Sunday afternoon Shaken Not Stirred contracted to provide bartending services at a first birthday party in Granada Hills. I have done a few of these first birthday parties, which are a big deal in many different cultures. The parents and family members of the birthday boy were of Armenian heritage and they are known for their great parties.
The hots put out an elaborate spread of appetizers, including various cheeses, prosciutto, salami, and parma. It reminded me of when I worked in an Italian restaurant and the Italian manager constantly told me how ignorant most Americans are of food and wine. That tends to be true. I remember growing up when the most sophisticated appetizers we had at parties were cheeze whiz, potato chips, and Vienna sausages. They had some great stuff at this first birthday party in Granada Hills, and the hosts obviously put some thought into it.
I served Moscow Mules, Mojitos, Margaritas, Jalapeno Margaritas, and Bay Breezes. The host invented a new drink – the Spicy Jalapeno Mojito. It has a unique blend of flavors, from mint, to rum, to lime and spicy jalapeno. I also made an adhock Long Island Ice tea with what ingredients I had on hand, including vodka, gin, tequila, and margarita mix. Artie’s Kabob did the catering. He served up a great spread of mediterranean cuisine, including all of the favorites.
First Birthday Party Ideas
- Hire a bartender
- Theme decorations
- Invite the entire family
- Sundays are good
- Cater the event
I noticed a really slick two tone Rolls Royce parked outside and I had a feeling who owned it. It was one of the guests at the party. I had always dreamed of owning a Rolls when I was a kid, because film director Alfred Hitchcock owned one. I asked the guest if the car was his and it was. He explained that he worked his ass off for that car and had many lean years building his business. He is enjoying the fruits of his labor now. Of course the Obamas and the Elizabeth Warrens of the world would say, “You didn’t build that!” Under the current administration, business owners and entrepreneurs are the bad guys, and worthless, lazy bums are the victims. Only a few more months of this nonsense left…
Next weekend, I will go to Palm Springs to bartend two parties, while two of my other bartenders will be doing a large baptism party in La Canada. This has been a stressful month for me organizing all of the graduation parties and weddings. I try to accommodate me repeat customers whenever I can and this month I could not do them all myself. Later in the month I will be doing a large corporate event in Orange County and a wedding in downtown LA.
Shaken Not Stirred in LA 