When the Millennium Biltmore Hotel invited the Manolith team to sample their new Manhattan menu, we said yes. Like immediately, without any hesitation. I mean who doesn’t love a good Manhattan? And if anyone’s going to make good Manhattans, you’d figure a luxurious LA landmark that’s been around since 1923 knows how to do it right.
And man, the Biltmore did not disappoint. This place serves cocktails that’ll blow your mind. And we’re not just saying that ’cause we had eight of ‘em. Nope. See you go to the Biltmore for the history and the unique, unrepeatable atmosphere, but the real treasure here is Greg Guzelian, the guy behind the Gallery Bar.
Greg has been a staple at the Biltmore for 26 years. His cocktails are so memorable that one visiting patron ended up naming a bar in Japan after him.
Brian Wright, the Biltmore’s resident Beverage Manager, and a guy who knows a thing or two about mixing amazing cocktails himself, told us about this one regular who comes in three times a week, sits at the same table and just gets down with his favorite drink prepared by Greg.
“It’s just a Kettle One martini,” Brian said, “but the way he stirs it.”
To the uninitiated, mixing drinks doesn’t look that hard. I mean all you got to do is mix some stuff together, shake the shit out of it and pour it in a glass. Sounds simple, right? Not at the Biltmore. That’s not how they do it.
You see Greg Guzelian is a true master in the mixology game. He knows that with a distilled-driven cocktail like a Manhattan, the goal isn’t to shake up all the elements unevenly and bruise the spirits. The trick is to treat each drink with individual care, slowly stirring each ingredient until you have a gentle combination of flavors and a seamless blend of dissolved ice. There’s no rule on how long you stir. It’s just a feel that’s developed over time. It sounds almost too subtle to notice, but it’s not. You can tell the difference right away.
The Manhattan’s simplicity lends itself to creative interpretation, and that creativity is on full display every night at the Biltmore. The newly updated Manhattan Menu at the Biltmore features six variations on the “king of cocktails.”
Classic Manhattan
Simply a classic, timeless cocktail. “Just as a standard, we hit it with a lot of bitters,” Brian explained. They also don’t throw some cheap-ass ice cream sundae cherry in there either. It’s an Amarelle, not a Maraschino. Can’t go wrong with this one.
Central Park
A creamy desert concoction served with actual nuts. Seems strange at first, but the texture does add to the experience. You get Woodford Reserve, Drambuie and Frangelico with a splash of cream. On the sweet side, but quite mellow. Nice cocktail for the winter time.
The Big Apple
Yea right – apple martini for a bourbon lover. But actually, that’s exactly what it is. This cocktail’s got Apple Schnapps, Di Saraonno, Wild Turkey and cranberry juice. It doesn’t taste like a jolly rancher, either. It’s pretty damn good.
Grand Manhattan
This was the one. A money combination of Knob Creek, Grand Marnier and Martini & Rossi Sweet. It’s features a splash of orange, and just to add to the performance, they break out a torch, caramelize an orange wheel in front of you and add it to the mix as a garnish. Don’t see that everywhere.
Manhattan Vacation
This one’s more for the ladies. Or for dudes who like daiquiris. It’s a bit on the fruity side but again, nothing overwhelming. Just pineapple, orange and apple juices chilling comfortably with some Matini & Rossi Sweet and some Gentleman Jack.
Manhattan’s Last Call
If you got a sweet tooth, the tart, stomach-settling flavor of the Manhattan’s Last Call is a great way to end the night. Maker’s Mark meets Peter Herring Cherry Liqueur with some lemon juice bringing it all together. Tasty.
The Manhattan is a throwback beverage born in an era before ultra light beer, Jaeger bombs and vodka Red Bulls. It’s liquid swagger housed in a posh martini glass. They call it the king of cocktails for a reason — the Manhattan is an experience.
So the next time you feel the need to get bottle service in Hollywood, smoke Parliaments in Silver Lake or hit up a lazy spot on the Westside, check out what’s going on downtown at the Biltmore instead.
You may want to snazz up your attire a bit, but if you don’t, no one’s going to trip. The foie gras was taken off the menu awhile ago, so if you need to grab some grub you can pronounce, the bar can accommodate.
Go to soak up the ambiance (they’ve got live music on the weekends) and sip on the gently stirred Manhattans. If Manhattans aren’t really your thing, try the Black Dahlia or the French Kiss. Either way, go meet Greg and watch the man do his thing. You’ll have a new appreciation for cocktails that taste amazing.
Thanks Leslie, Brian and Greg for showing the Manolith team such a great time.
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