West Hollywood visual artist Katie Brightside and veteran barkeep veteran barkeep Sarah L.M. Mengoni are releasing their long-awaited recipe book, “Once Upon A Cocktail,” at series of events this week, starting with the official launch from 5:30-7:30 p.m.m Thursday evening at La Boheme.
The evening promises a delightful immersion into the book’s enthralling world, with attendees having the opportunity to meet the creators behind this project, get their copies signed, and taste a featured drink from the book known as “The Situationship (A.K.A. Maguey Picante).” This special concoction exemplifies the book’s adventurous spirit, guiding readers through West Hollywood’s vast selection of bars, restaurants, and other hotspots, each narrated with a slice of history that celebrates the locale’s past while embracing the present.
Adding to the allure of the event is a buffet-style Charcuterie Board for attendees to nibble on as they mingle and discuss the art of mixology with the book’s mixology creator, Guido Ortuno. The first 20 guests through the door will be treated to a complimentary cocktail, courtesy of Dos Hombres, making the early arrival a rewarding experience.
A unique aspect of the evening is a live artwork activation, inviting all guests to participate. Every book purchase automatically enters the attendee into a raffle to win a one-of-a-kind artwork inspired by “Once Upon A Cocktail,” making the book launch not just a literary event, but an artistic spectacle as well.
The book itself is a collaborative masterpiece brought to life by imagineer and illustrator Katie Brightside and veteran barkeep Sarah L.M. Mengoni. Featuring over 850 illustrations, “Once Upon A Cocktail – West Hollywood” is a recipe book that highlights 54 treasured venues across The Creative City, presenting a drinking adventure akin to a tour guide’s narrative. From old-Hollywood charm to the rare diamonds of dive bars, the book encapsulates the essence of West Hollywood’s vibrant drinking culture.
This event is an invitation to explore the alchemy of storytelling and mixology, embodying a bohemian rhapsody of sorts that pays homage to West Hollywood’s rich history and contemporary allure. Attendees are required to RSVP for the event, ensuring an intimate setting for literary aficionados and cocktail connoisseurs to revel in the magic that “La Bohème: Once Upon A Cocktail” brings to life.
For those interested in partaking in this celebration of literature and mixology, tickets and further details are available on the Eventbrite page.
