I have mentioned Neat bar a few times in previous posts, for two distinct reasons. One, the owner Aidan Demarest is one of the most interesting, funny and charismatic people you will ever meet. Two, the drinks are always great and the bartenders really know what they’re doing there.
I have plenty to say about this place and it’s innovative concept, so be sure to check back in the next few weeks when I will be putting up a review of the bar itself. For now, here is a little interview with one of their top barmen Arash Pakzad. (Please note the photo used below is copyright to Raul Villarreal of rAwkfoto.)
Arash Pakzad
Official Job Title: Head Bartender
Born: San Francisco, California
Currently Resides: Los Angeles, California
Current Work locations:
Neat Bar, Glendale CA (Basically all the time)
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Q & A
What is your ‘go-to’ liquor of choice? High Proof Rye Whiskey and Islay Scotch, also a good Reposado Tequila What is your favorite “Classic” Drink? Sazerac Are you a fussy eater or picky drinker? If so, what WON’T you try? Not too fussy, I’ll try anything as long as I kill it or it’s been killed for me. What is the most unusual dish or food item you’ve ever tasted? Cow Tongue Stew, Brain tacos, Rocky Mountain Oysters – all great. What is the best thing about what you do? Everything. Pleasing people around me and pleasing myself.
What is the Worst thing about what you do? I get people nice and tipsy, then I have to stop serving at 2am! What is the name of your favorite (current) Mixology bar in LA? Mixology bar? You mean a bar that the bartenders know how to make excellent drinks? Tough choice. I feel like there are only a select number of people in the World that are true mixologists and the term mixology is overused and under-appreciated. There are some great places in LA though. Who would you say is your mentor? Who trained you in your area of expertise? Aidan Demarest, Jon Ojinaga, Laurel Sather, Fred Pakzad, John-Eric Sanchez, Ashley Afferino, Edgar Monsivais, All my fellow bartenders that I have had the opportunity to work beside. Where can you usually be found on a Saturday night? Neat bar in Glendale! If you could live anywhere in the World where would it be? & Why? San Francisco, CA. Do you have a couple pages of space for me to use to explain why? I have my friends, it’s my birthplace, all that food and the awesome homeless people to give my leftovers to.
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If you would like to be considered for this new segment send an email to pickydrinker@gmail.com with a little info on who you are and where you work. If you don’t sound like a crazy person, I will happily send you a questionnaire to fill out. If you work in Los Angeles I will almost certainly come in to see how good you are! Please note, I am looking for enthusiastic bartenders with a real passion for ‘Tending Bar”, Mixology or Classic drink making. Those of you who bartend for extra cash but have no actual interest in the cocktail community need not apply!
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