A Secret Password to a Fresh Deal @ Michael's in Santa Monica

I've been a fan of the cocktails at Michael's in Santa Monica ever since Chef McCarty brought on Jason Robey in April to launch a farm to glass cocktail program. Robey who worked at Bar & Kitchen in Downtown LA and with Giovanni Martinez and Joel Black at Les Deux Estate before coming to Michael's, has developed a cohesive menu that celebrates fresh and local ingredients.

Now on Friday and Saturday evenings during the month of June there is no reason not to stop by for one of Robey's drinks as with a secret password you can get a complimentary Bar Bite of your choice.  The bar bite choices include two I particularly enjoyed: Hiramasa Yellowtail Crudo, and Duck Confit and Wagyu Beef Sliders.  What is the magic word?  Burrata.

The current cocktail list includes:
• Six Shooter - Magellan Gin, Pernod, Lemon Bitters, Meyer Lemon Juice, Grapefruit Juice, Demerara, Sage, Dill ($12)
• Mary Rose - Cranberry/Ginger-Infused Tito’s Vodka, Vanilla Simple Syrup, Lime, Charred Rosemary ($12)
• The Big Red Hat - Don Julio Reposado Tequila, Yellow Chartreuse, Lime, Lemon-Clove Simple Syrup, Lavender, Grapefruit Foam ($16)
• Karai Karai - Yamazaki 12-yr Single Malt Scotch, Poblano/Jalapeño/Bell Pepper Simple Syrup, Lemon, Grapefruit, Chipotle Tabasco ($14)
• Wilbur’s Nemesis - Maker’s Mark Bacon Reduction, Leopold Bros. New York Apple Whiskey, Bulleit Rye, Dolin Rouge, Angostura Bitters, Torched Applewood-Smoked Bacon ($16)
• The Passion – House-made Spiced Rum, Passionfruit Juice, Lime Juice, Vanilla Simple Syrup, Grand Marnier, Prosecco ($15)
• Star of Africa – Star of Africa Tea-infused Tito’s Vodka, Kumquat-Thyme Simple Syrup, Lemon Verbena, Club Soda ($12)
• The Fortune Teller - Right Gin, Strawberry, Sugar Cube, Dolin Blanc, 10-Year Tawny Port/Balsamic/Pomegranate Molasses Reduction, Blue Cheese-Stuffed Olive ($12)

You can't go wrong with the Karai Karai.  So sidle up to the bar, get one of Robey's cocktails, say Burratta (and please) and enjoy a Bar Bite on the house.  Not a bad way to enjoy a Friday or Saturday evening.  Note, this deal is only available in the bar and lounge area.

The Mary Rose.  Photo courtesy of Michael's

Michael's: 1147 3rd Street, Santa Monica.  Phone: (310) 451-0843.  Website: http://www.michaelssantamonica.com/