Hollywood, CA- What better way to cap off Humpday than to "get lucky?"  The LuxLady and a friend decided to catch Happy Hour on a quiet Wednesday at Hollywood Boulevard's Lucky Devils.  I'd always been curious about the place but shied away in the past for fear that there wouldn't be much in the way of nutrition for me.  You see, I have a confession:  I am a closet Vegetarian.  Don't blame me...my parents raised me this way.  That's a story for another day. Anyway, I was delighted to discover that Lucky Devils is a Vegetarian's paradise.

Flaming Goat

Jalapeño Hummus and Grilled Bread, Combo of Chargrilled Margherita and White Pizza

Located in the heart of Hollywood, Lucky Devils is a cool, clean and comfortable joint that offers up artisan burgers on brioche buns, wood-fire grilled pizza, house smoked BBQ, and more beer than you'll know what to do with. Fresh and innovative items such as Pecan smoked ribs w/ jalapeno corn bread pudding, 100% grass fed burgers with five pepper & green tomato relish and super secret sauce and Liege waffles from Belgium, topped with Tahitian vanilla bean frozen custard and salted Chimay beer caramel can be found on the menu.

Veggie Burger

Lucky Devils prides itself on using zero trans fat oil, sustainable, organic and locally grown ingredients whenever possible and their meats are free of hormones & antibiotics. "Made from scratch," is their philosophy when creating all of the surprisingly yummy and healthy dishes.  I tried a few of the house specials: the Flaming Goat with its mildly spicy, herbed goat cheese habañero spread and red peppers on chargrilled pizza bread; the jalapeño hummus which was hands-down the BEST hummus I have ever had;  the very special and healthful home made Veggie Burger which consisted of shredded beets, sauteed portabello mushrooms, almonds and walnuts, beer caramelized onions, avocados, white cheddar, arugula, house made 1,000 Island dressing and 21 other ingredients; the Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese Fries and beer battered onion rings.  Don't be alarmed. I ordered mini-portions of most items.

Sample of Chili Cheese Fries, Onion Rings and Jalapeño Cheddar Fries

Hickory Smoked Baby Back Ribs

The Lucky Pig

Beer Quartet

Beer lovers will be impressed by Lucky Devils eclectic beer selection which features 14 artisan and favorite beers on tap and a list of over 30 bottles of great Belgium and classics from around the world.  The wine list includes wines selected by owner Lucky Vanous, to compliment and enhance the flavors of the food.

Caramel Pecan Sundae

West Hollywood, CA- Established circa 1971, Mirabelle is a true Los Angeles landmark.  It's one of the rare places where you can still find the owner serving up drinks, greeting guests and making dining suggestions.  George Germanides' family has been at the helm since the restaurant's inception, so it's no wonder that Mirabelle has mastered the cozy, neighborhood restaurant vibe.

Watermelon Martini

The vibe isn't the only thing that Mirabelle has mastered.  The hand-crafted cocktails are all amazingly refreshing. Try the calming Cucumber Martini or the fresh Watermelon Martini if you need a pick me up.  My favorite cocktail on the menu is the St. Germain which consists of champagne, lime and club soda.  The house Sangria is a hit with the crowd as well as the minty Mojito.  Whatever you order, you can't go wrong.

Oyster Trio

You can't go wrong with the food, either.  Though I only ordered items that were listed on the Happy Hour menu, which is available everyday of the week from 4pm to 7pm, the food was well executed and the selections were endless.  I opted for the Oyster Trio and Ahi Tuna Tartare, since Mirabelle is famous for quality seafood.  Fortunately, my waiter suggested a third item, the tangy and delectable Saganaki Cheese, which is a pan-fried, Kefalograviera Greek cheese.  For $5 a pop, how could I resist?

Ahi Tuna Tartar

Saganaki Cheese

Other tempting Happy Hour items included Beef Chicken or Shrimp Tacos, Lamp Chops, Flat Iron Steak Skewers, Pizza Margarita, Braised Short-Ribs, a Horseradish Angus Burger and Slider Duo.  I have never experienced such a high quality of food for such a little price.  I could dine at Mirabelle everyday of the week without tiring of the menu.

Carin von Berg

Mirabelle

8768 W. Sunset Blvd.

West Hollywood, CA 90046

310-659-6022

West Hollywood, CA- A longtime favorite of Angelenos young and old, even Lola's likes to keep it fresh once in awhile. This summer, Lola's boasts a new patio, weekend brunch, and seven innovative cocktails such as my new favorite, the Avenue Foch (named after the famed street in Paris' 16th arrondisement), which consists of gin, brut champagne and lemon.  Other new additions are the Lemonade Mojito, Prosecco Pink Lemonade, St. Germaine White Wine Sangria, Chasing the Dragon, Madagascar and the Red Wine "Very Cherry" Sangria.

Lola's is the perfect place to meet up with a group of friends to imbibe in the extensive martini list of over sixty cocktails.  When you're ready to move on to dinner, look no further.  Lola's has pretty much any type of food that you could ever imagine.  Craving a gourmet grilled cheese and tomato soup with sweet potato fries?  Check. How about a grilled, choice 10 ounce NY steak with bernaise sauce and whipped yukon potatoes or parmesan crusted halibut? Check.  The menu has something for everyone.

Lola's is open seven days a week from 5:30 PM to 2 AM and serves brunch on Sundays beginning at 10 AM.  Happy Hour is 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM seven days a week!

945 N. Fairfax Avenue

West Hollywood, CA  90046

323-654-5652

www.lolasla.com

The Capital Grille's Open Air Terrace

Los Angeles, CA- Summer's finally here and what better way to celebrate it than gathering your friends together to enjoy good food and refreshing cocktails al fresco.  Luckily, The Capital Grille has created an amazing Happy Hour menu that leaves your belly and your wallet full!

Every weekday from 4:30 to 7:00, The Capital Grille offers a delectable selection of bar bites, select wines and signature cocktails for $6!  At that price it's a good idea to choose more than one item from the vast offering of Lobster and Crab Burgers, Lobster Salad Sandwiches, Mini Tenderloin Sandwiches, Mini Signature Cheeseburgers, Mozzarella Prosciutto and Basil Sandwiches, Truffle Fries, Calamari and Shrimp Cocktail...and yes, that is SANDWICHES as in plural.

Carin von Berg

The Capital Grille

8614 W. Beverly Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90048

310-358-0650

www.thecapitalgrille.com/losangeles