The Bar & Lounge

If you liked the Polo Lounge, you'll like this spot for sure.  Pricey old skool cliquish Bel Air vibe where the well-heeled hang out to chat on a regular basis.  Worth a visit to check it out, but if you're not with the "in crowd" that hangs there you might feel a tad out of place.  Felt more accepted at The Polo Lounge as a matter of fact and LOVE that place for sure.  Put this down as a place to visit should you find yourself in the area, otherwise there's better out there to experience.  .

I'm here every other week or so. They have a decent scotch and port selection. Cigar selection is wanting, but at least they have some on hand. I never really hung out there; I'm usually by the fireplace (only place on the grounds where you can smoke).

Bf: that Ferrari cut me off!
Me: Ferraris ALWAYS have the right of way, especially if you're in Bel Air!

Hotel Bel Air is obviously a place where jackets are required and heels are mandatory. LA's old (and apparently, young) money hang out at the well appointed lounge with a fireplace and piano music on the weekends.

I'm not sure why my eyes even went wide at the $18 cocktails or the $29 (3 small bites!) tuna tartare. I mean, this is prime people watching territory and that naturally warrants the price tag.

I still don't like the fact that we were ignored for a good 15 mins after we sat down, when we were in direct line of sight of the passing cocktail waitress and bartender. The bartender might have E.S.P. or just be really good at reading lips because I was "muttering" loudly that the service sucks ... Then it improved waaay after that.

If you're so inclined to spend $$$ here, I highly recommend the Samurai Sword cocktail and Adios Nonino.  The burger with jalapeño marmalade is oh so juicy with crispy, thin cut natural style fries.

Nevertheless, I had a nice time holding my cocktail glass with my little pinkie up in the air.

When valet came around with our rental car, the very polite guy said "valet is $8, please".  The bf handed him a $10 bill.

Mr. Valet stood there, looking at the $10 bill and after a slight awkward pause said, "thank you very much."

* Well? Was he expecting a $20 tip?! *

We were driving a rental car for god sakes! Not a freaking Ferrari.

Get over it.