Long Beach – Shaken Not Stirred in LA

Rolling Hills Fourth of July Party

July 5, 2017 shakennotstirredinla

Yesterday I bartended a Fourth of July party in Rolling Hills on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. I was excited to do this party because the host told me they had a great view of the whole Long Beach and San Pedro area from their backyard and could see several fireworks shows from there. I love Independence Day – it is my favorite holiday, and I love fireworks, and I love bartending.

I got this job from another job I did last month in Rolling Hills. There is nothing better than getting a referral, or getting a job from handing out a business card. That is the best kind of business for me, because I have to pay for leads and advertising for everything else. I had to start my business from scratch, and now after four years, I am getting a lot of repeat business and referrals.

I got down to area early and had some time to kill. I was right by the Green Hills Cemetery and I remembered that Charles Bukowski,one of my favorite writers is buried there. People often visit his grave and pour bottles of beer and whiskey into the ground as a tribute. I figured it shouldn’t be too hard to find the gravesite. I walked into the cemetery and quickly realized it would be like finding a needle in a haystack. I saw a cemetery employee driving a golf cart and I stopped her and asked he where the grave site was. She was kind enough to drive me right to it. It had some beer bottles on it and cigarettes. I was unprepared and had nothing to offer. I hope I am not jinxed!

The party went very well and I served Mojitos. Old Fashioneds, beer, and wine to approximately 50 guests. It was a very nice relaxed party with a great group of people. When the sun went down the fireworks started and they lit up the whole harbor area and Southbay. I think that this year there were way more “illegal” fireworks than I have ever seen before. Even as I was driving home on the 405 they were lighting up the sky at midnight. I love it – allow us our freedom once a year!

rh3 — Guests enjoying great food and view of Harbor area

Friday I am bartending a wedding in San Diego, and then on Sunday I am doing a wedding at an exotic animal ranch in Sylmar. On Monday I leave for Montana and Wyoming for a week. The summer will be gone before we know it.

Birthday Party Bartender, Uncategorized

Chino Sweet 16 Party and Channel Islands 70th Birthday Party

July 3, 2017 shakennotstirredinla

chino1 — Tables set up in Chino for Sweet 16 Party

Shaken Not Stirred traveled all over Southern California last weekend and provided bartending service for two important milestone birthdays. On Friday I drove to Chino to bartend for a sweet 16 birthday party, and then on Saturday I drove the opposite direction to bartend a 70th birthday party at Channel Islands Harbor. I had another bartender do an event in Villa Park as well. It was the start of the Fourth of July weekend and traffic in Socal was a bear.

The host in Chino rented tables and chairs and set up for over 100 people in the backyard of his home. I served alcoholic beverages to approximately 40 guests, and there were about 60 minors who I served soft drinks to. Johnny Walker Black was the number one drink of choice, and the thing about that is people either drink it on the rocks, or with soda. No fancy mixology involved.

chino2 — Adults mingle at Sweet 16 Party

The hosts and all of the guests were of Indian heritage and the food served was 100 percent vegetarian. Raul’s Catering of Rialto provided the tacos and burritos and he told me that he specializes in vegetarian food for Indian themed parties. I am not a vegetarian myself, and am reluctant to try vegetarian food, but Raul’s vegetarian chorizo burritos were spicy and excellent. Had he not told me they were vegetarian, I would not have known.

It took me over two hours to drive to Chino, and an hour to drive home. On Saturday, it took two hours to drive to Oxnard as well. Fourth of July weekend is a terrible time to drive anywhere in Southern California. I always leave way early. The party at Channel Islands Harbor was originally going to have 80 guests, and then two weeks before the event, the host bumped it t0 150 guests. I needed to hire an extra bartender, but could not find anyone last minute in Los Angeles, so I turned to Craigslist.

I have had mixed luck hiring people on Craigslist in the past. I usually ask for a picture and resume. I want to see if the people look presentable. I got a few responses, but most of the people can barely write a legible response. They write things like, sup, how much in tips will I make, and they don’t include a picture. One guy wrote a very intelligent response and included a picture, so I hired him over the phone.

On the day of the event, I texted the guy in the morning to confirm he would be there. He responded yes, so I felt I had nothing to worry about. I got to the location at the harbor and started setting up and one half hour before the bar back was supposed to be there, I got a text from him saying he was being pulled over by the police and that he had warrants and was probably going to be arrested. I had to scramble to find somebody else. I asked one of the servers there if she knew anybody and she did! Her brother could do it.

I started serving the guests at 4pm and the replacement barback showed up just in time at 5pm. We did not stop serving drinks for six hours straight. I must have made 600 drinks myself, and thank God the other guy showed up to help me. The party was to celebrate the 70th bithday party of a very revered man and former fire captain of Oxnard, and many of the guests were firemen that worked for him. It was a great event and they had a live band and Polynesian dancers for entertainment, but I was too busy making drinks to even pay attention.

oxnard1 — Guests having a ball at 70th Birthday Party

Tomorrow is Independence Day and I am bartending a party in Rolling Hills, at a home that has excellent views of the San Pedro fireworks show, and the Long Beach fireworks, so I am looking forward to that. Friday I am going to San Diego to do a wedding, and then on Saturday I am doing a wedding at an exotic animal ranch in Sylmar. Please follow me on Instagram.

Birthday Party Bartender, Mobile Bartenders, Uncategorized

Mobile Bartender Does Three Day Tour of Southern California

February 13, 2017February 13, 2017 shakennotstirredinla

Shaken Not Stirred, Los Angeles based mobile bartender did a three day tour of Southern California last weekend, completing gigs in San Diego, Sherman Oaks, and Long Beach. I made hundreds of drinks at three different parties, and met lots of new people. Each party was completely different, as were the drinks that I served.

San Diego Birthday Party

I drove to San Diego on Thursday to do some marketing work for Geranium Street USA in Escondido, and I had the birthday party to bartend on Friday, so I killed two birds with one stone.

The birthday party was in the Scripps Ranch neighborhood of San Diego at a nice home that overlooked the reservoir there. Rain was imminent, so plans changed and I set up my portable bar inside the house. I served Old Fashioneds, Moscow Mules, and lot’s or red wine to the guests – many who came all the way from Minnesota.

They had live entertainment for the party and guitar player/singer Kenny Earnest performed for several hours. He was really good. Phil’s Barbeque of San Diego provided the catering and it was excellent as well. The host said that she had never hired a bartender before and she was really happy with my service. She said it made her time much more enjoyable. Most people I work for say the same.

Sherman Oaks 40th Birthday Party

On Saturday I drove back to my home turf in the San Fernando Valley to bartend a 40th birthday party in Sherman Oaks. The host had attended another party I had done, and hired me because of that. The 40th birthday party is kind of a big deal in a man’s life. I think that is when most of realize we finally have to grow up. Once again, it was supposed to rain, so the hosts had to get a tent to cover their back yard. They had it decorated very nice.

feb11a — Portable bar at Sherman Oaks party

I made Manhattans, Moscow Mules, and my famous Jalapeno Margaritas. I kept pretty busy and barely had a moment to spare as the line just kept rotating. I would guess there were around 80 guests. They had a Karaoke vendor there and people were singing with various levels of competence. It was a very good time for all. One of the neighbors came over and complained – said that he had a four and half month old child that couldn’t sleep. That was at 8:30. The host offered him a taco and basically told him politely to “deal with it.” I’m glad that she didn’t cave into the neighbor’s ridiculous complaint. People should be allowed to have an occasional party in their backyard on a Saturday night, without having neighbors in an uproar.

Ana’s Food provided the taco cart. At one point I was able to take a break and got some tacos. I went back to the bar and started to eat them, but then accidentally dropped them. I was so mad at myself. Luckily, a guests wents and got me some more. The party ended at midnight, despite the complaining neighbor.

Long Beach 70th Birthday Party

feb12a — Quail’s Egg Soup with Ceviche and egg rolls

On Sunday, I once again put on my mobile bartender cape and drove to Long Beach. The party was held at an historic old home on Ocean Blvd., right across from the beach. The host rents the front part of the home on AirB&B and it is a very nice spot. They have a tennis court in the back and a bar, and that is where the party was held.

I served Grasshoppers, Pina Colladas, Mai Tais, and Mimosas. They hired a private chef, and his food was excellent. I had a quail’s egg soup that was out of this world – also great ceviche, egg rolls, and lamb chops. It was quite a party and many of the guests took my card and are planning parties in the future.

Next weekend will be another mobile bartender tour of Orange County and Burbank. I have a wedding on Friday night in San Juan Capistrano, a birthday party on Saturday in Laguna Nigel, and a Bar Mitzva on Sunday in Burbank. Follow me on Facebook if you haven’t done so already.

Mobile Bartenders, Uncategorized

Mobile Bartender Does Two February Parties

February 6, 2017 shakennotstirredinla

steveson2 — My barback at Stevenson Ranch, Maya

Last weekend Shaken Not stirred, the Los Angeles based mobile bartender service traveled to Stevenson Ranch and the city of La Verne to bartend. The month of January is traditionally slow as people are recovering from all the holiday parties, and then in February people get back into the swing of things when it comes to partying. I provided bartending services in Stevenson Ranch for a wake of sorts, and then on Sunday went to La Verne to bartend a Super Bowl Party.

The party in Stevenson Ranch was a home of a repeat customer. I bartended a birthday party for her boyfriend last year and then she called me back to bartend a party she was having as a remembrance for her father who recently passed. Her father was only 54, which is the age I will be next month. It made me feel extremely grateful that I am in excellent health and that is something I should never take for granted.

The Stevenson Ranch party got started late as many of the guests work in the car business. I have worked in the car business myself and that means late weekends and long hours. Car business people work hard and a lot of of them play hard too. I know that from experience. I set up my portable bar in the backyard and served jalapeno margaritas and a lot of Crowne Royal until nearly 2am.

laverne1 — Mobile bartender service in La Verne

Why Hire a Mobile Bartender?

Gives the host more time to enjoy guests
Bartender will help you with shopping list
Consistent, professional quality drinks
Guests are impressed
Bartender brings portable bar

For the past two years I was the bartender at a huge Glendora Super Bowl party, but for some reason they decided not to have it this year. I thought another good client of mine was going to have a Super Bowl party this year and I turned down other offers. Well, a week before the Super Bowl, I still did not have a party. I finally picked one up last minute in the city of La Verne.

I had never been to La Verne but it is pretty close to Glendora. The client’s home was in a very nice gated community right next to the Mountains. I set up my portable bar next to the swimming pool. They also hired a taco cart to do the food. I had a view of the game from where I was standing, but barely had a minute to spare I made so many drinks. I made a lot of shots too and went through five or six handles of Tito’s.

This coming weekend I have three parties starting on Friday in San Diego, back to Sherman Oaks on Saturday to bartend a birthday party and then on Sunday I have a party in the city of Long Beach. It will be a busy weekend for the mobile bartender. Please follow me on Facebook if you haven’t done so already.

Birthday Party Bartender, Mobile Bartenders

Mobile Bartending a 60th Birthday Party in Long Beach

July 26, 2015July 26, 2015 shakennotstirredinla

Saturday night Shaken Not Stirred mobile bartending service traveled to Long Beach to bartend a 60^th birthday party for a repeat customer. I took another bartender/server with me, and she had worked a previous party at the same location. A year earlier, I had fallen halfway into the pool at a previous party, and many of the guests didn’t let me forget about it. This time, there were nearly 100 guests and my helper and I had our work cut out for us.

The host prepares very well for her guests, and we had quite a well stocked bar to work with. We had five kinds of beer, red and white wine, and a full array of liquor. The host received a Maragaritaville margarita maker as a gift and she wanted to use it at the party. I have used one before, but couldn’t remember how to use it. Luckily, my assistant knows how to read directions and we figured it out. We made blended margaritas, daquiries, and pina colladas with the machine.

Looks intimidating doesn't it? — Looks intimidating doesn’t it?

As the night went on we served many shots, including Patron shots, fireball shots, Jaeger shots, and vodka. A few people “fell” into the pool, but fortunately this time I didn’t. Falling into the pool becomes an inexpensive proposition when most people are carrying $400 I-phones. It was a pretty fun group of people, and one of the guests may book a party with me next month in Thousand Oaks.

Next week, I will be doing a large wedding in Malibu, then I have a rooftop birthday party scheduled in Marina Dell Rey later in the month, and a wedding in Hesperia. As I said before, the summer is slipping away. I still have some dates available, and always am available on the weekdays and nights to bartend corporate events.

Shaken Not Stirred Mobile Bartending

Birthday parties
Pool parties, barbecues
Anniversaries
Corporate events
Openings
Weddings, engagement parties
Quincianeras
Cocktail parties
Shots!

If you have a need for a bartender last minute, don’t hesitate to call me. I am tired today after two events this weekend, but if somebody calls me today, I will go out. Somebody called me yesterday last minute because their bartender cancelled, and I was unable to help her, but sometimes I can, will be happy to do so. Shaken Not Stirred mobile bartending service covers the entire Southern California region.

Party Bartenders, Private Bartender

Palm Springs Bachelorette Party Bartender

July 25, 2015 shakennotstirredinla

Friday, I drove to Palm Springs for my second time as a bachelorette party bartender. Palm Springs seems to be the place that ladies from LA like to go for their bachelorette parties. Do you realize how hard it is to spell bachelorette? Anyway, there are many cool houses for weekend rentals that are perfect for this type of party. This particular house had a nice indoor bar with a sliding window that opened up to the pool area, so that people at the pool can come up and order drinks.

I worked with hosts of the party developing a drink menu. They requested the Katsuya Fresh as one of the specialty drinks. It was my first time making this cocktail, and it seemed to be a hit. There were nine ladies in attendance and we went through 3 bottles of vodka. The Katsuya Fresh is made with vodka, fresh lime juice, sake, and simple syrup. I also served spicy jalapeno margaritas, and gray hounds.

The ladies asked me to help them start the grill, and as I did that, I decided I would grill for them. This was my first time as grill master, and I really don’t have too much experience doing it, but I think I did ok. I would rather be busy than just standing behind the bar, and let the hosts enjoy themselves. I hope they were happy with my grilling, and I am afraid I didn’t cook the vegetables and corn long enough. There are some tricks to good grilling, and I should learn them, in case I run into this situation again.

Who's afraid of sharks? — Who’s afraid of sharks?

The ladies were surprised that I came all the way from Los Angeles to bartend a party in Palm Springs. I bartend in Palm springs because I like going out there. I can usually drive to Palm Springs quicker than I can drive to Orange County. I hope to be the bachelorette party bartender in Palm Springs on many more occasions.

I am quickly writing this, because I have to get ready for another event in Long Beach this afternoon. It is a 60^th birthday party, and the second party I have done for this same client. I am taking a server with me also. Next weekend I have a big wedding in Malibu, and am taking three servers with me on that one. Summer is flying by and I am already booking parties into the holiday season.

Birthday Party Bartender, Mobile Bartenders

Los Angeles Birthday Party

March 23, 2014 shakennotstirredinla

Finally, after over two years in business in Los Angeles, I got to do a party in Los Angeles. I have done parties all over Southern California, from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara. I have been in Long Beach, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Burbank, and Pasadena. I have done many parties in the San Fernando Valley, the Inland Empire, and Orange County, but last night I bartended my first party in the city of Los Angeles. The competition among bartending companies

In the West Adams district of Los Angeles

Crowd dancing to "YMCA" (not really that song!) — Crowd dancing to “YMCA”
(not really that song!)

is fierce in LA, but Shaken Not Stirred is steadily making a foothold in Southern California.

Last night, I bartended a birthday party at a very cool Victorian home in the West Adams neighborhood, south of Koreatown. The host was throwing a party for his girlfriend and I heard her say it was her first birthday party since becoming an adult. They had caterers there set up outside and they served some very good tacos. I had a makeshift bar set up inside, which was a folding table with a table cloth. I have inserted a picture to show that this set up works just fine.

The host also hired a DJ who was one of his personal friends, and the guy really made the party. I have been looking for a DJ to highly recommend, and I think I have finally found him. The name of his company is “Ten foot Rabbit”. The DJ’s girlfriend assisted him, and she not only helped him set up his equipment, but she mingled and engaged with people in the crowd and got them dancing. As the night progressed, the dance floor was packed, which made for a successful party. Here is a link to the DJ’s Facebook page.

At the request of the birthday girl, I served Rob Roy’s and Manhattans. Those are both classic cocktails and definitely an acquired taste, but were a hit with this crowd. I also served Cadillac Margaritas, which are always popular. In case you didn’t know, you need Gran Marnier to make a Margarita “Cadillac” and it really makes a big difference in taste. Coming in third at the party for cocktails was the Cosmopolitan. I brought some real martini glasses, and they seem to make the drinks so much better. At least they look better.

Next weekend I still have open and am hoping to book a gig. I probably will before Saturday, as many people wait until the last moment. So far I have almost every weekend booked in April, and I have been working with people back and forth for weddings as far away as September. I have been creeping up in Google searches and the phone is starting to ring from that alone, which was the goal.

Birthday Party Bartender

Long Beach Surprise Birthday Party

February 23, 2014 shakennotstirredinla

Last night I worked a surprise 50^th birthday party in Long Beach. It was my first surprise party and it was fun seeing someone completely surprised by over fifty of his friends and relatives. I have done a wide variety of ages when it comes to birthday parties, from 1 year old, to 90 years old. I have had requests to do quincineras and sweet 16 parties, but have yet to book one.

I talked to the host before the party and she said that they had a wide variety of alcohol left over from other parties. They had lots of vodka, including a big bottle of Kirkland Vodka. That is basically Grey Goose, but much less expensive. The Kirkland brand liquors are high quality and a good value. They had tequila, Captain Morgan Rum, Jack Daniels, gin, and all of the mixers. I made a variety of drinks, but think in the future I should always at least make some kind of drink menu. It helps the guests choose what they want easier, and speeds up service.

Catering was provided by Tacos Y Chile, and they did a fantastic spread of very good tacos. The DJ was Ryan Ivora, who seemed to do a very good job a providing just the right mix of what the hosts wanted to hear, and his own selections. He also teaches surfing, so if you want surf lessons, or a DJ, you can contact him here.

Most of the people were beer drinkers at this party and we went through several 30 packs of Coors Light, Bud Light, and Bud Select 55, which is a low calorie, low alcohol beer. It was the birthday boy’s favorite beer, and he said that he likes it because it has less alcohol. I had a new girl working with me as barback and she did a great job. I did not have to tell her what to do and she jumped right in and got the job done. I will definitely use her again. The Long Beach party was for about 80 people and it was good to have the extra help. I recommend that people get more than one person for parties over 80 people.

The hostess for this particular party said that she has a lot of parties, but they had never hired a bartender before. I think she was pleased with our service and said she would hire us again. We try to be of maximum service and try to keep busy clearing tables and taking out trash as the party goes on, so there is less work for the host to do the next day.

The happiest three legged dog in Long Beach

This year is looking great for Shaken Not Stirred. I have booked several weddings in the spring, and seem to get a gig almost every weekend. Next weekend I will be doing a wedding reception in Cathedral City at the Cree Estate, and then later in March have a wedding in Mira Loma in the Inland Empire. Shaken Not Stirred also provides servers for weddings and will provide extra staff at several of the events I am doing.

Special Event Bartenders

Shaken Not Stirred: Serving the Entire Los Angeles Area

May 3, 2012May 6, 2012 shakennotstirredinla

I have bartended for all around Los Angeles for all kinds of events – small private birthday parties, corporate office parties, weddings, and large scale fundraisers. Last weekend I worked for another event company at a Cal State Long Beach, fundraiser that had over eight hundred guests in attendance. There were eight bartenders working the event and I manned one of the VIP bars. Needless, to say – we were busy. I was facing a wall of people waiting for drinks from 5pm to 10 pm. Basically I had no break that entire time.

This was good experience for me. I have done it before but it is always good to get thrown into the fire once in awhile because it prepares you for all kinds of situations that arise. Halfway through, I ran out limes and straws, I didn’t have enough wine bottles pre-opened, which slowed me down. I did the best I could and got through it, but I will definitely be better prepared next time. A good bartender anticipates problems before hand and takes extra precautions. I probably served hundreds of drinks at the fundraiser – I think most of the people were happy. I went through a case of Absolut vodka and at least three cases of wine and a bunch of everything else.

Spring is the season for many events – weddings, pool parties, concerts, and holiday parties. This Saturday night I will be working a private Cinco De Mayo party in Norwalk. Shaken Not Stirred is a Los Angeles bartending service and I travel all overLos Angeles,Orange, and Ventura counties doing gigs. I was offered a job in Palm Springs last week and was prepared to go, but the deal fell through. I’m sure the opportunity will come up again.

I love bartending part time. I like making good drinks that people enjoy and I love going into all different kinds of situations and areas in Southern California for new experiences. I can honestly say I have not had a bad experience at one of these gigs yet. The secret I think is that I serve people the way I would like to be served. I am happy bartending on a back yard picnic table or at a fancy marble poolside bar beside a waterfall. Shaken Not Stirred serves private and corporate events from Burbank to Beverly Hills, from Ojai to the City of Orange.

Special Event Bartenders

Why Hire a Bartender for Your Party or Event?

January 31, 2012June 21, 2012 shakennotstirredinla

If you are planning a party in the Los Angeles area you may be hesitant to hire a bartender. You may think it will be too expensive, or that the person you hire will not know what he or she is doing and create more problems for you in the long run. If you have to watch over the person and they cause you more stress just by being there, then what’s the point, right?

At Shaken Not Stirred we understand your concerns and we follow procedures that insure flawless service to put the hosts and guests at complete ease. We want your repeat business and referrals, so we insist on professionalism and discretion from our bartenders and servers. The hosts of the party should spend most of their time mingling with the guests and not worrying about what goes on in the bar or kitchen.

We insist that our bartenders and servers show up on time or fifteen minutes early from their scheduled time. Our bartenders will respect your property, home, and family and basically make themselves “invisible” as they are setting up, etc. At Shaken Not Stirred we believe that tip jars show a lack of class and that guests should not be guilted into tipping, or be reluctant to approach the bar because they feel pressure to tip every time they order a drink. All fees for the bartender and staff are agreed upon before hand. If a host or guest wants to tip somebody for excellent service then that is up to them – but it won’t go through a jar.

Our goal is to make you look good and facilitate your guests having a great and memorable time. We will work with you to make a specialty drink menu to fit the theme of your event. We can also help choose wines and keep your liquor costs down. In the end, you may actually save money by hiring a professional bartender.

Also, it is good to have professionals overseeing the liquor. Our bartenders are trained to spot people who are severely intoxicated and to cut them off discreetly as possible. That keeps the host out of potential conflicts with guests. We do not serve minors. In most cases, when people have hired our bartenders for the first time, they wonder why they didn’t hire pro bartenders all along. The costs verses the benefit just makes sense. Hiring a professional bartender for your party inLos Angelesis the wisest decision you can make.

Shaken Not Stirred serves the greaterLos Angelesarea, includingBeverly Hills, West Hollywood, the Hollywood Hills, the San Fernando Valley,Long Beach,Culver City,Santa Monica,WestlakeVillage,Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Bel Aire, Westwood,StudioCity,Burbank,GlendaleandPasadena. We also travel to the Inland Empire,OrangeandVenturaCounties, andPalm Springs. To hire a bartender in L.A. for your event, call (310) 280-6103, or email us here.