Gold Bar Whiskey Is In The Fast Lane

Written by Allison Levine on March 5, 2020

Lifestyle Cocktails

Whiskey is one of the best-selling types of spirits in the United States. This popular spirit is dominated by a handful of brands that dominate 80 percent of the market. But one brand in particular has been building momentum and getting noticed. Gold Bar Whiskey, a small California brand, is offering a premium alternative with global appeal. Gold Bar Whiskey, launched less than five years ago in the historic city of San Francisco, has continued to raise the bar. It is a brand that has grown through word of mouth and social media marketing which has led to very fortuitous partnerships and placements, and as a result, sales have been growing exponentially over the last year.

Check out my recent cover story about Gold Bar Whiskey in BIN Magazine.

Please The Palate Pick of the Week: Lost Spirits Distillery Tour in Downtown LA

Written by Allison Levine on November 9, 2019

Lifestyle Cocktails

One year ago, the Please The Palate pick of the week was the Lost Spirits Distillery Tour in Downtown LA. Founded by Bryan Davis and Joanne Haruta, Lost Spirits Distillery is a producer of rum and whisky but also the creators of one of the most unique tasting experiences. Unfortunately, due to a small fire earlier this year, Lost Spirits Distillery closed for a few months and now they have reopened in a new location with the Lost Spirits Distillery Tour version 5.0. And again the Lost Spirits Distillery Tour is the Please The Palate pick of the week.

Whether you like spirits a little or a lot, the Lost Spirits Distillery tour is a one-of-a-kind experience to do with friends. Once you enter the doors of Lost Spirits, you will be And transported to another world with twists and turns. It is rather surreal. From a maze to a boat ride to a submarine ride to a carousel, you are also learning how Lost Spirits Distillery makes their spirits and the history behind the liquors. Read More +

Three Experiences In One at Miro Restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles

Written by Allison Levine on October 10, 2016

Food Cocktails

Miro Restaurant on the corner of Figueroa and Wilshire in the Downtown Los Angeles Financial District may look like just another new modern restaurant in town but there is more than meets the eye. From the street, the restaurant is dwarfed by the surrounding skyscrapers, especially the under-construction 73-story Wilshire Grand Center, which will be the tallest building west of the Mississippi. But, enter through the dramatic wooden doors where three different experiences await you.

On the ground floor is the brightly light dining room. With floor to ceiling windows that face out to both Wilshire and Figueroa, the space is illuminated by the sun during the day. As you enter, you will be met by an elongated marble bar that is home to a pasta station, a charcuterie station and the bar which focuses on classic cocktails. The decor is modern with art deco touches.

Chef Gavin Mills has prepared a menu that is pan-Mediterranean, meaning it is influenced by Italian, Spanish, Greek and North African cuisine. The focus is on hyper-local seasonal ingredients with Mills purchasing ingredients from multiple weekly farmers’ markets. Mills prepares all of the charcuterie in house and a board of charcuterie and cheese is a great way to start your meal. Our board had duck prosciutto, ungherese (Hungarian salami, paprika, garlic and white wine), cacciatorini (dry salami with black pepper), Drunken Goat cheese from Spain, Mont Vully Rouge from Switzerland and Smoke Blue from Oregon. Presented on a magnificent slice of a tree trunk, the board also comes with house-made mustard, mostarda and pickles. Our board also included the chicken liver mousse topped with port jelly. Read More +