San Francisco has made itself a Mixologist’s paradise because of its locavore mentality, accessible fresh ingredients and camaraderie among area bar chefs. Bars and restaurants like Bourbon and Branch and Millennium have secured the Bay Area as a standard for other cities to live by in the eating and drinking sectors. We proudly believe Philly is not far behind this standard with our top notch mix of BYOBs, restaurants and bars using fine ingredients and experimenting with beverages, resulting in many a stimulating and satisfying experience.
With that in mind, it is no surprise that Michael Callahan, the up and coming bar chef at Gitane and president of Raising The Bar, L.L.C., is launching his Libation Laboratories seminar series tonight, here in our fine City of Brotherly Love. Libation Laboratories is a nationally traveling seminar focusing on the art of mixing pure, quality ingredients and fine alcohol to create a special beverage, more special than say… just a vodka cranberry. Think more along the lines of all natural sweeteners, ginger brew, and tequila poured atop freshly crushed fruits, zest and herbs. It’s a drink to savor, not chug (although, far be it from us to judge however you prefer to consume your adult drinks.)
Callahan, born and raised in Hawaii, is a mixologist you want to learn a thing or two from. Throughout the past decade, he has traveled extensively and worked in several areas of the restaurant industry. He’s well up on his molecular gastronomym and his background even includes a certification in Spanish sherries from Consejo Reglulador. (Sherry appears to be the next big thing in libation culture). Three years ago, he landed in the Bay Area and found himself hand selected by future Raising The Bar business partner/award winning bar manager Carlo Splendorini to work with him and famous ‘Bar Star’, Dominic Venegas at Gitane restaurant. Venegas is a consultant (he’s curated cocktails such as Primavera Sangria, Gypsy and King Cole for Gitane) and is current ambassador for Diageo.
Callahan’s workshop focuses on a comprehensive lesson plan of mixing, tasting and marketing. The class covers flavor profiles, menu development, common pairings, utilizing seasonal options, appropriate substitutions, food pairings, costs averaging, and program marketing. This is not a beginner’s course, but it’s not just for professionals either. Callahan assures us home enthusiasts are also welcome, although we at Phoodie urge our local mixologists to attend because these are the kind of drinks we’d love to see around more often.
Libation Laboratories, $50
Monday, September 28th, 5pm
1021 N. Third St., #103, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(at the Beautiful Blooms boutique)
RSVP online at info@libationlaboratories.com
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