Before the Date…
The anxiety while approaching any 405 on ramp after work invokes something inside us which makes a big glass of wine sound like it will hit the spot. This date is designed to not wait til you get home for that glass but to make a detour to enjoy yourself while you wait for traffic to die down. Wine, dine, and dessert to your hearts every naughty desire while the suckers stress out on the freeway.
So text your co-workers and veer off your usual commute for a better kind of ride home.
St0p #1: 5:30pm
WINE
in a wine warehouse tasting room
What to Know
This industrial looking warehouse is literally 20 feet from a 405 on ramp. It may not be pretty on the outside but the inside is a winos dream.
The wine tasting is indeed self serve. It works much like the games at Dave & Busters. Head to the far back of the store, to the customer service desk. Ask for help and let them know you’re trying to taste wine in the “Taste” room.
Cards can only be loaded in $20 increments. 1 card can only do 8 transactions and you can use the card only once. So, if there’s 2 of you it’s best to get one card. Then do 8 tastings. If you wanna get more you can load another $20 on that same card.
Connoisseur of the Streets Tip: Download the Vivino App. You have $20 with 8 transactions/wine tastes. They range from $1.20 to $5+ each. The Vivino App uses a photo of the wine bottle label to show you ratings from wine drinkers around the world. Take photos of the labels, see how it ranks, and make a decision. Making a game of it can be fun 😉
If you like a bottle you can buy one and bring it up to Stop #2 for a $15 corkage.
St0p #2: 6pm
DINE
AT A WINE LOVERS HAPPY HOUR
What to Know
No need to drive or walk anywhere this wine bar is located above the wine shop. Just head up the center staircase.
Arrive to this tapas bar by 6pm. The whole place will be packed by 6:15pm and it is important to get a spot at the bar for multiple reasons.
First reason: The Happy Hour. $6 actually good and curated wines, $4 beers, and $10 bites.
Second reason: The People. The confines of the bar are snug but it makes for an intimate atmosphere for everyone to chat. Lot’s of regulars pass through making for an interesting dynamic.
What to order: Veal meatballs, soft shell crab and the cheeseburger.
As this is a very wine centric restaurant their regular menu has wine pairing suggestions with each type of plate. Ask the bartender or server for the recommendations.
St0p #3: after dinner treat
DESSERT
in an old school steak house
What to Know
The walk to this restaurant is a few blocks walking under the 405 Freeway then across Sawtelle. It may seem sketchy. It is not. If you’re worried about walking they do have a parking lot that’s rarely full at this time.
This place has been cooking steaks ? since 1946, a true LA classic. So classic that the original owners wife was June Cleaver on the 1950’s show “Leave it to Beaver”.
You’ve come here for one thing and one thing only, the strawberry shortcake. It’s old school to a T. Not your thing? They have some other great desserts like a chocolate snickers brownie thats not too shabby.