North Hollywood's premiere Latin American eatery, Bow & Truss, is hosting their first-ever "The Art of the Cocktail With Jonny Whitton" on February 28th from 7-9 pm. The event is open to the public and reservations can be made online at www.bowandtruss.com or by phone at 818.985.8787.
Bow & Truss Mixologist Jonny Whitton cultivated his skills at downtown Los Angeles hotspots Seven Grand and Villians Tavern (owned by his brother David Whitton), as well as Cliff's Edge, before taking the Liquid Assets program from Marcos Tello and Aidan Demarest, which he says broadened his view on how accurate you need to be to make perfect cocktails.
Whitton has refined the Bow & Truss menu to not only showcase their diverse Spanish sherry menu, but also bring new life to old classics (he claims the Bow & Truss Mojito is the best in the city). At Bow & Truss, Whitton's bartenders are schooled to make an Old Fashioned like the first time it was made. Every aspect of the drink is taken into account - from the shape and size of the ice cube to the quality of ingredients he uses - which includes all handmade juices, spices and syrups. He also showcases an impressive collection of handmade bitters collected from around the LA area.
We decided to talk with Jonny Whitton today about this unique event...
What is mixology all about?
A Mixologist is basically a professional bartender who is knowledgable about his or her craft, and can create well balanced cocktails using true ingredients (spirits, sugars, and sours) with accurate proportion control. Every element and technique that is put into creating a cocktail matters - even down to the type of ice and glass used. A mixologist is an artist and a creator of cocktails for the guests who come to drink at the bar.
Where were you trained?
I've been in the bar business for 10 years. I was initially trained by brother and co-owner of Villians Tavern, Dave Whitton. He taught me the craft and skills needed toward becoming a professional bartender. I then went on to learn from Aiden Demarest and Marcos Tello (the "liquid assets" group), who gave more skills and insight for achieving success in the bartending world. They also introduced me to the concept of incorporating sherry into cocktails.
What makes Bow & Truss' bar different?
What is unique about Bow & Truss is our sherry program.
What are some of your favorite classic cocktails?
My favorite spirit is bourbon - so two of my favorite classic cocktails would have to be the "Old Fashioned" and "Whiskey Sour" because they are simple and balanced.
What cocktails on the menu are signature Bow & Truss cocktails?
All the signature cocktails on the list are signature to Bow & Truss
How do you make the perfect Old Fashioned?
There's a reason why a lot of people end up drinking Old Fashioned's - they're simple and great! It's just bourbon, sugar, bitters, a bit of a stir, and an ending spray of orange oil. For my taste, you can never go wrong with the Old Fashioned.
