Tag: First Birthday Party

Birthday Party Bartender, Uncategorized

Lomita 35th Birthday Party

shakennotstirredinla
tito1
More bang for your buck and made in the USA!

On Saturday, Shaken Not Stirred traveled to Lomita to bartend a 35th birthday party. I have done many 40th, 50th, 21st, 60th, and even 80th birthday parties, but this was my first time bartending while the host celebrated the big 35. It is an important milestone, and I think it is when men start realizing they better step it up a notch – time starts moving fast. The party was held at a very nice backyard at a Lomita home in the South Bay. I set up my portable bar in the gazebo, and if I could open my own bar there, I would.

The hosts created and chose the specialty drinks. I made one cocktail with vodka, hibiscus syrup, St. Germaine, and club soda. I garnished that with a hibiscus flower. Another drink was created by the birthday boy himself, and it had scotch whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and bitters. It was kind of a scotch based Manhattan. I also made classic bourbon Manhattans.

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Hisbiscus Fiz

35th Birthday Party Ideas

  • Hire a bartender
  • Invite people from all walks of life
  • Choose a theme
  • Serve great food
  • Make it memorable

    lomita1b
    Shots!

The hosts were of Sri Lanka heritage and the food served was classic Sri Lanka style. I must admit, when I looked at the food I assumed it would be dry and bland. That could not have been further from the truth. The food was excellent and I cleaned my plate completely.

Another great experience bartending a private event for Shaken Not Stirred. Nice people, good food, and great atmosphere. I always like returning to the South Bay, my old stomping grounds where there is natural air conditioning from the ocean almost all the time.  

Birthday Party Bartender, Uncategorized

Granada Hills First Birthday Party

shakennotstirredinla
granada5b
Bartending in Granada Hills

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.

granada2
The guest of honor at first birthday party

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.

granada1
Better than Grey Goose

First Birthday Party Ideas

  • Hire a bartender
  • Theme decorations
  • Invite the entire family
  • Sundays are good
  • Cater the event
rolls2
My dream car

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…

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Guests mingle at backyard first birthday party

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.