Mayor Ron Oden, David Cooley and Mayor John Duran.
Architecturally Stunning "Finlandia
ICE BAR" At The Abbey West Hollywood, Celebrates Its
Opening
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA -- The Abbey Food and Bar, located at
692 North Robertson Blvd. in West Hollywood, California,
celebrated the completion of its newly expanded space on
May 20, 2004. The community unveiling was officiated by
Mayor Duran of West Hollywood and Mayor Oden of Palm Springs.
Both offered proclamations and presided over a ribbon cutting
ceremony with owner David Cooley.
The stunning old world architectural design of the Abbey's
newly expanded space loomed over visitors as they entered
this landmark West Hollywood social spot.
Approaching the new addition - now part of a 13,000 square
foot complex - one couldn't help feel as if they were entering
another world, a retreat from the stress of the day, into
a sanctuary of socializing, accompanied by great food and
drinks.
The massive new two-story entrance, with its stone arched
parapets, stained glass windows, set off by twin gargoyles,
gave passersby an inkling of what to expect inside, with
the warm and inviting interior.
Once inside, eyes were drawn upward as massive double antique
chandeliers illuminated the way. With its enormous stone
hearth fireplace, beamed arched ceilings, and richly upholstered,
plush seating areas, The Abbey's Ice Bar evoked a relaxed
elegance. The combinations of richly stained dark wood and
stone surfaces were reminiscent of Europe's very own Old
World Abbeys.
The casual comfort of Ice Bar's cushioned seating brought
a distinctive southern California feel to the table. The
overwhelming popularity of The Abbey's outdoor cabanas inspired
new indoor seating enclaves, which offered yet another way
to experience the rooms.
Eyes were quickly drawn to Ice Bar's stunning back-lit
Water Wall. Part fountain, part moving sculpture, the walls
rippling, illuminated sheets of glacial water imported from
Finland, cascade downward, creating a truly fluid, yet tranquil
sanctuary amidst the buzz of The Abbey's social scene.
The 20 foot-long, oval shaped bar served as Ice Bar's nerve
center. With its stainless steel fixtures, Ice Bar looked
as much like state of the art kitchen as it did a bar. Here
is where Abbey staff created its signature drinks and beverages,
including its famous Apple Martinis. Raised stools line
the outside parameter of Ice Bar, offered yet another option
for guests to sit down and enjoy this enticing new addition
to a landmark structure - now the single largest Gay food
and bar in the City of West Hollywood.
The Abbey has won numerous accolades including: Best of
CitySearch.com for "Best Gay and Lesbian Bar;"
and Zagat Guide's "Best in West Hollywood Nightlife."
Los Angeles Magazine says it's "The Best Gay Bar to
Bring a Straight Friend To" in its annual 101 Things
We Love issue and the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
designated it "Best Restaurant in 2003. West Hollywood
Awards crowned it "Outstanding Restaurant and Bar 2003."
About Finlandia
Finlandia Vodka is one of the purest vodkas in the world
a product of unequalled quality and the highest possible
standards. Finlandia is produced from entirely natural ingredients
including the finest six-row barley grown under the long
days and white nights of the Finnish summer in fields owned
by Finlandia and pure glacial spring water. The Finlandia
family includes four premium expressions: Finlandia Vodka,
Finlandia Cranberry Fusion, Finlandia Lime Fusion and Finlandia
Mango Fusion. Finlandia was created to provide consumers
with the highest quality vodka available anywhere -- currently,
Finlandia is available in more than 136 countries worldwide.
