Mixology Musing #2
La Descarga (www.ladescargala.com)
I have no idea where people go out anymore in LA. I really don’t. In fun days past, a good night out used to be cocktails at Daddy’s followed by cheesy (and often unsuccessful) skirt-chasing antics at White Lotus. Folks, both of those places closed during the SARS outbreak in 2003. These days I’m happy to simply snort rubber cement in the parking lot before watching first-season repeats of “Glee”. Speaking of which, aren’t you mad that the Asian glee kids display the least amount of character arch of all the cast-members? Yeah, me neither.
Anyway, I was quite pleased when a friend of mine decided to have her birthday gathering at the newest speakeasy-themed bar last Thursday night. I felt cool until I reached the blaring neon sign announcing this smartly designed rum emporium, but frankly in my older age I can use all of the visual cues I can afford.
This place is fun. There are well-heeled bartenders, a sprawling staircase at the entrance where patrons can spy new arrivals and periodic striptease performances. But be prepared to imbibe on rum. I had a “Tapping the Admiral” which is essentially a rum-inspired Manhattan. Despite not being a rum aficionado, I enjoyed that as well as the dark Cuban beers they had on draft. There is also a cigar smoking room in the back. It will give you a headache.
Check this place out before it gets overrun. And be careful of your rum consumption. There is a taco stand right next door that can assist you with your post-rum hunger pangs. - H. Lee
La Descarga, 1159 Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029, (323) 466-4324
