Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/646914
104 / the tasting panel / march 2016 MIXOLOGY I t was a beautiful sunny day in West Hollywood, and bartenders from all over the city of Los Angeles had gathered at popular restaurant The Churchill to enjoy a delicious brunch and captivating melon cocktails with Midori Brand Ambassador Paul Zahn. Midori is experiencing a resurgence in popularity recently, as bartenders have rediscovered that extra "oomph" that the liqueur brings to a wide variety of cocktails. This was showcased in the cocktails at the event, including a spicy mezcal-and-Midori concoction called Midori All Night Long and the refreshing and cool Midori Misty Morning. As the bartenders enjoyed their libations, they munched on tasty dishes from The Churchill's Executive Chef, Camilo Zamora, aka "Dude," such as zesty chilaquiles and Southern fried chicken n' bacon–studded waffles. A wonderful time was had by all, and the brunch served as a reminder of how versatile Midori really is! "Two venues being innova- tive with Midori are St. Felix, led by Ryan Hooks (left), and The Roof on Wilshire, where Marcus Sims is Bar Manager," said Paul Zahn, Midori Brand Ambassador. "They're young, innova- tive mixologists who have incorporated Midori into a variety of cocktails." Los Angeles–area bartenders toast with their favorite Midori cocktails to a brunch well spent! From left to right: Miguel Lopez, Bartender, Village Idiot; Nikki Martin, Chef/owner, The Roulette Society; Omran Bahia, co-founder, Poptail (background); Sarah Grimm, Bartender, St. Felix Hollywood; Ryan Hooks, Senior Bartender, St. Felix Hollywood; Laurenne Mills, co-founder, Poptail; Marsha Meyer, Founder, The Natural Mixologist; Becky McNichol, Server, Westside Tavern; Joe Gagnon, Bartender, Concourse; Marcus Sims, Bar Manager, The Roof on Wilshire (background); Katrina Gould, Bartender, Storyville in Boston; Tony Pereyra, co-founder, The Spirits in Motion; and Phil Wills, co-founder, The Spirits in Motion (foreground). Make Way for Melon BARTENDERS TOAST TO MIDORI MELON LIQUEUR AT A SPIRITED BRUNCH by Becky Tsadik and Jesse Hom-Dawson / photos by Cal Bingham