I was in Santa Monica for a few days for work.
As we were driving down Ocean Avenue the director mentioned this bar that had been in a Billy Bob Thorton show.
It was Chez Jay. The 1959 founded dive bar that has been featured in shows, movies, had one if its peanuts taken to the moon.
The bar was tended calmly and joyfully by this tall, lanky, beautifully brown skinned man, Jeff, who made the most scrumptiously dirty martini. He was a bartender’s bartender. I asked for his photo, which he obliged.
Not much in the way of the town these days, but if you go, go to Chez Jay. Get a dirty martini, shrimp cocktail, and chicken breast with Chez jay sauce and potatoes. At least, that’s what I had.
I stir up a Obituario cocktail
• 1.5oz tequila
• .5oz mezcal
• 1oz dolin blanc
• 1 or 2 barspoons of absinthe
• pinch of salt (or 2)
Stir with ice and strain in a chilled Nick & Nora glass
Garnish with lime twist and green or black olive.
Like any bartender and hospitality worker, we also loved to be doted on. Rudy is no different, he loves what New York City has to offer and especially from brothers in Harlem at Cocteleria Perla Negra.
Music by Ketsa
How does someone get into whiskey? Well, you should start with RUM first. Accessible, delicious, easy going, and the original new world spirit. Follow some friends to learn more and go to your local liquor store to find new rums to try.
Rudy makes me their signature summer cocktail, "Sana Sana Culito De Rana", that you have to go and try. A delicious twist on a sour with a blend of green Chartreuse and Chartreuse adjacent spirits for a fun and delicious drink. I think it's what we need these days!
I'm abandoning Rudy on a dessert island and he only has three cocktail ingredients to bring with him. What's he bringing? Oh, and cuz I love the man, he can bring one more spirit to keep it interesting.
Music by Ketsa
Let’s make a classic Cuban cocktail... the Daiquiri
• 2oz white rum
• 3/4oz lime juice
• 3/4oz simple syrup
Shake with ice and strain in chilled coupe glass.
One last clip from @kevinschreckproductions who talks about all his films and how he sees himself in the people he profiles. Go see his movies!! They play in festivals! Win awards!
