This Saturday: Jonathan Gold's Union Station Cocktail Party - A Cocktailian Gathering of the Shakerati

Photo by vpisteve via Flickr

This Saturday sees the much-anticipated benefit for Zócalo, "Jonathan Gold's Union Station Cocktail Party". Participating restaurants like Rivera and Providence, along with Cedd Moses' signature cocktail pairings makes for an exciting event. Here is part two of our three-part interview with Jonathan Gold:

Do you have a preview of what we can look forward to at the fundraiser?A brief but lively panel discussion on cocktails and cocktail culture; a fine selection of cocktails mixed by some of the best bartenders in the city; and wonderful food designed to accompany cocktails, accompanied by appropriate Cocktail Age tunes. A cocktailian gathering of the shakerati, as it were. Nick and Nora would feel right at home.

You're working with Cedd Moses on this event. When did you two first meet?
I'd like to say that we bonded over rounds of the original Tequila Sunrise at the Agua Caliente racetrack in Tijuana, but my conscience won't let me. We met over Sazeracs at Seven Grand.

What do you think has contributed to the proliferation of chains and increasing homogenization of America’s restaurants?
I think the trend may be reversing, if only by a little. It's heartening to drive through the San Gabriel Valley and see all the drive-thrus and chain restaurants that have been converted to crab houses and noodle shops.

One winery recently announced a sponsorship of bands that they “pair” with various selections from their vineyards. Do you think the idea of specific music and alcohol or food pairings has merit, and if so, any recommendations?
The Descendants and Der Weinerschnitzel is a classic Los Angeles combination.

We ask everyone this one: favorite late night eats?
Lately, the Varnish. They don't serve food, but if you're hungry, you can always fish the cherry from the bottom of your Aviation.

Part One of the interview