Nic’s Beverly Hills says: Here’s looking at you, vodka

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This month Larry Nicola, the spirited owner of Nic’s Beverly Hills, who also refers to himself as the vodkateur, is celebrating his 30-year love affair with vodka with a new menu and a list of specials.

Nic’s is home to the Vodbox -- a little room at the back of the restaurant that is kept at an icy 28 degrees and houses more than 80 varieties of vodka from around the world. Patrons can don coats that would make Anna Karenina jealous and step inside to get sippy. Or they can choose to pair their meal with one of the 40 or so martini varieties that the restaurant offers.

This month, however, drinkers and diners will have a few more choices as Nic’s rolls out what he calls a ‘vodkamentary,’ which features a 30th anniversary vodka-centric prix-fixe meal for $30; 30th anniversary vodka flights (three tastes) for $15; and a luxury vodka flight (three extra-special tastes) for $30.

Also new to the menu are some dishes inspired by Nicola’s extensive touring of Europe in the name of vodka. They include vodka-cured salmon, fresh clam pizza and a chilled borscht martini. Finally, if you feel like getting tipsy under the stars, Nic’s now offers full dinner service on the patio.

Nic’s Beverly Hills, 453 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 550-5707; www.nicsbeverlyhills.com.

-- Jessica Gelt