Thursday, February 26, 2009

March de LaB> Viewing The Varnish Reminder

March is almost upon us, which means we're ready for our next de LaB event!

Los Angeles' history echoes at Cole's, Originator of the French Dip, housed since 1908 in the hollow of the Pacific Electric building, once the nucleus of the Pacific Electric railway network. After a yearlong renovation, Cole's recently reopened, keeping many of the original details, including glass lighting, penny tile floors, historic photos, and the 40-foot mahogany bar.

Restaurant group 213's designer Ricki Kline will be giving us a tour of the restored space, which will include the soon-to-open now open speakeasy The Varnish, in the back room.

Cocktails around 7, tour and presentation will begin around 8:30.
118 E 6th St.
Los Angeles, CA

Get Directions on Google Maps

There should be plenty of street parking available.

Cole's has kindly offered to extend their happy hour specials to de LaB attendees throughout the night. Enjoy "Swell Well" $2 off, $1 off all Drinks/Beer/Wine and $4 Half Dips. Thanks to our friends at 213!

Please drop us a line, leave a comment, or RSVP on our facebook page so we can get a rough estimate of how many people are attending. Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

[Image of vintage cash register at The Varnish via Mattatouille]

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

This Just In: River Liver Photos


If any of you missed (or want to remember) the de LaB River Liver event hosted last August by green meme, our friend and amazing photographer Adam Latham has just posted a new gallery of pics from the party.  (And yes, that is a giant pink My Little Pony....because nothing says fun like a trip to Ponyville!)  See you all in March!


Wednesday, February 11, 2009

March de LaB> Viewing The Varnish

Save the Date! Monday, March 9th.

Los Angeles' history echoes at Cole's, Originator of the French Dip, housed since 1908 in the hollow of the Pacific Electric building, once the nucleus of the Pacific Electric railway network. After a yearlong renovation, Cole's recently reopened, keeping many of the original details, including glass lighting, penny tile floors, historic photos, and the 40-foot mahogany bar.

Restaurant group 213's designer Ricki Kline will be giving us a tour of the restored space, which will include the soon-to-open speakeasy The Varnish, in the back room.

More details to follow, including drink specials for de LaB.

Cocktails around 7, tour and presentation will begin around 8:30.

UPDATE: Cole's has kindly offered to extend their happy hour specials to de LaB attendees throughout the night. Enjoy "Swell Well" $2 off, $1 off all Drinks/Beer/Wine and $4 Half Dips. Thanks to our friends at 213!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

de LaB>Daly Lofts recap!

In February we headed to Lincoln Heights for a tour of the Daly Lofts, architect and writer Joseph Giovannini’s first major LA project. Formerly a telephone trucking garage, this 23,000 square-foot structure now houses a series of trippy, sculptural modern live-work lofts that defy definition.

After cocktails and Mexican pastries (courtesy of Joseph) in one of the lofts, we embarked on a tour of the building that felt like one part funhouse, one part Death Star. Later, Joseph showed us a slideshow that featured some of the optical illusions and axonometric shapes in the other units. It left about 40 de Labbers seeing in the fourth dimension…or maybe it was the pineapple vodka cocktails with lime ice? Thanks to Joseph and everyone who attended on what was a viciously rainy night!

Photo from our friends at ArchNewsNow.

Read more about the Daly Lofts at Curbed and ArchNewsNow.

Also, a bit of news from de LaB headquarters: Marissa Gluck, editor extraordinare at Curbed LA and gal about (the east side of) town, is joining our de LaB planning team. She’s already hard at work cooking up something delicious for our March event. Welcome, Marissa!

-Alissa Walker

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

de LaB > February 5th!


We opted to let Obama (and the Ox) have the month of January, but please join us in February for the first de LaB of the new year!

This month we’re heading to Lincoln Heights for a tour of the Daly Lofts, architect and writer Joseph Giovannini’s first major LA project. Formerly a telephone trucking garage, this 23,000 structure now houses a series of trippy, sculptural modern live-work lofts that defy definition. Once you’re inside, it’s hard to leave. The optical illusions and axonometric shapes and spaces will have you seeing the fourth dimension! If you’re like us and dig the fourth dimension, feel free to talk to Joseph about the three or four remaining units that are available for rent!

After our return from the fourth dimension, we might head to Barbara’s for some nosh.

Thursday, February 5
7 to 10pm

Drinks and bites at 7pm
Tour begins at 8:30pm
Park on the street. Buzz unit #11 when you get there.

Daly Lofts
2450 Daly Street
Los Angeles, CA 90031
Link to Google Maps

Photo from our friends at ArchNewsNow.