Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/376390
1 12 / the tasting panel / september 2014 Gordon Alatorre is proud to be an Angeleno. Even more, he's proud to say that the City of Angels gave him his bartending wings. Born and raised in Venice, California, Alatorre celebrates the ever-so-unique yet close-knit spirit of the beach town while exuding his own spe- cial flair—a winning combination when it comes to the streets of Los Angeles and impressive craft cocktails. Currently the Bar Manager at The Chestnut Club in Santa Monica, CA,, the stylish Alatorre leaves his distinct mark on every glass: "While I stick mostly to classic style cocktails and try to avoid all of that molecular stuff, I do like to play around and invent new and interesting drinks, especially with gin," he grins. While Alatorre's elegantly complex Oddjob cocktail proves his fluency with this British spirit, fortunately for us all, his bartending brilliance pushes past any one country's borders. Alatorre credits the two years he spent in San Sebastian, Spain for his creative insight on challenging yet successful cocktail combinations. "Spain, man. What an experience! This is where I really started studying classic spirits, and I kind of introduced my bar there to craft cocktails. It was a small-scale craft cocktail movement, if you will. I definitely took advantage of my Los Angeles roots and influence while in Spain," he explains. So how does Alatorre's recent trip to New Orleans for Tales of the Cocktail compare to his other travels? "New Orleans is the closest thing in America to a European city! Everyone is so friendly, and there is so much culture. Your liver takes a beating, but it's well worth it. I find myself very fortunate to have experienced so many different cities, and New Orleans is one that I place in high regard," claims Alatorre, who readily expressed his love for the city and his time there for Tales. "Being in the Broker's competition and at Tales of the Cocktail put such a big smile on my face. It's an experience that I will never forget. I came home reinvigo- rated, and I am excited to continue doing what I love: making people happy with delicious cocktails!" Gordon Alatorre: A Border-Breaking Brilliant Bartender Oddjob ◗ 1½ oz. Broker's London Dry Gin ◗ 6 mint leaves ◗ ½ oz. wildflower honey (1:1 water and honey) ◗ ½ oz. fresh lemon juice ◗ 4 dashes lavender bitters ◗ ½ oz. Viriana China-China Liqueur ◗ ½ oz. El Silencio Mezcal ◗ Orange wedge and mint sprig for garnish ◗ Muddle mint, honey and lemon juice. Add all other ingredients and ice. Shake and double-strain into chilled Martini glass.