By thirstyinla, on November 5, 2011
The all-female bartending competition known as Speed Rack is taking over the Hollywood Roosevelt’s Blossom Room on Sunday, November 13th. Speed Rack LA features 18 competitors battling for a trip to New York and the national finals in May 2012. Proceeds go to breast cancer research, education and prevention. [...]
Continue reading November 13: Speed Rack LA at Hollywood Roosevelt
By thirstyinla, on October 5, 2011
On Sunday, October 9th, five of the top bartenders in Los Angeles will be competing for the title of LA’s Best Bartender, presented by Table 20. The second annual competition is taking place at Elevate Lounge in Downtown LA. [...]
Continue reading Ticket Giveaway: LA’s Best Bartender Competition
By thirstyinla, on February 8, 2011

A motley crew of gin-soaked bloggers, bartenders and shanghaied passengers rides the Trolley of Death for a night of drinks at some of L.A.’s best bars. [...]
Continue reading Riding the Trolley of Death, Fueled by Plymouth Gin
By thirstyinla, on December 8, 2010

Oliver Jones has been named the winner of the 2010 Jimmy Barela Award, which honors the legendary bartender who held court at Cole’s Red Car Bar for 65 years. Jones, who can be found behind the stick at Las Perlas and Tengu (Westwood), bested eleven other competitors in a cocktail showdown that took place at The Varnish on Repeal Day. [...]
Continue reading Oliver Jones Named Winner of the 2010 Jimmy Barela Award
By thirstyinla, on October 13, 2010

Ever since I received a preview copy of Left Coast Libations (LCL), I shamelessly posted recipes from the excellent book of 100 cocktails, created by 51 of the best bartenders on the West Coast. To celebrate the book’s release, LCL creators Ted Munat, [...]
Continue reading Best of the West: Left Coast Libations Release Party at The Varnish
By thirstyinla, on September 29, 2010
Summer finally decided to show up last Saturday, but the triple digit heat didn’t deter 1,200 thirsty Angelenos from heading downtown to attend the inaugural L.A. Craft Beer Crawl, a collaboration between 213 and the Beer Chicks (Christina Perozzi and Hallie Beaune). The sold out event took place at seven of 213’s [...]
Continue reading Tapping into the Inaugural L.A. Craft Beer Crawl
By thirstyinla, on April 29, 2010
Master Distiller Richard Paterson will open your eyes (and nose) to single malt Scotch.
Last month I was invited to sample several expressions of The Dalmore single malt Scotch at an intimate event held at the Varnish. The tasting was conducted by Richard Paterson [...]
Continue reading The Nose Knows: Tasting the Dalmore with Richard Paterson