Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/6221
92 / the tasting panel / january–february 2010 Los Angeles Already a fixture on the Los An- geles dining scene, BLT Steak (8720 W. Sunset Blvd., 310-360-1950) is a recent incarnation of Chef Laurent Tourondel's bistro that has footings in 11 cities across the U.S. His expertly prepped steaks share menu space with fresh seafood. An extensive wine list ensures diners will enjoy the perfect glass with their entrée. Orange County Michael Frumin is the Wine Direc- tor at Charlie Palmer at Blooming- dale's (3333 S Bristol St., 714- 352- 2525) at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA. There, he handpicks wines to accompany the seasonally-chang- ing menu. All totaled, Frumin's curat- ed collection for the restaurant tops 850 wines, including a jewel-box col- lection of artisan-made champagnes, select vintages of Château Lafite- Rothschild and verticals of Barolo, all searchable through Charlie Palmer's wireless wine list, eWinebook. Washington, D.C. Poste Moderne (555 8th St. NW, 202-783-6060) is nestled in Hotel Mo- naco, a building that formerly housed a post office. A member of the D.C. Craft Bartenders Guild, Rico Wisner has been at Poste for three and a half years. Using ingredients from the chef's garden, Wisner has been toy- ing with molecular mixology for the past year, building a wall with over 30 different infusions of vodka, gin, cachaca, rum, tequila, pisco, whisky, bourbon and cordials, allowing him to experiment with different flavor profiles. For balance, Wisner brought Daniel Lobsenz on as wine consultant to manage the French/American list, which highlights organic, biodynam- ic and sustainable wines. New York With four years under his belt as the Beverage Director at Beacon (25 West 56th St., 212-332-0500), Joe Stevens started his career as a chef. The restaurant's extensive wine list is eclectic and entertaining, with spe- cialty cocktails that often include fresh herbs and fruit—the touches of a man with a French culinary background. Minneapolis Surrounded by lush Déco pieces, the stellar drinks at Prohibition Bar at the W Hotel (821 Marquette Ave., 612-215-3700) get an additional boost from the feeling of 1920s illicit- ness and grandeur. The bar's Bever- age Director, Paul Hoisser, is inclined to say that the bar is the perfect meeting place during a fun-fueled weekend; coming from a man with 29 years in the beverage industry, that's a compliment indeed. eVent wrap-Up THE TASTING PANEL's Marketing & Events Director, Allison Levine (cen- ter) with Los Angeles bartender Alex Strauss (left) and Aidan Demarest, Beverage Director at The Edison and judge at the San Francisco World Spir- its Competition. Michael Frumin in the wine shop at Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale's in Costa Mesa, CA. Rico Wisner shows off his "infusion wall" at D.C.'s Poste Moderne. Beacon's Beverage Director, Joe Stevens, uncorks some bubbly in New York. THE TASTING PANEL contributor, judge at the San Francisco Spirits Competi- tion and Minneapolis event co-host David Mahoney (left) with Anthony Dias Blue.