Walk-In 'Vodbox' Is A Unique Way To Sample Vodka At Nic's

Once the famed hangout of Rat Pack crooner Dean Martin, Nic's in Beverly Hills still attracts the young, rich, and famous.

The restaurant/cocktail lounge has a cool dark ambiance which is both trendy and relaxing.  Here celebrities sit side by side with locals in an intimate setting where diners can enjoy great food, excellent martinis and a trip to the famous Vodbox.

The Vodbox, located in the back of the restaurant, is a walk-in freezer filled with hundreds of bottles of vodka.  Before entering the 28-degree room, guests can choose a faux fur coat and hat to keep them warm while sampling different flights of vodkas.  Three samplings cost around $21 and bottles are kept in stylish white open leather lockers.  Owner and vodkateur Larry Nicola has brought some of the luxurious vodkas in the world to be housed in the Vodbox, where top tier selections include Russian Standard, Jean Marc XO and Jewel of Russia.

Diners can also order vodka or a vodka martini at the bar or while dining.

Nic's offers a wide variety of appetizers ranging from comfort food to extravagant items. Included are duck pate, lobster beignets, vodka cured salmon, oysters, baked potatoes with caviar and crème fraiche and royal ostera caviar.  Main courses include Mexican swordfish, duck, oxtail ravioli, short ribs, rack of lamb and filet mignon. Decadent desserts include dark chocolate and black cherry bon bons, bison bar with pecans and crème Chantilly, and a variety of dessert martinis.