It is the place to be. It is in West Hollywood with the best view of the city, a celebrity social scene, and an indoor garden that sits fourteen stories up in the 9200 building on Sunset. Many have gone to this place and many have talked about it, some have gone so far as to say this is the hottest place in Los Angeles – but you won’t find any write-ups in magazines. Why? Because it is an exclusive members-only club that is very hard to get into. This place of course is the SOHO House of West Hollywood. The thriving social club is designed around the television, film and art industries. You won’t find any big Wall Street names attached to this club. No, this is a place where Hollywood’s elite can go and not be bothered with statements like “oh my god I loved you in that movie!” It’s just industry people talking about industry things. There are absolutely no cell phones or cameras allowed – except for the photo booth in the red-lit hallway.
Not surprisingly, the food is amazing. Put together by Head Chef Matthew Armistead (and his more than talented team), the menu is full of wonderful dishes that almost sing to you in a delicate harmony of flavor that pleases all senses. But, the one thing I have heard repeatedly about the SOHO House is that you must have a cocktail because they are simply the best.
This is what I really want to talk about - the bartenders of SOHO House West Hollywood. A relentless crew that has some of the finest barkeeps in town, all lead by Cocktail Global Ambassador for SOHO House Chris Ojeda and Manager Vincent Larusso. Chris Ojeda designed the cocktail program with a very classic theme in mind, and he has done just that. A cocktail program that started in Los Angeles is now global and is being taught in every SOHO House around the world (hence the Global Ambassador title). But this is a bar that relies on its talent behind the bar. It all starts with a staff that is there early in the morning, juicing fresh juice for the day ahead. The bar is armed with homemade syrups and a back bar of spirits – the usual but also some off the beaten path spirits that you may not have heard. However all of the bottles behind their bar are top shelf even what they poor from their well. This is a team of bartenders that believe in showcasing the spirits with supporting flavors. The bartenders at SOHO have gone out of their way to study and learn their craft – and it shows in every drink they make.
You know there are a few bars in Los Angeles that I like to call favorites, but this is at the top of my list. The SOHO bartenders put time, care and passion into each cocktail and it shows. Every cocktail has flavors and smells that blend so well together that you sit down at the bar, order a drink and almost forget that you have a dinner reservation. Yes, they are that good. This is one bar where you can go and ask the person behind the bar to make you their favorite drink and I am 99.9% sure you will get a perfect, classic cocktail every time. These bartenders are indeed trained professionals that truly put their stamp on the LA cocktail scene, and they are doing it just to see a smile on your face when you taste one of their amazing cocktails.
So if you ever find yourself lucky enough to dine or just stop by this amazing place, I truly recommend sitting down at the bar and having a cocktail – the Medicina Latina, a beautiful sexy blend of reposado tequila, house made Ginger syrup, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar, shaken and poured over fresh ice into a gorgeous hand cut crystal glass and then finished off with a gentle spray of Mezcal to give it this beautiful, smoky scent. If you’re not thirsty yet...check your pulse.
