Sasha Petraske and Freebies at The Varnish; Cochon 555 Dinner Tonight at Superba Snack Bar

DOWNTOWN— It's crazy to think that lauded craft cocktail den The Varnish is already five years of age. On Monday, partners Eric Alperin and cocktail king Sasha Petraske (he's the guy behind the original Milk & Honey in NYC) take to the bar from 7 to 11 p.m. with comp Anniversary Punch (Brugal añejo rum, lime, Curaçao, bitters, and Taittinger Champagne) and Amaro Ramazzotti shots. While you can always order a Penicillin or Gershwin, the guys are also mixing three $10 cocktails: Highlander, Daiquiri and London Fog. [Thirsty in LA]

MID-CITY— Republique owners Bill Chait and chef Walter Manzke appeared on Fox News' The O'Reilly Factor yesterday to defend that new 3% healthcare surcharge they're adding to every bill. Chait states that it has nothing to do with Obamacare and is rather a fee that enables the restaurant to provide healthcare for all of its employees. [LAT]

VENICE— Cochon 555 is taking place this coming Sunday, and tonight chef Jason Neroni of Superba Snack Bar is hosting a dinner offshoot. Neroni plus Jason Travi (littlefork), Jet Tila (The Charleston), Micah Wexler (Mezze) and Cochon 555 founder Brady Lowe are together presenting a five course meal for $100 (includes a wine pairing). Drinks start at 8 p.m. and dinner follows at 8:30 p.m. [EaterWire]