News from behind the bar ..

Okay, so it's Saturday night...  Johnny will be serving drinks on the west end of the bar in the lounge (w/ Terri on the east end).   Johnny's been a perennial favorite at the Dresden, and, last Wednesday celebrated his lastest birthday.  We are sworn to secrecy as to the amount of revolutions he has personally indulged in around the sun, however, those of us who know Johnny guess his age to be eternally young!   

"I'll have the Blue Label Johnny.  Thanks!  And, happy birthday"  

-  the maitre d

The Readys play the Dresden in Hollywood Sunday Nights ..

The Readys perform in the lounge on Sunday nights 9pm.

Carl Ferraro's 100th Birthday Celebration

Artwork complied by Paul Vitello

Last night's celebration of the memory of Carl Ferraro was, fittingly, a good time for all...  The bar was rowed with mostly regulars very early in the evening.  People were generously sharing stories of their experiences with Mr. Ferraro.  One patron regaled us with stories of the Dresden prior to Mr. Ferraro's ownership of the establishment - stories from 1950!  Our in-house celebrity, Fred Kawano, showed up for dinner and drinks (and I would note that he behaved himself this time) and was as charming as ever.  Many who showed up to honor Carl Ferraro Sr. have been showing up since the beginning of Marty and Elayne's 32 year tenure at the Dresden, and, somewhat surprisingly, there is still a good number of Dresden patrons from even before that.  Personally, my evening started off in grand fashion, I got to assist elegant Eva in booking our private room for her birthday next week.
Jim Ferraro, the current owner/manager of the Dresden, attended, and, with the assistance of Marty and Elayne, he gave a warm, well received tribute to his Dad.  It was a packed house.  We sold our trademark drink, the adventurous Blood and Sand, for 5 dollars a glass.  Sally, a lovely young girl who was at the Dresden for her first time, was sharing a cake that she brought for a friend's birthday party/celebration.  The cake was chocolate.  She somehow talked me into having a piece.  Happy 100th birthday Mr. Ferraro.

 - John, the maitre d'  

Here is an additional shot of Mr. Ferraro via Dali Ewing.  This photo is from 2001.

Marty an Elayne, another interview

Marty and Elayne are often interviewed by the local Hollywood filmmaker types.  A lot of times its USC film school students, or AFI students, which both schools are very near the Dresden's Los Feliz location.  This is a candid shot of Elayne while a wireless microphone is being placed onto Marty, ready to be interviewed...  Once the filmmaker gets back to us with a finished piece I will be happy to post it here @ the Dresden.

Also note:  Kelly R Olson's upcoming documentary on Marty and Elayne
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marty-and-Elayne-Stayin-Alive-At-The-Dresden/84008404729

- John, the maitre d'      

A Celebration of Carl Ferraro, Dresden Owner

photo reproduced from Dresden archival scrapebook

Come celebrate the birth date of the man who founded one of Hollywood most enduring legends - The Dresden!  This Friday, October 18th, marks the passage of what would have been Carl Ferraro's 100th birthday.  Carl's son Jim has indicated that there is to be a celebration honoring the memory of his father, and, acknowledging what an amazing establishment his father created all those years ago. For those who don't know, Mr. Ferraro senior passed away at the age of ninety-one, early in two-thousand and five, he spent a great many years making sure a good time was had by all @ the Dresden.  Pre-2005 patrons remember this wonderful man, and they will, I am certain, be delighted to attend the evening and raise a glass in his name.

I will update you with any additional information regarding this special night, once it is made available to me.  And - yes, Marty and Elayne are scheduled to appear.  They go up at 9pm in the lounge.  I will be hosting your evening.

- John the Maitre d'         

Open Mic with Marty and Elayne

Photo is from a Target commercial with Marty and Elayne.

Tuesday night brings the return of Marty and Elayne to the lounge @ the Dresden.  It is also open mic night for anyone who wishes to sing a song with this dynamic musical duo.  (For those who may not know, Marty and Elayne play standards and jazz)  The show starts at 9pm.  1760 N. Vermont in Los Feliz, CA.  Gabriel will be serving drinks.  Jim will be hosting the evening.   The dining room is available as well.

- the Maitre d'

The Readys Sunday night in the lounge @ the Dresden.

 Just so everyone knows the Readys have moved to Sunday nights!  Monday night is a whole new deal with multiple bands...  And, of course, Tues - Sat is the shining light known as Marty and Elayne.  We have musical entertainment every night of the week starting at 9pm in the lounge. 

Terri, service at the bar ...

Okay.  A simple observation from last night as Maitre d at the Dresden - Friday night was a glide!  All the patrons, new and old were a delight to host.  Johnny and Terri poured amazing drinks...  Marty and Elayne played their collective hearts out (as usual), and, personally, I enjoyed a rather prolonged conversation with a beautiful lady named Patricia who was delighted to be back "home" at the Dresden.   

Update.. Marty and Elayne @ the Dresden.

photo provided via Jim Ferraro

Last night...  John (the patron formally known as Space Monk), one of our longtime patrons at the Dresden, assisted in bringing in a replacement keyboard for Elayne - of Marty and Elayne fame.  The replacement electronic instrument served Elayne well, as she performed her trademark sounds with a rousing version of Staying Alive to test the replacement keyboard.  The audience approved with raised drink glasses and cheers!  Also notable, Adrian, Matt, and Kim made appearances with Marty and Elayne last night.  Oh, and of course, Gabriel and Terri pours some amazing cocktails.

For those who don't know Marty and Elayne perform in the Dresden Lounge Tuesday through Saturday nights @ the Dresden, Located at 1760 N. Vermont in the village of Los Feliz, CA.