Nightlife Continues to Grow and Change into the New Year

The Los Angeles Times had a great article detailing many of the changes to the L.A. nightlife scene.  In spite of the dragging economomy, L.A.'s nightlife continues to expand and morph, maintaining its reputation as a world-wide destination for nighttime fun.

The article points out many new venues including, a posh new European-style clubbing destination in traditionally staid Beverly Hills called Confidential Lounge; the Beverly, which traffics in exclusivity by being open only two nights per week; and Universal CityWalk's upscale Infusion Lounge. On the opposite end of the spectrum were a slew of sleek but comfortable respites from the club scene with intentionally dog-eared edges, including the aforementioned Neat bar where Demarest serves uncut spirits alongside a simple glass of beer or soda; the tame and literary-minded Writer's Room in Hollywood; the loud but boho-lax former pop-up bar Paul & Andre, which migrated from Hollywood to permanent digs in the Standard on the Sunset Strip; the classy but mellow bar at Il Covo, nightlife legend Sean MacPherson and partner Jared Meisler's new Italian restaurant on 3rd Street; and the friendly neighborhood comeback of Revolver, the legendary gay video bar in WeHo.

Not only were there new additions to the club scene in Hollywood, Downtown L.A. continued to show exponential growth as Angelenos were drawn to new venues such as One-Eyed Gypsy and Salvage.  Los Angeles nightlife in 2012 continues the trend, with new openings and imaginative remodels as L.A.'s nightlife scene grows up and finally begins to successfully compete with Las Vegas and New York as a true destination for hipsters, celebrities, and party-goers around the world.

Don't Ask Santa for a DUI (because you might just get one)

The holidays are here again.  That means lots of holiday parties where the alcohol will be flowing freely.  There are many ways to drink responsibly this holiday season.  Here are just a few to remember as you head out to the office party or to your favorite nightclub or restaurant:

1. Have a designated driver (maybe pay for dinner or a movie for a tea-totalling friend of yours in exchange for a ride home after a night of drinking).

2.  Take a cab. No matter the cost, it'll be cheaper than a DUI.

3.  Don't drink on an empty stomach.

4.  Pace yourself and don't try to "keep up" with how much your friends are drinking.

5.  If you begin to feel drunk, stop drinking.

These are just a few of the many ways that you can save yourself from the financial, career and social trauma that often comes from getting a DUI conviction during the holidays.  Have a safe and happy holiday season.

New Guidelines for Alcohol Brands Using Social Media

Alcohol brands wanting to use social networks, blogs, mobile apps and user-generated content will have to follow new guidelines, set out by the organisations in Europe and the US, from 30 September.

Susan Irby, The Bikini Chef radio show

Here's the link to the radio show where I discuss safe drinking and DUIs, in case you missed it.  

Blood Alcohol Content Calculator

For those of you who heard me on The Bikini Chef radio show, here's a link to a blood alcohol content calculator. Remember that this is a guide and is NOT exact.  Please drink responsibly at all times. Happy Labor Day!

http://www.csgnetwork.com/bloodalcolevelcalc.html