Locanda Bar Preview
Categories: Cocktails & Spirits
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| Lou Bustamante |
| The back bar at Locanda |
This Saturday, Locanda, the modernized Roman osteria from chef Anthony Strong and owners Craig and Annie Stoll, opens to the public. Locanda's cocktail program was created by bar manager Eric Alperin.
SFoodie were sad to see that Brian MacGregor wasn't going to serve as bar manager at Locanda, but if anyone could fill those shoes, it's Eric Alperin. An industry vet who has spent time working at places like Little Branch and Milk & Honey in New York, Alperin established the bar at Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles. Osteria Mozza has cocktails with a strong Italian inspiration and a huge amaro collection, which seems to fit the Locanda style. The influence of working at these establishments will not simply show up in the taste of the drinks, but also in the aesthetics and service.
SFoodie spoke to Alperin yesterday to get a sense of what to expect. As of press time, the names and recipes for the drinks were still being finalized. "You want to have your time with [the menu] before you give it to the world," explained Alperin. He was able to confirm that from the list of five cocktails, a few would draw on Locanda's large collection of grappa (a grape-based digestif) and amaros (bitter liqueurs). He describes the program as "classically focused with an Italian twist."
SFoodie were sad to see that Brian MacGregor wasn't going to serve as bar manager at Locanda, but if anyone could fill those shoes, it's Eric Alperin. An industry vet who has spent time working at places like Little Branch and Milk & Honey in New York, Alperin established the bar at Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles. Osteria Mozza has cocktails with a strong Italian inspiration and a huge amaro collection, which seems to fit the Locanda style. The influence of working at these establishments will not simply show up in the taste of the drinks, but also in the aesthetics and service.
SFoodie spoke to Alperin yesterday to get a sense of what to expect. As of press time, the names and recipes for the drinks were still being finalized. "You want to have your time with [the menu] before you give it to the world," explained Alperin. He was able to confirm that from the list of five cocktails, a few would draw on Locanda's large collection of grappa (a grape-based digestif) and amaros (bitter liqueurs). He describes the program as "classically focused with an Italian twist."
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| The Varnish |
| Eric Alperin behind the bar at The Varnish |
In the works is a long drink with ginger, a stirred scotch
cocktail, and an aperitivo that's a variation on the Vesper with
prosecco. A "bartender's choice" option will expand the selection, with
rotating sour, long, and aromatic cocktails each night. Locanda will be
using a Kold-Draft machine to create clear ice cubes for mixing,
stirring, and long drinks, and using molded two-by-two-inch cubes for
old-fashioned-style drinks. The beer selection will include Italian
beer, local brews, and Miller High Life. "We want to take the experience
seriously, but we don't want to take ourselves too seriously," Alperin
said.
Locanda, 557 Valencia (at 17th), 863-6800.
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