Newhall – Shaken Not Stirred in LA

IMG_20151121_190036 — Half keg at Reseda party

On Saturday Shaken Not Stirred was the bartending service present at a 40th birthday party in Reseda. It was a warn November night in the San Fernando Valley and the weather is still pleasant enough to have back yard parties in SoCal. I bartended for about thirty guests and it was a nice evening.

I do many 40th birthday parties, because it is an important milestone in a person’s life. I have said it time and again, that anybody who has an adult birthday party put on for them by friends and family members is truly blessed. I worked with the birthday girl’s two sisters to plan the party and develop a drink menu and shopping list.

The birthday girl’s favorite drink is the Mojito, and I make a good Mojito. I have made so many Mojitos in my bartending career that I can almost make them in my sleep. I remember the first time I ever made one I was petrified, and would shudder anytime someone ordered one. It is not hard at all once you have it down. I also made Pina Colladas, which are a cinch.

IMG_20151121_211617 — The birthday girl poses for a photo

The host bought a half keg of Modelo, and that served as the beer. I usually don’t recommend kegs because they are problematic. The biggest problem is that sometimes they are foamy for the first several gallons. They are also sometimes hard to keep cold, and they slow down service. The pump up taps can be problematic also. This particular keg worked pretty well, and didn’t cause any problems.

El Taco Llama (661) 255-7035, of Newhall provided the catering. They had the whole taco cart, but they also made burritos, which not all of them do. I had a killer burrito and everyone seemed to be happy with the food and drink.

IMG_20151121_195910 — Guests enjoy 40th birthday party

If you, or someone you know is planning a 40th birthday party, please call me for your bartending needs. I am bartending a cocktail party tonight in Westwood, but have no event scheduled this Thanksgiving weekend. I am not available the night of Thanksgiving, but am still available anywhere in Southern California on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Then on December 3rd, I will travel to Rancho Mirage to bartend a company holiday party, and that kicks off the December season of holiday parties, which will be very busy.

Shaken Not Stirred traveled over the hill to Simi Valley last night to bartend a college student’s going away party. The guest of honor was accepted to graduate school at Brown University in Rhode Island, which is no small feat, so a party was in order. I set up my portable bar on the back patio and served drinks to about 100 people in attendance.

There were a lot of scotch drinkers , which makes it easy for a bartender, because scotch drinkers tend to drink their scotch neat, or on the rocks, or with soda and water. We went through several handles of both Johnny Walker Black, and Chivas Regal. Scotch is definitely an acquired taste and several of these guests in Simi Valley had acquired it.

We didn’t discuss making Mojitos when I planned the shopping list with the host, but somebody brought some fresh mint leaves from their garden, so Mojitos were in order. I had may ginger syrup, and a bunch of fresh lemons from the host;s tree. This is the advantage of living in Southern California. Where else can you get fresh lemons off the tree and fresh mint in December. I made Mojitos with rum, vodka, and even gin. People liked the gin Mojitos and I was surprised.

The hosts were of Indian descent, and they served traditional Indian food, like chicken curry, bharta, with Indian bread, and mint chutney. The hosts kept asking me if I had eaten, and different people kept bringing me plates of food. It was all excellent. Overall, the party was a grand success. It was particularly cold in Simi Valley and I’m glad I brought my jacket.

The holiday season is winding down and I am bartending a New Year’s Eve party in Newhall on Wednesday night, and then a New Year’s day open house party in Pacific Palisades on Thursday. It is already 2015. I am looking forward to another great year for Shaken Not Stirred. I have met many great people all over Southern California over the past year and have gained many new clients and friends. I wish all of my clients, associates, and friends a fantastic and prosperous New Year.

Tag: Newhall

Reseda 40th Birthday Party

Simi Valley Going Away Party