Sounds like they’re indulging everyone’s diet-related New Years resolution by offering a tea based drink and not something creamy and carameley like in the past. Also, with the vanilla latte you can request no-sugar-added vanilla powder…couple that with non-fat milk and you’ve got yourself a pretty resolution-friendly drink!

(Apologies for the delay in posting this one, hopefully everyone sees it in time to take advantage of this sweet freebie!)

Stop by a participating Coffee Bean between 4pm – 7pm to get a complimentary peach tea beverage of your choice. Your options are a Peach FruTea or a Spring Peach Tea Latte (hot or iced).  Both sound like fantastic choices to complement this beautiful spring weather we’ve been having lately.

Find your nearest Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf here.

I’d like to think we were way ahead of the game on this one. I mean, we posted about LA Works (our fave local volunteer org) last April! Not everyone can afford to write big checks  to charities, so why not give your time and energy to working with organizations that need help?

There is no better time to jump on the volunteering bandwagon than now! And there’s no better place to start than the City Labs Community Service Fair this Saturday. The fair will help you connect with 50 local non-profits who need your help! With so many organizations in one place, you’re sure to find something that suits your interests and abilities. There will also be a DJ, raffles, and a handful of fun workshops throughout the afternoon.

The fair will take place Saturday, January 23rd from 11am-4pm at the California Market Center. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door, but that gets you a free drink ticket and a raffle ticket! You can get more info. by checking out the Yelp page for this event.

You can try a classic Cafe Mocha, or if you prefer something cool and blendy go for their Ice Blended Sunrise or Berry’d Treasure. As always there’s no coupons to print out but make sure you call ahead to ensure your local coffee bean is participating.

On Thursday January 14th The Elephant Theatre on Santa Monica and Vine will play host to a live version of the classic TV show The Dating Game. The only difference is the questions are a little more raunchy and there will be an open bar before AND after the show! There’s a $5 cover but really, can you put a price on finding true love?… or free booze? Doors open at 8pm, show at 9pm and only the first 100 people get in so sign up on the Meetup page and make sure to get there early!

Friday 12/4
Santa Monica Holiday Open House – Go down to Montana Ave. between 7th and 17th from 5pm-9pm for ten blocks of holiday fun including special deals from restaurants and stores, free food and drinks, and a chance to hang out with St. Nick himself!

Toluca Lake Holiday Open House – For all you valley dwellers, hit up Riverside between Cahuenga and Pass ave. from 6pm-9pm for Toluca Lake’s holiday open house! Enjoy free food and drink, store specials, strolling carolers and street performers!

Saturday 12/5
Studio City Holiday Open House – Didn’t get enough hot holiday open house action Friday night? Well here’s your chance to live it up all over again! This time stores on Tujunga Ave. in studio city are opening their doors from 5pm-9pm for a fun filled night of freebies, rides for kids, live music, and an appearance by the king and queen of Christmas; Mr. and Mrs. Claus!

Holiday Boat Parade – If nautical nonsense be something you wish head down to The Port of Los Angeles at 6pm to watch the Habor Holiday Afloat Parade! Sit back and enjoy the show as more than 50 boats all decorated and lit up just for the holidays parade along the channels!

Sunday 12/6
Studio City Holiday Parade – Finally, round out your big holiday weekend with a good old fashioned Christmas parade! Starting at 5:30pm Ventura blvd. between Whitsett and Laurel canyon will be host to a bevy of holiday floats and festive marchers!

Thanks to Jaydi, for the heads up!

Amanda's second row center, in case you were wondering.

The hothouse improvisation is a combination improv school and theatre on Lankershim Blvd. in glamorous North Hollywood. Every Friday during their season they do live improv shows featuring the students who have finished all four levels of classes and alumni troupes for a full night of comedy. After four 8-week classes, the recent grads go on at 8pm for two 22 minute sets in a show called Project .22 then at 9pm the alumni hit the stage in House of Juke all the while an improv band provides groovin’ bass lines. Tickets to the shows are always $10 and include all you can drink beer and wine. We’ve had a few friends go through the hothouse program and Amanda D.  is currently bringing her sassy style to the stage in Project .22 so be sure to tell her we sent you.

Hothouse Improv’s fall season runs now until October 23rd.

Summer Thyme

Recently our good friend Natalie, a.k.a. The Liquid Muse invited us to join her for this month’s meeting of The Liquid Muse Cocktail Club.

Natalie’s blog has always been a great place for people who love cocktails. She’s always writing about the newest bars, bartenders, and drink news while delivering a consistent stream of great recipes to help every beverage enthusiast reach their full potential. Now The Liquid Muse is doing even more to educate and connect her readers with the Cocktail Club. The Cocktail Club is free to sign up for and, once you’re a member, you can attend monthly cocktail related meet-ups with free drinks, free food, and discussions to help you be a more educated drinker.

The event we went to was at BOA, a high-class steakhouse which recently moved down sunset from its former home at The Grafton. There Danit and I quenched our thirst with two drinks created by Boa bar manager, Josh Renfree. The first was a gin drink called Summer Thyme, and the other was a Manhattan made with Roobios red tea. Both of these drinks were incredible and Josh gave us a full explanation of why and how he came to create them. We were also able to snack on delicious Boa appetizers like these beef sliders (“freaking incredible” is an understatement).

We had a great time and would definitely recommend signing up for The Cocktail Club. It’s a great way to learn more about alcohol and meet fellow drink lovers at the same time! Check out our Gallery to see some of our favorite photos from the event including shots of the two drinks and some of BOA’s rare liqueur collection!

-herbes de provence crab cake
-risotto negro with sauteed calamari and garlic rouille
-free range chicken and juniper berries parfait,
-confit heirloom tomato tart
-thyme roasted pear with gorgonzola
-beet humus with warm goat cheese

The event will take place this Wednesday, September 2nd from 5pm – 9pm. Make sure you RSVP soon because I have a feeling complimentary small plates, beer, and wine will be quite popular!