EVENT/DINING: BOURBON DTLA OPENING

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BOURBON DTLA OPENING

 

This new eatery-entertainment venue opened in the very interesting downtown LA Arts District last week with a fun, upbeat soiree.

The delicious buffet. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The delicious buffet. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The chef is one I’ve been a fan of for quite awhile, Kurt Ehrlich. I always enjoy his catering at the annual Roger Neal Oscars Gifting Suite, and I was happy to partake of his fare once again, this time in a restaurant setting.

That area of downtown is always hip and happening. And, even though Bourbon DTLA has valet parking, it’s one of the easiest areas to street-park in. But shhh-don’t tell anyone else!

The restaurant itself is not a big space, which adds to it’s hip-ness. But there are a variety of places to sit and chill. If it’s a drink you’re after, you can cozy-up to the bar. If it’s food and conversation that interests you, there are tables and chairs away from the stage where you can actually hear each other talk. And a semi-outdoor patio. But, if you want real entertainment, there are several comfortable booths in front of the stage at the far end from the entryway.

Guitarist Curtis Perry.  Photo by Karen Salkin.

Guitarist Curtis Perry. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Since party people always need musical accompaniment, we guests were treated to two wonderful musicians. First up was guitarist supreme Curtis Perry, followed by Rachelle Renesse, who accompanied her beautiful singing on the piano. (And she wore her hair the same as I do, so, of course, she also looked great!) Later on in the evening was a stripper, (which was an interesting choice for a restaurant opening,) but she wandered through the audience, so those of us in the booths missed most of her act. No biggie, though, because I already do all of those moves myself! Except mine are for only Mr. X, and not the general public. (Lucky him, right?)

But, for me, (as we all know,) the food is the thing. It was all good—passed hors d’oeuvres and an all-night buffet of sandwiches, cheese, crackers, and fruit—but it didn’t reflect the eatery’s Cajun bent, (I think it would have been too hard to do food like that at an opening fete,) so I’ll definitely have to go back there soon to do a real review for you guys. I read the menu, and it was mouth-watering, so I’ll be happy to try it out.

Chuck McCann and Karen Salkin.

Chuck McCann and Karen Salkin.

There were several old school celebs in attendance, like Renee Taylor and Sheryl Lee Ralph, but I was most excited to chat with Chuck McCann. Mr. X tells me that he was a major figure in children’s television in New York back in the day, but I know him from the classic film The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter. Just seeing Mr. McCann makes me tear up again. What a great performance that was! Photogs still try to take my picture nowadays, but I decline, no matter with whom it is, because I don’t like others being in charge of my image. (It drives the editor of the other e-zine I write for crazy because she always wants pix with me and this celeb or that one.) But I actually asked Chuck to take a snap with me, which he did most readily. Mr. X couldn’t believe it when he saw it!

Rachelle Renesse.  Photo by Karen Salkin.

Rachelle Renesse. Photo by Karen Salkin.

So, the opening of Bourbon DTLA was a success on all levels, including the excellent servers. I hope they all work there on a regular basis, and that the same DJ does, too. He kept the fun mood going between acts, spinning many of my old hip-hop club tunes, and never made the music so loud as to be intrusive. I’m definitely going back there, and soon!

734 East 3rd St. Los Angeles  213-680-3003  www.bourbondtla.com

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