THE SUNSET STRIP: CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WITH DECEMBER DISCOUNTS ON FOOD, DRINK AND MERRIMENT

Restaurants, nightclubs and shops along The Strip are united in making the 2010 holidays an affordable, fun and hassle-free experience this season. Establishments are offering special holiday menu items and events for those looking to get into the holiday spirit with the user-friendly atmosphere of The Strip.  

Venues like The Cat Club, On The Rox, RH bar and The London Bar are offering drink specials and live music, while restaurants including Talesai’s Night Market, RH at Andaz and renowned chef Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant at The London West Hollywood are hosting an array of events and specials.

Foodies can delight in the “Be The Chef” party package at RH with acclaimed Chef Sebastian Archambault, or travel overseas without leaving L.A. with Talesai’s Night Market, featuring holiday packages and menus showcasing Thai “night market” food with items similar to what you might find in Bangkok after a late night out.   Music fans can rock out with the all-star Camp Freddy, performing their unique versions of rock classics at a holiday residency at The Roxy (Dec. 3, 10 and 17), and “X-Mas with X” at House of Blues on Dec. 15, when legendary punk band X will perform their influential album Los Angeles in its entirety. The fun doesn’t stop there as The Standard, Hollywood hotel is offering a price-friendly “Holiday Cheers” bottle service and appetizer package in its Purple Lounge.

The Sunset Strip is the iconic locale—made up of more than 150 restaurants, shops, nightclubs and hotels—where fashion, music, architecture and a unique history combine.  In Los Angeles Magazine’s December 2010 issue, Sara Wilson cited Sunset Plaza’s “colorfully landscaped West Hollywood spot—shaded by umbrellas and the street’s glossy magnolia trees,” and noted the wide array of food, clothing and specialty stores, as well as the 640 free parking spaces for shoppers.

Recently renovated with a $6 million dollar facelift including newly-paved roads, wider medians and crosswalks and renewed landscaping, The Sunset Strip is the 1.6-mile stretch along Sunset Boulevard that runs through the heart of West Hollywood.  This past August, The Strip—in conjunction with Gibson Guitar—launched “GuitarTown,” a public art exhibit featuring 26 custom painted and designed, Sunset Strip-themed 10-foot-tall fiberglass guitars along Sunset Boulevard.

For more information on The Strip’s hotels, bars, restaurants, nightclubs and shopping possibilities (as well as the locations and price of thousands of parking spots available), visit TheSunsetStrip.com  (www.thesunsetstrip.com/holiday2010 and www.thesunsetstrip.com/parking).

Here is a sampling of what’s happening on The Strip, with more New Year’s Eve events to be announced.

Party Packages

Talesai's Night Market
Talesai’s Night Market restaurant space offers a menu and party package that lets you travel overseas without leaving L.A. The menu features Thai “night market” food with items similar to what you might find in Bangkok after a late night out. Tom Yum hot pot, crispy catfish with mango and a Thai sausage plate are some of the items. The package is available for a minimum of six people up to 75. Larger groups may book the new Talesai Annex, which is home to curated and revolving dining concepts. Price is $40 per person with an optional $35 wine pairing. Packages must book in advance by email nightmarket@talesai.com. Additionally, the Talesai Annex, a new expansion that will be home to revolving dining concepts, is open and available for private events and cocktail parties. Guests may receive 20% off room bookings now through Dec. 30. For more information, please call 310.275.9724.

“Be The Chef” at RH at Andaz
The “Be The Chef” package will allow guests to get a one-on-one cooking lesson from highly acclaimed Chef Sebastian Archambault and work on the production of a chef’s table meal in a beautiful exhibition style professional kitchen. This package includes: cooking course with Chef Archambault from 3-6 p.m., chef’s coat with RH logo, glass of champagne with dinner, canapé, appetizers, family style entrees and desserts for all guests as well as a gift from the RH boutique. The cost of the package is $110 per person, which includes the lesson and food prep. Tax, gratuity, additional alcoholic beverages and/or wine paring is not included. The package requires a minimum of seven guests. For the complete menu, visit www.RHwesthollywood.com. For more information and reservations, please call 323-785-6090.

“Holiday Cheers” at the Purple Lounge at The Standard, Hollywood
Package includes table reservation for up to six guests, one bottle and choice of four appetizers. Choose from Russian standard vodka, Bacardi Superior rum, Tanqueray gin, Jack Daniel’s whiskey or Cazadores Reposado tequila. Includes mixers (sodas and juices). Cost $200. Call the Purple Lounge to book, 323.650.9090. Valid Dec. 1-30, 2010.

“Holiday Sparkle” at the Purple Lounge at The Standard, Hollywood
Get ready to celebrate with friends. This package includes table reservation for up to six guests, three bottles of house bubbly or two bottles of Moet White Star, and your choice of four appetizers. Cost $200. Call the Purple Lounge to book: 323.650.9090. Package available Dec. 1-30, 2010.
 
“Intimate Family-Style Holiday Dinner”: Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood
Celebrate the holidays with a family-style dinner in one of the elegant, private dining rooms, which provide the perfect setting for an intimate celebration. Enjoy a festive dinner table filled with savory holiday favorites. Dinner includes a choice of two appetizers, entrees, sides, desserts, coffee and tea. A minimum of four guests and maximum of 15. Pricing begins at $80 per guest. For more information and reservations, please call 310-358-7788. www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

“Standard Holiday Soiree” at the Purple Lounge at The Standard, Hollywood
During the holiday season, Purple Lounge at The Standard, Hollywood is opening its doors early for some private holiday merriment. The “Standard Holiday Soiree” package includes exclusive use of the Purple Lounge, open bar and stationary hors d'oeuvre platters.  A minimum of 30 guests and maximum 175 guests. Guests are welcome to stay after the doors open to the public at 10 p.m. Package is $55 per person and is available nightly from 7-10 p.m. Rate does not include tax/gratuity. To reserve this package, call 323.822.3121. Valid Dec. 1 – 30, 2010.

“Customized Fiestas” at Cabo Cantina
Cabo Cantina offers holiday party packages that accommodate a wide range of group sizes and budgets. Cabo does not charge a room rental fee, service charges, staffing fees or security deposit. Packages include:

-$10 per person: One Patron El Dorado margarita per person, tres amigos chips and dip platter (guacamole, black bean dip, queso cheese dip, salsa), cheese quesadillas and chicken taquitos.

-$15 per person: One Patron El Dorado margarita per person, tres amigos chips and dip platter (guacamole, black bean dip, queso cheese dip, salsa), chicken quesadillas, chicken taquitos, steak and chicken combo tacos and black beans and rice.

-$20 per person: One Patron El Dorado margarita per person, tres amigos chips and dip platter (guacamole, black bean dip, queso cheese dip, salsa), chicken quesadillas, chicken taquitos, steak and chicken combo tacos and black beans and rice, sunset rolls, buffalo wings, steak and chicken combo taquitos and salad.  To reserve a party package, call 323-822-0849. www.thecabocantina.com

“Tis the Season at the Troc” Sunset Trocadero Packages
The Sunset Trocadero Lounge is opening its doors to host your private party. You and your guests can enjoy a selection of the most popular tray passed appetizers, including – but not limited to – ahi sashimi toast, filet mignon tips, Thai shrimp spring rolls, baby lamb chops, bruschetta and grilled chicken, and beef satay, plus your drink of choice. Party package is $25 per person. For more information or to reserve your party, call 323-822-0849.

The Cat Club Xmas Recession Buster
Book your holiday party at The Cat Club and take advantage of a VIP room, no cover for your guests and no rental fee. For more information, contact thecatclubonsunset@gmail.com or 310-657-0888.

Events

Dec. 2, 3 & 4
“Chef Swap” at RH at Andaz
Chef Sebastien Archambault of RH at Andaz West Hollywood and Chef Mollie Ahlstrand of Trattoria Mollie in Santa Barbara, Calif., will swap kitchens and cook up tasting menus showcasing dishes that have made their restaurants hits amongst foodies and critics alike. The RH/Trattoria Mollie chef swap will give gastronomes the chance to savor Chef Sebastien’s  Southwestern French cuisine, while RH diners can enjoy the Italian fare that named Trattoria Mollie one of the “Ten Best Destination & Special Restaurants in the World” in National Geographic. Menu highlights prepared by Chef Mollie at RH include: crostini ai funghi, ossobuco con verdura and panna cotta. $65 per person. For reservations, call 323.785.6090. www.rhwesthollywood.com

Dec. 3, 10 & 17
Camp Freddy & Friends at The Roxy Theatre
Camp Freddy returns to The Roxy for their holiday residency in December. Camp Freddy is comprised of notable core musicians performing your favorite hit songs with sprinklings of special guest performances. The band consists of Billy Morrison (Billy Idol/The Cult), Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction/The Panic Channel/Red Hot Chili Peppers), Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses/Velvet Revolver), Donovan Leitch (son of legendary folk singer Donovan), and Chris Chaney (Janes Addiction/Alanis Morisette). Former guest performers include Slash, Ozzy Osbourne, Mark McGrath, Brandon Boyd, Tom Morello, Macy Gray, Lemmy Kilmister, Juliette Lewis, Travis Barker, Ozzy Osbourne, and many more. Tickets are $20. www.theroxyonsunset.com

Dec. 3 & 17
Champagne Fridays at the Purple Lounge
A new biweekly, hyperfestive Friday night event at The Standard’s Purple Lounge featuring champagne and DJs. Dec. 3 lineup includes Wendy City, Kid Lightning and Ricardo Carlos. 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. RSVP to rsvp@shakethehand.com. www.standardhotels.com/hwood  

Dec. 3
VIP Denim Event at Code C
Special promotions as well as free in-store alterations on Habitual denim purchases. www.codecusa.com

Dec. 4
Holiday Desserts Master Class at Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood
Master the fundamentals of baking traditional pies, tarts and fanciful holiday treats. The class begins with champagne, canapés and a tour of our award-winning kitchen. Then menus are prepared and demonstrated course-by-course. Each dish is served in the kitchen as it's completed. The class includes a signature Gordon Ramsay butcher’s apron, copies of all recipes and a copy of Gordon Ramsay’s “Healthy Appetite” cookbook. Price is $190 per person, or $350 per couple. www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

Dec. 13-24
Twelve Days of Desserts
Enjoy a new holiday-inspired dessert at Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood each day leading up to Christmas. www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

Dec. 13, 14 & 15
Burlesque: Strip Strip Hooray! At The Roxy Theatre
Dita Von Teese, the undisputed queen of burlesque, will perform at The Roxy Theatre for three nights. Joining her will be some of the nation's most renowned burlesque performers, including Dirty Martini, who recently appeared in the Cannes Film Festival Selection, Le Tournée; Selene Luna, who was featured on Margaret Cho's "The Cho Show"; New Orleans great Perle Noire; and New York comedian and emcee Mr. Murray Hill. More performers to be announced soon. Stay tuned to Dita.net for more information. Tickets are $35. This event is ages 21 and older only. www.theroxyonsunset.com

Dec. 15
“X-Mas with X” 30th Anniversary Celebration at House of Blues
L.A. punk rock giants X return to The Sunset Strip on Dec. 15 to perform their classic album Los Angeles in its entirety. This is the 30th anniversary of the album that defined an entire genre. The night also features a screening of X: The Unheard Music. Tickets are $30. This show is ages 18 and older. www.hob.com

Dec. 17 & 18
Christmas Carolers at Sunset Plaza
Enjoy Christmas carolers while shopping at the Sunset Plaza Friday and Saturday evening from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

The London After Five Live Jazz & Cocktails (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Nights)
Stop by The London Bar Monday through Friday for $5 cocktails and appetizers from 5-7 p.m. On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights, you can also enjoy live jazz performances from 6-9 p.m. $5 valet parking also available during The London After Five. www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

“riothouseREPLAY” DJ Series at RH (Thursday Nights)
RH at Andaz West Hollywood hosts a weekly DJ session Thursday night, starting Nov. 18. The sessions include drink specials (a weekly $9 “riothouseREPLAY” cocktail, $7 beers, $12 seasonal cocktails) as well as gourmet bar bites priced from $6-$9 (options include portabella mushroom sliders, duck drumette confit, macaroons). Guests can Tweet DJ requests to @RHweho throughout the night. www.andazwesthollywood.com

Fireside Drinks and Bites on The Rooftop at The London West Hollywood (Nightly)
Cozy up by The London West Hollywood’s rooftop fire pit for stunning views of the Los Angeles skyline while enjoying a special menu of desserts and hot beverages. The fireside bites menu includes pumpkin soufflé with gingerbread, marshmallow and chocolate truffles with graham cracker sauce, peanut brittle cookies, and baked brie cheese for two. Warm up with cocktails including spiked fall cider, choco-mint toddy (Kahlua Mocha, Bailey’s chocolate mint, whipped cream and semi sweet chocolate shavings), hot buttered apple cider. Daily from 5-9 p.m. www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

On The Rox at The Roxy Theatre (Nightly)
Guests can enjoy food and drink specials Dec. 1-25 at On The Rox, including $25 bottles of Castle Rock Pinot Noir ($6 / glass) and $6 Red Trolley Ale, Cabo Wabo margaritas and Stuber’s Irish nachos. Just mention “holiday menu” when ordering. No maximum or minimum party or orders. Specials are available throughout the night. www.theroxyonsunset.com

Christmas Eve Dinners
Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood
Four course brunch from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. $50 per person and $65 with champagne. Four course dinner served at night from 5-10 p.m. $95 per person.

Christmas Day
Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood
Four course brunch from 11:30 .m. – 3 p.m. $50 per person or $65 with champagne. Four course dinner served at night from 5-10 p.m. $95 per person.

About The Sunset Strip
The Sunset Strip is a 1.6-mile stretch along Sunset Boulevard that runs through the heart of West Hollywood. From its beginning as an unregulated "strip" of land along Sunset Boulevard outside Los Angeles' city limits, The Sunset Strip has served as a notorious entertainment destination for celebrities, tourists and California residents. It is an iconic locale where fashion, music, architecture and a unique history combine. The Sunset Strip has birthed countless music and entertainment careers, and it continues to blaze its own path as a leading destination with a vibrant and entertaining landscape made up of more than 150 restaurants, shops, nightclubs and hotels. The Sunset Strip became part of the City of West Hollywood when it was incorporated in 1984. For more information about The Sunset Strip, please visit www.thesunsetstrip.com.