In addition to hosting my second annual “Live From the Red Carpet” video leading into the Spirited Awards® at Tales of the Cocktail 2010, being invited to be a jury member for them was one of the biggest honors of my career. In my tippling travels, I get to try some of the world’s best cocktail bars and products, meet the people behind them and revel in their liquid talents. It was humbling and exciting to be able to throw my 2-cents into the proverbial pot. In case you haven’t seen it yet, below is the official press release and list of winners this year. (Obviously, among these names are some of my favorite people in the business.) Cheers everyone!!
Read the full article »
Chris Milligan (aka: Santa Fe Barman) recently interviewed actor Dan Akyroyd about his involvement with Crystal Head Vodka. Here it is:
Chris: You have been involved with producing and distributing wine and spirits for several years. How did you get involved ...
Read the full article »
I suppose because mixology is a “new” arena for L.A, and somewhat out of the comfort zone, I notice a lot of “groupthink” in our various media outlets. While the cocktail community is pleased to have the attention of a wider audience, it surprises me that so many cocktail-friendly spots get left out because they exist beyond the handful of bars and cocktails in the spotlight. Take, for example, Essex Hollywood.
When I went there for the first time, I knew it was a slick new gastro pub with gussied up (and delicious) comfort food. I knew it featured a comprehensive and interesting selection of beer, and an impressive wine list. What I did not expect was the fantastic cocktail program, which includes quality spirits, an understanding of classic cocktails and hand-cracked ice. Yes, hand-cracked ice. Right there on Hollywood Boulevard. The attention and pride taken in the cocktails at Essex is outside of the norm for the usual Hollywood hangout in the midst of “Tourist Town USA.” And, of course, behind every great cocktail is a great bartender.
Read the full article »
(updated since original post in September 2007*) When I met Marcos at Tales of the Cocktail 2007, the first thing I noticed was his passion for cocktails. Of course, his boyish good looks, mischievous grin and high energy are the next qualities that hit with a wallop. He has now gathered together LA's ...
Read the full article »
I have a secret to confess. Even though I am a bartender, I’m not exactly a super hero. In my fantasies I wear a cape of many colors; earn a sizeable income solely by writing novels, making movies, imbibing great drinks and traveling the world. In my reality, however, I am just another ambitious dreamer who sometimes wears a uniform instead of a cape and travels by car through local traffic to reach my destination. Luckily, my uniform comes equipped with an arsenal of booze, lots of fresh juices, fancy chilled glasses, really big ice and a bar full of people just waiting for me to make them something delicious.
Read the full article »
I became pals with blogger / bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler via the internet when I was in Thailand about 2 years ago. I was on vacation with my husband, and checked in on my blog. Some guy in Oregon had jokingly referred to me as the “
Read the full article »
This native Angeleno began his bartending career while waiting for his big break in show biz. Ok, that's not so unusual in this town. But, what makes Ryan unique, among those whose "day job" is the nightshift, is the creativity that goes into his high quality cocktails. This guy brings ...
Read the full article »
Do I sound like a crazed fan to refer to Vincenzo Marianella as the "cocktailian deity of Los Angeles?" Luckily, I would be in good company if I do. He has been named L.A.'s Best Bartender, in 2006, by Anthony Dias Blue of The Tasting Panel Magazine.
A forerunner in the movement toward quality cocktails ...
Read the full article »
