La La Land is best known for its glamour, beaches, celebrities and a fabulous food industry.
Where else can you find beach house-inspired waterfront lounges, historic speakeasies, innovative mixologists and locales with highly curated experiences? We have gathered up nine of the most passionate, creative and talented owners, bartenders, managers and mixologists that Los Angeles has to offer. The beverages, encounters and spirits they create lift our own. Here are your LA Drink Experts.
Dave Harper JOINT HEAD USA, VITTORIA COFFEE Q: If you could drink one thing in Los Angeles for the rest of your life (not from your establishment) what would it be? Dave Harper: An On the Green Smoothie at Bondi Harvest. It’s so healthy and so tasty, you could live off it. Or of course a Vittoria Coffee almond milk Piccolo. Q: What are your three can’t-livewithout roasts? DH: Vittoria Organic, it’s smooth, tasty and exceptionally balanced. Vittoria also did a Single Origin from Alajuela in Costa Rica this year. It was so sweet but still finished with a rich chocolate taste. Any roast that isn’t too bright or floral really. Q: What is your take on Nitrobrews? DH: I love Nitro, the way the flavors and nitrogen emulsify to provide a dairy taste and mouthfeel, without dairy is amazing. It’s tastes “velvety” and “buttery” but I only drink it when it’s exceptionally cold. Temperature is key to the taste of Nitro. VITTORIA COFFEE 1515 Park Row Venice, CA 90291 213.226.6912 www.vittoriacoffee.com Photoshoot Location: THE BUTCHER’S DAUGHTER 1205 Abbot Kinney Blvd Venice, CA 90291 310.981.3004 www.thebutchersdaughter.com
60 LOCALE MAGAZINE
Q: What is your favorite drink made at your establishment? DH: My favorite drink is an almond milk piccolo latte and I have to say that Butcher’s Daughter Abbot Kinney is my favorite place to get it. They have a beautiful 30-foot espresso bar, such an inviting, relaxed environment and all the baristas are exceptional. Vanessa at Bondi Harvest is my favorite barista in the world though. When it comes to cocktails, there’s one at EP.LP in West
Hollywood called a Tiki-Tini. It’s an amazing mix of juices, aromatics and espresso, I still don’t know how it tastes good but it’s incredible. Q: What makes you, or your establishment stand apart from the rest? DH: I’m lucky enough to work for an amazing coffee roaster in Vittoria, they have such amazing experience and capabilities, developed over three generations and we work with the highest caliber of accounts. The establishments we work with set themselves apart by focusing on good old hospitality and attention on the customer. Places like Deus Ex Machina, Butcher’s Daughter, Playa Provisions, EP.LP, Bondi Harvest etc are all awesome because not only is the coffee great but so is the food, service, environment and vibe. If you don’t have all those things I don’t think it’s a full spectrum approach. Q: Where do you draw inspiration from? How do you exhibit it at work? DH: I have been a surfer since I was five years old, so I always draw creativity from that. I also find solace in the chaos of food and beverage venues. I love the fact that no matter how busy or hectic things get, I know what it will take to put a smile on my customer’s faces and it’s an amazing coffee, served with a smile. So I’d say surfing is my source and serving is my outlet… with a smile.