Last year, while looking for wedding venues, we went downtown to look at Les Noces Du Figaro, a unique French restaurant that basks in the neon lights of the Los Angeles Theatre when the sun goes down. Jonathan, the owner, showed us around his beautiful space, including the upstairs which is a perfect venue for a small party or reception. The large windows along Broadway let in the 1930’s old time Los Angeles lights. Very unique.
We then sat at the bar, tried some delicious food and were introduced to the bartender, Esteban Rios. He is our inspiration for the first introduction to bartenders you should check out in Los Angeles. He appreciates using fresh, home inspired, and seasonal ingredients and mixes with a curious and positive attitude.
Esteban with his avocado creation. Delicious!!!
Name: Esteban Rios
Hometown: Santa Ana Del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico
Coming to Los Angeles: At age 17 moved from Mexico to Fontana, California and then a year later to West Los Angeles
First job: Barback at the Whiskey Blue at the W Hotel and then later became a bartender there
Mixologist inspiration: Henry C. Ramos, the creator of the Ramos Fizz
Advise to those starting out in bartending: “Know your product, taste your cocktails, and make your guests feel like they are at home. Create an experience. Be yourself, make them laugh…”
Favorite experience behind the bar: “Having a Ketel One and cranberry with Axl Rose at 3:00 a.m. at the Whiskey Blue bar, talking about ‘Sweet Child of Mine’ and celebrating Slash’s birthday until 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. It was fantastic.”
Favorite bars in Los Angeles: “Las Perlas is fun. I like the mezcal selection, the cocktails are good, well prepared, the bartenders are very nice and the crowd is laid back. Crane’s is awesome. They have a jukebox, its small, dark, and a good place to hang.”
Rum –
What do you think about rum? “Rum is fascinating because it varies from every country, and the way it’s distilled. It has history. If for some reason I’m feeling a little down, I have some rum and fresh juice…and it takes me to that tropical place…if I have too much, I turn into a pirate!”
What is your favorite rum to sip? “It use to be Dos Maderas PX, but, then the LA Rum Runners introduced me to Selvarey Cacao. Before Dos Maderas, it used to be Appleton.”
What rum have you tried that surprised and/or inspired you? “Selvarey for sure as well as Dos Maderas.”
What is your favorite rum drink to mix? “Dark and Stormy. You still taste the rum and its very refreshing and easy.”
What is the most common rum drink people order from you? “Rum and coca cola…unfortunately.”
What have you successfully mixed with rum that has surprised you? “Tomatillo juice.”
Esteban’s rum recipe for this blog:
2oz of Sailor Jerry’s rum
1oz of fresh squeezed lemon juice
3/4oz agave nectar
2 1/2oz tomatillo juice
Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, shake 6 times and strain into a bucket glass with ice.
Tip: Tomatillo juice can be made by adding tomatillos in a blender and it is up to you if you want to strain it. I do, but if you don’t, you will have a stronger earthy flavor, as well as a different texture.