The Tasting Panel magazine

May 2012

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COMPETITIONS LAWN Cheers! O story and photos by Rachel Burkons Kate Grutman, Bar Manager at Formosa Cafe, wowed guests with her summery quaff, "Lucy Goosey," made with vanilla vodka, fresh lime, Coco Lopez coconut juice, agave, Punt e Mes and hellfire and mole bitters. n March 13, five of L.A.'s top female mixologists came together to face off, slinging cocktails and mocktails for an eager crowd at the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center's monthly women's event, LAWN. The ladies came prepared to do battle, as the winner would win a trip to this month's Manhattan Cocktail Classic. Emcee Hollis Bulleit, World Ambassador for Bulleit Bourbon, was on hand to introduce the audience to the lady 'tenders, who each shared a few words about the importance of sup- porting programs like LAWN, which brings together a diverse group of women from across the city. "It's an important time to support women in this industry, and in all industries," explained Kate Grutman, Bar Manager at Hollywood's Formosa Cafe, as she greeted her competitors with warm hugs. Indeed, although this was a fierce competition with a killer prize at stake, the solidar- IN LOS ANGELES, FIVE FIERCE FEMALES COMPETE IN A BEHIND-THE-BAR SHOWDOWN Rosie Ruiz, a bartender at Big Bar, joined Hollis Bulleit to discuss her winning savory, rye- forward "Mmm…That's Good!!!" cocktail made with Bulleit Rye, kumquat syrup, brown sugar, cloves, fresh kumquats and topped with an St. Vincent Orgeat egg white foam. ity fostered among women in this business through organizations such as LAWN, Lupec and Speed Rack, has ushered in an era of girl power in the bartending biz. From Carrie Hah's (NEAT, Glendale) exotic "Catch Her in the Jaymee Mandeville of L.A.'s Drago Centro offered up a uniquely beet-y drink, "Beet Around the Bush," made with Bushmills, lemon juice, spicy chili syrup, mint leaves, Peychaud's Bitters and a savory candied beet foam we couldn't get enough of. Rye," made with Bulleit Rye, fresh ginger and lemon juices and a fun homemade Korean jujube honey syrup, to Kristina Howald's (Providence, Hollywood) charming, lovely "God Save the Queen" made with Bulleit Bourbon, vermouth, English-breakfast tea– infused syrup, marmalade and Meyer lemon juice, all five cocktails served were well-received, and each contestant had a fan-following. Ultimately, Big Bar (Los Feliz) bartender and out lesbian Rosie Ruiz took home first place with her cocktail "Mmm…That's Good!!!" Ruiz, whose supportive family arrived in "Team Rosie" shirts, was thrilled. "This is such an honor," she said as she accepted her win. "I am so grateful!" Ruiz will be a VIP at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic, May 11–15, about which she is "so excited!" 30 / the tasting panel / may 2012

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