On the Trail of LA’s Bourbon Cocktails

Gingered Bourbon Lemonade

September is National Bourbon Heritage Month, and Angelenos can vicariously join in the festivities by enjoying Kentucky’s finest in cocktails all over town. Our round-up begins in Marina del Rey, heads east into downtown, and ends in Pasadena.

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Zahra Bates Guest Bartends at Test Kitchen, Next Up is Copa d’Oro

Zahra Bates mixes her Old Pal variation at Test Kitchen

The ongoing culinary experiment known as Test Kitchen continues to bring in stellar guest chefs and mixologists, and last weekend was no exception: Alain Giraud was in the kitchen, while Zahra Bates (Providence) and Davidson Fernie (La Descarga) were behind the stick. As I sat down at the bar (the restaurant is frequently booked but…

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From Farm to Glass: Matthew Biancaniello’s Sublime Cocktails at the Library Bar

In a weekend post to his Facebook page, Matthew Biancaniello hinted at how much work goes into bartending at a big Hollywood bash like last Saturday’s Speakeasy event: “…up early ready to pick up 800 lavender stems and juice 600 lemons.” Keep in mind, this update was posted at 5am on the morning of the party. Biancaniello might end up with Popeye’s forearms if his profile continues to rise at the rate it has since he captured the title at last August’s Chartreuse Sweet 16 Competition. Coming from a distinctly non-culinary background, Biancaniello has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in a city teeming with talented bartenders. Angelenos have taken notice, giving him the most votes in the ongoing LA’s Best Bartender Contest.

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