Category Archives: bars

Apr26

Flashback Friday: Vesper Bombs

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Vesper bombs

Vesper bombs

 

After hearing about Vesper Bombs for so long, it was great to actually be in Vegas during an epic Vesper Bombs session at Vesper. For $5, you get a shot of Fernet-Branca upturned in a glass of ginger beer. Pull the shot glass out and let it mix before downing the thing.

I was with a group of bartenders from around the country. The SF ones sniffed a bit about mixing the Fernet. The lore goes you drink the shot then chase it with ginger beer, but it’s never mixed. So in their eyes, this was an abomination (pun intended).

Ah well, it was still good.

Previous posts about Vesper Bar

Vesper Bar

Return to Vesper Bar

New Cocktails at Vesper Bar

© The Minty // LA Cocktails  2013

 

Apr26

Recap: Brugal Rum at El Dorado with Lindsay Nader

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Lindsay Nader

Lindsay Nader

As part of Bartenders Weekend, one of the after-parties for Speed Rack was at El Dorado bar. It was sponsored by Brugal Rum. LA bartender and new Remy Cointreau ambassador Lindsay Nader guest bartended.

Brugal Rum cocktails

Brugal Rum cocktails; Side Boob & Built for Speed

 

For $5 a cocktail, we probably should have tried all the cocktails but we settled for two of the three. My friend went with the Side Boob which is the greatest name ever for a drink. And I had the Built for Speed. I really like mine. It’s was like a minty, herbal daiquiri. Second Base also sounded fun.

Side Boob – Brugal dry rum, Cointreau, lemon, vanilla syrup, chocolate bitters

Built for Speed – Brugal dry rum, lemon, sugar, mint, Green Chartreuse rinse

Second Base – Brugal dry rum, Aperol, lemon, ginger syrup, lavender, bitters, soda

Brugal was also our party bus sponsor which I loved since they was a sponsor of the party bus at Tales too (ah, memories).

 

Brugal Rum

Bartenders Weekend

El Dorado Cocktail Lounge

1030 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101  —  (619) 237-0550 

All posts about Bartenders Weekend by The Minty

© The Minty // LACocktails.com 2013

Apr2

Trying Caliche Rum Cocktails by Michel Dozois

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Hot Bartender Michel Dozois

Hot Bartender Michel Dozois for Caliche Rum

I was first introduced to Caliche Rum about a year ago at their launch party.

I haven’t really seen it much on menus so I was glad to try a few cocktails made by Neve Ice’s Michel Dozois at Cana Rum Bar recently. There were also snacks from Rivera.

I had been asked if I preferred savory or sweet cocktails but Michel knows what I like. I still recall his hoisin sauce gin cocktail with fondness. We tried to talk him into recreating the drink with Caliche but he doesn’t like to repeat himself. One day I’ll get the specs though.

Caliche

Caliche – with Cynar, Michel’s Curacao, Tequila, Aperol

 

I’d describe this cocktail made with Caliche, Cynar, Tequila, Aperol and Michel’s homemade curacao as boozey. I was glad for that chunk of Neve ice in there! Everything was exquisitely balanced and every sip revealed a hint of spice.

A stirred Caliche Cocktail

A stirred Caliche Cocktail

Next, I got the only up cocktail of the night. Naturally, Michel would want to feature his wonderful line of ice in addition to Caliche but for me, he gave me boozey drink with Caliche, Maraschino and Torani Amer.

Both cocktails though rum based could have been very well been whiskey based. I was delighted how well Caliche played with others. Who says rum always has to be tropical? Sure, Caliche makes a good mojito but it can stand up to the bold amari and other modifiers.

caliche

Caliche Rum

Cana Rum Bar

714 West Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015 – (213) 745-7090

© The Minty // LACocktails.com 2013

Apr2

Culver City: Bespoke Cocktails at Oldfield’s Liquor Bar

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The Delicious Sour

The Delicious Sour

Last year, I checked out Oldfield’s Liquor Bar and knew I had to return for a visit — and sit at the bar. And after I tasted Robin Jackson’s Auchentoshan Triple Threat punch, I knew I had to plant myself in front of her bar.

It’s funny because I had met a bar owner from Dallas at the 2011 Portland Cocktail Week and he texted me I needed to go meet Robin after he met her at last year’s Portland Cocktail Week (which sadly I couldn’t attend). It took me a while but I finally did meet her officially this evening when I visited Oldfield’s.

She asked what I wanted and I was in a mood for a sour. She came up with The Delicious Sour (applejack, peach liqueur, lime, egg white). And it was delicious. It was a nice way to ease into the evening after cocktails at Caulfield’s and the neighboring Bigfoot West.

Cigar Box

Cigar Box

Next I asked what she was working on. And then I noticed she had Amaro Braulio which is one of my new favorite amari. She gave me her Cigar Box (Black Grouse, Mezcal, Amaro Braulio, orange bitters). Black Grouse Scotch is smokier than Famous Grouse and if you don’t like the peaty stuff, this may not be for you. But I do like that smokiness and with a bit of mezcal, this was a serious drink. It was done old fashioned style.

Pisco Punch

Pisco Punch

To end, I went back to something lighter and asked for pisco. She made a pisco punch for one with her own pineapple gomme syrup.

Oldfield’s was just as loud this evening when I first went but somehow it was better sitting at the bar. It’s still my preferred way to explore the menu and cocktails at a cool bar.

Next time, I’ll just have to go earlier in the evening.

Oldfield’s Liquor Room

10899 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034 – 310-842-8066

© The Minty // LA Cocktails 2013

Mar26

DTLA: Happy Hour at Rivera

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Jeremy Lake, The Minty Hot Bartender 2012

Jeremy Lake, The Minty Hot Bartender 2012

I recently discovered Rivera now has happy hour. When the restaurant first opened, they famously didn’t have discounted cocktails or food for the hungry office workers. They’re fairly close to LA Live, the Convention Center and Staples. I wouldn’t want to discount my food or booze either. Then Rivera started doing reverse happy hour and that seemed to work at catching the folks leaving the nearby entertainment.

Luckily they started happy hour about five months ago. It only took me that long to figure this out. I was looking at their lunch menu online (which hasn’t changed much) and noticed the happy hour menu. Say what? I was there that same week. Okay, it was a week later. But I have made it a semi-regular thing bringing in my coworkers. I needed to find a new happy hour/ after-work hang since I am not frequenting my other two haunts at the moment.

Beverage Director (and the Minty Hot Bartender 2012) Jeremy Lake along with Julian Cox put together the cocktails. The following is a mix of what’s currently available but catch these soon because they’re gearing up for Spring menus soon.

arepas with BBQ shrimp

arepas with BBQ shrimp

The food for happy hour includes stuffed olives, arepas with BBQ shrimp, a short ribs tamailii, the always delicious tortillas florales and more. All for $5 a pop. I’m currently obsessed with the arepas and tamalii (that’s how they spell it).

daiquiri

daiquiri

Happy hour cocktails include classics like daiquiri and Gold Rush. The Rivera’s Cup– a take on a Pimm’s cup is also very popular with tequila and cucumbers. There’s also a few beer and wine options.

tamalii short ribs

tamalii short ribs

Mushrooms add to the already great flavor of the tamalii short  ribs.

Saved by Basil

Saved by Basil

Saved by Basil is already off the list but I’m always curious about Dimmi based cocktails. The Italian grappa lends itself well to fruity concoctions. Plus, I love basil. My alter ego is The Basil.

La Ofrenda

La Ofrenda

On the regular cocktails list, La Ofrenda is one of my favorites with housemade blood orange chips and foam. The tequila based cocktail is a showy cocktail but still has a lot of substance to back it up. I was sitting at the bar before a Lakers game and so many people were intrigued by this drink. Sure, the Barbacoa and Blood Sugar Sex Magic are still probably the best sellers but I have a feeling La Ofrenda will go far. At least until the end of the blood orange season.

Autumn Sour

Autumn Sour

Whenever I want to go light, I ask for a sour. The Autumn Sour is a nice one.

Flor de Jerez

Flor de Jerez

I love that Rivera has a whole section of sherry cocktails right now. The Flor de Jerez is my pick at the moment.

Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo

Rivera is probably known for its wide selection of tequilas but it also has a strong whiskey selection as well. Get classics like the Monte Carlo here.

Chet Baker

Chet Baker

Or if you like rum, the Chet Baker from the happy hour menu is also a deal.

Carroll Gardens

Carroll Gardens

One of these days, I’ll have to put together my Manhattan Project post. I’ve been on a hunt trying all the different Manhattan variations. Carroll Gardens may not be as well-known as a Little Italy or a Red Hook but it has it’s place in my heart.

Rivera Restaurant

1050 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015-5100 – (213) 749-1460

© The Minty // LA Cocktails 2013

Mar7

International Women’s Day Celebration at Cole’s Tomorrow, March 8

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Hollis Bulleit & Jaymee Mandeville

Hollis Bulleit & Jaymee Mandeville

Tomorrow, Cole’s in Downtown Los Angeles is hosting a Mad Tea Party for International Women’s Day from 1PM to 7 PM.

Hollis Bulleit (Bulleit Bourbon) and Kat Wit (Dominick’s) will host the party as part of LUPEC LA (Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails). There will be food and drink specials from Cole’s as well as guest bartenders Jaymee Mandeville (formerly Drago Centro and now with Barcadi) and Karen Grill (formerly Playa and now with Bestia) mixing it up.

Ladies are encouraged to wear hats, tea dresses and gloves for the Mad Tea Party theme.

Cole’s will be introducing the new Happy Hour sliders and tots.

Drink specials mentioned:

  • Brent Falco: Pommeau du Normadie & Selection Calvados Cobblers & Bulliet Bourbon Seelbachs
  • Zahra Bates:  Jello Cocktail shots
  • Cari Hah: Nova Fogo Old Fashion & Hot Tea Cocktail
  • Jaymee Mandeville: Dewars 12 cocktails
  • Karen Grill: Hendricks punch
 

Plus Ms. Hollis mentioned Bulleit Rye Champagne Punch and possibly Friday Bloody Marys and beer from Lost Coast Brewery (an all-female brewery).

Mad Tea Party for International Women’s Day Celebration

1-7 PM, March 8, 2013

Cole’s Red Car Bar

118 East 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014-2006 – (213) 622-4090

© The Minty // LA Cocktails 2013

Feb19

Tiki Farewell, Bahooka

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Bahooka

Bahooka

 

I really can’t remember the first time I ever went to Bahooka but I have always loved it. Sadly the Polynesian/ Tiki restaurant and bar is closing in a couple of weeks. The space and alcohol license was sold but Bahooka maintains its name. This article mentions the possibility of salad dressing under the Bahooka name to be sold at Costco. During my visit on Sunday, our bartender mentioned there were two sales. So the beloved kitschy decor and possibly all those fish tanks may have gone to another buyer. I can only hope they mean to display or open their own tiki bar someday.

 

the bar at Bahooka

the bar at Bahooka

 

At 6 PM, there were a throng of people and the restaurant said it’d be at least a 2 hour wait. They were severely undestaffed and though they were plenty of tables, they just did not want to seat people. It was probably a good thing. We stood around the tiny bar and marveled.

flaming bowl of booze

flaming bowl of booze

 

Groups ordered flaming bowls of booze while I cautiously sipped my Planters Punch.

Planters Punch

Planters Punch

 

I probably would have gotten my favorite tiki drink, a Mai Tai, but a friend warned it was just very sweet. I lucked out. My Planters Punch was fine, if a little warm.

We managed to snag a booth eventually and took it all in. Where would all this STUFF go? I will miss the crazy decor but I won’t miss the food. Anyone who goes should know it’s for boozin’ rather than snacks.

 

Bahooka Family Restaurant

4501 Rosemead Blvd., Rosemead, CA 91770  –  (626) 285-1241

© The Minty // LA Cocktails  2013

Feb19

Speed Rack 2013 Coming to California: San Francisco & San Diego

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* photo from Speed Rack Boston, October 2012

* photo from Speed Rack Boston, October 2012

Speed Rack is coming back to Cali this weekend. First they make a stop in San Francisco on February 24 and then the all-female competition heads to San Diego March 3. Sadly they won’t be making a stop in LA this year so head on down to SD (or up to SF!).

SF Contenders:

  • Alica Walton – Elixir, Bloodhound, Momo’s, San Francisco
  • Allison Kate Webber – Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen, San Francisco
  • Ashley Curren – Rickhouse, San Francisco
  • Claire Sprouse – Tradition, San Francisco
  • Danielle Marchant – Monarch, San Francisco
  • Jen Ackrill – Rye, San Francisco
  • Jennifer Colliau – Slanted Door, San Francisco
  • Julie Thompson – Rye, San Francisco
  • Kate Bolton – Maven, San Francisco
  • Keli Rivers – Hotsy Totsy Club, San Francisco (Albany)
  • Kim Gooden – Tradition, San Francisco
  • Kim Rosselle – Flora/Fauna, Oakland
  • Lauren Steele – Hook & Ladder, Lowbrau, Sacramento
  • Leilani Vella – Nopa, Lolinda, Absinthe, San Francisco
  • Lucia Gonzales – Prizefighter, Oakland
  • Megan Silsbee – Nopa, San Francisco
  • Michaela Leah King – Cantina, San Francisco
  • Rhachel Shaw – Tradition, Local Edition, San Francisco
  • Victoria George – Rickhouse, AQ Restaurant & Bar, San Francisco
  • Vita Simone Strauss – Dogwood, The New Easy, Oakland

SD Contenders:

  • Amanda Gunderson – The Bazaar by Jose Andres, Los Angeles
  • Brent Falco – Cole’s, Los Angeles
  • Brittini Rae – Ink Restaurant, Los Angeles
  • Cameron Holloway – Quality Social, San Diego
  • Cari Hah – Neat and Coles, Los Angeles
  • Christine England – The Pikey Cafe, Los Angeles
  • Christy Spinella – Polite Provisions, San Diego
  • Courtney Lee Wilson – Williams & Graham, Denver
  • Devon Tarby – The Varnish, Los Angeles
  • Gabrielle Dion – Broadway by Amar Santana, Laguna Beach (Orange County)
  • Helen Diaz – Lolinda, San Francisco
  • Jennifer Lane Oakley – Black Market Liquor Bar, Waterloo & City, Los Angeles
  • Jillian Rae Webster – Harvard and Stone, Los Angeles
  • Kiowa Bryan – Eveleigh, Los Angeles
  • Lauren Trickett – Tantalum, Long Beach, CA
  • Meghan Balser – Seven Grand, San Diego
  • Melissa Durant – Green Russell / Old Major, Denver CO
  • Mia Mastroianni – Soho House West Hollywood, Los Angeles
  • Naomi Schimek – The Spare Room, Los Angeles
  • Sarah Ellis – Jayne’s Gastropub, San Diego
  • Sophie Gordon – El Dorado Cocktail Lounge, San Diego
  • Terrin A McFall – Wolfgang Puck MGM, Las Vegas
  • Taryn Dutton – Seven Grand, San Diego
judges

judges

Speed Rack is a cocktail competition with proceeds benefiting the fight against breast cancer. Each competitor makes cocktails for each of the four judges. The fastest to finish may not necessarily win the round. Judges may add points if the cocktail isn’t balanced, in the wrong glass, if it’s too warm, etc. Winners from each city will compete in the finals later this year.

SF Judges: Debbie Zachareas (Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant), Jacob Briars (Barcadi), Charlotte Voisey (William Grant & Sons) and Martin Cate (Smuggler’s Cove).

SD Judges: Erick Castro (Polite Provisions), Neyah White (Suntory Whiskey), Yael Vengroff (Miss Speed Rack 2012) and Simon Ford (The 86 Co.)

Fernet-Branca ice luge

Fernet-Branca ice luge

For your ticket cost — a measly $20 online, you can sample all you like from the participating sponsors:

Absolut vodka, Altos tequila, Barritt’s ginger beer, Beefeater gin, Benedictine, Brugal rum, Campari, Cherry Heering, Coffee Heering, Cointreau, Cutty Sark, Drambuie, Four Roses bourbon, Haus Alpenz, Hine cognac, Luxardo, Martini & Rossi, Perfect Puree, Perrier, Plymouth gin, St. Germain, Xante and more!

I’ll see you in San Diego!

3-7 PM, Sunday, February 24

The Chapel
777 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Get your SF tickets here

2-6 PM, Sunday, March 3

Voyeur
755 5th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101

Get your SD tickets here

* all photos from Speed Rack Boston, October 2012

Previous Speed Rack coverage on LA Cocktails & The Minty

Speed Rack 2011-12 Finals in NYC

Speed Rack Las Vegas Recap (2012)

Speed Rack Portland Recap (2011)

Speed Rack Los Angeles Recap (2012)

© The Minty // LA Cocktails  2013

Feb13

213 Day Today, Free Membership to Cana Rum Bar & Win a Trip to San Diego

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Tears of a Clown

Tears of a Clown

Today, February 13 marks the first 213 Day for the 213 Nightlife Bars – The Varnish, Seven Grand, Las Perlas, Caña Rum Bar, Casey’s, Cole’s, Broadway Bar, Golden Gopher, 4100 Bar, and Tony’s.

Everyone who goes to any of the 213 bars will receive a complimentary membership to Caña as well as a raffle ticket to win a trip to San Diego. The winner will receive train tickets to San Diego, hotel stay and drinks for two all night at Seven Grand San Diego.

Juniper Flats

Juniper Flats

In the meantime, I’ve been enjoying the new drinks menu at Cana.

My faves so far are Tears of a Clown (Campari, Cocchi Americano, lime, maple-thyme syrup, fizz) and Juniper Flats (Tanqueray gin, Averna, lime, guava, canela). Both are simply delicious, easy drinking and thirst-quenching after a round of dancing with the new Thursday night music made more lively by DJ Anthony Valdez (KCRW).

Red Eye to Rio

Red Eye to Rio

I didn’t have a chance to inquire about the Red Eye to Rio (Leblon cachaca, lime, maple syrup, “that evil rum,” Peychaud’s bitters) as I was a bit busy. I should have asked what that evil rum was but maybe it’s a general observation about rum? Perhaps I’ll ask tonight during 213 Day!

Cana Rum Bar

714 West Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015 – (213) 745-7090

For all 213 bars locations, check out 213 Nightlife.

© The Minty // LA Cocktails  2013

Feb1

Culver City: Happy Hour at Bigfoot West

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Bigfoot Lodge West

Bigfoot West

 

Bigfoot West is one of those places I’ve been to a bunch but just never got around to writing about.  I’ve also been to their Eastside sister bar, Bigfoot Lodge, a bunch as well. It’s always reliable for happy hour and at Bigfoot West, you can even order empanadas from the bar until about 8:15 or so.

Several years ago, there was a movie with Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel called Yes Man. There’s a scene at Bigfoot Lodge. Rumor has it, a set was built imitating the bar and when the movie shoot was done, they turned the fake Bigfoot into Bigfoot West. Is it meta or is it genius and the ultimate use of reusing materials? Either way, Bigfoot West seems bigger, very stylized and well-decorated

bfman

I had a couple of happy hour drinks, choosing the classics like the Manhattan and Old Fashioned. These were reasonably good and the $5 price tag didn’t hurt.

empanadas

empanadas

 

Bigfoot doesn’t have food per se but you can order empanadas that get deliver hot. Very hot! Watch out for that first couple of bites. I got the beef which was reasonably satisfying and not a bad companion to my old fashioned.

wall of whiskey

wall of whiskey

Bigfoot claims to have over 100 whiskies. Maybe next year’s goal is to try all of them. That’s only one new whiskey a night for a 100 days, right? Totally doable.

 

bfold

Hey girl…

Guys, this old fashioned is legit.

I’m always a bit surprised how much more fun I have at this location but I think it’s because it’s generally not so crowded when it’s early. Bonus, happy hour is daily from 5-9 PM. Those $5 Manhattans and Old Fashioneds are $12 after 9 PM.

Bigfoot West

10939 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064  –  (310) 287-2200