The Outsider's Insider Guide To Portland

Las Vegas Cocktail Culture

This is a verbatim copy of a Facebook update from Tobin Ellis in response to some condescending remarks regarding the Las Vegas cocktail scene.

Secret Bar Vocabulary

A piece in the New York Times by Ben Schott features some code words and phrases among bartenders. Some restaurant lingo (like dying in the window) have kept their meaning on the bar side, while others (like family meal) have a new alcoholic twist.

Bartenders In California Required To Wear Gloves

A new California law requires all food industry workers, including sushi chefs and bartenders, to wear gloves when preparing food.

2013 Year In Review

I got that Cynar money! I got that Cynar money!

2012 Year In Review

2012 was a banner year for Lush Angeles. Look at this pretty new website! Look at all those Twitter followers! Look at that bone luge! As always, I'll talk about individual spirits and ingredients first, and then I'll do a best-of for the Los Angeles bar scene.

Water Content & Tiki

This is a verbatim copy from a PKNY blog post that doesn't seem to be around anymore. It's a look at how Giuseppe and his team wanted to make a true frozen daiquiri, and it led to this treatise on dilution in cocktails.

Blue Blazers

With the closure of Vessel and with Jim & Rocky hitting the road to shoot episodes of their BarBack ProAm, many asked "What will we do on Jerry Thomas Night?" Southern California was in for a treat as Jim and Rocky made Jerry Thomas' signature drink, the Blue Blazer, at 320 Main in Seal Beach.

The Rebirth of Cool

Were it not for a hugely successful ad campaign for Dos Equis, actor Jonathan Goldsmith would probably be sailing the Caribbean. Or perhaps tending to animals in New England. Or simply having lunch in Marina del Rey, which is where I met him.