One of several factors that makes our own Philebrity Salon such an enjoyable night is resident barkeep at 700 Club, Anders Larson. He’s the mastermind behind the bar, pouring specialty beverages he’s designed just for us (peep some of Larson’s wildly ambitious cocktail menus here). As Salon kicks off another season, we sat down with Anders for a little Q&A to learn more about our mad scientist.
How long have you been involved in the art of drink mixing?
I’ve been bartending for a while now in the full bestiary of The Industry, but I first became interested in ‘mixology’ through the influence of two people: Kurt Wunder (co-owner of The 700 Club) and Bruce Reckahn (part of the culinary team at The Abbaye, and bassist of the bands The Delta 72 and now Black Landlord). Bruce and I have been friends for a while, both enjoying similar interests and a love of evening refreshments. He also enjoys a wide palate when it comes to his cocktails. He was the first to really make me care about what went into the drinks I made, starting with the Manhattans he enjoyed in the winter. I would take this over to Kurt at 700, my favorite bar, and basically steal his technique. If Bruce is Obi Wan, then Kurt is Yoda when it comes to mixology. To me, he still has the nicest touch when it comes to cocktails in Philadelphia, especially his Martini. I’m not writing this because I work for him, although if by some cruel twist of fate he ever worked for me, I’d expect him to sing my praises.
What is your drink of choice for your own personal consumption?
My favorite drink is a Bombay Martini, up with olives. Sounds simple, but I would say there are about 5 people in the city who can make one. There are some seriously misguided Martinis out there, often outrageously priced. In terms of liquors, who doesn’t love Rittenhouse Bonded Rye? Cheap and awesome, even if the dearth of new cocktail joints buying it by the ton has made it a rare find in the city.
What is your favorite concoction you’ve made so far?
“The Elven Princess (AKA The Barry Gibb)”: Sauvignon Blanc-based, It tastes delightfully light and floral. I also am really proud of “The Prince Barin Cocktail”, which is a spiced Saki and Vodka cocktail I made for Philebrity Salon.
What often inspires your creations?
Usually I make things for my girlfriend at home and then tweak them at the bar. Sometimes weird gelato combos can inspire. Sometimes it’s just the weather or… obviously there’s no real answer to this question. I think a main drive is that I am very, very competitive, so I always want my drinks to be the best. A good example is when Cantina opened up down the street it pushed me to make sure my Margarita was light-years ahead of theirs. That wasn’t as hard as I thought.
What is your favorite bar to go to when you’re not stuck behind one?
Even though I work there now, I still love 700. I used to live opposite Les ‘n’ Doreen’s Happy Tap for a long time, and I still have a deep affection for that place. Southwark is still a standard by which to be judged. The P.O.P.E has an awesome beer selection, although sometimes it feels like being on tour in there. Bonnie’s Capistrano Bar to grab a quick cold one and shoot shit. The Dolphin for all its dirty, campy fun. The Tap and JBs for the friends that work and hang there.
Do you have any liquors that you would recommend people stock up on at home?
That’s a personal preference. Buy a juicer and a couple of cocktail books, be experimental, try new things, and you should be set.
Anything else you think we should know about you?
I love bars, which is why I became a bartender, and while I love this new ‘mixology’ craze (who doesn’t like a good drink?), I think that the more bartenders are treated like keepers of an alchemic secret, the more it takes away from the fact that bars are a place to hang out, relax and enjoy yourself. Most of the time, I just like a beer and conversation. And while a good bartender can make a bar, a good bar is as much about the people who hang there as the people who work it. That’s why I love 700, and why I’m happy to work there.
Philebrity Salon — often with Mr. Larson behind the bar — takes place every Tuesday at 700, at Second St. & Fairmount Ave. in Northern Liberties.
[Photo credit: Emily K. Eichelberger]
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