Cocktails

Meet Pep Katcher, one of the owners of Cruz Tequila. We sat down in New Orleans where Pep told me the story of Cruz Tequila as we tasted through the soft, elegant tequilas. Cruz Tequila was created eight years ago when Pep, his brother Saulo, and friend Todd Nelson declared that they could make better tequila than the one they happened to be drinking.  With no knowledge of the manufacturing aspects of tequila, they were determined to build a brand from scratch that would represent a flavor profile that was soft, smooth and approachable.
It's taken more than two weeks of working out to recover from the 3rd Annual Los Angeles Food and Wine Event that took place August 22 - 25th. Four days of back to back events filled with amazing food and drinks was pretty indulgent and we enjoyed every single bite and sip! The weekend began with Giada's Festa Italiana on Thursday night. The weather was perfect as we walked down Grand Avenue, outside of Disney Concert Hall. There were over 200 wines to taste, and carb-filled Italian dishes to soak it all up.
All hands were on deck when The Modern Mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim, took to the helm to help celebrate National Rum Day (August 16th) by teaching us how to make simple, tasty cocktails with Shellback Rum from Barbados. Upon arriving at the event, we enjoyed a glass (or two) of Tony's Rum Punch to get in the mood. Made with Shellback Silver Rum, lemon juice, simple syrup, bitters and grated nutmeg, this was a tasty punch that gave a punch. So, it was a good thing we filled up on small bites as well.
Union Market of DC is an authentic market of culture and commerce. A true vision, this gathering place serves as an inviting melting pot of old world heritage and new world opportunities. This authentic district expands beyond its culinary origins to include music, retail, hotel and residential uses. Currently, more than 100 businesses employ 1,500 people in food production and distribution. It is a rare place in the city where a wide variety of ethnic groups and diverse social-economic groups come together. You can spend days wandering around from stand to stand trying different foods and products from local, artisanal producers. Here's a handy guide to help you:
San Francisco is filled with great cocktail bars and talented bartenders. As work takes me to San Francisco on a regular basis, I get to try new places, and re-visit others, all the time.  But, on one particular weekend, we went on a “bar tour” and here is what we managed to cover in 2 days! The Buena Vista 2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109 Located at the end of Fisherman’s Wharf, this bar has a menu that will please anyone looking for a refreshing cocktail or a boost of caffeine. With a number of specialty drinks ranging from Irish Coffee to Bull Shots, you are sure to get your fix of liquid courage. The Buena Vista also has a full beer menu, including their very own Buena Vista Café Pilsner. This bar has sought to recreate a classic Irish Coffee menu in addition to other spirited cocktail offerings.
The cocktail scene in Washington DC is one of the best in the country. With names like Derek Brown and Todd Thrasher who led the charge, there is so much talent in the city today. On a recent visit to DC, my cocktail guide, and local bartender, Rico Wisner led me from bar to bar as we drank our way through the city. Here are some of the highlights (although this is just a short list of some of the best bars): Barmini  855 E St NW (between N 9th St & N 8th St), Washington, DC 20004   Barmini is Chef José's Andres’ culinary cocktail lab in the space adjoining his restaurant Minibar. More than one hundred artisan cocktails are crafted and served with the same care and attention to detail as the dishes at minibar. Like all of Jose Andres’ creations, barmini is like nothing you’ve seen before and each cocktail is a work of art. Barmini has set the bar high for avant-garde cocktails.
Surrounded by rolling hills and lush vineyards, Sonoma Valley is a premier destination in Northern California. Sonoma Valley offers visitors an array of activities such as wineries, spas, 5-star restaurants, hiking trails, historic grounds, and a variety of ethnic eateries. One of our favorite towns to visit is Healdsburg. A quaint town with a charming town square, Healdsburg is the perfect place to make as a home-base as you explore the various wine areas. After numerous trips to Healdsburg, we have come up with some of our favorite spots: Where to Stay: 
The owners, Neal Bodenheimer and Kirk Estopinal, of Cure and Bellocq in New Orleans, opened their newest spot Cane and Table, just in time for Tales of the Cocktail. And, we are thankful they did so. Of course, it was a bit difficult to find with the nondescript entrance, especially with the line for another restaurant blocking the door- But, we found it.
Located on L.A.’s infamous Restaurant Row on La Cienega, the new Scratch|Bar is tucked on La Cienega between Wilshire Blvd and San Vicente. Next door to Matsuhisa (use their parking lot to valet your car), Scratch|Bar stands out among its neighbors in all ways. Most importantly, everything is made from scratch.....from the food to the decor.  
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