6 Ways to Celebrate Frank Sinatra’s 100th Birthday

Photo Credit: 360b

Frank Sinatra‘s 100th birthday is Dec. 12 (tomorrow!) and we want nothing more than to celebrate the legacy that is Ol’ Blue Eyes. Here are seven ways to honor one of the most influential musical artists of all time.

1. Drink his favorite whiskey. To say that Frank loved Jack Daniels is an understatement—the man was buried with a bottle of his favorite tipple. To commemorate the man who made JD famous, the Tennessee Whiskey has released Sinatra Century, a $500, 100 proof, one-time, limited release (only 100 barrels were made). Each exclusive bottle is enclosed in a luxury gift box inspired by the legendary singer’s signature style. Additionally, the set will also offer a selection of previously unreleased Sinatra tracks, entitled “Sinatra Live at the Sands in 1966,” to accompany the specially designed bottle. 
2. See his son sing his greatest hits. Frank Sinatra Jr. is dominating the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills on Dec. 12 and will pay homage to his famous father by singing a medley of his dear old dad’s favorite hits.
3. Enjoy some Sinatra-specific fare. Sinatra was one of the original investors in the Beverly Hills eatery La Dolce Vita, and often frequented the landmark restaurant to enjoy his favorite Veal Milanese with his drink of choice, Jack Daniel’s. If you want to live like Frank, enjoy the evening’s “Come Dine with Me” three-course prix-fixe menu, from Executive Chef Alejandro Galan, which will feature Frank Sinatra’s preferred dishes from La Dolce Vita including Clams Posillipo with Littleneck clams steamed with fresh tomato, garlic, and oregano; Veal Milanese with thin and crispy veal and fresh arugula checca; and more. To finish the dining experience, a Tiramisu dessert will be presented to each guest, complete with a lit candle, honoring Sinatra’s special day. As a nod to Frank’s favorite cocktail, dubbed the “Gentlemen’s Drink,” an innovative twist on an Old Fashioned made with Jack Daniel’s rare Sinatra Select will be offered for $50. Lastly, for guests seated at 9 p.m., tastes of Sinatra Select will be poured complimentary to toast the occasion. Rounding out the dining experience, La Dolce Vita’s dedicated “Frank Sinatra” booth will be left open with a bottle of Jack Daniel’s on the table as a tribute to the infamous crooner. Guests are welcome to create lasting mementos of the evening with photo opportunities in the booth.
4. Take a trip to one of his favorite cities, roll the dice and dine amid his paraphernalia. Sinatra and his Rat Pack can 100% be associated with Las Vegas, where he was a frequent performer. Angelenos who was the true Sinatra experience should head to Sin City and check out a performance of Frank The Man, a musical in his honor at The Venetian. Afterwards, head to the restaurant created in his honor (with all of his relics on display, no less), the appropriately named “Sinatra”  inside Encore. Chef Theo Schoenegger will serve a four-course meal for $195. Entrée choices include capesante (grilled diver scallops), branzino (Mediterranean sea bass) and osso buco (braised veal) and a rich, dark chocolate mousse, molded in the shape of Sinatra’s fedora. The package includes a copy of a commemorative book, “Sinatra 100.”
5. Frankie says relax. Frank was a frequent visitor in Palm Springs and to honor his 100th birthday in what was said to be his favorite town in the U.S., the Triada Palm Springs is offering a special “Classic Sinatra Package” running now through December 15. Guests who book the two-night special will receive a straw fedora (his favorite accessory), a pair of bobby socks (since “Bobby Soxers” were his first fans) and two Jack Daniels cocktails in the Lobby Lounge as well as a Classic Sinatra CD with songs like: My Funny Valentine, Witchcraft, The Lady is a Tramp and Come Fly With Me.
6. Turn on your TV. If you’d prefer to celebrate Sinatra’s birthday from your couch, tune in to CBS, which is airing “Sinatra 100 – An All-Star Grammy Concert.” Expect to see performances from current day greats like Tony Bennett, Garth Brooks, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Adam Levine, Carrie Underwood and Usher. The special will also include tribute performances of Sinatra classics and rare archival footage narrated by the man himself.

Photo Credit: Wynn Resorts/Barbara Kraft