The Best Port in A Storm: Cliff's Edge Tonight

Port brings to mind the ruby colored wine you might have with your cheese course after a tasting menu or perhaps the contents of a crystal decanter in your grandfather’s study. Leave your preconceptions behind as tonight at Cliff’s Edge you have the opportunity to see the range of ports and to try them in a series of cocktail and punch recipes from Dave Wondrich, the author of Punch. Lorenzo Bakewell-Stone, the Global Brand Ambassador for Croft Port is in town and will be hosting an evening of port cocktails at Cliff’s Edge, the Silver Lake restaurant helmed by chef Ben Bailly. Along with the more established Ruby, Tawny and White ports, Croft Pink, the first Rose port will be incorporated into a cocktail. Two small plates, dessert, two port cocktails and a flight of port can all be yours for only $50. If that sounds like too much food and drink or too many ducats for your budget, you can try any of the 5 port cocktails or punches on offer for only $7 at the bar. Ben Bailly earned acclaim for his food at Petrossian and Fraiche and so tonight should be a fun opportunity to see what he has been up to in the kitchen at Cliff’s Edge. Bakewell-Stone represents some of the most well regarded ports including Taylor-Fladgate, Croft and Fonseca. He is in town from Porto, Portugal, from whence the wine gets its name. Whether you stop by for a cocktail or a full on meal, it will be an opportunity to see one of the latest cocktail trends firsthand as port may follow sherry as a fortified wine that becomes an essential and intriguing cocktail ingredient.

Cliff's Edge: 3636 West Sunset Blvd, Silver Lake | 323.666.6116 | http://www.cliffsedgecafe.com/

Classic Cocktails Have Arrived at Cliff's Edge

Cliff's, the bar at Cliff's Edge Cafe in Silverlake, has been reconfigured and the cocktail program has been redesigned by bartender Dave Whitton of Villains Tavern, who earlier gained notice at downtown whiskey specialist Seven Grand.  The new menu is focused on the classics, including a Martini made with Junipero Gin, which has a stronger juniper berry flavor than most gins.

The patio is still as lush and inviting as ever, but now the interior is a proper complement to the outside space. The Vieux Carré is particularly alluring, as it is boozy, aromatic and has layers of flavor.  It is the perfect drink to celebrate the end of a long week.  Whitton has included a variety of cocktails on the list, including a take on the Cosmopolitan with a float of red wine on top.  These twists keep things interesting and are a signature of his.

The full list is below:

The Calvados Cocktail $12
Calvados, Cointreau, Fresh Lemon & Orange, Flower Water

Caipirinha $11
Sagatiba Cachaca, Grapes, muddled lime and organic sugar

Cosmopolitan $13
Grey Goose, Fresh Lime, Brown Sugar, Cranberry, Lavender Bitters
With a flamed grapefruit peel and a float of Cabernet

Manhattan $12
Russell’s Rye, Felsina Amaro with Forbidden Bitters

Margarita $11
4 Copas, Fresh Lime, Cucumber, Flower Water, Agave
With a pinch of salt on top

Martini $12
Junipero Gin, Chopin, Lillet with a hint of Lemon

Mojito $12
Pisco Porton, Fresh Lemon & Lime, Mint, Cane Sugar
Topped with Club Soda and Sparkling Wine

Negroni $12
Bols Genever, Antica Sweet Vermouth, Gran Classico, with Orange and Lemon Oils

Old Fashioned $11
Eagle Rare 10, Peychaud Bitters, Organic Sugar,
With Grapefruit and Lemon Oils
*ask for our special tequila old fashioned as well

Vieux Carré $20
Courvoisier VS, Thomas Handy Rye, Antica Sweet Vermouth, Benedictine
With Peychaud and Angostura Bitters

Cliff's Bar @ Cliff's Edge: 3626 Sunset Blvd, Silver Lake.  (323) 666-6116.  Website: www.cliffsedgecafe.com