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The Blue Boar

The Blue Boar Public House, an English-style pub from Curtis Nysmith, tries hard to live up to its British theme. With its wrought-iron and dark-wood decor and traditional pub menu, Blue Boar is a far cry from the Nysmith-owned Capitol City sports bar that once stood in its place (you know, the one that had the humongous TV screen that could be seen from a mile away). The cocktails are pretty darn good for the vodka-and-Redbull Cahuenga Corridor neighborhood, so you’ll be pleasantly surprised there. But when it comes to the food, the menu is a bit hit-or-miss.

The Basset Hound cocktail, made with Bulleit rye whiskey, Travis Hasse apple pie liqueur, Liqueur 43 and black tea, is a good option, but ask for it made with less Travis Hasse to cut down on the sweetness. The London Eye with Hendrick’s gin and lavender bitters is simple but nicely balanced. All cocktails are reasonably priced at $10.

The Blue Burger and Chips is a really satisfying meal (and at $10, it’s a steal, too). The toppings are traditional — lettuce, onion, tomato and choice of cheese — but the juicy patty, fluffy brioche bun and savory garlic aioli really make this burger. And the fries! The fries are addictive to the nth degree. I ate way too many in one sitting. The Scotch eggs — hard boiled eggs encased in chicken sausage and deep fried — are kind of scary but also kind of good, especially if you’ve had one too many drinks. Speaking of hangover food, the English Fry Up, a terrifying plate full of fried eggs, English bacon, beans, fried potatoes, sausage (i.e, banger) and fried toast, is to be consumed only while under the influence or while recovering from such a state. Trust me on this one.

Blue Burger

Basset Hound

As Blue Boar takes up just a sliver of the old Capitol City space, Nysmith has plans for a Mexican cantina in the adjacent spot. I guess you can’t take the Hollywood out of…Hollywood?

Further reading:

Cocktail Quick Pick: Hollywood’s Blue Boar Pub by LAist

Note: This meal was hosted.

2004 Kentucky Derby. From photog1966 (Flickr).

I went to the Kentucky Derby four years ago. It was…an experience. Of course, my friends and I chose to go the cheap route and watched the race from Churchill Downs’ infield, which is nothing like what you see on TV. There are no rich people in oversize hats with mint juleps. The infield has mint juleps, too, but it’s more like Mardi Gras meets Nascar. But I digress. For those of you who are actually going to be in the Bluegrass State for this Saturday’s Derby race, here are some of my recommendations for where to shop, eat and sleep in Louisville.

• Sustain (Vogue Shopping Center, 3724 Frankfort Ave.) This boutique sells eco-friendly, sustainable and chemical-free products for you and your kids, pets and home. I have my eye on the phthalate-, BPA- and lead-free Laptop Lunch Bento Box.

• The Green Building (732 E. Market St.) The owners of this mixed-use building, a 110-year-old former dry goods store, are striving for LEED platinum certification. Housed within is 732 Social, a cafe from brothers Steven and Michael Ton who also own the James Beard Foundation Award-nominated Basa in Louisville. There’s also art gallery space, which is currently hosting work from Brooklyn’s Steve Keene.

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