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Tag Archive: First & Hope

September 10, 2010

Drink Night: Red Rover Throwback at Schmeven Schmand

Cocktail a la Damian Windsor

You may not know this about me but I can hold a grudge. Especially when it involves kicking me off my favorite bar stool in L.A. However, since I love the bartenders who came together to open up a certain downtown whiskey bar back in 2007, I have to tell you about their special drink night coming up Monday, September 13. That’s right, the original crew of Schmeven Schmand is reuniting for one night, Red Rover Throwback.

All your old faves will be there — Aidan Demarest, Marcos Tello, John Coltharp, Dave Whitton and Damian Windsor. I credit Damian with introducing me to the fascinating world of mixology. And sure, you can still find Damian at the Roger Room, Dave at Villains Tavern and Aidan and Marcos creating bar programs all over the place, but when are they ever all together behind one bar?

OG crew. They were just kids back then!

Yes, it’s bigger than a Growing Pains reunion that includes Leonardo DiCaprio. OK, maybe not that huge, but the night’s cocktail list is in fact pretty extensive. They’re not offering only four or five drinks but 18!

JULEPS
The world�s most compatible things: Bourbon, mint, crushed ice, and a silver cup.

Kentucky Mint Julep: Fresh mint, house-made mint syrup, and Maker�s Mark
Blackberry Julep: Fresh mint, blackberries, and Jim Beam Bourbon
Seven-Large Julep: Fresh muddled mint, Basil Hayden Bourbon, and served in a bath of champagne

COCKTAILS
Originally known as sweetened spirit, with bitters, stirred or shaken.

Rye Manhattan: Jim Beam Rye stirred with Sweet Vermouth and bitters
Sazerac: Rye1 served with a Pernod rinse and a touch of pyrotechnics
Los Angeles Cocktail: Knob Creek Bourbon with a touch of Sweet Vermouth and fresh grated nutmeg
Grand Apple Cocktail: Applejack, Maker�s and fresh grated cinnamon

FIZZES
These frothy drinks are made and shaken in a frenzy.

Ramos Gin Fizz: Gin shaken hard with fresh lemon and lime juices, cream, pasteurized egg white, and orange-flower water, topped with soda
Apple Blow Fizz: Applejack brandy shaken hard with fresh squeezed lemon juice, egg white and topped with soda

SOURS
Fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice is essential on these.

Aviation: Gin, maraschino liqueur, and fresh squeezed lemon juice
Hemingway Daiquiri: Cruzan White Rum, maraschino liqueur, shaken with fresh lime and grapefruit juices
Tommy�s Margarita: Golden agave syrup shaken with fresh lime juice and El Tesoro Blanco Tequila
Brock & Co.: Homemade ginger honey-syrup shaken with Knob Creek and Fresh lemon juice.
The Irish Antidote: Irish Whiskey on the rocks with fresh lemon juice and Homemade Honey Syrup
Elder Fitzgerald: Old Fitzgerald 12-year-old bourbon and St. Germaine Elderflower liqueur

CRUSTAS, DAISYS, & PUNCHES
Classics for those desiring sweetness with their spirits.

Bourbon Crusta: Maker�s Mark shaken with Cointreau, maraschino liqueur, and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Served up in a glass crusted with sugar
Dr. Blinker (Our Daisy): Jim Beam shaken with raspberry syrup and fresh grapefruit juice
Big Mak: Fresh blackberries muddled and shaken with Maker�s Mark Bourbon

Hmm, can one ever go home again? I might have to, especially when an Elder Fitzgerald made by Damian Windsor is involved.

EVENT: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 at 5pm

515 W 7th Street
Los Angeles, California 90014 (map)

Categories: Cocktails, Los Angeles, Nightlife

2 Comments

August 29, 2010

TONIGHT: All-Star Bartenders Night at First & Hope

Mixologist Misty having fun at First & Hope's last Red Rover event by Caroline on Crack

Guest mixologist Misty Kalkofen having fun at First & Hope's last Red Rover event

OK, L.A. you’ve shown you love having all your favorite bartenders in one space, as is proven in the popular guest bartender nights at The Edison’s Radio Room and First & Hope’s Red Rover, Red Rover (both by Tello/Demarest cocktail consultants). So tonight in celebration of the success of these events as well as their appearance in the upcoming September issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine (a photo I took is in there!), Tello/Demarest is throwing an all-stars night at First & Hope!

Bartenders Julian Cox (Rivera), Brent Falco (First & Hope), Aidan Demarest (Tello/Demarest), Naomi Shimek (Tar Pit) and Daniel Long (STK/First & Hope) will be behind the stick!

Here are what each all-star is fixing tonight:

Julian Cox: Dealer’s Choice
Aidan Demarest: The Enlightenment — Bourbon, pomegranate, citrus and Edison beer
Brent Falco: Pancho Villa’s Smoking Gun — tequila, mezcal, bitters and sweetness
Dan Long: Horchata Versailles — Remy VSOP Cognac, orange blossom water and handmade horchata
Naomi Schimek: Jimi Hendrix — Chocolate-infused Remy V.S.O.P., Green Chartreuse, demerara, bitters, Heidsieck Champagne and No Troubles Bubbles — Organic California lavender, hibiscus, lemon, gin, Heidsieck Champagne

Aidan promises that there will also be door prizes and drink specials.

EVENT: TONIGHT from 6pm to 11pm

First & Hope Supper Club
710 W. 1st Street
Los Angeles, California 90012 (map)
(213) 617-8555
Facebook: First & Hope Supper Club
Twitter: @FirstandHope

Categories: Cocktails, Los Angeles, Nightlife

1 Comment

August 9, 2010

My 5th Blogiversary Party at First & Hope + Cocktail Punch Recipe

Beth, Lara, me, Aidan and Marcos on Caroline on Crack

Beth, Lara, me, Aidan and Marcos at First & Hope for my 5th blogiversary.

If you were a reader of my blog two years ago, no doubt you attended my 3rd blogiversary party at Bar Lubitsch. That was a big ‘un with liquor sponsors and a raffle-like giveaway. Since this year was my 5th, my friends and crackheads were asking if I had planned to do anything that big or bigger. But since I’m focusing my resources and time on blogger prom (which is September 22), no such luck for a huge shindig of my own. Perhaps next year, though.

Fortunately, First & Hope and my ol’ friend Aidan Demarest were kind enough to offer up the supper club’s swank and intimate Fedora Lounge as the venue for my 5th blogiversary party. Very nice considering it was pretty last minute; on Friday, I put on my Facebook that I wondered if I should celebrate my blog’s anniversary and later that afternoon Aidan offered up First & Hope. He promised punch, Edison beer and appetizers. OK!

But when I arrived at the downtown supper club that Tuesday night, I saw that the folks there went above and beyond. We had our own bartender, the whole room to ourselves, wonderful apps, a delicious punch created by bartender Brent Falco (for the recipe, hit the jump) and even a “5 Years! Caroline on Crack” slide on the big screen over the stage.

And, sure, I didn’t have nearly the same huge turnout that I did for my 3rd but all my blogger pals showed up to give me a high-five and to partake of the tasty beverages of course. So great hanging out with HC of LA/OC Foodventures; Andy, Elise, Julie and Lindsay of LAist; Matt of Mattatouille; John of Social Domain; Daniel of Thirsty in LA; Nancy of The Wanderkind; Julian of Jewelz; Christine of Folie a Choisauce; Fiona of Gourmet Pigs; and Connie of Hey, Hey Scenesters.

Marcos Tello and Aidan (the mixologist duo behind First & Hope’s bar program) joked that they did a collection to finally get me a crack rock and then proceeded to give a very sweet speech that brought a tear to my eye. Can’t believe I’ve known those guys since that downtown whiskey bar that shall be unnamed first opened! For sweets, old friends Beth of Busy Beth’s Blog and her sister Lara brought me a tasty strawberry cake from Phoenix Bakery in Chinatown.

We all ate, drank, laughed and drank some more. I couldn’t ask for a better celebration. Thanks, First & Hope and all my friends. And if you weren’t there due to whatever illness, you were missed!

Categories: Cocktails, Los Angeles, Nightlife, Recipes

1 Comment

May 17, 2010

Domaine de Canton Cocktail Competition at First & Hope

Domaine de Canton's Silamith Weir with The Edison's Joseph Brooke

Last week I was fortunate enough to be invited to be one of the judges at the Domaine de Canton cocktail competition held at downtown’s First & Hope Supper Club. I know. Squeeee! Along with renowned mixologist Alex Day (formerly of Death & Co., now cocktail consultant with Proprietors, LLC), Dan “The Imbiber” Dunn and Domaine de Canton founder, John Cooper, I was charged with picking one winning Domaine de Canton cocktail out of the nine created by some of the best mixologists in L.A. Boy, what a tough gig. Heh.

Each cocktail was judged based on its appearance, aroma, creativity and taste. We also had to award points for whether the cocktail showcased the contest theme and the Canton flavor, as well as our overall impression of the drink.

The Contestants

Malo‘s Rachel Shaw brought forth a honeyed El Wood of Barenjager honey liqueur and Yellow Chartreuse. Gus, formerly of Copa d’Oro and now at the Edison, went with Ginger Pastis Sour while Palihouse‘s Grady Purdell had a Maison Sour of cognac. Patrick Kelly at Bar Keeper created an unusual drink he dubbed Rhythm or Rhyme which employed a chocolate chili bitters, tequila reposado and a unique garnish of grapefruit rind string wrapped around a bundle of sage. Juan Sevilla of Soho House made the French Oaxacan with crema and cru and Daniel Eun of The Varnish ended the night with a Triple Double using Laird’s Apple Jack and Antica.

The Runners-Up

Out of all the lovely drinks, the judges and I were able to narrow it down to the top three. The second and third runners-up cocktails were impressive showings but only missed the top slot by mere points. Still both were very deelish. I’ve included the recipes should you want to try them at home.

Tricia Alley of Providence and First & Hope created her Granny Smith & Wesson, a cocktail with Old Overholt Rye as its backbone and fennel seed and muddled Granny Smith apples. This one was a beautiful peachy color with a single baby basil leaf floating on its surface. The flavor combination of basil and apples was just gorgeous, and the rye and ginger with that was a natural fit.

Granny Smith and Wesson
By Tricia Alley of First & Hope

1.5 oz Domaine de Canton
1.5 oz Old Overholt Rye Whisky
.75 oz fresh squeezed lime
3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
1/2 Granny Smith apple
Barspoon fennel seed

Muddle Granny Smith Apple, Fennel Seed and Peychaud’s Bitters in mixing glass. Add the rest of the ingredients, shake, fine strain into cocktail glass. Float Basil leaf garnish on liquid.

Joseph Brooke of The Edison created a tasty and refreshing Appleseed Cooler. He wanted to focus on the Canton so used that as his main spirit. The cocktail was so simple and yet made a strong impression, successfully highlighting the ginger flavor. The drink was sweet but not overly so. I liked how, even though his apple garnish went missing, he was able to improvise by butterflying a grapefruit which ended up looking like jewelry.

The Appleseed Cooler
By Joseph Brooke of The Edison

2 oz Domaine de Canton
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz fresh-pressed Granny Smith apple juice
2 dashes celery bitters

Shake all and pour over rocks. Apple fan garnish.

But there could only be one winner of the title for best Domaine de Canton cocktail whose mixologist would also score $500. And that winner was…

Categories: Cocktails, Los Angeles, Recipes

9 Comments

March 29, 2010

Cocktail Menu for Tonight’s First & Hope Red Rover Bar Night

At First & Hope Supper Club's bar.

I know I already wrote about First & Hope Supper Club’s Red Rover, Red Rover event but this time I was able to get the cocktail menu!

Yup, as a reminder: Red Rover, Red Rover is First & Hope’s new bar night tonight. Yes, nearly a month before the supper club’s official opening on April 23. Like the Edison’s monthly bar night, the Radio Room, which goes off tomorrow night, Red Rover will bring in the best mixologists from all over the country who will create unique concoctions for cocktail enthusiasts to enjoy.

Tonight’s guest bartenders include Erick Castro of The Rickhouse in SF, Misty Kalkofen of Drink in Boston and Juan Sevilla of LA’s Soho House. Author of The Modern Mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim, will also be in attendance signing copies of his book.

Here’s the menu for your drink strategizing pleasure, along with their creators in parens. Each cocktail is $12 and the bar will only accept cash tonight, no cards.

The Baby Daisy (Erick Castro): Martin Miller’s Gin, Clement VSOP Rum, lemon juice, housemade grenadine and sparkling water
Easy Living (Tony Abu-Ganim): Rhum Clement VSOP, ginger liqueur, pineapple and lime juices
La Revelacion (Misty Kalkofen): Spanish brandy, Dry Sack sherry, Rhum Clement, Creole shrub and absinthe
Little Monster’s Exotic Punch (Erick Castro): Rhum Clement VSOP, Dry Sack Oloroso 15-year sherry, allspice dram, lime juice, organic cane sugar, fresh grated nutmeg and sparkling water
Smokin’ Redcoat (Juan Sevilla): Martin Miller’s Gin, Carpan Antica Formula and mezcal
St. Pierre (Misty Kalkofen): Clement Premier Canne Rum, Green Chartreuse, lemon and grapefruit juices
The Statesman (Erick Castro): Martin Miller’s London Dry Gin, Rothman & Winter Pear, Green Chartreuse and Orange Bitters
Summer in Martinique (Juan Sevilla): Rhum Clement, housemade habanero-infused agave nectar, Aperol and lemon

Hmm, alas no whiskey drinks for this one but La Revelacion and Little Monster’s Exotic Punch sound mighty tasty!

For sustenance, guests can enjoy their fill of appetizers and First & Hope’s signature pimento cheese balls and housemade crackers, along with mini sandwiches, twice-baked potato bites, Swedish meatballs and desserts.

And if you’ve had too much to drink, designated driver service Y Drive LA will be on hand to drive you and your car home for a fee.

Hope to see you there!

EVENT: TONIGHT at 7pm

First & Hope Supper Club
710 W. 1st Street
Los Angeles, California 90012 (map)
(213) 617-8555

Categories: Cocktails, Los Angeles, Nightlife

4 Comments

March 29, 2010

5 Things I Learned From My Booze Fast

My first cocktail post Booze Fast: Penicillin

After 39 lonnnng days I finally broke my booze fast with a Dalmore Scotch lunch at the Varnish yesterday. Contrary to popular belief, most days this fast — inspired by Lent but by no means religious — was easy to pull off. I never got the shakes or spontaneously salivated, although in the second week I did have nightmares about drinking and then felt incredibly guilty.

But it was during St. Patrick’s Day, a Radio Room, a wine tasting and a weekend in Mammoth with my boozing blogger friends where my resolve was tested to the nth degree. And yet somehow I managed to power through without consuming a drop of booze. Well, not counting that time that Ortega 120 mistakenly gave me a regular margarita instead of the virgin coconut one I ordered. But even then I wasn’t tempted to “accidentally” take more than that first shocking sip. I think it helped that I made a list of things I wanted to drink as soon as the fast was over. Gave me something to look forward to.

Anyway, I wanted to share some revelations I experienced during my liquor-free Lent-ish for the curious who have been toying with the idea of doing one themselves. Although your experience will probably be different from mine:

I didn’t feel different. Not healthier, not more energetic. But I did feel bored. I had to say no to lots of things since it didn’t make sense for me to do happy hour or go to a lot of events where there was booze paired with food. Suffice it to say, I stayed home a lot.
Oddly enough, I didn’t lose weight but rather gained weight. Five pounds to be exact. Seems that depriving myself of cocktails aggravated my sweet tooth so I never passed on dessert and was always snacking. I think this was also due to my wanting to replace one vice for another. “Well since I’m not having a cocktail, I can order that creme brulee.”
I learned to appreciate cocktails on a whole other level. When out with friends at bars, I’d always ask to smell the cocktails that they ordered. They thought I was just torturing myself but I saw it as appreciating that aspect of drinking most of us usually skip which is to take in its aroma like one would with wine before a sip. “Mmm, I can smell that hint of ginger, the warmth of the Scotch and a whiff of lemon.” This is something I’ll continue to practice as it really creates a well-rounded drinking experience and makes the cocktail all the more satisfying to consume.
I don’t have to finish every drink. Because of this practice of mindful drinking I found yesterday during the Scotch lunch that I didn’t feel compelled to dry out every glass of booze set in front of me. When I had my fill, I stopped. No biggie.
There are plenty of great alternatives to cocktails, especially at bars that have fresh produce like at Rivera and Copa d’Oro where they can fix you up a delicious mocktail with a cocktail-worthy presentation. Mmm, blackberry with ginger beer. But at regular bars, I made do with ginger beer with orange juice or just ginger ale. When that got too sweet, club soda with lime for a refreshing sip.

Although I didn’t feel any different and I didn’t lose the weight I hoped I would, I’d do this again. It was really nice to take a break from drinking because for awhile there I felt like I was drinking every night. Not good.

Plus it really made me learn to practice mindful drinking where I actually slow down and savor the cocktail by enjoying its presentation, aroma and taste. Some things that I probably took for granted before.

Anyway, it feels great to be off the wagon again. FYI, if you feel like celebrating with me, I’ll be at First & Hope tonight for their new bar night, Red Rover, Red Rover for some drinks, jazz and appetizers. Hope to see you there. BTW, although there’s no cover to get in, it’s cash only at the bar so make a quick stop at the ATM first.

Categories: Lists, Los Angeles, Other

11 Comments

March 16, 2010

First & Hope Supper Club Debuts With a New Bar Night: Red Rover, Red Rover

OK, so First & Hope Supper Club didn’t open last night as planned and will instead open up toward the end of this month. That’s OK, though, because Aidan Demarest and Marcos Tello of Tello/Demarest Liquid Assets cocktail consultation want to kick things off with a bang. And their new bar night, Red Rover, Red Rover on March 29 brings over guest mixologists from all over the country who will “create hand-crafted cocktails for your drinking pleasure.” Yup, just like the Edison’s Radio Room bar night.

For this event, guests will enjoy libations from Erick Castro of San Francisco’s Rickhouse, Misty Kalkofen of Boston’s Drink, John Lermayer of Miami’s Delano Hotel and Juan Sevilla of LA’s exclusive Soho House.

There will be complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, and above all, red, hot jazz.

And cocktail author/mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim, will be at the bar signing copies of his new book, The Modern Mixologist.

Best part is that there’s no cover!

EVENT: MONDAY, MARCH 29 at 7pm

First & Hope Supper Club
710 W. 1st Street
Los Angeles, California 90012 (map)
(213) 617-8555

Categories: Cocktails, Los Angeles, Nightlife

6 Comments