Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photos: New Santa Monica Whiskey Bar Puts A Peruvian Twist On Bar Fare
Our outlook on the Westside bar scene just got a little bit brighter with the opening of Brilliantshine, a whiskey-heavy cocktail lounge with elevated bar bites.
Chef Richie Lopez is formerly the executive chef of Paiche, so it should come as no surprise that many of the dishes have a Peruvian twist.
The drinks are made by Soigné Group's Julian Cox and Josh Goldman. The cocktails are inspired by Cox's travels to Paris, Spain, Italy, Peru, Martinique and London, mixing them with both classic and modern interpretations. The Santa Monica bar will also serve as the research and development center for the bartenders' other endeavors.
We had a chance to check out the menu. To start out, Brilliantshine is open from 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, with weekend brunch from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.