Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Travelle Hosts Internationally Renowned Mixologist; Best Chicago Steakhouses For Cocktails

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London-based bartender Alex Kratena (Photo courtesy of Wagstaff Worldwide)

He's best known for his beautiful drinks, and Chicago imbibers will get their first opportunity to meet the award-winning mixologist Alex Kratena when he conducts a two-day residence at the Langham Hotel's Travelle.

Kratena holds down the fort at Artesian Bar at The Langham in London, and March 27-28, we will get to find out why his accolades include “The World’s Best Cocktail Menu” at Tales of the Cocktail (2011), “World’s Best Hotel Bar” and “International Bartender of the Year” at Tales of the Cocktail (2012), and “The World’s Best Bar,” an award sponsored by Drinks International Magazine (2012).

Kratena's Chicago debut marks the beginning of his U.S. tour, during which he will also visit Langham properties in Boston, New York and Pasadena. He's charged with introducing a specially curated menu of cocktails that will be available only at the U.S.-based Langham hotels.

As part of his Chicago residence, he'll host a mixology class 5-6:30pm March 27. It's $50 per person, space is limited and reservations may be made by calling the restaurant. Look for Kratena's creations to be inspired by the Chicago fire, with flavor profiles such as talisker, port, sherry, citrus, cacao and raspberry. Sounds about right!

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SideDoor's smoked Negroni is available yearround. (Photo: SideDoor)

Even more signature cocktails may be enjoyed at a number of steakhouse-focused restaurants around town. While most diners are familiar with the massive wine lists available at the likes of Chicago Cut Steakhouse and III Forks, they may not know that they may order some of the best drinks in the city.

Here are our favorites.

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