Category Archives: history

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

Apr26

Sake One Tasting: Momokawa, Sakemoto, G, Moonstone

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Sake One

organic Momokawa

I was invited to try some of the sake produced and imported by Sake One in Oregon.

Some may be familiar with the blue bottle of Momokawa which I’ve actually picked up before from my local Sprouts. Now they have an organic version. Upon tasting, I was instantly reminded of melon. We were enjoying a Latin food lunch and it was interesting to see how the sakes worked with non-Japanese food. Naturally one tends to think of sake with Japanese food, perhaps with sushi. But the brewed sakes works well with any food. I can see this Momokawa bringing down the heat of really spicy food.

SakeMoto

SakeMoto

 

Next we moved on to the SakeMoto. Being a junmai sake, this was the next level up and this is where I typically start looking for a sake to try. I prefer drier sakes and this went well with the saffron infused mussels we were having at the time.

G

G – Genshu

 

Next we had the G, which came in a sleek black bottle adorned with a bright letter G which stands for genshu, another level of refined sake. This retails a bit more than Momokawa and SakeMoto and I would say this would go well with entrees. I really liked this with the blue cheese quesadilla we had. Instead of a wine tasting with cheese, it would be fun to try to match up cheeses to sakes. For those who think wait, but cheese with sake, I have to remind you of some of the cheesy Japanese foods that I’ve seen. Cheese corn ramen? Maybe the perfect thing is to have a sake with that.

Also, sake cocktails have been more refined these days. Since it’s brewed and therefore lower proof, many bars and restaurants with beer and wine use sakes to make cocktails but it’s been a recent trend to use sake in higher end cocktails. No longer is it just a source of booze content. It’s actually being used for its flavor profile as seen in a recent sake competition I covered.

I’d like to experiment with using the G to replace a dry vermouth. Perhaps in a Chrysanthemum cocktail (absinthe, Benedictine, dry vermouth).

Moon

Moonstone – Asian Pear Sake

 

The last sake I tried was the Moonstone. We had the Asian pear sake which as expected is a bit sweeter. This would be your dessert sake. I’d try this with a fruity dessert, sure, but also with chocolate desserts.

The next time I’m in Portland, Oregon, I’d love to visit the Sake One brewery to check out how sake is made. The brewery or kura (Japanese for sake brewery), is just outside of Portland.

 

Sake One

 

© The Minty // LA Cocktails 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

The Glenlivet in Santa Monica Tasting Recap

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The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet

Recently Glenlivet’s Nights of Passage rolled through Santa Monica. I had attended last year and quite enjoyed my experience but admittedly, I got there a wee bit late so I missed some of the presentation. I was glad to get more of an education this time — my fave nugget of info was learning how invariably with popularity, others tried to imitate Glenlivet to the point where they had to trademark it the name The Glenlivet so others couldn’t use the name.

 

learning about Glenlivet

learning about Glenlivet

It’s always very interesting to be in a mixed crowd for tastings. I think I almost enjoy these general tastings more because more is explained and no one assumes you know anything about the brand.

We were also treated to food from Superba Snack Bar. I think it’s very necessary to have food at tastings. There should be at least bread or crackers. On this night, there were crostini and lots of tender short ribs.

Glenlivet Scotch tasting

Glenlivet Scotch tasting

I definitely encourage those to join the Glenlivet Guardians to find out when the tastings are. It was nice to taste the 12, 15 and 18 expressions again. This time, I firmly was stuck on the 15 but I found the 12 to be a very nice, every day sippin’ whisky. I certainly can’t fault it on anything. The 18 would be nice after dinner.

We also got chocolate at the end for a special expression. I have to say the spicy chocolate worked really well with the whisky.

 

The Glenlivet

© The Minty // LA Cocktails 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

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

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
Feb1

Los Feliz: Cocktailing at Big Bar

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Most Interesting Cocktail In the World by Matt Schaefer

 

I just got word Big Bar is rolling out their new cocktails soon. Hurry over to try these before these are gone.

Matt Schaefer isn’t at Big Bar anymore but he did leave behind the legacy of the curiously or maybe not so curiously named:

Most Interesting Cocktail in the World -Mezcal Vida, lime, cinnamon, chocolate chili bitters

I hope they keep this cocktail on the menu. As promised by the name, it is very interesting with a blend of smokey, tart and a dash of sweet to balance it out.

Bollywood Style! Prom at Big Bar on Valentine's Day, February 14

Bollywood Style! Prom at Big Bar on Valentine’s Day, February 14

 

If you don’t have any Valentine’s Day plans, Dan and Eugene at Big Bar invite you to their annual Prom shindig. This year’s theme is Bollywood. Expect some shenaningans.

 

Sal Paradise

Sal’s Paradise – Oro Torontele pisco, grapefruit, lime, honey, sour cherry bitters

Whenever I’m feeling like I should take it easy, I turn to my buddy pisco. At Big Bar, there’s an easy sipper called Sal’s Paradise that does the trick. But because it’s so easy to drink, expect this to go faster than a Manhattan or another stirred cocktail. Insert a lip smacking “ahhhh” here.

 

La Rosita

La Rosita – Partida reposado tequila, Campari, Dolin dry vermouth, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth

Do you love Negronis? I’ve been replacing the gin with other spirits and one of my favorites is a reposado tequila. This is a classic cocktail known as a La Rosita. I like that it uses both dry and sweet vermouth so it’s not entirely too cloying.

 

Selero Gin Fizz

Selero Gin Fizz

 

Selero Gin Fizz – Plymouth gin, Green Chartreuse, lime, celery, egg white

If I sat at Big Bar and counted up what was the most popular drink off the current menu, I would have to go with the Selero Gin Fizz. I finally tasted one earlier last month and I don’t know what took me so long to get around to it. It certainly has some of my favorite ingredients like Green Chartreuse and I love fizz drinks with egg whites (I also love flips and sours). This is a savory cocktail that would be great during brunch as well.

St. Anne’s Helper

St. Anne’s Helper – Eagle Rare 10-Year bourbon, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, Amaro Meletti, Forbidden bitters

My first love though are still brown, bitter, stirred drinks. And St. Anne’s Helper fits the bill perfectly. Plus it has one of my favorite amari, Amaro Meletti.

See you Valentine’s Day! Now I have to find a sari…

 

Big Bar at Alcove

1927 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 — (323) 644-0100
 

© The Minty // LA Cocktails 2013