ALONG COMES MARY

One of Los Angeles’ many budding neighborhoods boasting with artistic flare and nightlife action is none other than North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District. Cruise down Lankershim or Magnolia and at your finger tips are an array of restaurants, bars and fun “hole in the wall” style coffee houses that bring to mind Frasier’s Cafe Nervosa. I love to chill at Republic of Pie or Eat when I’m in need of some java and wi-fi.

When the sun sets though, and I’m ready for some dinner or a happy hour, I look no further than the Federal Bar. A Knitting Factory establishment with an additional location in Downtown Long Beach, the Federal Bar wears many hats and makes it such a great choice no matter what your night life intentions may be. They’ve got their main dining room, an upstairs space with a stage and an intimate cabaret style space perfect for a private event. The beauty with all of their dining spaces? Each has their own full bar!

I was thrilled to head out to the Federal Bar to preview their New Year’s Eve menu accompanied with a tasting with Georgos Wines. December 31st this year will find the Federal pulling out all of the stops with several New Years Eve options under one roof. From prix fixe dinner to the traditional shenanigans like champagne toasts, party props and dancing, the Federal will have you covered.

The dinner menu will begin with your choice of a starter: pork belly, crab hot-pot or tomato and avocado tartar followed by one of their signature salads: wedge Caesar or baby beet burrata. I tried the latter and loved the spicy pecans paired with their white balsamic vinegar dressing. It was the perfect intro for what was to come with our hefty portions from the Main Course.

New Years Eve attendees will have their pick of cauliflower steak, prime rib, wild salmon or herb crusted chicken. We were able to try out the prime rib, fish and chicken. A sucker for Rosemary and herbs chicken, it was moist and drenched in an expertly crafted mix of spices.  The salmon paired perfectly with the generous sides of roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes. We all know I love me some mashed potatoes. These were fresh and seasoned with garlic-y goodness. I have been attempting to follow the Paleo diet a bit, but, alas–I had seconds of the potatoes!

Despite the extra helping of the side dishes, I absolutely loved the caramel pudding that was served for dessert. It was decadent, creamy and light. For the prix fixe event menu, cheesecake will also be on the agenda. Just sayin’.

Something I always love about the Federal Bar is their service, and this evening was no different. Our server, Courtney, was super attentive and on it for to make sure the treats and eats I was enjoying were gluten-free for me.

Throughout the courses of our meal, we were treated to the fabulous Greek wines coming from Georgos Wines. Georgos is fast becoming a household name among wine connoisseurs. Founded by Athens native, Georgos Zanganas, the engineer discovered that after moving to San Francisco a glass or two of his beloved wine would send him into roaring headaches. Never having experienced this when he was in his native land, Zanganas realized it was due to the fact that Greek grapes produce a lower amount of alcohol. Therefore, less hangovers and headaches.

Working with the highest quality of fruit from Greece, with soft tannins and a clean taste, Georgos as well as fellow wine maker, Robert Rex, partnered with Deer field Ranch Winery in Sonoma Valley. Thus, Georgos Wines were born.

Working with Robert Rex, this duo has created a flavorful and transcendental experience that is the direct product of Old World techniques and innovation. The grapes might seem familiar, but the Greek spin is unmistakable.

Rex has brought a scientific eye and artistic passion to wine making for forty-five years. Rex, who started making wine in 1972 in Berkeley, has worked for many different wineries, started wineries for others, and has taught wine making.

With clever names borrowed from the Greek islands with mythology, Santorini/Sophia’s Smile is a crisp, dry, 2016 Sauvignon Blanc-style wine that would pair greatly with a dish like wild salmon while Ios/Aphrodite’s Kiss is a bold Pinot Noir-style red that’s unoaked and fermented with the skin for 16 hours was a particular highlight.

While Georgos Wines are available at fine restaurants throughout LA and San Francisco, you can also find them in Whole Foods and online.

To make your plans for a New Years Eve to remember at the Federal, pick your poison (which will include special NYE festive concoctions like the Midnight Kiss and Flawless, as well as a few kinds of champagnes and sparkling wines) from their party options below and give them a call as a reservation must be made at 818-980-2555.

• Dinner and Drinks: is a 4-course prix fixe dinner package
  featuring Crab Hot Pot, House Smoked Pork Belly, Prime Rib,
  Herb Roasted Chicken, Wild Salmon, and Chocolate Brioche
  Bread Pudding. The experience is 75 dollars a person, and
  includes party favors, admission to the nightclub, and a
  champagne toast at midnight.
•  Dancing and Drinks: Access to the upstairs night club
  will feature the SnapBack DJs and dancing in addition to
  Party Favors and a Champagne toast at midnight. Tickets
  are available for 25 dollars per person.
• VIP Open Bar: Their Exclusive Speakeasy, The Salon, is
  offering a VIP open bar package for 100 dollars per
  person that includes appetizers, party favors, admission
  to nightclub, and a champagne toast at midnight.

Special thank you to the Federal Bar and Georgos Wines for having me to experience this incredible preview of what is to go down on New Years Eve in North Hollywood. If you are un-able to make it out to enjoy the festivities, Georgos will have you covered with their wines to ring in the new year…and, no headache to welcome in 2018! 😉 xo

(*All photography by Michael Farah)