Elina Shatkin
The former Les Deux space on Las Palmas has been revamped and is reopen as Sadie, a sexy bar and gastropub, on Jan. 24. At a preview last night, we took a look around and tasted through a few of the cocktails. Our favorite (so far): the Armillita Chico. Made with Calle 23 Tequila Blanco, housemade grenadine, pomegranate juice and lime, the drink is named after famous torero Fermín Espinoza Saucedo.
[Photo gallery after the jump. Plus, a sad brief history of Les Deux, Part Deux.]
Saucedo, who was most active during the mid-1930s, came from an esteemed bullfighting family and debuted as a bullfighter when he was only 13 years old. Throughout his career, he fought approximately 150 matches with few serious gorings.
Like its namesake, the Armillita Chico cocktail has staying power. The sweetness of the grenadine and pomegranate juice are leveled with a dash of lime while the subtle kick of the tequila hits the back of the throat. Know when to wave the white handkerchief.
Sadie is divided into three rooms: a “parlour bar” in the front, a “lounger bar” in the middle and, at the very back, a semi-enclosed patio with high glass ceilings where patrons can dine. The decor is classy, classic and distinguished without name-checking a particular era or style.
A few more details: The Les Deux chef and beverage director are both back for this new incarnation. David Schmit, formerly of Hotel Bel Air and the Buffalo Club, will command the kitchen. Giovanni Martinez, once a cocktail consultant at Fig and Olive and the Buffalo Club, will serve “handcrafted cocktails” at the “parlour bar” and “lounge bar.”
Les Deux: Un Historie en Quatre Parties
Sadie: 1638 N. Las Palmas Ave., L.A. (323) 467-0200, www.sadiela.com.
Elina Shatkin is a staff writer at LA Weekly. Follow her at @elinashatkin or contact her at eshatkin@laweekly.com.
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