All the Booze That’s Fit to Print – March 2011

With a slew of bar openings and more on the way, there’s never been a better time to be a cocktail enthusiast in the City of Angels. In recent weeks media coverage of the L.A. cocktail scene has ramped up, which makes it as good a time as any to collect some highlights from the last few months.

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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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October 25: Cocktail All-Stars – Farmers Market Edition

On Monday, October 25th, First & Hope Supper Club hosts Cocktail All-Stars – Farmers Market Edition, featuring Aidan Demarest (Tello Demarest Liquid Assets) and a top-notch mixology team of First & Hope bartenders and guests: Aidan Demarest (First & Hope) Matt Biancaniello (Library Bar) Brent Falco (First & Hope) Dan Long (First & Hope /…

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Table 20 Names Matt Biancaniello L.A.’s Best Bartender

A few months ago, Table 20 began a search to find L.A.’s Best Bartender by inviting the public to nominate and vote for their favorite bartenders. After the 30-day nomination and voting period, contest judges whittled the top 25 vote-getters down to five finalists and the People’s Choice winner, Matt Biancaniello. Throughout most of September,…

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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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The Wayback Machine: Speakeasy in Hollywood on August 21

On Saturday, August 21, Drink:Eat:Play (International Wine Festival, LA Beer Festival, LA BBQ Festival) presents the latest edition of Speakeasy, a Roaring 20s-themed evening of drink, music, and more drink taking place at The Music Box @ Fonda in Hollywood. The all-inclusive $40 ticket includes unlimited samples of over 100 spirits brands, as well as…

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