Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/518118
THE MESSAGE 16 / the tasting panel / june 2015 THE MESSAGE Sipping From the New Cocktail Menu at The Eveleigh T he Eveleigh, the secret garden bar and restaurant in West Hollywood, CA, hosted THE TASTING PANEL Magazine for the launch of their new cocktail menu last month. Bound in stamped leather and categorized by spirit, the book features quotes from famous drinkers such as Ernest Hemingway and W.C. Fields. We sampled some creative cocktails from the book, including the Rye Maple Fizz—rye, maple syrup, lemon, egg white and soda—the Cynar Julep—Cynar, grapefruit, mint and cane sugar—and the Old Cuban—aged rum, lime, mint, Angostura bitters, and cava. Head Bartender Garrett Mikell described the new menu as an homage to "the past bartenders at Eveleigh, as well as fellow bartenders and colleagues from all over the country." We also nibbled on some dishes like the charcuterie board, with amazing pastrami that was made in-house, as well as expertly fried baby artichokes. This new cocktail menu was designed to be a supplement to the regular drink menu, so be sure to ask for it next time you stop by!—Jesse Hom-Dawson T his spring heralded the U.S. arrival of South Africa's House of Mandela wines through Miami-based importer Arctic Wines. Created in 2010 by Nelson Mandela's daughter, Dr. Makaziwe "Maki" Mandela, and granddaughter Tukwini Mandela, the portfolio offers wines personally selected by the family to "com- memorate the life and spirit of a great African soul." Maki, 61, serves as Chairman of the company, while Tukwini, 40, as Director of Marketing, overseeing daily operations. "We started this project as a way to share South Africa with the world," says Tukwini, "but we are not wine experts, so having a knowledgeable team was important to us." The Mandelas work with three wine estates, vetted by U.K.-based Lynne Sheriff, MW, including Thelema and Hartenburg in Stellenbosch and Fairview in Paarl. Grapes are sourced mostly from the Breedekloof and Swartland areas of the Western Cape. The portfolio includes three series. The Deep River Collection ($11.99) has two blends: Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay and Cabernet/Merlot. The mid-range Thembu Collection ($14.99) is a varietally focused line of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc for whites and Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinotage for reds. The top-tier Royal Reserve Collection ($37.99 and up) consists of three estate-grown wines: Hartenburg Cabernet, Thelema Chardonnay and Fairview Shiraz, one from each partner producer. The House of Mandela portfolio is available nationwide through Southern Wines & Spirits. Jeff Salidor, Director of Sales for Arctic, says Florida, New York and Texas are the leading markets. —David Ransom House of Mandela Wines in U.S. T world," says Tukwini, "but we are not wine experts, so having a with three wine estates, vetted by U.K.-based Lynne Sheriff, MW, The Eveleigh's new cocktail list. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE EVELEIGH Maki and Tukwini Mandela. PHOTO: GERALD PEART