While the style of the venue’s name might loose some of it’s Italian gusto with the Australian drawl, Il Patio is adding a touch of southern Italy to Sydney’s after hours scene. You’ll find this little gem nestled at Bourke Street’s Centre Courtyardand Naple-born chef, Francesco Armillis, is offering up some eclectic and modern Italian style fare.
Ah Tequila – one of the bartenders’ favourite poisons. You already know Margaritas, Tommy’s, El Diablos, Tequila y Sangritas and Palomas, but have you ever sampled the exotic wonders of Dale DeGroff’s Copa Verde (literally the ‘green cup’)?
The industry is led by government regulation, consumer demand and the Big Four drinks firms: Diageo, Pernod-Ricard, Bacardi and Fortune Brands/Jim Beam (soon to split). Innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking are nigh-on impossible when you work for such a big firm, the more enlightened ones are even gracious enough to admit it.
Greg Sanderson (ex Black Pearl & The Attic) is heading up the new EDV in Melbourne as General Manager and co-owner.
A new malt from the Glenfiddich distillery is available through William Grant & Son – the Glenfiddich Rich Oak. Aged for 14 years the spirit then undergoes a finishing period in both new American and new Spanish oak for a further three months.
The north side of the bridge continues to hot up with another tippling haunt recently opening. Honey Rider is located just down from the Pickled Possum and is sure to bring a finer touch to the area.
Blended from 100 casks of rare, aged whiskies that have reached their peak this expression exhibits deep rich flavour, mellow smokiness and some exceptional fruit sweetness.
Some might say that flavoured vodka has come, gone and long had its day – but after seeing some of the cocktail creations that theLoft team whipped up recently it’s obvious that a bartender’s heart can still beat for this flavoured tipple.
This is a stretch, but the Sazerac – at least a mix of absinthe, bitters and Cognac – was possibly being consumed around Sydney in 1825.
There’s a shake-up in New York’s bar scene with Aussie ex-pat Sam Ross set to head up a new inner-city venture on the current Milk & Honey site.
Recently, the 2012 Campari Calendar, now in its 13th edition, was unveiled in Milan, Italy.