Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/237615
At the Covenant House California Competition "I started bartending at my parent's restaurant after college and completely immersed myself in it. This collection of vintage bar gear is an example of that. I just want to surround myself with things that are important to me and celebrate something I love. Plus, there is a lot of research required to find out what's so special about each piece, or what the history is behind it. It's fun to research and look at the history of something you're so passionate about." In addition to being something novel, Cruz has one other stipulation for his collectibles: "I like them to have some significance or use. They were made to be used and they are no fun if I can't put them to work." At the Covenant House California Cocktail Competition in November, Edwin was our first place winner. What was Edwin's strategy going into the second round after the secret ingredient (pears) was revealed? "I wanted the drink to have a distinct sweetness and power at the beginning that would evolve as the drink melted the ice, into a refreshing tartness to ideally prepare you for having another cocktail. " RISING STAR OF MIXOLOGY . . . AND BOXING Curtis Harrier Curtis Harrier of Santa Monica's SHOREbar says, "There are life lessons to learn in both boxing and bartending and they have a lot more in common than one might think off the bat." "I started boxing in high school, when I was 18," says Curtis Harrier, who can be found behind the stick at SHOREbar in Santa Monica and who was our third place winner of the Covenant House California Cocktail Competition. As he wraps up his hands ("You have to protect your hands! These babies are needed for pouring!"), Curtis explains how he got started, "I quit playing baseball my senior year but was still working out in the gym. They had this trainer come in and train us every once in a while and I just got hooked. For me, it's less about fighting someone. I like it more for how I feel when I'm done." Harrier, who boxes at least once a week, starts up his work out by warming up his shoulders—he's sustained a few shoulder injuries in the past and now is sure they are ready before he starts throwing the punches. He then begins a circuit of shadowboxing, speed bag, heavy bag and jumping rope. "I finish up with one minute on the heavy bag, going as hard and fast as I can." So what connection do boxing and tending bar have? "Both take endurance and are draining, both physically and emotionally. And patience is absolutely required in both of them. When boxing, you have to know when to strike and when to be on the defense. Likewise, when you're behind the bar, you have to know when to put up with difficult customers and when to cut someone off." Lastly, Harrier explained the complete focus required in both pursuits. "You can be so involved in what you're doing that you don't really have time to think about anything else. If you get distracted, you could really end up in the weeds in either. But when you get into your flow—they can both be great and a lot of fun." At the Covenant House California Competition Harrier, our third place winner at the Covenant House California Competition explains his method going into Round 1 after the secret ingredient was revealed: "I went into the last round like a fighter with a mask over his eyes walking into the ring. My spirit had the most interesting taste; I knew if I went with a spicy cocktail, it would work. So I made rosemary, jalapeño and pear. I had a lot of fun!" january 2014 / the tasting panel / 93 TP0114_66-108.indd 93 12/19/13 9:48 PM