You need a gift for that hard-to-please friend, the one who’s got almost everything. It seems an impossible task, but wait, does this friend have any alky tendencies? Or does he just enjoy fine spirits in moderation? If so, then head over to Vendome Liquors — founded in 1939 — the Home Depot of drinking, the Ikea of alcohol, the Fry’s Electronics of sauce. Appreciators of fine brewed, fermented and distilled beverages will think they’ve died and gone to Intoxicant Heaven. An entire aisle the size of a mini-mart dedicated to just bourbons. Or Scotch. Or tequila. So many brands, so many exotic bottles, so many subtle and not-so-subtle distinctions within each beverage family. You want some Bruichladdich Scotch? Yes? 12-year-old or 14-year-old? Because they’re different. Maybe you want some Finlandia Mango Fusion Vodka. Or some Vizcaya VXOP Cask No. 21 Formula Rum. Rare, hand-crafted micro-brew beer? You’re confused and overwhelmed. You need a drink. Oh no, here we go again. 11555 Ventura Blvd., Studio City (and other locations). (818) 766-5272, vendomes.com.
—Adam Gropman

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