a december to remember: openings, events, closure
You’ll be forgiven for feeling a bit overwhelmed at all the openings, announcements and events happening in Downtown LA this week and next. But I may just be projecting a little.
Openings
LA Live’s grand opening ceremony last night means there are now a dozen restaurants and venues in various stages of completion, with several already open, including ESPN Zone sports bar, Starbucks, the Conga Room, and Lucky Strike Lanes. The GRAMMY Museum opens on Saturday. LA Live; 800 W Olympic Blvd
Sixth Street is abuzz with activity now that the Association has opened quietly in the below-ground floor of the Pacific Electric Lofts. Described as “a proper boozer” by owner Ashley Joyce at both Eater LA and the Times’ Entertainment section (both publications got some serious details), the Association can only be identified from the street by its black door and lion’s-head knocker. The Association; 110 E 6th St (at Main); 213-627-7385
Originally opening in 1908, Cole’s has planned a large centennial party in celebration of its debut following a year and a half of renovations and cleanup. The “originator of the French dip” is back in business, and in keeping with the “100″ theme, sandwiches will be priced at 100 cents this Saturday. Cole’s, Originators of the French Dip; 118 E 6th St (at Main); 213-622-4090; Opening day celebration Saturday, December 6, 12:00pm-4:00pm
Closure
Versus LA has been shut down following city inspections, though the exact reason is unclear. At the moment there are no events scheduled for the month of December, and the club’s website is “offline due to maintenance.” Requests for comment were not immediately returned as of this writing.
Events
By way of Gilmore Development, the Old Bank District Block Party will be taking over the streets of this small residential pocket from 6:00pm-midnight on Saturday, December 6. Free entry to the block party leads to food, music and drinks, while local retailers keep their doors open and extend discounts to locals. An “art bazaar” features the work of 30 local artists — all pieces priced at less than $200. Old Bank District Block Party; Saturday, December 6; 6:00pm-midnight; 4th & Main streets (Historic Core); free entry
Finally, new tea house SipTea is holding a holiday sale with art from local artists, crafts, and eco-friendly items. Of course, it’s fun to just relax with a nice cup of Earl Grey every once in a while too. SipTea Holiday Sale; 854 S Broadway; Saturday, December 6; 11:00am-6:00pm
5 comments
The Association is fantastic. I felt like I was in a James Bond movie circa 1965. A dark comfortable hidden jewel. Very urban. Rather small overall, but a generous bar and several comfortable conversation pits take up the dimly lit space. Probably bigger than Library Bar though. Cocktails feature fruit juices which are squeezed on the spot for each cocktail. Makes quite a difference.
I just wanted to say that I went to the “Grand Opening” at COLE’s today… and it was horrendous! Let’s just say that the sandwiches they were serving were NOT real French Dip sandwiches. They were more like the reject sandwiches that no one wants to eat, the leftovers of a bad office party… yes, that bad! COLE’s should be embarassed for hyping things up and offering such low quality. I heard their “Dewar’s Event” was a false-advertising mess as well. I will not be patronizing this place… ever!
Liquid Sky: While I can appreciate that you were disappointed in the sandwiches at Cole’s (I’m holding out for a week to taste them again once it’s back up and running), I had a great experience with the Dewar’s event at Seven Grand.
The bartenders were extremely accommodating, professional and friendly. I can’t speak for the other Dewar’s-event bars (Broadway Bar, Golden Gopher, etc) though.
I have sampled the Cole’s french dips since the reopening and they are hands down the best thing out there. Meat is amazing! Bread is amazing! And, you can actually dip them in Au jus yourself,
Hey Rich! I’ve been looking in vain trying to find out what hours The Association is open. Do you know?