If you live in the San Fernando Valley, the best spot to be is “south of the boulevard,” and that is where Shaken Not Stirred went Saturday Night to provide bartending service in Woodland Hills. The host had done a lot of preparation for this party, including installation of artificial turf in the backyard. The setting was very nice, complete with catering setup, photo booth, DJ, and dance floor.
The birthday party had a French theme, so I suggested the Fleur Di Paradis cocktail as a specialty drink. The Fleur Di Paradis is a very strong drink and I cautioned guests to be careful, or it will sneak up on you. The cocktail consists of gin, St. Germain, and champagne, among other ingredients. I also brought some homemade margarita mix left over from another party. I make it with fresh lime juice and agave nectar. Both drinks were a hit.
I wash very busy as guests started arriving. It can be a little overwhelming for one bartender when you suddenly get hit with a wave of people, but I have faced this many times and I always know that after the initial couple of waves, it eventually slows down. The host’s nanny served as my barback and she helped me alot. At one point, right in the middle of heavy service I had about ten people waiting at the bar and a cocktail table caught on fire by the pool. People were trying to put it out with napkins, but the flames were almost two feet high. I grabbed a gallon of water, walked over and doused the flames, then went right back to serving drinks without missing a beat. That was a bit surreal.
South of the Boulevard Locations
- Woodland Hills
- Tarzana
- Encino
- Sherman Oaks
- Studio City
I served completely out of vodka and tequila, but there was plenty of wine and beer. When that happens guests may be disappointed, but they will usually drink what is left and that’s what they did. I poured at least a case of wine. Guests dining on the outstanding food from Fusion Variations and danced until almost midnight. I think everybody had a good time.
On Tuesday I will be traveling to another south of the boulevard location in Sherman Oaks to bartend a fundraiser for the City of Hope, and then on Saturday I will be traveling to Sylmar to bartend a surprise 70th birthday party. After that I will be traveling to Orange County to bartend a large Halloween party on October 29th. I am still available if anybody wants to have a Halloween party on Friday 10/28, Sunday, 10/30, or Halloween night, 10/31.
Shaken Not Stirred in LA 