Both have the old school grapefruit juicer, but who squeezes and mixes best? Ferronlandia sent in the thirsty troops to find out.
Layover
The drink-To be honest, they skimped on the grapefruit. Never thought I would say it, but too much alcohol, not enough juice. However, the bartender was 1. cute 2. responded “crazy dogs” when I asked him what he calls a grapefruit & tequila and 3. made this delicious alternative for me: tequila, grapefruit and squirt- a paloma with real grapefruit!
The scene-If you need an alternative to the Saturday night sloppy sleazy of Lukas or Mua, come and find a good-humored, motley crowd here. I had three pleasant conversations with strangers (alright, cute guys) and the rest of the bar was too busy getting down to talk to nobody. Comfy couches and a big enough dance floor to dance salsa like a Mexican (elbows, hella elbows). Warning, the DJ has major ADD- the minute you start enjoying a song it turns into something else. I won’t hate though, I was happy with the transitions.
The drink- Major points on the pulp factor. My friend pointed out that the giant slice of grapefruit on the rim puts Van Kleef’s grapefruit to vodka ratio at perfection. It’s like drinking a vodka-filled grapefruit, which for some disturbing reason just made me think breakfast.
The scene- Looks like Fairy Godmother Salvage Yard waved her wand and sprinkled relics of the 60’s, Mardi Gras, and Wyoming across the walls here. Funky like your grandma’s cluttered closet that still has a few wigs and flapper dresses, cozy like your brother’s hot-boxed basement with the couch you don’t want to leave. Try and check out the music before paying cover but it’s always a good conversation space.
The winner? Van Kleef for the drink, Layover for the scene. Good thing you can do both in one night.
Got the travel bug?
http://www.cafevankleef.com/ ($5 on weekends)
http://oaklandlayover.com/ (no cover)
A good guide is one who picks you up from the airport and says,”You hungry? Great, I know delicious Thai place. It’s a total dive.”
The thing I love about a 12-hour trip is that you have a very short window to have a bad meal. Couple it with a cousin that knows how to eat and you’re bound to have two great meals like this:
Dinner: Sri Siam Cafe makes a duck curry that melts in your mouth- pineapple, peppers, whole tomatoes and perfectly cooked duck. A Tom Kha Gai with some heat, a beef salad to cool you off, and a Sapporo to wash it down. Here the owner runs out in his chef’s coat to make a delivery, there’s neatly written Thai script on the whiteboard (OK, I don’t know what messy Thai script looks like), the “mild” means “damn spicy,” and you can bring your own beer in from the liquor store next door. A chill and authentic lil dive.
Breakfast: If the bacon waffle I had in NY and Jumpin Java’s Cinnamon-Kiss French Toast had to get in the ring together and battle it out for fattiest fat girl breakfast, I’m not sure who would win. The baguette is dipped in brandy egg batter and glazed in sugar and cinnamon, towered on top of caramelized bananas and walnuts, and showered with powdered sugar. I’ve never put aside a cup of butter and a bottle of syrup so immediately.
Jumpin Java is a pleasant throw back- The faded green and yellow color scheme hints at their 15 year history and so does the genuine friendliness of their servers. They’re nice, but not overly nice- cause they know you’ll wander back.
Oh! And if it’s a sunny day you can sit outside and then head over to the farmer’s market just two blocks down.
Got the travel bug?
http://jumpinjavarestaurant.com/ (Studio City)