… to me!! So it was this past Saturday, that theSpeakista celebrated his birthday. To show how important a day this truly was (and is) even the heavens displayed due respect to theSpeakista’s special day.
So how does this novice cocktailian and all around lover of the drink think to spend his special day — at his favorite place of course!! The Boss planned and arranged the best gift ever, closing Death & Co. for an entire night and celebrating my B-day with family and friends. You got it … we had an opportunity to experience one of the world’s best craft cocktail bars in a way that most people wouldn’t – up close and very personal. The idea was born out of an interest in exposing my family and friends to my growing passion for the mixed-drink arts.
The party started out at 6 pm with a small group of the invitees attending a mixology class led by head bartender Thomas Waugh and Jessica Gonzalez. The class focused on what modern mixology is (as highlighted by their current drink menu) with attention given to the proper foundations in classic drinks. Thomas and Jessica both provided their insights into classic drinks and spirits and focused this knowledge on current drink trends by serving up several Death & Co. menu options. It was an absolute blast for me to interact with these two consummate pros, hearing their take on drinks, service and trends. More to the point and the key for this part of the party was that the guests invited each left with a profound (as they told me later that night and the next day) and all-together new respect and appreciation for the art.
Later, the bulk of the guests started arriving for what was to be a night of great food and drinks. We set the food and drink menu in advance but it was only really the food menu that was fixed. The drink menu for the bash was but a guide for newbies on their journey into the realm of Death & Co. — an opportunity to see a smaller sub-set of the vast drink menu (save the KP’s Manhattan … my fav drink) without being intimidated. For someone like myself, this night allowed me to explore new drinks as well as sample old favs.
Special thank you alert – to Amber Ray for providing the entertainment for the evening and for taking it easy on this shy kid from California …
The highlight came (the entire night was a highlight but …) when I got to step behind the bar to mix up drinks for my guests. Under Jessica’s patient tutelage I stirred, mixed, strained and presented what were hopefully decent drinks.
Happy Birthday theSpeakista and full speed ahead this year.
Special thanks to Frankie Rodriguez, Jr. (general manager), bartenders Thomas Waugh (head bartender), Jessica Gonzalez and the entire staff for helping to make this a truly memorable experience.
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Hi Mr.Speakista!
It was a pleasure to dress your party and make a little scene in honor of your special day! I am looking forward to following your cocktail adventures!!! Special thanks to Beautiful Ruchi, for asking Us (My accordianist and I) to get in on the fun!
Xo
Amber Ray
She is that … beautiful! Thank you so much for helping make the night a special event and for taking it easy on this shy kid.
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