Robert Spuhler

Sep 23, 2024 | thrillist.com | Robert Spuhler

We’re biased — really biased — but Northern California may be the most beautiful part of the country in the fall. We’ve got all the foliage colors to match New England, we’ve got that light-jacket crisp fall weather, and we’ve got ocean views that stretch to and beyond the horizon. NorCal takes the best parts of the season from other locales and combines them into one region. You can’t see it or feel it from your couch, though.

Sep 17, 2024 | thrillist.com | Robert Spuhler

In many parts of America, the fall is all about preparing for the winter to come: Coats and sweaters come out of storage, patio furniture goes into storage, and time in the sun is traded for time at home. But you don’t live in those places. You live in Los Angeles. (Lucky you.) And in Los Angeles, we live outdoors all year. This is a city known for its brilliant weather and that doesn’t change after Labor Day.

Dec 1, 2023 | eater.com | Robert Spuhler

You don’t have to wear green on Saint Patrick’s Day. You don’t have to watch fireworks on July Fourth. And no matter how busy Santa is at the workshop, you don’t actually have to drink hot cocoa. Yes, a reminder of the season is lovely, but with the weather outside being frightful, maybe a smooth Puerto Rican rum like BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho is a more appropriate holiday beverage.

Nov 3, 2023 | eater.com | Robert Spuhler

Mezcal is a perfect spirit for exploration. Unlike tequila, which is made from one specific type of agave, mezcal can be created from more than 25 different species of agave, meaning that a shelf full of mezcal bottles will have a wider variety in taste than a similar shelf of tequilas. To drink mezcal is to sip curiously; to be willing to try new flavor profiles. If tequila is an evening of reservations and tickets, mezcal is a night out where anything could happen, and everything seems possible.

Oct 6, 2023 | eater.com | Robert Spuhler

Yes, the first task of the bartender is to pour drinks, but that’s rarely where their responsibilities end. They are de facto masters of ceremonies, making sure everyone is having a good time (but not too good a time). They make introductions. They are educators, introducing patrons to their new favorite cocktails or spirits. Some can even be counselors or tour guides (next time you go to a new city, ask a bartender where to visit – you’ll get top-notch recommendations).