TALK DRINKS

Baleen's Monkey Bar - Welcome to Miami

I recently paid a visit to my friends over at Baleen’s Monkey Bar. Nestled on the grounds of the posh Grove Isle Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove, Baleen has the most spectacular waterfront view in Miami. When the moon peaks out from behind the clouds it simply takes your breath away. This is the ideal location fro a romantic evening with your significant other, trust me!

This particular Friday evening, Chef Jesse Souza presented us with the most delicious appetizers made with Partida Tequila and Agave Nectar; Scallop Ceviche with Smoked Jalapeno and Agave Nectar, Drunken Duck Taquitos with Manchego and Fuji Apple, Super Tiny Taco Salads with Agave Barbecued Pork Shoulder. Thomas and I agreed that tacos never tasted so good!

Between the Partida Margaritas, prepared with style by Kevin our favorite bartender, and the scrumptious nibbles, my friends and I agreed that this was the perfect way to kick off our weekend. Welcome to Miami - Marita

Finlandia Finishing School - L.A. Happenings

Interesting way to start a seminar for bartenders with a tasting of something that is by definition void of color, smell or taste. Inspiring and educational, the hosts emphasized the importance of fresh product and adherence to mastering basic techniques that when put together form the building blocks for a bartender.

The hosts, both household names and legends amongst bartenders, yet very personable Tony Abou-Ganim and Dale DeGroff in the same room hamming it up was a sight to behold and their cocktails delightful to the palate. Both very encouraging, enthusiastic and driven to expand knowledge of the craft and history of the noble art of Bartending. The saying ‘to be the best, surround yourself with people better’ is so true. I left better educated, inspired, with the goal to follow in their footsteps and be the best bartender I could be.
Thanks to Finlandia Vodka and Brown-Forman for the seminar. Cheers - Damian

Astor Wine & Spirits Center Opening - The Big Apple

Last Thursday, we (Aisha and Willy of Contemporary Cocktails) had the pleasure and honor of sharing the floor with some of the best in the industry and presenting our Partida Pina Margarita at the grand opening of Astor Center, Astor Wine & Spirit's new educational center created specifically for food and beverage seminars, presentations and tastings. Others presenting were our friends, colleagues and mentors, Gary Regan, Dale Degroff, Leo Degroff, David Wondrich, Julie Reiner, Audry Saunders, Charlotte Voisey, Eban Freeman, Jim Meehan, John Deragon and Don Lee from PDT. The cocktails were fantastic, the food was delicious and a great time was had by all. It was an incredibly well organized and executed event. Kudos to Astor for opening up a space like this and kicking it off right. Cheers - Willy Shine (Contemporary Cocktails, Inc.)

Introducing the Spirit - Everything's Bigger in TX

The Partida buzz has started in Austin, Tx. Curra's Mexican Restaurant has there staff stoke about Partida! For the next 3 months Curra's will be hosting a contest on who can introduce "The True Spirit of Tequila" to the most customers. As we all know that is not hard to do. I was in there yesterday informing them about all the awards Partida has won, its great rating on Tequila.net, and the excitement the Partida team has behind it. 2008 will be a great Tequila year in Austin!!! Everything's Bigger in TX - David

Cocktail Jam - The Big Apple

Last night, the Partida Team headed by Billy Doyle teamed up with Pipeline Brands and created a cocktail jam at Grace in Tribeca. Cocktail Jam, to quote Billy "is an open mic night for bartenders". What a great event! Tim Cooper, one the best bartenders in the city, put on a show for everyone as well as the Prince of Cocktail himself Leo DeGreoff making the ever popular Leo Dejanero. Elba Giron who won the Cocktail for a Cure Competition graced us with her presence and made some great Partida Cocktails. The Tippling Brothers were in attendance and the infamous Tad Carducci was one of the first behind the bar whipping up amazing cocktails for everyone. Salud - Willy Shine (Contemporary Cocktail, Inc.)

Mexican Hot Chocolate - Everything's Bigger in TX

As my first post, I’d like to share with you a little bit about the cocktail culture of Texans. In south Texas, it is well known that Mexican Hot Chocolate is a much-needed drink during the winter months. Cinnamon, spice and everything nice. Inspired by Mexican Hot Chocolate I have created a Martini that not only tastes great but also emulates the classic winter drink. The only difference is that it doesn't need to be cold outside to drink it. Salud - Jeret

Mexican Hot Chocolate Martini
1 oz Partida Reposado
1/2 oz Godiva Dark Chocolate Liquor
1/2 oz 1921 Tequila de Creme
1 oz Creme de Cacao
Shaken well. Chocolate syrup swirling up to the lip of the glass. Chocolate syrup rimming the glass. Cinnamon the rim in a shaker tin. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. A pinch or two of chili powder (depending on the guest).

Cocktails in The Big Apple

I am very proud of the Cocktail Scene that we have in San Francisco, but I am always excited to head to New York and catch up with everything that's going on in the city.

I got to visit some of my old favorites like Employees Only and Pegu Club. Stopped in at Bemelmans at the Carlyle Hotel to enjoy one of Brian Van Flandern's lovely Winter Cocktails. What a beautiful setting that screams New York.

Welcome David

We are very happy to Welcome a new Bartender to our growing Mixology Family. David is a very talented Bar Chef from Texas and we are looking forward to his input from Austin. As they say,"Everything is Bigger in Texas".

It’s a pleasure to join the TALKDRINKS Crew. I have been in the Austin, TX Bar Scene for over a decade. I have worked on the historic 6th Street (Treasure Island and The Copper Tank), north Austin restaurants and live music venues (Houston's, Trudy's, and Mother of Pearl's Oyster Bar), and on the famous Lake Travis (Sam Hill Waterfront Grill and Carlos n' Charlies).  I have an extreme passion for premium spirits and even more so for quality Tequila. Texans love Tequila.  Look out for more posts from the Lone Star State. Salud – David   

Jacques "Talks Tequila" Interview

I was back in Chicago in December and visited my good friends at The Roe Conn Show (WLS 890AM). We talked with Chef Dudley from Zocola Restaurant about delicious Mexican food and tasty tequila cocktails. Cheers - Jacques

Click here to listen (3554.7k)

The Lodge - Windy (and Snowy) City Post

Happy New Year everyone, from Chicago. I recently visited a really great pub & grill located outside the city limits in Lisle. This unique destination, called The Lodge, is situated around the Arboretum, four lakes, golf courses, and of course the “man made” ski slopes. The Lodge gives you the feeling of being in Colorado or at least on vacation. From the ski rental area, to the large wood burning fire place, this is a true hidden gem. Who would have thought you could ski or snowboard in flat Illinois? This pub features different themes and food/drinks specials throughout the week. I really enjoyed the personable staff and that woodzy lodge feel with plasma TV displaying prime sporting events. This is a nice place to kick back after hitting the slope and to sip fine spirits. By the way the owner, Michael Tracy, also is involved with Club Paradis and The Links at Carillon. Till the next post. - Alex