Food and Drink Tasting at the Historic Formosa Cafe

The historic Formosa Cafe has long been a draw for those seeking a glimpse into Hollywood’s golden age. Now, visitors can experience the cafe’s vibrant culinary legacy through an engaging food and drink tasting. Guests are welcomed with a selection of specialty cocktails inspired by the era, followed by a delightful sampling of iconic dishes like Szechuan wings and delicate dumplings. The cafe’s rich history, combined with its delectable Cantonese cuisine, offers a unique opportunity to explore old Hollywood while indulging in modern flavors. What secrets might the Formosa Cafe hold, and how will this tasting experience transport guests through time?

Key Points

• The Formosa Cafe offers a tasting experience showcasing its renowned Cantonese cuisine, including starters like Shrimp Har Gow and Chicken Xiao Long Bao.
• Specialty cocktails like The Howard Hughes and The Ginger Rogers are available, blending the cafe’s storied legacy with modern mixology.
• The tasting experience provides an opportunity to explore the cafe’s Art Deco and Chinese architectural design and learn about its rich Hollywood history.
• The tasting is an accessible experience, with the cafe being wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals welcome.
• The tasting experience is held at the cafe’s convenient West Hollywood location, near public transportation options and with limited street parking available.

Exploring the Formosa Cafe’s History

The historic Formosa Cafe boasts a rich and captivating history, tracing its origins back to the 1930s.

This iconic hotel was originally a small coffee shop frequented by Hollywood stars and starlets. Over the decades, the Formosa Cafe evolved into a renowned dining destination, earning a reputation for its delectable Cantonese cuisine and vibrant atmosphere.

The cafe’s unique architectural style, blending Art Deco and Chinese design elements, has become an integral part of its allure.

Today, the Formosa Cafe continues to captivate visitors, offering them a chance to step back in time and enjoy the glamour and charm of old Hollywood.

A Taste of the Menu Highlights

A tantalizing selection of starters and desserts awaits visitors at the historic Formosa Cafe’s food and drink tasting experience. From the savory shrimp har gow and shu mai to the spicy Szechuan wings and flavorful chicken xiao long bao, the menu showcases the cafe’s culinary prowess. For sweets, guests can indulge in a variety of specialty cocktails, including the rye-based Stagecoach, the vodka-ginger beer Ginger Rogers, and the gin-based Howard Hughes. The Lindy, featuring golden rum, and the rotating Pink Cadillac punch round out the delightful libations.

Starters	Desserts
Shrimp Har Gow	Stagecoach
Shrimp & Pork Shu Mai	The Ginger Rogers
Szechuan Wings	The Howard Hughes
Chicken Xiao Long Bao	The Lindy
	Pink Cadillac

Cocktail Creations at the Formosa

Amidst the historic charm of Formosa Cafe, guests can indulge in a captivating array of specialty cocktails that pay homage to the venue’s illustrious past.

The menu features inspired creations such as:

1. The Howard Hughes: A sophisticated blend of gin, Combier Creme de Violette, Luxardo Maraschino, and lime, evoking the enigmatic spirit of the famous filmmaker and aviator.

2. The Ginger Rogers: A refreshing mix of vodka, ginger beer, and lime, a nod to the golden age of Hollywood and the iconic dance duo.

3. The Lindy: A smooth concoction of Golden Idol Rum, lime, and sugar, celebrating the vibrant energy of the Lindy Hop.

These meticulously crafted cocktails transport guests back in time, seamlessly blending Formosa Cafe’s storied legacy with modern mixology excellence.

Brunch Dishes and Dumplings Galore

Alongside the tantalizing cocktails, Formosa Cafe’s food menu tantalizes with an array of mouthwatering brunch plates and delectable dumplings.

Guests can savor the Shrimp Har Gow, delicate shrimp dumplings served with a flavorful house dipping sauce, or the Shrimp & Pork Shu Mai, open-faced steamed dumplings filled with minced carrots and accompanied by a zesty chili oil.

For those craving something heartier, the Chicken Xiao Long Bao, or soup dumplings, feature a delightful blend of chicken, garlic, ginger, and scallions.

The Szechuan Wings, tossed in a spicy house-made sauce, provide a delightful balance of heat and flavor.

Guests can complement their meal with a carefully crafted brunch dish, further seeing the historic ambiance of the Formosa Cafe.

Accessibility and Tour Details

The Formosa Cafe’s food and drink tasting experience is designed to be inclusive and accessible for all visitors. Guests can rest assured that the tour is wheelchair accessible, stroller accessible, and welcomes service animals.

The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, and infant seats are available upon request. Attendees can feel confident in their ability to fully participate and enjoy the historical anecdotes and delectable cuisine.

To enhance the experience, the following is provided:

1. Confirmation received at booking for peace of mind.
2. Private tour/activity for your group only for a personalized experience.
3. Most travelers can participate, ensuring a diverse and inclusive atmosphere.

Meeting Point and Getting There

The meeting point for the Formosa Cafe food and drink tasting experience is located at 7156 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046, USA, on the corner of Santa Monica Blvd and Formosa Ave. This convenient location allows guests to easily find and access the historic cafe. Once the tasting is complete, the tour will return to the same meeting point.

Transportation	Details
Public Transportation	The meeting point is near public transportation options.
Parking	Limited street parking is available in the area.
Rideshare	Guests can utilize rideshare services to get to and from the meeting point.
Walking	The meeting point is within walking distance for some guests.

What to Expect During the Experience

Once guests have arrived at the meeting point, they’ll be welcomed by the Formosa Tour staff and ushered into the historic Formosa Cafe.

The experience begins with an introduction to the cafe’s rich history and anecdotes. Guests will then be invited to enjoy:

1. A selection of classic cocktails, including the Stagecoach, The Ginger Rogers, The Howard Hughes, and The Lindy.
2. A sampling of Szechuan wings, soup dumplings, and other delectable starters.
3. A brunch dish of their choice, complementing the flavors of the cocktails and small plates.

Throughout the tasting, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the cafe’s unique history and its role in Hollywood’s golden age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Event?

The event doesn’t have a strict dress code, but smart casual attire is recommended. Participants should feel comfortable and dressed appropriately for the occasion, as it’s an enjoyable food and drink tasting experience in a historic setting.

Can the Menu Be Customized for Dietary Restrictions?

The menu can be customized to accommodate various dietary restrictions. Guests should inform the event organizers of any specific needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free requirements, when making their reservation. The staff will be happy to accommodate these requests.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available?

There are no pre-packaged discounts or package deals offered, but the tour operator may be willing to discuss custom pricing or accommodations for larger groups or special dietary needs upon request.

Can I Purchase Additional Food or Drinks During the Event?

Guests can purchase additional food or drinks during the event. The menu offers a variety of starters and desserts, as well as cocktails, that can be added to the included items.

Is Photography or Videography Permitted During the Tour?

Photography and videography are generally permitted during the tour. However, guests should be mindful of the historical atmosphere and avoid disrupting the experience for others. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific guidelines.

Recap

The Formosa Cafe’s rich history and delectable Cantonese cuisine offer a unique glimpse into old Hollywood, delivering an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates both tradition and modern flavors. From specialty cocktails to iconic dishes, this food and drink tasting immerses guests in the vibrant culinary legacy of this historic hotel, providing an engaging and flavorful exploration of the Cafe’s enduring cultural significance.