February 28, 2010

0 Wine: Breathing Time

2005 Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc “La Crau” Every once in a while something remarkable happens along one’s journey of endless discovery in the world of libations.  I have learned that, unless you spend a great deal of tim...

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Filed Under: Wine

February 27, 2010

2 Valentina

I had the great pleasure of collaborating with Lucas Paya recently, and the drink dubbed Valentina is what I offered.  He, of course, buried me in a myriad of delectable concoctions; but, this cocktail has continued to win hearts and minds (in my ...

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Filed Under: Cocktails, Spirits

February 26, 2010

0 LA Cocktails: Terra Firma

In spite of LA’s unrivaled haunts and illustrious lineage—from the Brown Derby to Chasen’s, Chandler to Barrymore—until recently, there were only a handful of places left to get a proper cocktail.  The classics—Musso & Frank, Dan Tan...

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Filed Under: Spirits

February 25, 2010

2 The Varnish Turns One

Last night the Varnish celebrated its first year—which is hard to believe considering the vital role it has played in establishing LA’s cocktail community.  People came from near and far, among them Mr. Petraske, Mr. Moses and, of course, ...

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Filed Under: Random, Spirits

February 23, 2010

2 Paradise Poured

Four classic tropical cocktails born in the golden age of tiki, reimagined for a new generation with premium spirits and ingredients fresh from the farmers’ market produced by WYATT PEABODY / cocktails by JOHN COLTHARP with JEFF BERRY / illustr...

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Filed Under: Cocktails, Spirits

February 23, 2010

0 Wrapper's Delight

The tamal is a worldly creation, with a common anatomy—a corn­husk or banana leaf wrapped around a sweet or savory fill­ing—and variations aplenty from the Philippines, Greece, Vietnam and beyond. But Angelenos’ primary experience with ta...

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Filed Under: Food

February 23, 2010

0 L.A. Cocktails: Parting Shots

Next time you’re pouring top-tier tequila, line up a selection of piquant sangritas (literal translation: “little blood”). Each toothsome nonalcoholic companion acts as a palate cleanser between hits of the peppery agave spirit. by Wyatt Pea...

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Filed Under: Spirits

February 22, 2010

0 L.A. Cocktails: Liquid Heaven

At the Varnish, a speakeasy-style downtown bar that is now the city’s shrine to the art of the cocktail, the who’s who of the L.A. mixology scene are arriving. Tucked into the back of Cole’s, it’s a fine gathering place for an event with ...

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Filed Under: Spirits

February 20, 2010

1 Mezcal Free Spirit

You find yourself tearing down a seemingly endless dirt road in Ron Cooper’s Jeep—a rooster tail of dust marking a path as your body jolts in the backseat. The radio signal renders faint traces of a Mexican narco-ballad on the blown-out speak...

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Filed Under: Spirits