Karaoke Bar

Before I go on any further, I want to make sure everyone understands how much I despise karaoke bars. A bunch of people dreaming they were stars or being seen by some famous record produce. Sure that would be nice but it never happens, or some washed up cougar filled to the limit with cocktails singing her own version of YMCA. Not the scene for me, BUT, when I was dragged into Boardwalk 11 in Los Angeles all my preconceived notions of the infamous karaoke bars were all washed down with the many beers I engulfed that night.

I drove around for about 20 minutes trying to find it. I was not aware that this place was in a strip mall. I was immediately turned off even more by the idea. But research is research, I could not turn back now. Once inside you couldn't even tell you were in a little mall. The people were nice and the food smelled great. There was tons of people inside, everyone obviously drunk to the top, but a very laid back crowd. The mix of people was outrageous, young 20 somethings to a couple that looked like they were in their late 70's. It was perfect. After a few drinks I even mustered up the courage to rap Vanilla Ice's, Ice Ice Baby!.

The food was great. There is everything from finger foods like edamame to a full steak dinner. Drinks, where do I begin. Where they really had me was with all the beers on tap. My favorite, Arrogant Bastard Ale. MMM

The Boardwalk 11 was featured as a finalist on the Maxims Greatest American Neighborhood Bar Search. Given the bartenders and waitresses, I could see why. There is a small patio outside so all you smokers and conjugate as you wait your turn to sing. Monday thru Thursday Karaoke starts at 9:30 pm to 1:30 am, Friday and Saturdays it begins at 8:00pm.

The only draw back to this place was parking. I found it easy to just park using the meters on national. Happy Hour is great, so I heard. $1.00 of every pint and let me remind you how delicious the Arrogant Bastard was. There is a 2 drink minimum or you pay a $10.00 cover. No big deal given the place was so much fun.

I will definitely go to this place again and this time I won't be kicking and screaming. Hope to see you there. Ciao

Baordwalk 11

10433 National Blvd. #5

Los Angeles, Ca 90034

310-837-5245

Brazilian Flavor in West LA

So I will try not to be biased on this place, but it will undoubtedly be so difficult. The first time I went out to a club in America was here. It reminded me of home. From the moment you walk through the fence, the sidewalk is lined in Copacabana's signature black and white zig zagged tiles. Small tables outside to enjoy the night. This is a family restaurant but elements of the place by far fall through the category of a local dive. Children can come in but at 10pm the dancing begins not sure if you want to keep them inside.

Dress is casual, a laid back style of a ocean groove of people. Ahh People, not only are their Brazilians here, there are Asians and Jamaicans, whites and Cubans. This is a place where South American and Caribbean people can come around pretend they are home for one night. The people are your Friends and show you what it means to come from a country where hospitality comes first.

So lets get into the food. This place serves the typical food that one would eat as a late night snack, a hangover buster if you will. Lots of flour lots of frying. Never forget the famous Feijoada, a delicious black bean stew cooked in an array of left over and dried meats. MMMMM Slide that down with an ice cold Caipirinha and you are set.

Dancing is the main thing here. Although the place is small. It reminds me of the street parties we would have in Brazil that would go on late into the night. After that go get some sandwiches and pass out on the beach all day long and do it all over again the next night. Oh to be young and in Brazil. Anyhow Wed-Thurs is Cuban Night and at 8:30 you get front row to some salsa classes that really show you how to get down or should I say get those Hips a going. Friday night is Strictly Reggae night. Several performers come in and the place is packed. Of coarse we will not forget that Friday - Sunday is Brazilian, Brazilian, Brazilian. Live costumed dancers parade around while you engulf your third round of caipirinhas. The dancing is unstoppable. The feeling you get in your veins when you hear those drummers is indescribable. I hope that you can truly make it down here. this is a place I love to go, so let me know if you will be there and I will be to. I love to see the faces of people I just met embrace my culture and bathe themselves in the glorious feelings my people and music make you feel. CIAO

Zabumba

10717 Venice Blvd.

Los Angeles, Ca 90031

310-841-6525