Are you a Bloody Mary lover?
On January 1, 2018 celebrate National Bloody Mary Day! You can order one of these nutritional beverages with a pour of vodka to help cure any hangover or without alcohol as a healthy Virgin Mary.
Some say the popular drink was created in 1921 at the Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, a hangout for American expatriates including Ernest Hemingway. It was made with a splash of vodka mixed with tomato juice.
Today a Bloody Mary is made with thick tomato juice, generous pour of vodka or tequila (Bloody Maria) a small pour of Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, a squeeze of lemon, dash of salt and pepper, some cayenne pepper and a crisp stalk of celery for a pleasing crunch.
Here are my Top 6 Bloody Mary SoCal Destinations:
Take a Trip to Catalina Island – Board one of the Catalina Express boats for a one hour ride to the island. The smooth ride feels smoother while sipping their iconic Absolut Vodka Bloody Mary. While in Avalon, be sure to get another Bloody Mary at Bluewater Grill overlooking the harbor, or upstairs at Steve’s Steakhouse and Seafood overlooking the Catalina Casino. To book a ticket to Catalina, go to https://www.catalinaexpress.com/
InterContinental Los Angeles Century City at Beverly Hills – Come try their Tomatillo Green Mary inside the Copper Lounge. Not only do they make a traditional red Bloody Mary, the bartenders make one with a green spin with a pleasing verde salsa flavor. The Tomatillo Green Mary is made with tomatillos, grilled jalapenos, chives, green onions, lime, cilantro, black pepper and Old-Bay seasoning. It’s enhanced with St. George Green Chile Vodka and Verde Ancho Reyes liqueur. Then they top the cocktail off with a splash of Haymaker Sauvignon Blanc for a grassy, herbaceous flavor profile. 2151 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067 (310) 284-6500.
At the Studio City hot spot The Bellwether co-owner/beverage director Ann-Marie Verdi pays homage to her grandmother by making a Mama Betty’s Bloody Mary for $7. She pours house-infused habanero vodka, housemade mix, bacon salt, and garnished with a mini BLT. Open on New Year’s Day from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Executive Chef / co-owner Ted Hopson makes a Brioche French Toast with honey butter, Eggs “in Purgatory” baked in spicy tomato sauce, and the Nashville Hot Chicken Sando with green tomato chow chow. Besides a Bloody Mary, the restaurant offers a $15 Champagne Brunch Special which includes a bottle of Domaine St. Vincent Brut, orange juice, and a choice of two fruit purées. 13251 Ventura Blvd. Suite A. Studio City, (818)285-8184.
Sonoma Wine Garden – Known for its outstanding wine menu, the bar offers a wonderful make-your-own Bloody Mary table with a multitude of condiments to enhance your cocktail. There are thick, caramelized strips of applewood bacon, giant cooked shrimp, extra long celery stalks, a variety of pickled vegetables and hot sauce. Here’s my review of their weekend brunch –http://beverlypress.com/2016/05/weekends-are-all-about-brunch-at-sonoma-wine-garden/
Venice Whaler Bloody Mary Bar – On the first floor is a build-your-own Bloody Mary table with an array of whimsical items to enhance one of the most popular Sunday brunch cocktails. Besides Tabasco, celery and peppers, there are pretzel sticks, powdered donut holes, cinnamon buns, rice crispy treat squares and thin swirls of red licorice standing tall in a container. You can order a regular or spicy bloody Mary and select from over 15 snack items to pair with your drink. Click here to read my review
Elegant Bloody Mary at the Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills-A Four Seasons Hotel – For those who want to get creative with their cocktails on January 1, The BLVD at Beverly Wilshire is offering guests a selection of fixings to create their own Bloody Mary, as well as an option to purchase one already made. Here’s my review of The Blvd. hangover brunch 2018.
Hangover Brunch at the Four Seasons – On January 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Culina is having their famous hangover brunch featuring breakfast and lunch bites, omelettes, Belgian waffles, seafood and desserts. Revitalize with Culina’s freshly squeezed juices and aguas frescas or continue the celebration with bottomless Mezcal Bloody Mary’s for an additional $24. Brunch for adults is $49 per person. Make reservations by calling (310)860-4000 or go online –https://www.fourseasons.com/losangeles/dining/events_and_promotions/
Dine, Travel & Entertainment 