Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/205467
The CRAFTSMAN Nate Howell, Bar Manager CUSP , It makes sense that Nate Howell runs his bar with a hands-on, Midwestern sensibility. After all, that's where he grew up and made his bones as a bartender. It's the type of mentality to leads him to assemble his superb drinks in a methodical, proficient way—one that pays respect to the process of cocktail creation. "Enjoying a cocktail isn't about slamming it back," Howell says. "It's about the enjoyment of the ritual. On my end, this means I have to make sure the drinks are made efficiently and properly, all CUSP Bar Manager Nate Howell creates his while taking the time to adhere cocktails in a craftsman-like, methodical to the guests' requests." And way that respects the ritual of the process. even though his high-rise bar comes with a killer seaside view, he feels strongly that it shouldn't be the selling point of his program. "Our place is on the 11th floor of a hotel," Howell says. "You're not going to make an effort to come here if the drinks aren't any good." The Ivory Coast created by Lauren Lathrop Williams of Jsix ◗ 1½ oz. Hammer & Sickle Vodka ◗ 4–5 cubes of apple, small dice ◗ ½ tsp. harissa ◗ 1 oz. lemon kaffir cordial ◗ 1 oz. Meyer lemon juice ◗ Muddle apple and harissa well. Add juices. Strain over ice. Garnish with lime and dot of harrisa. The CLASSICIST Vasili Karatolis, Bar Manager The Wellington Room , Sometimes, you just want a damn good Martini. In San Diego, Vasili Karatolis can deliver exactly that, from the confines of an old-school steakhouse setting, no less. "Our Martinis have given us a pretty strong identity," Karatolis says. "People know that they can come here and get a highquality classic every time they drop by." Of course, since man does not live on Martinis alone, the The Wellington Room's Bar Manager, Vasili Karatolis. steakhouse is savvy enough to enlist the help of Michael Esposito and Frankie Thaheld from local libations consulting firm Snake Oil Cocktail Co. to create a few more modern drinks. "Snake Oil's drinks have been great because they allow us to keep current on what's going on," he says. "It also allows me to tell different stories and share different experiences with our guests." Alabama Gold created by Erick Castro of Polite Provisions ◗ ¾ oz. Traverse City whiskey ◗ ¾ oz. Galliano ◗ ¾ oz. crème de cacao ◗ Mix ingredients together. Shake. Pour into coupe. Garnish with lemon peel. november 2013 / the tasting panel / 143 TP1113_109-156.indd 143 10/24/13 9:17 AM