When it comes to knowing what to drink (and how and why) Natalie Bovis-Nelsen is your personal guide through Cocktail Land.READ MORE...
Lu Brow: Sizzles the Swizzlers at Swizzle Stick Bar, New Orleans
"It was just much, much bigger than I thought it would be," reflects renown New Orleans Mixologist Lu Brow. No, she is not talking about "that little weather incident" (the way most Orleanians now refer to the disastrous Hurricane Katrina).Read More...
Ryan Green: Smooth as Blue Velvet
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 a head-full of knowledge, an armful of recipes and a shaker full of luscious nectar to the cocktail glass! Read More...
Vincenzo Marianella
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 Best Bar
Chef (2006) by Starchefs.com and L.A.'s Best Bartender (2006) by Anthony Dias Blue of The Tasting Panel Magazine. Read More...
Marcos Tello - A One In Seven Grand…
When I met Marcos (down at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans) the first thing that bowled me over was his pure, unadulterated passion for cocktails. This is something I crave, respect and relate to in a person. (Cocktail "geeks" of the world, unite!) Read More...
The Grand Dame of Penn Quarter
Some people are just good eggs. They always put their best foot foward, they make everyone feel welcome and people love them for it. When those good eggs also happen to be talented, generous and modest, they get a special little gold star in my personal book of favorite folks. Read More...
All Aboard Bombay Sapphire's "Perfect Pairings" Luxury Train
The setting sun + the California coastline A luxury train car + an exclusive dinner party
- and - Tara Weaver, a talented personal chef with Hollywood clientele + James Moreland, Bombay Sapphire's own Master Mixologist.Read More...
Dr. Tea
I arrive at the Tea Garden at 11:15 am. I was supposed to be there at 11:00. I hate being late. I take a deep breath and put on my "professional face," which was just contorted into my "stressed out LA driver face," 25 seconds earlier. I walk in with a big smile, shake Dr. Tea's hand, note the orange lab coat, pull out my notebook and get my pen poised for action. Read More...
Beth Scherr:Bartender at Katana, and Funny Mother Fucker
"Yes, I'm the cliché!" says Beth Scherr who moved to Los Angeles from the Midwest to pursue a career in Entertainment. Eight years ago, she left St. Louis to seek fame and fortune. After considering the Windy City, she settled in Los Angeles, enticed by the great weather. Read More...
Tom Roe, Ford's Filling Station, Culver City
"Every cocktail tells a story," says Tom Roe, Bar Manager and Head Bartender at Ford's Filling Station, "and my cocktail menu was created to pair with the food menu at Ford's." Chef Ben Ford (son of actor, Harrison) incorporates seasonal, and often organic, produce into his cuisine at the sleek-yet-comfy "American Regional gastro-pub." Tom follows suit, using fresh ingredients in all his cocktails. Read More...
Mike Hill- Lounge Manager, Topaz and Bar Rouge, Washington DC
"I hate the term 'frou frou,'" declares Mike Hill as we relax on plush velvet banquets. I have just made the "faux pas" of referring to the delectable lavender-infused cocktail he has presented to me to sample, as such. Read More...
