Posts by thirstyinla
A Rum Fit for El Presidente: Cruzan Single Barrel Estate
From an Imbibe cover story to the recent openings of La Descarga and Caña in L.A., Smuggler’s Cove in S.F., and New York’s forthcoming Carteles and Painkiller, rum is a spirit on many a cocktail enthusiast’s mind these days. The booze fairy is feeling the rum fever as well and recently sent me a bottle…
Read MoreBlame it on Rio: Leblon and the Caipirinha
In the next several years, the eyes of the world will be on Brazil, the host country of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics. The booze fairy wanted me to get a head start on getting to know Brazil and thoughtfully sent a review package of Leblon Cachaça. Cachaça (pronounced “ka-SHA-sa”)…
Read MoreMarch 25: Rivera Spring Cocktails Launch Party
Ah, spring: when a young man’s fancy turns to thoughts of love…and a young mixologist turns to thoughts of a new cocktail menu. Fresh off his Rising Star Mixologist award, Julian Cox has been hard at work creating over a dozen new drinks for Rivera’s spring cocktail menu, debuting tonight. For the launch party, Julian’s…
Read MoreRising Stars Shine at the 2010 StarChefs Revue
Last week, the best and brightest young stars in the Southern California culinary world gathered to showcase their talents at the 2010 StarChefs Rising Stars Revue. The tasting gala and awards ceremony, held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica, featured food from up-and-coming culinary talent from the top restaurants in Los…
Read More2010 James Beard Award Finalists Announced
The finalists for the 2010 James Beard Foundation Awards were announced today. “The Oscars of the food world” are the highest honor for food and beverage professionals working in North America, recognizing excellence among chefs, cookbook authors, food journalists, restaurant designers, and others in the industry. The LA Weekly’s Jonathan Gold is up for two…
Read MoreWhat Would LA Bartenders Do with 24 Hours?
“It was my understanding that there would be no math.” ~ Chevy Chase as Gerald Ford, from Presidential Debate (SNL, 1976) They take care of us whether we’re celebrating our triumphs or drowning our sorrows, but where do bartenders go and what do they do when they’re not behind the stick? Now that spring has sprung…
Read MoreCaña Rum Bar Soft Opens Tonight
A week after Las Perlas made its long-awaited debut, cocktail enthusiasts will have another new 213 Downtown destination to visit when Caña Rum Bar soft opens tonight. The latest from Cedd Moses is a reboot of the exclusive Doheny members-only bar, which became as well-known for its high roller membership fees as it did for…
Read MoreWhere LA’s Irish Eyes Will Be Smiling
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCbuRA_D3KU] Ah, St. Patrick’s Day. Like many of the great holidays, the ne plus ultra of Amateur Nights has transcended its origins and become an orgy of excess that has little to do with its namesake. That said, at least you’ll have an endless choice of places where you can get a pint or enjoy…
Read MoreWinners of the 2010 Ultimate Spirits Challenge Announced
The winners have been announced for the inaugural Ultimate Spirits Challenge, a three-day, four-stage competition that took place at New York’s Astor Center on March 1-3, 2010. The Ultimate Spirits Challenge was presented by Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC), founded by F. Paul Pacult, David Talbot, and Sue Woodley. UBC’s mission is to provide both the…
Read MoreAll Roads Lead to Classic & Vintage Spirits
As the global cocktail renaissance marches on, mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts continue to utilize the highest quality spirits to anchor classic cocktails and new school creations alike. Founded by Domaine Select Wine Estates (DSWE) in 2009, Classic & Vintage Artisanal Spirits gathers many of these boutique spirits into a single impressive portfolio. Several of these…
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