“The Salon” Spotlights Craft Cocktails & Master Mixology
Well, they had us with “Cocktail Hideaway”… During the holidays, The Federal Bar slyly launched its new cocktail hideaway “The Salon,” located upstairs. With very limited operating hours, this new venue has since maintained its “under the radar” status.
“The Salon” menu is the brainchild of one of Los Angeles’ most respected bartenders, Damian Windsor. The concept, four years in the making, is based on Windsor’s specific interest in fine craft cocktails with a focus on the classics. Windsor, whose resume includes The Roger Room, Warwick and Clifton’s Cafeteria, was attracted to The Federal Bar’s space and the growing interest for handcrafted cocktails in the Valley. He created a focused, two-sided cocktail menu that includes both classics and signature variations. The menu also features an appropriate glassware icon pictured next to each cocktail description, which comes in handy in identifying them on the bar.
Tequila Por Mi Amante
The bar’s most popular drinks include the Horse’s Neck, an apple version of a mule with Laird’s applejack, ginger beer, Angostura bitters and citrus oil; Tequila Por Mi Amante featuring Pueblo Viejo tequila blanco with Chaberyzette (strawberry vermouth) and a pickled watermelon skewer; and Suissesse, an old New Orleans-style cocktail that combines absinthe, crème de menthe, cream, egg white, grated almond and mint. If you’re looking for an alternative to the alternative type of beverage, “The Salon” also offers beer and a selection of wines. While “The Salon” has no set food menu, it offers complimentary snacks, which vary, and can include nuts and specialty made popcorn.
“The Salon” features velour wallpaper and brick walls; lounge seating in a library with red velvet drapes; a baby grand piano; Edison lighting and a wall counter with stools; and a wood bar that adjoins an island bar. Windsor elaborates, “The space is comfortable, warm and features dark colors without being drab. It feels familiar and welcoming, and it’s kind of like a living room and kind of like a bar at the same time.”
The Federal Bar is delighted with the addition of the new spot. General Manager Steve Simon explains, “The Salon represents the next step in the continuing evolution of The Federal Bar. We always want our guests to wonder what we might do next. The Salon offers our guests world class drinks in a setting that is accessible to all our guests, even those who consider themselves novices when it comes to craft cocktails. This particular room has evolved as well. It started off as a green room for talent, then as a private dining room, then as a lounge, and now we’re pleased to announce its latest incarnation as The Salon.”
“The Salon” is located upstairs at The Federal Bar at 5303 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601; (818) 980-2555. Call ahead to make sure “The Salon” is open, since performances in the adjacent showroom sometimes take priority. Guests can generally count on cocktails Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 8 p.m. until late hours.
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