Girl Friday Happy Hour: Fat Fish

Because A Skinny Fish Looks Suspicious!
by Kylee Van Dillen, The Liquid Muse Girl Friday

Fat Fish's happy hour menu is the perfect catch, offering delicious deals for everyone from the serious eater to casual drinker, daily 5-7pm and 10-11pm Sunday-Wednesday.

The hip lounge features candlelit couches and corner booths. The bar has a plasma TV for sports lovers, yet retains enough intimacy to still work for date night. Beer drinkers should come thirsty because a large Asahi is a steal at $5 and sake lovers reel in a carafe for $5.

Those with a fancy-and-fruity side revel in premium Saketinis (sake and fresh fruit) for around $6. We love the Mango martini shaken up with rum and fresh mango puree—a frou-frou-yet-fiesty combo. Off the sauce? Bartender Josh offers refreshing iced green tea garnished with an aromatic orange zest—super healthy and super yummy!

Small plates include traditional favorites like “Q-cumber” salad ($4) or spicy tuna tartar ($6) and the list of specialty rolls won’t leave you hungry. (All can be made with multi-grain brown rice.) The Albacore roll (Albacore tuna, green onion, cilantro, avocado and jalapeño) or for Philly Roll (Salmon, cream cheese and avocado) are great to share.

If your fins are feeling a little flabby, don’t worry, we won’t judge. Dive into Fat Fish during happy hour and we promise you’ll swim home happy.

Girl Friday Happy Hour: Riva Bene!
by Kylee Van Dillen, The Liquid Muse Girl Friday

Two blocks from the beach and only a few steps from the Third Street Promenade, Riva brings a little Italian charm to Santa Monica.

The urban-rustic interior features with high ceilings, exposed beams, and Tuscany stone walls. Young business sophisticates chill out on couches in front lounge area, or sip cocktails at the candle-lit bar. The vibrant Latin music adds an upbeat energy throughout the space, and the extensive “Bar Bailout” happy hour menu—served all week from 5-6pm, and 10pm-12am - provides a little taste of la dolce vita.

“Aperitivi” include draft beers at $3, and Italian wines “Bianchi o Rossi”—red or white—are $4. Three specialty cocktails from their full menu, normally $11-14, are available for $4 as well. Our favorite is Sois Sage: a refreshing cooler of muddled sage, Sagatiba Cachaca, lime and soda.

And what would Italy be without the food? For $3-10 you can mangia with the best of them. The Eggplant Parmesan Pizza ($8) has a crispy-soft perfect crust and a sweet marinara sauce that pairs perfectly with the Mozzarella and Gruyere melted on top. For a savory treat the trio of Warm Olives ($3) is a perfect light bite.

If your sweet tooth needs some attention, take a glance at the amazing dessert menu. The “Ricotta Fritters” should not be passed up; hot donut-like balls coated in cinnamon sugar, served with balsamic strawberries and whipped cream. Although Riva’s food and drinks may inspire you to sing a song of Amore while strolling down 3rd street, we encourage you to try your best not to dance in the fountains too!