Tag Archives: Bitters

Five Awesome LA Cocktails to Try this Month

by Daniela Galarza
EaterLA
May 1, 2012

7133038643 e1fda20a8a o Five Awesome LA Cocktails to Try this MonthEvery other barman/woman in LA keeps pots of rosemary and mint growing next to their bowl of fresh citrus. Seasonal cocktails are not new to Los Angeles, but the skilled bartenders who produce them are multiplying. They are making their own syrups, bitters and vinegars. “Mixer” is finally a dirty word. Here to help the avid imbiber navigate this delightful new world, we present Strive for Five, a column where Eater highlights five outstanding drinks to try each month.

The Charleston: Cucumber Cooler $11

Jet Tila is behind this place, but it’s almost hard to tell. The chef is letting the nightlife aspect of his restaurant run the show, and though it’s lots of fun, it’s outshining his delicious menu. Fortunately, the place is always packed and everyone is drinking. Among the rum and cokes, ladies and gentlemen are sipping composed cocktails from the list. For spring, Tila’s introduced a straightforward cucumber cocktail, with Hendrick’s and honey and rosemary. I had three before I realized what had happened.

A step back in time, via an Iron Chef vet

Thrillist
March 26, 2012

charlestonnew horizontal main A step back in time, via an Iron Chef vet

Grand opening Thurs in Santa Monica, The Charleston is a ’30s-era supperclub-cum-sippery in Santa Monica run by former Iron Chef challenger & lauded restauranteur Jet Tila, whose decked out the old Angel’s space in decade-appropriate beaded chandeliers, a studded, white-leather bar, and plush, red booths, which’re probably the first place to look for left-behind dead presidents.

2601699a inset web A step back in time, via an Iron Chef vet

The food will work in two ways: they’ll do popup dinners by famous chefs like Angeli Caffe exec/KCRW “Good Food” host Evan Kleinman, as well as a there-all-the-timemenu w/ upscale-y bar goodness like short rib tacos w/ shaved Brussels sprouts & Korean salsa; sausage, arugula, and fennel flatbread; and grilled salmon w/ roasted tomatoes and chickpeas, ironically served by a second chick with a cup. Drinkiness leans classic, w/ specialties helped along by a master ‘tail-mixer (who’s developed booze programs at Vegas’ Bellagio, NY’s Po, and SF’s Starlight Room): there’s the Minted Mule (vodka, lime, ginger beer, mint sprig), the namesake Charleston (whiskey, green chartreuse, Dom Benedictine, bitters), and the gin-fronting Poison Rose, which’s really what Leo should’ve done if he wanted a place on that life raft.
2601699c inset web A step back in time, via an Iron Chef vet
They’re also going to have tons of entertainment going on, from ’80s cover bands, to burlesque, to dueling pianos, to karaoke — which, like John Wilkes, you’ll probably straight murder.