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Havana Nights at La Descarga LA Elite Event



Last night the LA Elite Squad closed out Yelp's All Starr Rum Cocktail Challenge with a cool, (mostly) white linen Havana Nights event at La Descarga.

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The hot-to-trot guests lined up along an inconspicuous part of Western Avenue causing a frenzy of passersby in a seedy Hollywood 'hood to look on with suspicion and intrigue. And while waiting to be taken through the secret entrance to this Cuban-inspired speakeasy, they feasted upon mobile Cuban munchies thanks to No Jodas! Cuban Kitchen truck. A meal of rice, black beans, chicken (or beef) and plantains resulted in an onslaught of drooling and seconds.

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Once they entered into La Descarga's mysterious entryway, Elites and their plus ones were engulfed in a dark, sexy Cuban lair. The intimate space paved the way for close encounters, drink sharing, and a little dance floor action once the live conga band started to strum from the interior balcony. Starr Stealers (featuring a homemade hibiscus liqueur) and Starr Daiquiris were being shaken with force from the talented and attractive staff and dished out with sheer speed.

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Meanwhile, the cigar bar was taken over by representatives from Starr Rum who offered the crowd a little background on the African treat that has a strong note of cherry, while serving it up neat (combine it with a Coke and indulge in a little cherry beverage action). And then things got wild.

A fiery burlesque dancer appeared and regaled the linen-ed, fedora-ed group with a hot, hot performance. She shook her hips, kicked her legs, and all jaws dropped as she contortioned her body this way and that, all while keeping a flaming stick lit. She was sensational to say the very least.

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Luckily for us, Ellen Choi Photography captured the essence of the evening beautifully, so be sure to see her work right here. Read the reviews for even more tantalizing details!

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Katie B

LA East CM

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