MASTERS OF TASTE RETURNS – The Fifth Annual Masters of Taste Returns Sunday April 3, 2022

September 1, 2021 by evebushman

Los Angeles, CA – Come celebrate and be part of the fifth annual Masters of Taste, as L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival returns and will be taking place on Sunday, April 3^rd, 2022, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the Iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl with 100% of the proceeds going directly to benefit Union Station Homeless Services!

Chef Vanda Asapahu, Photo credit: Masters of Taste

Masters of Taste is introducing Chef Vanda Asapahu as Host Chef of Masters of Taste 2022 which also happens to mark the 5^th Anniversary of this celebrated event which had to be canceled in 2020 due to the Pandemic. Masters of Taste 2022 Culinary Master and Host Chef Vanda Asapahu is the chef and owner of Ayara Thai Cuisine and she has participated since its inception in April 2016. Asapahu went to college at UCLA and to graduate school at Yale, then she spent four years living, traveling, and working her way through Thailand before returning home to Los Angeles. During Asapahu’s stay in her native country, she took extensive notes, which included absorbing Bangkok’s street food scene and reviving old family recipes. After cooking with relatives and eating her way through the streets and countryside, Asapahu brought back these treasured old recipes and new flavors to share at Ayara Thai. While her mother Anna Asapahu still helms the family kitchen, Asapahu is the vanguard, taking up the torch of her family’s culinary tradition at Ayara Thai Cuisine, and in May of 2019 Ayara Thai Cuisine was named one of MICHELIN Guide California’s 2019 Bib Gourmands.

“I have had the pleasure of participating in Masters of Taste since its inaugural year,” states Asapahu. “As a proud UCLA alum (Go Bruins!), I’d give anything for the opportunity to cook, eat and dance on the field of the Rose Bowl. The most amazing thing about Masters of Taste is that 100% of the proceeds go directly to benefit Union Station Homeless Services and not many food festivals can say that. Union Station Homeless Services is committed to ending homelessness in Los Angeles.”

Masters of Taste 2019 was a sold-out event that attracted over 3,000 guests and garnered media attention all throughout Southern California and beyond. The fifth annual Masters of Taste 2022 is also expected to bring over 3,000 food and beverage enthusiasts together for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 100 Culinary Masters and restaurants, delectable sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, top Beverage Masters who will be featuring signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands and bars, a premier 50-Yard-Line Cocktail Bar featuring top Mixologists from four of L.A.’s most distinguished drinking destinations, select wineries, local craft breweries, cold-pressed juices, cold brew coffee, live entertainment and much, much more.

100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2022 will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping men, women and children experiencing homelessness, rebuild their lives. Union Station is part of a premier group of human services agencies in L.A. County that are leading the way to end homelessness in our community. Union Station offers an array of services including street outreach, meals, shelter, housing, case management and career development. In the last four years Masters of Taste has raised over $2 Million in support of Union Station’s life-saving programs.

Mark your calendars and save-the-date for the return of the fifth annual Masters of Taste 2022!

Ticket Information: Masters of Taste 2022 will take place on Sunday, April 3^rd, 2022, and this is a 21+ event. A VIP Power Hour will be held from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and General Admission will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Tickets will go on sale Sunday, August 1^st, 2021. For more information on Masters of Taste 2022, please visit www.MastersofTasteLA.com.

Masters of Taste

Pasadena Rose Bowl

1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103

T: 626.791.6677

E: info@MastersofTasteLA.com

www.MastersofTasteLA.com

DAVE AND PATTI REISS, AND JARED MEISLER, ANNOUNCE GRAND RE-OPENING OF VENICE’S THE BRIG

June 2, 2021 by evebushman

VENICE, California – THE BRIG, the iconic Westside watering hole, reopened on Friday, May 28, 2021. Owned and operated since 2000 by the reputable Dave and Patti Reiss (Reiss Co – Nueva, The Alibi Room & Vito’s Pizza), are newly joined by notable Los Angeles restaurateur Jared Meisler (Nueva, Roger Room, The Friend & The Little Friend). Fresh off their recent successful launch of Nueva, the trio has teamed their talents in reintroducing their fans to THE BRIG 3.0. Taking guests back in time to experience what was Babe Brandelli’s original Brig, featuring a late sixties mid-century esthetic of terrazzo floors, wood paneling, light earth-toned walls, smooth sounds of vintage Soul, Rock & Roll, and of course, Babe’s raison d’être – boxing.

Photo credit: Rob Stark Photography.

THE BRIG, located at 1515 Abbot Kinney Boulevard (where it meets Palms Blvd.), with its bohemian charm and charisma reflecting the neighborhood’s diverse spirit, has always been the gateway to Los Angeles’ premier dining and shopping mecca in Venice, California. When travelers first glimpse THE BRIG’s iconic sign above the illustration of renowned Golden Globes boxer and former owner, “Babe” Brandelli, they know they have arrived in the heart of the Abbot Kinney district.

The Babe’s other passion, THE BRIG’s drink menu, has been re-mastered by Meisler and the reputable Raul Yrastorza, who crafted the tequila and Mezcal collections at Nueva, El Carmen and Las Perlas. The bountiful options include playful takes on boxing-centric craft cocktails, a who’s who of local brewers, California winemakers, kombucha and sparkling cider craftsmen, as well as a fresh take on the obligatory spirits menu. And to make a good situation even better, Meisler and the Reiss’s have invited sought-after sandwich aficionado UNCLE PAULIE’S to join the party, setting up shop at the far end of the bar, offering their classic Italian-American sandwiches in-house to match the playful beverage program.

THE BRIG’s storied marquee guides visitors to its entrance. Once through the weathered door, guests are greeted by a newly refreshed mid-century interior, influenced by the popular modern stylings during the early years of “Babe” Brandelli’s Brig. On the left lies a long Brazilian mahogany bar handsomely fitted with nougat leather barstools accentuated by brass fixtures. Behind the bar, patrons can ogle THE BRIG’s broad collection of distinctive spirits showcased below three large rectangular wood-framed mirrors that allow guests to observe the comings and goings around the room. There are three large flat-screen televisions perfect for upcoming spectating events. Complementing the bar are intimate mahogany banquettes covered in camel ultra-suede. Venturing deeper into the hull of THE BRIG, find subtle rise leading to an elevated play area where L-shaped, camel-colored bench seating frames the vintage maroon Valley-Dynamo billiard table. Large globes hang from the ceiling, effusing soft light reflecting off back-painted mirrors, flowing with varying shades of colored glass. The walls are adorned with Ellsworth Kelley-inspired mid-century geometric works of art.

At the rear of the bar is the entrance to the newly added expansive patio, flanked by the famed Art Mortimer mural-with-in-a mural. Guests can lose themselves in this spacious outdoor seating area as they wind through a mix of Ficus trees and colorful picnic-style tables and benches reminiscent of the mysterious corners and out-of-the-way spots found in yesterday’s fern bars. The setting exudes the relaxed southern California style and vibe for which Venice is known. Whether it is a warm summer evening or First Friday, it will be the place to see and be seen.rum

THE BRIG continues with its popular MOJITOS menu, including SPICY with Havana Club Rum, Mint, Lime & Thai Bird Chili; MEZCAL with Mal Bien Mezcal, Mint & Lime; ABSINTHE with Pernod Absinthe, Mint & Lime. HOUSE COCKTAILS include BANTAMWEIGHT with Passion Fruit, Aperol & Prosecco; KNOCK OUT with Vodka, Cucumber, Mint, Ginger & Crushed Ice; D0WN BY LAW with Rye Whisky, Fernet Branca & Angostura Bitters, Stirred and Served Up; SOUTHPAW with Reposado Tequila, Hibiscus, Mandarin, Averna, Served Tall & Over Ice; MAIN EVENT with Blanco Tequila, Ancho Chili, Pineapple, Lime, Served Tall & Over Ice; and SLUGGER with Bourbon, Baronjager Honey Liqueur, Lemon, Habanero Bitters, Stirred & Served on the Rocks. Meisler also adds a SHOT & BEER menu including “BABE” BRANDELLI with Bourbon + Rolling Rock Bottle; JULIO “EL CESAR” CHAVEZ with Tequila + Carta Blanca Bottle; RAY “BOOM BOOM” MANCINI with Ferrari (Half Fernet/Half Campari) + Peroni Bottle; JAMES “LIGHTS OUT” TOMEY with Elijah Craig + IPA Can; and “MARVELOUS” MARVIN HAGLER with Mezcal + Grapefruit Radler Can. (For a complete list, please visit THE BRIG’s online drink and spirits menu)

THE BRIG is open for service Monday – Friday from 4:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m., and Saturday & Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. For those seeking a refined private experience, THE BRIG offers customized Private Events by appointment.

Beverages will be available for takeout.

ABOUT JARED MEISLER:

Jared Meisler, raised in Los Angeles, discovered his passion for nightlife and bringing people together while playing music in clubs on the Sunset Strip. Meisler began his career promoting shows and parties and booking fellow musicians and DJs in old mansions and warehouses throughout Los Angeles. In 2006, Meisler partnered with restaurateur and hotelier Sean MacPherson. Together they opened Bar Lubitsch, an art deco-styled Vodka bar in West Hollywood, then the instant classic – The Roger Room, followed by The Pikey, a high-end pub on the Sunset Strip. Desiring to expand his network, Meisler partnered with Artist Andre Saraiva to open The Friend, in Silverlake which instantly became a hub for artists, musicians and all creative types. The Friend, known as one of the coolest bars in town, expanded to Venice with The Little Friend. The Little Friend is located just behind the former Sunny Spot in Venice and led to the successful collaboration with Dave & Patti Reiss (Reiss Co) and the transformation of Sunny Spot into Nueva in 2020.

ABOUT DAVID & PATTI REISS (REISS CO):

Dave Reiss is an icon of the L.A. scene, responsible for opening Swingers on Beverly, Red, Sugar, The Brig, and half a dozen other properties. Patti met Dave while working in marketing at New Line Cinema, having spanned an extensive career in the entertainment industry from Warner Music Group to BMG. Patti is no stranger to the food world, having founded a family baking company patronized by hotels and gourmet food shops in the Twin Cities. After The Brig, Patti and her husband Dave opened a series of properties under the Reiss Co umbrella, beginning with Beechwood in 2004. Together, the two share an entrepreneurial spirit that has grown over the years into the vibrant Reiss Co portfolio of restaurant and bar concepts providing outstanding food, wine, cocktail, and service in exceptional spaces throughout their Los Angeles community.

THE BRIG

1515 Abbott Kinney Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291

310.399.7537

info@thebrig.com

For more information, the public can visit:

www.thebrig.com

Follow THE BRIG:

Facebook: @TheBrigVenice

Instagram: @thebrigvenice

Twitter: @thebrigvenice

The Busker “Triple Cask Triple Smooth” Beats Established Competitors in Blind Tasting; Rated Best Irish Whiskey Blend

April 10, 2021 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Busker, a “new-to-world” Irish Whiskey, is proud to announce that it was named the top Irish Whiskey Blend in a blind, independent tasting of industry experts. The Busker “Triple Cask Triple Smooth” was blind-tasted against four leading Irish whiskeys in similar price points, including Proper Twelve, Jameson, Bushmills and Tullamore D.E.W. The panel consisted of five renowned industry experts, including Andy Seymour, Julie Reiner, Anu Apte, Sean Kenyon and Jackie Summers. The panel judged each spirit on appearance, nose, aroma and finish. Awarded the highest aggregate score, The Busker “Triple Cask Triple Smooth” was recognized as a standout among the judges for its distinctive taste in a world of similar-tasting Irish whiskeys.

“The Busker is unique, unlike any other of the whiskies we tasted,” said Andy Seymour, owner of Liquid Productions and partner in BAR. “All the others were going in the same direction, and this stood out right away. The Busker has a bolder and richer taste that we all immediately picked up on.”

“The Busker is an apple among oranges,” said New York-based Julie Reiner, known for her award-winning beverage programs at Clover Club and Leyenda. “This is a whiskey that bartenders will embrace because it will perform excellently in craft cocktails.” The panel noted that the bold flavors of The Busker make it suitable for sipping as well as for cocktails that might overwhelm less distinctive Irish whiskeys.

The Busker “Triple Cask Triple Smooth” combines the Busker Single Grain with a high percentage of The Busker’s Single Malt and Single Pot whiskeys. Matured and finished in three different casks (Bourbon, Sherry, Marsala), this whiskey brings a new definition of richness and smoothness to the Irish whiskey landscape. The flavor profile of The Busker “Triple Cask Triple Smooth” blend is ideal for multiple consumption occasions, from sipping neat or on the rocks to classic cocktails that don’t typically use Irish whiskey, like Manhattans, Sours, tiki drinks, Old-Fashioneds or even the Vieux-Carre. These are cocktails that craft bartenders embrace and cocktails that are trending at-home with consumers.

“Our team at The Royal Oak Distillery set out to make an Irish whiskey that would appeal not only to Irish whiskey drinkers, but also to bourbon lovers,” said Ignacio Llaneza, Vice President of Brand & Trade Marketing for Disaronno International in the U.S. “We’re able to achieve a fuller, rounder whiskey with a higher malt content in the recipe, and triple cask finishing in Bourbon, Sherry and Marsala casks. Ultimately, we want to provide a journey into Irish whiskey at an affordable price point. Based on the tremendous feedback from our esteemed judging panel, quite frankly we believe The Busker has the potential to become the preferred Irish whiskey in the United States.”

Jackie Summers, creator of Sorel Liqueur and named Drinks International’s “100 Most Influential Bar Industry Figures” (2020) and Imbibe 75 (2021), noted that “The Busker was the outlier, and the only bottle I would drink and buy again.” Denver-based Sean Kenyon, the person behind award-winning bars Williams & Graham, Occidental and American Bonded and recognized as Tales of the Cocktail’s American Bartender of the Year (2014), agreed, calling The Busker blend “a real stand out, something interesting in the Irish whiskey world where the others go in the same direction.” Anu Apte, behind a number of award-winning Seattle bars including Rob Roy, No Anchor, Navy Strength, Vinnie’s Wine Shop and The Bar Bazaar enjoyed The Busker’s round, soft and integrated notes. “The Busker brings an exciting and very different new distillate to market,” she said.

The blind tasting recognition follows The Busker “Triple Cask Triple Smooth” receiving a “Best Buy” rating and 94 points in the April 2021 issue of Wine Enthusiast. This impressive ranking outclassed the other major whiskey brands, and was the highest-rated Irish whiskey when measured against similar priced competitors.

About The Busker
The Busker is a “new to world” Irish Whiskey that is born out of a modern Ireland, where the contemporary and bold meet at the crossroads of tradition. The Busker is produced at the Royal Oak Distillery, in County Carlow, Ireland, located on an 18th century estate in Ireland’s Ancient East region. It is the only distillery in Ireland which offers all three classic Irish styles of whiskey – Single Grain, Single Malt, & Single Pot Still, which make The Busker Single Collection. The Busker portfolio also includes The Busker Blend which is a beautiful blend of The Single Collection. The Busker uses different casks during the maturation process of their whiskeys including Bourbon casks, Sherry casks and Marsala casks. Most recently, The Busker took home multiple top accolades at the 2020 LA Spirits Awards: The Busker Single Malt was awarded the 2020 Platinum Medal and Best Irish Whiskey, while the Single Pot Still and Blend were awarded the Gold Medal.

For more information, visit http://www.thebusker.com and join the conversation at @thebusker_official

Vintage Eve Circa 4/2018: Will an Outstanding Experience Make or Break Your Winery, Bar or Restaurant?

December 8, 2020 by evebushman

I was all set to write on this topic alone until this past month, when we saw the news – true, false and still unresolved – of three local restaurants having some major issues that could prove fatal.

Sisley Italian Kitchen announced that they were closed and then pulled back and said only water damage prevented them from re-opening, all employees at TPC Valencia – including the chefs to the wait staff of the Oaks Grille – were laid off, and finally the owner of Southern Smoke would most likely lose his liquor license and maybe the restaurant too as he was found guilty of criminal charges.

Whoa Nelly. I’m in a bit of a shock. But I’m not here to defend or blame any of these businesses. I’m here to discuss what we should look for as consumers – in a restaurant, bar or winery – that is open and not dealing with crazy external issues.

The Experience

Eve in Del Dotto caves with winemaker Gerard Zanzonico. Photo by Ed Bushman Feb., 2012. (Visited Gerard countless times, knowing that we would always be offered an amazing experience!)

More and more people are looking for an “experience” and that includes the tasting room as well as the winemaker’s story, the owner’s story, activities/lessons/tours/dinners/events at a winery. What would cost a winery business? For me it would be a less than hospitable person at the tasting room. Be that person that smiles when you answer a phone – a good measure of a person that is trying even when they’re not seen. Don’t be that person that announces the rules before even talking about the wine. Ask where we’re from, who we’ve visited today, what wines we might enjoy and please attempt to make some form of eye contact while doing all that.

Most of my pals have recounted winery experiences that have compelled me to also visit. The quality of the wine itself is first and foremost, but if it’s lost in a dull story or dull visit, then it’s just that: lost. I’ve also, by way of being a wine writer, shared stories that I hope would compel others to seek out a particular winery. Robert Parker giving something a 90+ may mean more to you than my words, but if you’re going to visit the winery you may need a tad more than a score.

For a restaurant to provide a memorable experience that may mean a true uniqueness to the menu, a superstar chef, the décor and I shouldn’t have to say it again: exemplary service. With UberEats and other food delivery services, restaurants have to really step it up to get diners into those seats. If the server asks if I’m having my “usual”, remembers my name, seats me in the section they know I like – then I know that they know that I know that it’s the experience that matters to me. I can forgive a slight error in my order or some other fault if the service stands out.

At a bar both the cocktail menu and the wine menu have to excite the patron and be competitive in pricing. And of course, on top of that, you better be able to deliver that craft cocktail in record time. Make eye contact with me – don’t hold up your index finger at me – if you can’t offer immediate attention. If you don’t have your cocktails batched, then let me know how long it might take you to make it.

The more someone feels they had an experience that meant something to them personally, the more apt they are to buy, enjoy, share with others and – want to work there.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Vintage Eve Circa Oct 2017: Sipping Through The Cocktail Galaxy

June 16, 2020 by evebushman

Okay, so yes, I got to review yet another cocktail book – by choice! Why, you may ask, as I have about a dozen or more so far, would I want another? Because I love recipe books, and not just because, as you may think, easy read/easy review. It does make for a quick read over say, The Wine Bible, but there is also – usually – something fun to learn for cocktail lovers.

This was the case with The Cocktail Guide to the Galaxy by Andy Heidel. I’d never heard of Heidel, his Way Station bar in Brooklyn (that has a TARDIS – Google Dr. Who if you don’t know what this is – for a bathroom that is, indeed, larger inside than it appears from the outside, just like the <real> thing) or his verifiably geek media inspired cocktail book.

So I ventured into this freaky “galaxy” created by Heidel that was inspired by his love for both old and new science fiction. I found some drinks I wanted to try – The Evil Dead, Repo and Metropolis – and others that I don’t think anyone is really meant to try – Fantastic Pour, Bender’s Bender and the Blood of Enemies. On the latter it’s because the recipes were delivered…like a punch line. Here’s one I’ve abbreviated a bit – so buy the book if you want the whole thing:

Game of Thrones

George R. R. Martini

2 parts gin

¼ part dry vermouth

Let sit on shelf for a year. Add ice, stir and contemplate. Come back to it later….garnish with one olive stabbed through the heart with a lemon wedge.

Other equally entertaining bits are Heidel’s Hints, Ander’s Anecdotes, clever illustrations, his feeling about The Mix Tape, Idiot Proof Instructions, almost ten pages of recipes dedicated to all of The Doctors from Doctor Who, Alissa May Atkinson’s essay on The Quaffing Dead to remind us how to treat our hard working bartenders and finally Heidel’s Why that he explains in his entertaining forward. I dog-eared a few pages for further reflection – and to try crafting myself.

This book is one I will be displaying on my home bar. Something guests can ponder while they wait for their cocktail, and wonder if they are being poisoned or just the subject of a mild jest.

Abbreviated Info From the Publicist:

The Cocktail Guide to the Galaxy by Andy Heidel, the notable owner of The Way Station in Brooklyn, NY. A true mecca for nerd culture, The Way Station has found its way on to numerous lists of the best sci-fi bars and is even complete with a TARDIS themed bathroom.

Including over 100 fun and easy to make recipes – these cocktails are simple to make with no crazy ingredients – The Cocktail Guide to the Galaxy features more of the themed cocktails Heidel’s patrons know and love and is filled with pop culture references from Metropolis, to Guardians of the Galaxy, to Star Wars, and everything in between. Some of the recipes include:

Doc B’s Wakeup Juice (Back to the Future)
Sonic Screwdrivers (Doctor Who)
Shirley Temple of Doom (Indiana Jones)
Jameson T. Kirk (Star Trek)
Blue Milk (Star Wars)

Vintage Eve July 2017: Art Beyond the Glass 2017

April 21, 2020 by evebushman

L.A.’s Top Bartenders Celebrated “Six Years of Cocktails, Community and A Great Cause” during the sixth Art Beyond The Glass held at Los Globos in LA on June 25… Proceeds from ABTG VI will go to The Moth, the award-winning nonprofit that that celebrates the ability of stories to honor the diversity and commonality of human experience.

Thrilled to cover this unique event a second time, especially a chance to escape the heat at home, Los Globos was the perfect venue in the not too far off Silver Lake neighborhood.

Multiple stories, live music, food and tons of air conditioning kept guests happily scattered from bar to bar to bar for four fun-filled hours. (If you only have three minutes, you can view my slideshow of the event here.)

Bartenders, some dressed in 60s garb, some as medics and others just in tanks emblazoned with their bar’s names were almost as entertaining as the concoctions we tried that incorporated everything from gin to vodka, bitters, botanicals to fresh fruit.

I honestly think I tasted a cocktail from every bar, and when I thought one was so unique the next one I tried would prove to be even more incredible! These bartenders definitely raised the bar on expressing themselves via their exceptional mixology talents.

It was a lot to take in. And I was thankful for blogger Daniel Djang (now content manager for DiscoverLosAngeles.com) and bartender Zahra Bates (now a National Brand Ambassador for Courvoisier) for dreaming the whole thing up six years ago.

The List of Bartenders and Bars (at press time)

Aaron Polsky – Harvard & Stone

Adam Fournier – Faith & Flower

Alex Barbatsis – Esprit De Corps Hospitality

Alyson Iwamoto – Here’s Looking At You

Beau Du Bois – The Corner Door

Bethany Ham – Birds & Bees

Brittney Olsen – Hotel Figueroa

Chris Amirault – Otium

Christopher Day – Bar Tribute

Christina Russo – The Board Room

Chris Whelan – Hotel Figueroa

Dan McClary – Cannibal

Dan Sabo – Hotel Figueroa

Dee Ann Quinones – Commerson

Dustin Newsome – Bar Clacson, Slipper Clutch

Edwin Cruz – Winsome

Evan Charest – Patina Restaurant Group

Garrett McKechnie – Bar Mattachine

Greg Bryson – The Wallace

Jeremy Lake – Lost Property, Rosaline

Jodi Calderon – Normandie Club

John McGlothlin – Delilah

Kalani Ben – The Spare Room

Kim Stodel – Providence

Michael Lay – LONO

Peter Lloyd Jones – 1886

Ryan Wainwright – The Ponte

Sophia Oolie – The Freehand

Tobin Shea – Redbird

Yael Vengroff – The Spare Room

More About Art Beyond the Glass

Art Beyond the Glass (ABTG) is a special event that showcases the artistic pursuits of top bartenders when they’re not behind the stick. At ABTG, everything from the cocktails to the art and music is created and performed by bartenders. Proceeds from every ABTG event are donated to a local arts-based nonprofit. The inaugural ABTG raised over $6000 for Inner-City Arts. In 2013, ABTG II raised $13,700 for Art Share L.A. ABTG III raised $18,000 for the Mural Conservancy to help restore one of the historic 1984 Olympic Freeway Murals. ABTG IV was the largest event to date and raised $20,000 for KCRW.

ABTG began, as many things do, with a conversation in a bar. In the fall of 2011, bartender Zahra Bates and writer Daniel Djang were at Sunny Spot in Venice, discussing how so many bartenders in Los Angeles express themselves creatively through painting, photography, music, and other arts. But at the time there wasn’t a proper showcase for bartenders to share their art. To fill this gap, Art Beyond the Glass was born.

By uniting the bar community, which gives back to the art community, Art Beyond the Glass helps to strengthen the community in which we live.

www.ArtBeyondtheGlass.com.

Follow Art Beyond the Glass on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtBeyondTheGlass | Twitter: @ABTGLA

Vintage Eve Circa April 2017: The Turf Cocktail from 12 Bottle Bar

February 18, 2020 by evebushman

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of recipes from the 12 Bottle Bar book, and not just because the authors have generously served up how-to-make bitters and how-to-make scrubs at Cocktails on the Roof the last two years. We actually have local cocktail aficionados living here and I, for one, am going for the gusto in learning all I can from them.

From the 12 Bottle Bar website, this is who they are:

David Solmonson
An avid home-bartending enthusiast, David is a screenwriter and media executive by trade. He is married to author Lesley Jacobs Solmonson. David is BarSmarts certified.

Lesley Solmonson
Lesley’s book “Gin: A Global History” (Reaktion) was published in 2012, and she is currently working on “Liqueur: A Global History” (Reaktion). She is the cocktail/wine writer for the LA Weekly and writes for Chilled magazine. Lesley has written for many other publications, including Wine Enthusiast, Gourmet, and Santa Barbara, and she serves on the Advisory Board of the Museum of the American Cocktail.

Now about the main ingredient in this cocktail, genever, it took David and Lesley about three times to get me to say it like Geneva with an r at the end and I’m still not sure that’s right. What is genever? Well…I’m a gin fan and the Solmonsons are gin fans so the logical step in my cocktail education was to try a gin-like spirit. Enter genever.

As 12 Bottle Bar explains: “…Modern genever is essentially a blend of two distinct spirits. The first is triple or quadruple pot-distilled ‘maltwine’, equal amounts of corn, rye, and malted barley. The second is neutral spirit like that used in London Dry. And then, of course, there are the botanicals, which must include juniper. It’s the use of juniper that has caused many to call genever “gin”; the term “genever” translates quite literally as juniper. Indeed, when genever made its way to America in the mid-1800s, it was often referred to as Holland gin…” Read more here: http://12bottlebar.com/2012/06/bottle-reboot-part-4-genever/

And the cocktail I loved made with Genever this week is:

The Turf Cocktail

2 oz Bols Genever
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
1 dash Angostura Bitters

Add all ingredients to a chilled mixing glass.
Stir with ice and strain into a coupe.
Garnish with a lemon twist.

Contact: drinks@12bottlebar.com

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Wine.com Launching Spirits In California, New York, Florida And New Jersey

September 4, 2019 by evebushman

Already the world’s largest wine store with over 15,000 wines, Wine.com now offers a selection of over 2,000 spirits, including rare and collectible items not easily found in stores. With many wine enthusiasts enjoying premium spirits and craft cocktails at home, Wine.com will delight consumers with the ease of one-stop shopping for all their wine and spirits online.

Photo: Marco Verch, Flickr

“Wine.com has serviced consumers with wine for 21 years – offering a comprehensive array of spirits is a natural progression. With so many wine consumers also enjoying craft cocktails and experimenting with their own home bars, we are thrilled to offer the same selection, education and guidance in spirits as we already offer in wine.” – Mike Osborn, founder of Wine.com

Wine.com‘s spirits selection includes a deep assortment of whiskey, vodka, tequila, mezcal, gin, rum, brandy, cordial, and liqueur. With a focus on premium spirits, including a wide array of rare, collectible and limited-edition products, Wine.com offers the ideal selection for the classics connoisseur and the artisanal explorer alike.

Consumers can browse spirits using the wide range of filters standard on the website. In addition to reading descriptions of a product’s style, the distillery and region of origin, consumers can also engage spirits experts through chat to find the perfect bottle for them. Wine.com will also offer customers tips on how to serve and mix their drinks in the future.

The same convenient shipping options provided for wine are provided for spirits. StewardShip, Wine.com‘s free shipping program, applies to all products alike. Customers continue to be able to choose specific-delivery dates and have packages delivered to their home, work or local pickup location.

Suppliers interested in working with Wine.com should contact trade@wine.com.

ABOUT WINE.COM
Wine.com is the nation’s leading online wine and spirits retailer, offering selection, guidance and convenience not found in brick and mortar stores. The company provides its customers access to the world’s largest wine and spirits store, with experts available to chat 7 days a week on its website and app. With multiple fulfillment centers and the most sophisticated alcohol retail distribution network in the United States, Wine.com delivers in 1-2 days to most addresses, offering date-certain delivery and convenient pickup options from 11,000 Walgreens and FedEx Office locations nationwide. The company’s popular free shipping program, StewardShip, provides unlimited shipments and exclusive access to new releases for $49 per year. Wine.com‘s mission, to inspire the wine lifestyle through innovation, is captured in its brand manifesto video, viewable here. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.wine.com or download its app in the Apple Store or Google Play.

THE FRIEND announces the grand opening of THE LITTLE FRIEND in Venice

July 15, 2019 by evebushman

Venice, California – The creative team behind Silver Lake’s favorite neighborhood cocktail bar, The Friend, announces the opening of The Little Friend in the artistic, hip, urban seaside community of Venice. The Little Friend, with a secret entrance just behind the Sunny Spot on Washington Boulevard, is a playful space with an unexpected retro beach vibe, featuring pink flooring and white walls set in a sleek interior dressed in Saraiva art and sculptures. Guests are served by the talented blue-striped sailor shirt-dressed bartenders who are equally adept at whipping up a craft cocktail or popping open a PBR to the Westside crowd. It is the ideal artist’s hub – small enough to be intimate but big enough to spread out and have fun.

This new late-night bar in Venice is the second collaboration between three longtime friends – famed artist André Saraiva, Maroon 5 Bassist Mickey Madden and bar entrepreneur Jared Meisler (The Friend, The Roger Room and Bar Lubitsch).

Leading The Little Friend’s cocktail program is mastermind and noted Los Angeles bartender William Cutting. Cutting infuses his abundant summer cocktail menu with a variety of local, seasonal produce, herbs and botanicals. Cutting infuses his recipes with exotic ingredients like black tea, ancho verde chili, hibiscus liqueur, tobacco bitters, cherry heering and bitter truth violet, among others to be discovered in his contemporary drinks. Sample cocktails are The Lover; The Vegan; The Contender; The Traveler; The Gossip; The Enforcer; and The Transplant, all sure to become instant hits. Cutting’s cocktails and The Little Friend’s distinctive ambiance present the perfect opportunity to go out, mingle and relax in a stylish Venice setting.

Along with the beverage program, The Little Friend showcases a carefully curated music program designed by the partners. They also offer some bar prime nosh available nightly until 10:00 p.m. The snacks menu offers dishes of Pommes Frites with Habanero Aioli; Chips and Guacamole; Chopped Wedge Salad with Iceberg, Roma Tomato, Crispy Bacon, Blue Cheese, Chives & Blue Cheese Dressing; Kale Salad with Feta, Green Apple, Sliced Almonds, Red Grapes & Red Wine Vinaigrette; Nachos with Black Beans, Pico de Gallo, Fresno and Serrano Chilis & Crema (add Pulled Pork or Chicken for an additional charge); Spaghetti Primavera with Crimini Mushrooms, Broccoli, Purple Cauliflower, Carrot, Snow Pea and Marinara; Tacos – choice of Leningrad Pork, BBQ Short Rib, Chicken Tinga, Potato or Baja Fish; Double Cheese Burger with Fries, Caramelized Onion& Herb Aioli; and a Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Fries, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Herb Aioli & Buttermilk Coleslaw.

The Little Friend is open Monday – Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.; Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. midnight (later on holiday weekends. Cocktail pricing ranges from $12-$13. For reservations and information the public can call 310-747-6969. For Birthdays, Parties and Events email to party@thelittlefriendbar.com.

THE LITTLE FRIEND SUMMER 2019 COCKTAIL MENU

the face
elyx vodka, cucumber, mint, black tea, lime, rocks
$12

the joker
altos blanco tequila, ancho verde chili, lime, agave, grapefruit, rocks
$12

the passion
yola mezcal, house made hibiscus liqueur, passion fruit, lemon, rocks
$13

the dancer
plymouth gin, plymouth sloe berry gin, egg white, blackberry, champagne, up
$12

the hustler
mestizo mezcal, habanero, vanilla, lime, agave, up
$13

the artist
jack daniel’s, cold pressed apple juice, ginger, lemon, cinnamon, honey, rocks
$12

the lover
shot of bourbon + pbr tallboy
$10

the vegan
glenlivet founder reserve, giffard cacao, bailey’s almonde,
tobacco bitters, nutmeg, rocks
$12

the contender
smooth ambler whiskey, cynar, cherry heering, orange bitters, flamed orange, up
$12

the traveler
volcan tequila, st germain elderflower, bitter truth violet, lemon, honey, club soda, rocks
$12

the gossip
bacardi 8-year old rum, giffard peach, lemon, champagne, up
$12

the enforcer
hennessy, lejay cassis, lime, ginger, rocks
$13

the transplant
jameson’s caskmates stout, carpano bianco, liqueur 43,
peychaud’s bitters, lemon, club soda, rocks
$12

The Little Friend is open Monday – Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.; Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. midnight (later on holiday weekends).

THE LITTLE FRIEND HOURS
Monday – Friday: 6:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Saturday: 4:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Sunday: 4:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. (later on holiday weekends)

THE LITTLE FRIEND
822 Washington Blvd.
Venice, CA 90292

Reservations and Information: 310-747-6969
For Birthdays, Parties and Events email to party@thelittlefriendbar.com

ABOUT THE LITTLE FRIEND
THE LITTLE FRIEND is a collaborative effort by three old buddies – André Saraiva, Jared Meisler and Mickey Madden – who together created a playful space called The Friend in Silver Lake where they could all hang out together with their pals. The combination of the three talents and backgrounds helped form a concept that brings contemporary art, music and state-of-the-art cocktails to the explosive Silver Lake nightlife and will now do the same in Venice. Artist and impresario André Saraiva owns bars, cafés, hotels and nightclubs all over the world, including Hotel Amor, Cafe Henrie, and Le Baron. Jared Meisler is a veteran restaurateur who co-owns Los Angeles classics Bar Lubitsch, The Roger Room and The Pikey. Musician Mickey Madden is a renowned founder and current member of the bands Maroon 5 and Collapsing Scenery. Talented Mixologist William Cutting creates and oversees the original beverage program offering a wide array of top quality liquors and organic, fresh, seasonal herbs and produce. The French-inspired bar on steroids is the ideal combination of CBGB meets French New Wave with killer drinks in Venice. Eater LA calls THE FRIEND “a beacon for artists and misfits across the Eastside and beyond…they have collected a group of talented folks to run the place, including William Cutting on beverage duty.” TimeOut LA states, “You’ll be hard pressed to find a drinking environment like this anywhere else in L.A.”

The Bar @ The Little Friend

For further information about THE LITTLE FRIEND visit
www.thelittlefriendbar.com
822 Washington Blvd.
Venice, CA 90292
310-747-6969

Follow THE LITTLE FRIEND
on Instagram: @thelittlefriendbar
on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelittlefriendbar/

***

For further information about THE FRIEND in Silver Lake visit
www.thefriendbar.com
2611 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-522-6835

Come Celebrate 10 Tasty Years One Last Time At The 10th Annual LA Food Fest June 29!

June 22, 2019 by evebushman

(Los Angeles, CA) Angelenos, it’s time to dust off your stretchy pants one last time and be part of the 10th Annual LA Food Fest that will take place on Saturday, June 29th, 2019 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the grassy infield of Santa Anita Park!

The LA Food Fest was born as the LA Street Food Fest in 2009 founded by Shawna Dawson, Founder + CEO of Angeleno, Inc. (Sauce LA, LA Food Fest, Artisanal LA and Clean Made). She officially kicked off her very first event in Downtown Los Angeles in February 2010. With a lofty goal to not only to fill a gap in the event scene by creating something that was the first of its kind, Dawson created a culinary community and a platform to support independent small businesses that has traveled from Los Angeles Center Studios in DTLA, the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Exposition Park, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and to its final destination Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, cementing the LA Food Fest as L.A.’s premier street food event. LA Food Fest was also the first event to support their vendors by subsidizing the participation of nearly every participant, leading many other events to do the same. And in 2016, Dawson saw an opportunity to do good and help make this amazing city we call home a little better, so she decided to make LA Food Fest LA’s first Zero Food Waste event. Says Dawson, “We couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished over the years. The thousands of restaurants, chefs and caterers we’ve had the pleasure of working with. The bevy of events we’ve inspired all over the country, and the world. Not to mention, making the term “Food Fest” a common expression everywhere!”

The 10th Annual LA Food Fest is a community event that promises not to disappoint bringing 5,000 foodies and 100+ restaurants, carts, stands, trucks, bars, beer, wine and craft cocktail makers together including some of the city‘s Top Chefs, Restaurants and International Guest Chefs.

Highlights from this year’s 10th Annual LA Food Fest include:

The Nuevo Gastropub is where the LA Food Fest says adiós with an international lineup for the books! Guest chefs include the grill guru Dante Ferrero (Dante Brasa y Fuego, Mexico City) returning for his third year; Olivier Deboise (Aperi, San Miguel de Allende) with his eclectic approach on sustainable cuisine; the daring gastronomy of Sergio Meza (Villanos en Bermudas, Mexico City), co-owner of one of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, and one of the youngest executive chefs in the world, Rafael Covarrubias (Hexagon and 7 Enoteca, Ontario, Canada). Joining the team, Eduardo Morali (Pangea, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon) executive chef of one of 2019’s Best Restaurants in Mexico said Latin America’s Best 50 Restaurants 2019, and the talented French pastry chef Emmanuelle Deboise (La Casa Caramel, San Miguel de Allende). All will bring unique dishes created just for the event and an unforgettable culinary show. The theme for this year’s Nuevo Gastropub is “parrilada” (translates to BBQ), and will include dishes for every palate, from Dante’s primal cuts grilled over coals on site, to organic vegan tacos, ethnic bites (Charbroiled shrimp tostada with peanut salsa macha, mushrooms and grilled onions duxelle, dill aioli; Grilled Street Corn with black garlic and huitlacoche), experimental appetizers (Charbroiled beet with mascarpone cheese, pistachios and black lemon dust) and refreshing fusion desserts (Grilled banana sandwich with avocado mousse, fresh goat cheese, and honey). As in previous years, the Nuevo Gastropub will also feature an extensive Top Shelf Tequila Tasting and Mexican beers like Border X, Cabotella and CALIDAD.

This year, guests will also get a very special taste of Gordon Ramsay’s UNCHARTED, featuring an exclusive preview of the upcoming National Geographic series and sample dishes inspired by the show in the NatGeo Lounge.

As in past years, the Fest will also help a number of New Chefs and Restaurants make their debut including Cuizina (Filipino street food), Quiadaiyn (authentic vegan mole), The Burristas, Cevicheria las Olas, African Chop, El Chef Taco, Ken’s Ramen, POKEBAR, Big Grandma’s Kitchen, Sushi Roku, Oak Smoke BBQ, EK’BALAM Yucatan Cuisine (formerly Delicias Yucatecas), The Vegan Salvi and Always Coffee, alongside neighborhood faves like Maquina Taco, Pasta Sisters, Eagle Rock Public House, Comfort LA, Pinches Flautas, Barranco Lounge by Chef Walther, Fishin for Brews, Low Key Burritos, Luckdish Curry, Takami Sushi, Bearology, Humbleburgerz, Bite Me Gourmasian, Pez Cantina, Padthai Boran, Mama Musubi, Nature Well, Café de Leche and more.

The Ice Cream Social is back with treats from The Donuttery, Pie Hole, You Had Me at Helado, Communitea Bakery, Down South Treats, Dearly Beloved Confections, Tastee Flavors New Orleans style shaved ice, Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese Cheesecake, 12 Oaks Desserts and many more.

To keep the party going, Birds & Bees and Mister O’s Rafael Jonathan Barba brings some amazing bar talent to the mix alongside bars from local Citrus Grove Distillers doing both cocktails and mocktails, Revel Spirits and Broken Shed Vodka. Plus, Pez Cantina micheladas.

For the wine drinkers, local Riboli Wines return, plus a new Wine Garden sponsored by Obvious Wines featuring acoustic tunes from Sylvia Bosco and games of pétanque from La Boulisterie Los Angeles. And for the beer drinkers there’s the Stella Airstream, Golden Road, Eagle Rock Brewery, CALIDAD, Border X, Elysian Brewing IPA, Glutenberg Beer, Hop Valley Brewing and Michelob Gold Organic, plus Common Cider and Hard Kombucha. Plenty of non-alcoholic drinks will be on hand from Spindrift, KeVita, Honest Tea and more.

In the VIP Lounge find plenty of shaded seating, an exclusive HotPoint Lightbox Photo Booth, Alexander’s Steakhouse, FrankieLucy Bakeshop and wines from Napa’s Wedell Cellars.

This year’s event also features a grassy new GA Lounge area. While you’re taking a food coma break, meet friendly Martians and other enthusiastic communicators from JPL. Hear about the latest news and discoveries about NASA exploration across our universe and those made by the rovers, the InSight lander, and NASA orbiters currently at Mars. Take a selfie with various NASA & Apollo backdrops – make a flower crown with Crown Bloom Co. and grab a bottle of cold Essentia Water from the refresh station while you’re there!

Roving Live Entertainment, Mariachi, DJ, a performance on the stage by Black Crystal Wolf Kids, face painting and henna for the (little and big) kids round out the experience.

A complete lineup and event map will be announced closer to the event date. Stay tuned!
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A portion of the proceeds from the 10th Annual LA Food Fest will directly benefit Food Forward, this year’s charity partner. Food Forward fights hunger and prevents food waste by rescuing fresh surplus produce, connecting this abundance with people in need and inspiring others to do the same. Food Forward is synonymous with food waste reduction in Los Angeles and the LA Food Fest could not ask for a better partner as they head into their third and final year of being LA’s only Zero Food Waste event.

Thank You to Our Friends who help make this event possible: Essentia Water, National Geographic, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Entercom, Baja Brewing, Golden Road, Calidad, Tequila Cocula, Corazon Azul Spirits, Aguirre Tequila, Tequila Don Nacho, Spindrift, KeVita, Good Farms, Kumana Foods, 4th & Heart and more.

Ticket Information: The LA Food Fest will take place on Saturday, June 29th, 2019 on the grassy infield at Santa Anita Park. To ensure all guests enjoy the event to its fullest, the LA Food Fest attendance is capped at just 5,000 all-inclusive (pre-sale only) tickets. A VIP Power Hour + Early Entry ($99) will be held from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm and VIP Check-in will start at 1:30 pm. General Admission ($69) will be from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and General Admission Check-in starts at 2:30 pm. This event is for all ages and family friendly. Children age 10 and under are free with a paying adult. ID is required for a 21+ wristband and 21+ wristbands are required for all craft beer, cocktail bars, wine and spirit tastings. For more information on the 10th Annual LA Food Fest and to reserve tickets today, please visit www.LAFoodFest.com.

Location: Santa Anita Park (Gate 6) – 275 Colorado Place, Arcadia, CA 91007

Transportation and Parking: Guests are encouraged to utilize car services or alternative transportation such as Lyft, Uber, Taxi, Rideshare, Metro, etc., since this event does serve alcoholic beverages. Guest parking for the LA Food Fest is available onsite via Gate 6 at Santa Anita Park for $5 per car (cash only). Complimentary parking is also available for VIP Guests.

LA Food Fest Pro Tips & FAQS: The LA Food Fest is a festival for foodies and a good strategy for the day is the best Fest companion! To ensure an awesome time, check out the Insider Pro Tips & FAQS.

Instagram: @LAfoodfest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LAFoodFest/
Snapchat: @LAfoodfest
Twitter: @LAfoodfest
2019 Hashtags: #LAfoodfest #stretchypants

LA Food Fest
Santa Anita Park
Gate 6 (ONLY Event Entrance)
275 Colorado Place
Arcadia, CA 91007
www.LAFoodFest.com