TALK DRINKS

The Big Easy Fundraiser - Windy City Post

Since Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans is going on as we speak, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to blog about the Post Katrina work we in Chicago have been involved in. The other night I had the pleasure of attending a fundraiser sponsored by the USBG (US Bartender's Guild). Peter Vestinomos, a mixologist from Sepia (Chicago), has been working on a post Katrina based project with the service industry from New Orleans. The downtown business area was one of the hardest hit sectors and they are working to develop a Bartender’s Guild chapter in N.O. to organize and strengthen professional bartenders. Ann, the developer of Tales of the Cocktail, was present along with a few key bartenders from The Big Easy. The event was held at Weeds Tavern which is a historic corner bar from the 60’s here in Chicago. The bar members helped to repair the patio area of Weeds in their agreed sister city bar make-over plan. They painted, nailed and did a little bit of everything, all in order to raise awareness and money to fund the New Orleans BG. Later this year the Chicago bar team will be headed down to the Big Easy to help repair a historic “Nawlins” bar. Weeds looked great with its new face lift and we had a great evening tipping them back. Cheers to everyone for the hard work and dedication to this project and this industry. - Alex

JAZZIZ - Welcome to Miami

Recently, I attended a great party at JAZZIZ Bistro.  JAZZIZ is a new and exciting dining experience replete with great food, specialty drinks, unique atmosphere and the best music in South Florida. A state of the art sound stage, indoor and outdoor bars/lounges and retail space makes JAZZIZ a one of a kind destination for people who enjoy great food, entertainment and a place to hang with friends and loved ones. They serve fantastic fresh cocktails perfect for the hot steamy days of S. Florida. Along with the fabulous cocktails and delicious hors d'oeuvres that evening, there was a fashion show and the night closed with the amazing voice of KJ Denhart. I'm adding JAZZIZ to my list of regular hot spots. Salud - Marita

Friday Night Live Concert Series - Windy City Post

The summer cocktail season is finally here for die hard Chicagoans. It’s not easy to have only 3 months of summer with 9 months of pure endurance. Chicago patios are open and cocktails are being served all over town. I recently attended the Friday Night Live Concert Series at Joe's. Every Friday night, Joe’s Bar partners with Chicago Sport & Social Club and Partida Tequila to sponsor a live band concert. They invite local artists and provide them a venue to perform their talent. Joe’s has multiple rooms and a large outdoor patio where they hosted the first band last week with 5 more to go. The cover band rocked the house while Partida Margaritas were being served all around. I can’t wait till the next concert. If you are in Chicago, this is the place to be on Friday nights. Salud - Alex 

Bombay Sapphire Gin Immersion - L.A. Happenings

It's been a busy few week in Los Angeles. Bombay Sapphire invited around 20 of LA’s elite mixologists to an immersion at the Edison in Downtown LA. Milo Rodriguez flew in from Miami to host a tasty "Cocktail to Start", a little history and education before the crew was let loose on the bar. The best part of these functions is catching up with old friends and making new ones. The pictures tell the whole story. There are also plenty of fresh fruits & veggies and fresh squeezed juices for us to play with. Thanks to Aidan Demarest, Director of Beverage and Spirits at the Edison for the invitation. Cheers - Damian

 

Golden Trailer Awards - L.A. Happenings

Recently, we were invited to the Golden Trailer Awards held at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Downtown L.A., a Hollywood award show paying homage to the best trailers made to promote movies. My favorite award was the “Golden Fleece” award given to the “Best Trailer Better than the Movie”, ironic isn’t it. Sinbad hosted cocktails by Partida Tequila, Martin Millers Gin, Reyka Vodka and Tommy Bahama Rum. Cheer – Damian

Chicago Culinary Adventures - Windy City Post

Last week, Partida Tequila and I were invited to be one of the few lucky guests of a “Night of Indulgence,” at Christopher Charles, an Anti-Aging Skincare Spa. I know what you are thinking, but it was a great evening. This event was organized by Chicago Culinary Adventures and the Streeterville Chamber of Commerce. Throughout the evening the guests, predominantly women, were treated to manicures, mini-massages, pedicures, delightful fruits, candies, sushi, and Partida Margaritas. I really enjoyed mixing the margaritas for all the eagerly excited Chicago professionals. The energy and spirits were high and everyone's mind & body experienced a range of indulgences. I even ran into a friend from back in the college days. Can't what to see what the next Culinary Adventure will bring. Cheers - Alex

TALES OF THE COCKTAIL!!!

Tales of the Cocktail is around the corner. If you are a bartender and only go to one event, this is the one you can't miss.

July 16-20
New Orleans, LA
Tales of the Cocktail

 

Miami Ink - Welcome to Miami

Margie and I had a great time the other night celebrating the birthday's of Ami James & Chris Nunez from the hit show Miami Ink. The party was held at their new lounge Love Hate on South Beach. The Spirits of choice for the birthday boys were Zyr Vodka and Partida Tequila. Their outstanding bartender / manager  / mixologist, Christian Sanders, has come up with some very unique cocktails using fresh juices and ingredients such as yuzu, fresh ginger and cucumbers. This is a spot you have to check out and get a tat while you are there. Welcome to Miami - Marita

Chicago’s Criminal Seduction – Windy City Post

I attended a charity fashion show for Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund last Friday at the Libertine. A few notable sponsors of the event were Oakley Eyewear, Vidal Sassoon, CT Couture, Partida Tequila and Bonnie & Clyde’s Clothing. The evening was kicked off by the sounds of DJ Marcos Morales while the guests enjoyed margaritas and the fashion show began around 11pm. The models did an awesome job working the staircase runway and there was even a model from America's Next Top Model. Here are a few memorable pics from the evening that will help relive the experience. Cheers – Alex

Tales of the Cocktail - New Orleans 2008

Last year, I attended Tales of the Cocktail for the first time and was blown away with what a quality event it was. Most of the best bartenders around the country were to be seen in NOLA either enjoying some cocktails or teaching their craft. The 5 days were jam packed with Spirit & Cocktail Seminars as well as cocktail dinners and a lot of late night cocktail enjoyment.

I am very much looking forward to this years Tales of the Cocktail that will run from July 16-20 in NOLA. Ann Tuennerman is the organizer and owner of Tales of the Cocktail and she's got this year's Tales full with even more events. Check out www.TalesoftheCocktail.com for more info. Ann has also been looking for signatures as she is lobbying for the Sazerac Cocktail to be recognized as the official Cocktail of New Orleans.

I hope to see you all in the Big Easy for this Wonderful experience. Cheers - Jacques