I think I have a new favorite Martini Bar!

Not long ago I was in Downtown Los Angeles looking for a place to stop in and quench my thirst.  I wasn’t really looking for a high end restaurant, more of a neighborhood bar.   However, I did end up at a very nice restaurant, stopping at Kendall’s Brasserie & Bar and I’m very glad I did.

I am familiar with Kendall’s having eaten there several times over the years before various events a that the Los Angeles Music Center.  Kendall’s is located on the ground floor below the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

I did not eat a meal at my recent visit though I can attest that their food has, in the past, always been excellent.  I have no reason to doubt that it remains so.

But I did have a Martini, in fact a couple.  I have to admit that I did not order my usual Bombay Sapphire as my ‘control’ drink.  I was impressed with the number and selection of gins they had.  So, not wanting to drink to the point of oblivion and still wanting to try some of these gins, I skipped the Sapphire.   Instead I tried the “Perry’s Tot Navy Strength” and “Dorothy Parker” from the New York Distilling Company.

They were both very good, thought I especially liked the Perry’s Tot.  As its ‘navy strength’ (114 proof) it is bold!  The taste is predominantly Juniper but with some nice citrus notes and a bit of sweetness to round it out.  Excellent for a Martini or even a G&T, if your’re so inclined.

The Dorothy Parker was more delicate.  There is still Juniper dominating the flavor but with a lot more floral elements and a touch of spice.  An excellent Martini if one prefers a more floral taste.

Not wanting to stumble around LA, I only had those two Martinis.  I will definitely return to try some of the other gin options that are available.  For that reason Kendall’s gets two Martini stems. 

For Selection Kendall’s earns an A:
Their collection of gins on the day I visited included the following:  New York Distilling Company’s “Perry’s Tot” Navy Strength and “Dorothy Parker”, Beefeater 24, Bombay, Bombay Sapphire, Plymouth, Aviation, Oxley, St. George Terroir, Tanqueray Malacca, Ford’s, Edinburgh, & Martin Miller.  Their collection does change periodically.

Their web site is:
www.patinagroup.com/kendalls-brasserie-and-bar