Posts Tagged ‘Tempe’

A great year for bad-ass cocktails.

Saturday, February 12th, 2011
A little R&D and brainstorming session at Citizen Public House’s hidden upstairs bar. Work can be tough.

A little R&D and brainstorming session at Citizen Public House’s hidden upstairs bar. Work can be tough.

Travis Nass (Rancho Pinot), Jason Asher (Magnum), Bill DeGroot (Consultant), Richie Moe (Citizen Public House), Ross Simon (Consultant), Micah Olsen (Jade Bar)… these are local names you should know.

Say hello to our kings of cocktails. These guys know their shit. Don’t order off the menu, a little trust goes a long way with these master mixologists. Ask them to surprise you with something new and you’re guaranteed a fantastic drink… sometimes classic, sometimes original.  Expect perfection.

If you stalk me on Foursquare, Facebook or Twitter you’ve seen my extensive research, chronicling the surge of true cocktail culture hidden throughout the Valley. I thought I’d share some pics and comments here on the blog.

Dear Brand X Custom T-Shrits, I need an “Official Cocktail Taste Tester” t-shirt, size medium.

Dear Brand X Custom T-Shrits, I need an “Official Cocktail Taste Tester” t-shirt, size medium.

Looking for choco-tinis, mundane mojitos or Red Bull vodkas? Stick to the ridiculous champagne bars, trashy/trendy dance clubs or Applebee’s happy hours.

The purpose of these visits will be revealed soon. (once I figure that out myself). Til then, just enjoy some boozy pics. Salud.

What’s the sexiest thing in this picture? (taken at Modern Steak)

What’s the sexiest thing in this picture? (taken at Modern Steak)

A perfect Pendennis Club at Jade Bar, a new (old) favorite drink.

A perfect Pendennis Club at Jade Bar, a new (old) favorite drink.

Pisco Sour at Citizen Public House.

Pisco Sour at Citizen Public House.

Fireside imbibe at Camelback Inn.

Fireside imbibe at Camelback Inn.

The legendary Yuzu Beet Gimlet at Jade Bar.

The legendary Yuzu Beet Gimlet at Jade Bar.

No boring margs at Jade Bar.

No boring margs at Jade Bar.

This pea appears to be sunning itself poolside.

This pea appears to be sunning itself poolside.

Winding down at The Vig.

Winding down at The Vig.

PS --- Craft beer culture is hot too, but that’s another story. (Taste of Tops)

PS --- Craft beer culture is hot too, but that’s another story. (Taste of Tops)

–Moment of honestly, I work with Citizen Public House. They rock. Now you know.

Goat makes the exclusive invite list to my surprise birthday party.

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

IMG_2885

Cheers to you friends.

After a looooong day at work yesterday, Nikki and I hit The W for cocktails then Harpers Nursery to pickup flowers for the office. Little did I know that she was buying extra time for the organizers of my very own surprise birthday party!!!

Holy shit! A surprise birthday party!????

Tis true. Last night, my little house in Tempe was packed with my nearest and dearest pals. Sangria and friends, what could anyone ask for?

I’ll tell ya.

Catering by my new local fave, Taste of the Caribbean!!! (4.5 Stars by The Republic) Curried Goat, Braised Oxtail, Plantains… jebus christ this was all so awesome.

IMG_2886And the guests kept showing up! Including Mrs. Largo herself!

Everyone: Thanks for the gifts, eats but more importantly… thanks for being my friends and spending your evening with me at casa largo. I need you all in my life and I’m so grateful that we’re pals. xoxoxo.

Super shout out to Adam for putting it all together. If you were here, you know how awesometown it was. Yes, this was the best bday gift ever.

Ever.

EDITOR’S NOTE: My birthday is really on Monday, so there’s still time to send gifts and cocktails. (writer’s note: I have no editor)

The forgettable five.

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

cupcake

Back to the food blog roots… just wanted to share a few observations from recent dining experiences. These are a little on the negative nancy side, but tomorrow I’ll share some things I really like!

But first, let’s rip the band-aid off and let the healing begin…

Fine Dining Staff That Wear Costumes.
Save the act for Walt Disney World. (that’s where I did my internship… long story). Folks already know they’re in a Spanish restaurant, no need for Flamenco dancers and matador costumes.

Taco Fever.
Hello 2007-08 (along with the burger). I swear I was only joking when I suggested an event around this food as commodity staple. Then *poof* it appeared! Don’t’ get me wrong, I love a good taco! Who doesn’t? The hype is about 2-3 years too late, kids.

Tasteless “Eye Candy” Cupcakes.
Or any bland sweet for that matter. You know who you are. People still love you cause you were the first to push the product with a cute name. Certainly not the best. Ah the sweet taste of mediocrity.

Expensive Frozen Yogurt.
Wait, what? Yeah, Mojo blows. Anyone have a good lead on great froyo that’s not a gouger?

$16 Cocktails
I’ve always despised this, but even more so after my NYC trip. Even $14 is really pushing it. If the top bars in the country can pull off the best cocktail I’ve had in my life for only $12, y’all have no business charging $16+ for vodka sugar bombs.

An epic “Food Fight” on the Tempe High School tennis court.

Saturday, February 20th, 2010

I’m a little behind on my posts lately. Valentine’s week is always killer busy for our industry so cut me some slack and enjoy this soon-to-be literary classic. Please contact me directly for movie deal proposals.

Tennis01

So who was the real winner? Probably Robbie Fox’s Public House who took our money in exchange for some post-match beers. Big thanks to @ChowBellaPHX, @JessHarter, and @ChefGwen for their unwavering support of my athletic career. I would share the trophy, but it was eaten along with a frosty Guinness.