Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/234009
A la Carte By Peter Christian, Vice President Food & Beverage Torchy's Bar ushers in new era of craft cocktails "B right lights and big city" might be the perfect phrase to describe the transformation that has taken place on the 2nd Floor of the WAC. Where previously we found Torchy's Wine Bar, you will now find a hip cocktail lounge that, for the time being, goes by the simple name: Torchy's Bar. Not every food or bar concept has an enduring feel and energy. Most venues must move and adapt with consumers' tastes. Those of us in the food and beverage business hope to create the longest-lasting intersection of key elements that define a bar and make it a gathering place where people want to meet, mingle and relax. When I started working with the design team from Bargreen Ellingson many months ago, we knew that craft cocktails would be around for a long time and that they presented a perfect opportunity for the rebirth of Torchy's Bar. That was the easy part. Next, we considered lighting, seating, and general ambiance. We wanted the space to be unique and enduring at the same time. I thought about various coffee shops where I enjoy spending time. These places present a come-as-you-are atmosphere, a relaxed feel where you want to linger. To encourage that in the new Torchy's Bar, we used big soft chairs and booths that are eclectic in style. The next challenge involved adding light and energy to the bar. We eliminated the halo of bottles previously surrounding the bar itself and added LED lighting to the bottle shelving and front reflective panels. As soon as we opened, we immediately noticed people's attraction to the space. One of the designers thought to tie in the small batch distillery theme we wanted to promote by using overlapping copper sheets on the backbar wall to give it an industrial feel, like a vintage copper distillery kettle. Challenges often arise with unusual design elements, and just because we can imagine it doesn't mean anyone has any practice at building it. The backbar copper cladding and the frozen pyramid for the bottles on the backbar proved to be those kinds of challenges. Room design aside, the quality of the drinks we make will determine our longterm success. Imagination and freshness carry the day, and our Torchy's bartending team of Jason, Tony and Dan spent many 12 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | JANUARY 2014 hours researching, testing, and falling in love with new and exciting cocktails that are now being happily consumed. I hope you enjoy them and the place they're being served. Here's my personal favorite from our latest lineup at the new Torchy's Bar. MEXICAN SHOOTOUT 1 ounce Gun Club Gin 1½ ounces El Zacatecano mezcal reposado ¼ ounce Patrón Citrónge ¼ ounce Aperol Directions: Mix all ingredients into ice-filled shaker. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with orange twist. L U K E R U TA N ( 2 ) Welcome to a new vibe