, as is the trendy Canal-Saint Martin.
About 25 Hours Hotels
A stay with the German-based 25 Hours Hotel Group is ideal for anyone with a fun, hipster spirit — or the traveler who doesn’t want to stay in cookie-cutter establishments… yet enjoys being loyal to a brand that they already know.
Each hotel has a quirky cool vibe and design that are unique to the spirit of the city’s location, or (particularly in the Paris outpost) the neighborhood as well.
Check out my recap for the 25 Hours Hotel in Florence. Or check out the 25 Hours Hotel site for more destinations.