New Mixology Program at Michael’s Santa Monica

Michael’s recently launched a new mixology program at their bar. Not only will they bring in guest bartenders to create special one-night only cocktails, they’ll have a full cocktail list as well bar bites.

I was invited to the first night with guest bartenders William from Toscana Bar and Blake from the Yard in January. The cocktails featured Dimmi, which sponsored the event. I happen to love Dimmi (watch this video where Devon from the Tasting Kitchen explains what Dimmi is) and enjoyed it in the four different cocktails.

Michael’s has turned the front dining area into a lounge. Now offering a bar snacks menu with a taco trio, big eyed tuna tartare, parma ham, crispy cauliflower and a slider duo that features a foie gras slider and Waygu beef, it might be time for cocktails at Michael’s.

I liked the big-eyed tuna tartare quite a bit and the bite of foie gras slider. The crispy cauliflower were great too with the dipping sauce. And you can’t go wrong with the parma ham. It was quite the generous serving.

I haven’t gone to visit William at Toscana yet but I love Blake. He was one of our hot bartenders during the Santa Monica Hot Bartenders Crawl I hosted last year. I’m probably never going to get tired of telling people his picture was stolen off this website.

William created the L’arena di Verona (Barsol Pisco, Aperol, Dimmi, lime, lemon, bell pepper, basil) and the Little Italy (RI whiskey, Dimmi, amaro Zucca, peach bitters, orange twist).

Blake created the Paloma Nueva (Reposado tequila, Dimmi, grapefruit, honey) and the Settantacinque (gin, Dimmi, lemon, prosecco).

Don’t tell Blake I liked William’s creations just a tiny bit more this evening.

I can’t wait to see which other bartenders come to Michael’s as well as check out their own cocktail list.

UPDATE:

“Farm to Glass” Mixologist Jason Robey takes over the Michael’s bar on Friday, March 25. Here are the cocktail and bar bites menus!

Shipple Layover
Bols Genever Gin, Cynar, Lemon Avocado Honey

 

Mary Rose

Cranberry & Ginger-infused Titos Vodka, Lime,

Vanilla Simple Syrup, Charred Rosemary

 

Big Red Hat

Lavender, Yellow Chartreuse, Cava Antigua Reposado Tequila,

Lime, Lemon Clove Simple Syrup, Grapefruit Foam

 

Karai Karai

Jalapeno & Red Bell Pepper Simple Syrup, Lemon, Cilantro, Jalapeño,

Grapefruit, Yamasaki 12-Year Single Malt, Chipotle Tabasco

 

Regional Export

Lemon Juice, Vanilla Simple Syrup, House Orgeat, Kelt VSOP,

Nowas Mill Kentucky Bourbon, Egg White, Angostura Bitters

Michael’s Bar Bites Include:

Sage-and-Lemon Popcorn

 

Yellowtail Crudo

Citrus, Micro Greens, Sea Salt

 

Duck Prosciutto

Arugula, Pickled Citrus, Crostini

 

Slider Duo

Foie Gras, Market Berry Mostarda

Ÿand Wagyu Beef, Shaft’s Bleu Cheese

 

Oyster Flight

Seasonal Mignonette

 

Also, there will be an art exhibition upstairs. Check out works fromAlejandro Gehry and Vanessa Prager. The show is curated by Amanda Fairey and Katherine B. Cone.

 

 

Michael’s Santa Monica

1147 3rd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403