Michael’s in Santa Monica launches new mixology program and lounge

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In keeping with L.A.’s insatiable appetite for craft cocktails, Michael’s restaurant in Santa Monica has hired Jason Robey, a mixologist who has put in time at New York City’s famed cocktail haven Death + Co., as well as Les Deux Estate in Hollywood. Robey will mix drinks in the restaurant’s new dining bar/lounge.

A few months ago, Michael’s owner Michael McCarty launched a guest bartender series and has been working toward creating a regular program ever since. With Robey, McCarty has landed on a formula that looks just right for his restaurant, which was on the forefront of the sustainable, farm-to-table movement long before it was en vogue.

In fact, Robey calls his cocktail-making philosophy a ‘farm-to-glass’ approach, since his drinks will feature herbs and fruit grown in Michael’s new rooftop garden. He’ll also dip into the Santa Monica Farmers Market.

Cocktails are $12 each and include ...

the Schipol Layover (Bols Genever gin, cynar, lemon-avocado honey); Mary Rose (cranberry/ginger-infused Tito’s vodka, lime, vanilla simple syrup, charred rosemary); Big Red Hat (lavender, yellow chartreuse, Cava Antigua Reposado tequila, lime, lemon-clove simple syrup, grapefruit foam); Karai Karai (jalapeno and red bell pepper simple syrup, lemon, cilantro, jalapeno, grapefruit, Yamazaki 12-year single malt, Tabasco chipotle pepper sauce); Regional Export (lemon juice, vanilla simple syrup, orgeat, Kelt VSOP, Noah’s Mill Kentucky Bourbon, egg white, Angostura bitters).

A special menu of bar food has also been created to complement the cocktails. They include sage-and-lemon popcorn; yellowtail crudo; duck prosciutto; foie gras and wagyu beef sliders; and an oyster flight.

The art opening is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. The cocktails and food are available all night.

1147 3rd St., Santa Monica; (310) 451-0843; www.michaelssantamonica.com.

-- Jessica Gelt

For the record, 12:10 p.m.: An earlier version of this post said the work of artist Alex Prager would be featured at the gallery opening. Vanessa Prager’s work will be highlighted.

For the record, 12:31 p.m. March 25: An earlier version of this post said that an art opening featuring the work of Vanessa Prager and Alejandro Gehry was being held in conjunction with the launch of the new mixology program. That art opening is now a private event, and not open to the public.

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