TALK DRINKS

Julio's Tequila Distillery Trip

I just got back from Julio Bermejo's Tequila Distillery Trip. There were 35 of some of the most influential people in the spirits industry and journalists on this tour. We visited five distilleries, each very different from the next: 4 Copas, Partida, Cazadores, El Tesoro, and Herradura.
At Partida, we went out to the agave fields, had a tour of the distillery, and then a delicious lunch to the beautiful music of a Mariachi band. We were also fortunate enough to open a barrel of Partida Tequila which had been aged for 27 months and got to bottle our very own, one of a kind Partida Tequila. Jacques and Santiago made sure their wonderful cocktails never stopped flowing.
To quote Francesco La Franconi, "We didn't drink, we learned"...a lot. A big thanks everyone at Partida and the other distilleries for opening up your homes for us and giving us all one the best experiences of our lives.
Salud - Aisha Sharpe (Contemporary Cocktails, Inc)

Mario Batali's New Restaurant

If you are in the Los Angeles area, you must check out Osteria Mozza, Mario Batali's new restaurant. The food is outstanding and Eric Alperin, formerly of Milk and Honey in New York has done an incredible job with the cocktail list. They also have one of the biggest digestive collections in the country.  Cheers – Aisha Sharpe (Contemporary Cocktails, Inc.)

CLUB PARADIS – Windy City Post

This weekend was the 2nd anniversary party of Club Paradis in the Lombard area of Chicago. To celebrate the night, Michael Tracy the owner, closed the doors to the public and had an exclusive event for his friends and VIP patrons. The mid-sized, open layout, festive lounge has an intimate feeling with a nice bar/floor design. In the back area they had a live band performing while the guest mingled, danced, ate from the buffet, and sampled the Partida Margarita. They also had a vodka and Champagne tasting while a exhibiting a designer female jewelry line.  It was a great night in Paradise. Salud – Alex

2 Delicious Tequila Recipes

I’m sure you thought Tequila and Agave Nectar was only good for drinking. Well, I’ve got a surprise for you. My chef Eric Scott at Ortanique Cuisine of the Sun created a fantastic Ceviche made with Partida and Agave Nectar. Don’t worry; I won’t leave you dry and thirsty. My bartender Andre Cassagne and I mixed up a great after dinner cocktail called the Anejo Kiss. Try these two recipes out. Enjoy!!! Welcome to Miami – Marita

Agave - Windy City

I visited an amazing Latin restaurant this week in Chicago. I know Jacques has written about it back in May, but this was my first time there. Agave, their name says it all!!! This Lincoln Park restaurant has a large selection of Tequila and the management & staff are great. They have a nice bar and the kitchen is exposed to the dining area with a party room upstairs. The bartenders Moises and Summer have created an awesome drink menu along with their manager Rafa. They have tons of experience and a passion for premium Tequila. They serve Partida Blanco infused with Lemongrass; Partida Anejo infused with chocolate and vanilla bean. The Lemongrass Mojito is fantastic and I would highly suggest stopping by for dinner and some great Tequila. Salud – from Alex in the Windy City

Agave Bar & Grill
3115 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
773.404.1800

L.A. Happenings - Rums of Puerto Rico Showcase

This week, I got a last minute invitation to the Rums of Puerto Showcase held at The Velvet Margarita in Hollywood. Who would miss that? The Showcase was presented by none other than Tony Abou-Ganim, who emphasized the importance of fresh juices, quality products and proper technique. Tony made a bunch of cocktails for us to try, most notably, The Hemingway Daiquiri (so delicious I think I had two of these before we began), Mojitos, the world famous Cable Car and a Fresh Lime Daiquiri. Great fun was had by all and it was terrific to see all the familiar faces; Marcos and Christine from Seven Grand (Downtown LA), Joe and Rachel from BarKeeper.  A Silverlake Lunch was put on by the gracious hosts at The Velvet Margarita. Till next time. Salud - Damian

"Bartenders" vs Mixologist

Hi, Marita here in Miami. I have a bone to pick with so called "bartenders". As not only someone who has been in the bar/restaurant business for a long time, but also as one who appreciates great food and drink, I am a bit annoyed with the attitude of some of our local "bartenders".
I don’t know what it is like in other cities, but here in Miami, some of our so called "bartenders" seem to have a misconception of their job. If you don't like making delicious cocktails for customers, why even step behind a bar? I am tired of having an uptight, self absorbed person roll their eyes at me when I ask for a cocktail menu or if they have any specialty drinks. Better yet, when an establishment is known for making a particular cocktail and their bartenders complain about having to make it. Ummmm … isn’t that your job? Don’t dare to call yourself a mixologist if you just sling beer and mix rum & cokes!
When I am behind the bar, I enjoy creating an experience for my patrons. It’s all about the show and we have the opportunity to perform for a different audience every night. We get the privilege of sharing our knowledge and experience with eager listeners.
Remember, you are the center of attention for the people on the other side of your bar. Not only do you get the opportunity to entertain and serve delicious drinks, you get a chance to educate people about the art of fine spirits and cocktails. It's your time to shine!!! Cheers - Marita

La Doce Vita Fundraising Event

This weekend, the Contemporary Cocktails crew was at the La Doce Vita Fundraising Event. This was a huge fundraiser for Sarah Ferguson Foundation and about 500 of top the movers and shakers in NYC attended. Sarah Ferguson hosted the event, Aretha Franklin performed, and Partida was a sponser. They served up some delicious Partida Margaritas and Palomas. Salud - Aisha

Salud in Chicago

What a great weekend in Chicago. I stopped into Salud Tequila Lounge, one of the premier Tequila bars in the city, and enjoyed a Repo Partida Margarita.  Adam, the bar manager and mixologist, was mixing up his signature drinks and pouring lots of Tequila throughout the evening. He is a really nice guy and wow can he make a drink! I recomme nd stopping in for a Tequila dinner, these are always fun, delicious and informative. Salud has a great atmosphere and a wonderful staff. Here are our a few photos of Adam, Chrissy, and Malanie.  I confessed - Alex

Halloween in Ft. Lauderdale

Hi everyone, Bill here. Halloween was another huge success in downtown Ft. Lauderdale this year. The streets were blocked off and the masses converged. All of the bars were packed and the party spilled out onto the streets and it turned into one big street party. Everyone had sexy customs on and there were captivating sights every where you looked. If you are ever in South Florida during Halloween make it a point to get downtown Fort Lauderdale. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Bill Turner – (Ft. Lauderdale)