For one reason (Wetzel's) or another (Pretzels), you're likely going to end up at The Grove sometime soon, so hit one of these two new courtyard-separated, second-floor eating/drinking spots, both opening today courtesy of a restauranteur who owns a hotel in Vegas AND a Premier League team -- what an Arsenal!
Planet Dailies: If you only like restaurants with names oddly similar to superhero-employing newspapers, then you'll love this Vegas transplant -- a cafe-ish space w/ Hollywood-themed touches like entertainment-news-playing flatscreens, an up-front kiosk w/ posted auditions, and a mini-studio in back for Mario Lopez to broadcast his radio show/wrestle dudes from Valley. Food-wise they'll do pretty much everything, from Italian classics (chicken fettuccine alfredo, ham & fig pizza) and Chinese specialties (lemongrass soup, shrimp fried rice), to deli sandwiches and bar food like jalapeno poppers & a 10oz Kobe burger.
They're also filming Extra there sometimes (natch); full-on info's at PlanetDailies.com
Mixology 101: If you also only like going to bars with names oddly similar to classes they teach at Butte, then you'll die for this upscale, massive-windowed bar-space armed w/ a small bites menu (potstickers, Kobe beef sliders, etc), and ultra-creative cocktails from an award-winning Londoner and a former dude from the Edison, who's got a few drinks that'll really grab you by the bulbs. The ones to try first: the Poolside Brass (gin, elderflower, grapefruit, coconut water & Prosecco), the Bobby Burns (whiskey, Martini Rosso & Benedictine 12yr), or the bell pepper, frozen vodka, Galliano & bitters Yellow Lamborghini -- which should make you feel warm and expensive in the Middles, bro.
For even more, including deets on the 101 Cocktail Club, head to Mixology101LA.com
