Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/205467
The BAR CHEF Lauren Lathrop Williams, Bar Manager JSix , Lauren Lathrop Williams loves to geek out when it comes to alcohol. But her passion for libations doesn't just stop with her gushing about the origins of IPAs or her favorite obscure brand of vermouth: It is utterly matched by her passion for utilizing unique culinary elements in to her drinkable creations. "I started out at culinary school," Williams says. "Because of that background, I'm always moved to figure out ways to use uncommon ingredients in my drinks, like cardamom or turmeric." Her penchant for unusual flavors has led her to take a holistic approach in her drink program; one that derives plenty of input from her Gaslamp District kitchen. "I'm always looking to pair my cocktails with our food," she says. "It's the best way for me to push my originality." Jsix Bar Manager Lauren Lathrop Williams uses her culinary background to find ways to add uncommon ingredients to her drinks, like cardamom and turmeric. The EMPIRE BUILDER Young-Mi Gordon, Beverage Director Urban Solace, , Solace and the Moonlight Lounge, Sea & Smoke Young-Mi Gordon has an uncanny knack for thinking beyond the bar. To wit: The seasonal cocktail programs she creates for her white-hot trio of coastal suburban establishments are built to ideally pair with the menus designed by her husband, who oversees the kitchens of all three venues. She also knows her customers are only getting savvier. "A lot more people are learning to make cocktails at home," Gordon says. "It's important that we recognize that and not come off like we're smarter than them." This level of respect that Gordon has for her customers extends past the realm of mere drink-making, too. "Smiling bartenders are highly underrated," she states. "That's a big problem with the word 'mixologist'—it makes people forget that a good bartender should be creating a fun, friendly experience for the customer." Sea and Smoke Bartender Ashley Fomon whips up one of Beverage Director Young-Mi Gordon's seasonal cocktails with a smile. november 2013 / the tasting panel / 141 TP1113_109-156.indd 141 10/24/13 9:17 AM