Sample cocktails prepared by guest mixologists at Tavernita

Here's another announcement that I found in my inbox this week. This sounds like such a fun time!

HAT'S ON TAP AT TAVERNITA

Tavernita announces remaining Taps for Tap guest mixologists for 2013

 

Tavernita is excited to announce the remainder of the year's special guest mixologists lined up for Taps for Tap, the restaurant's monthly cocktail program with proceeds benefitingFreshwater Future.

Each month, the restaurant features a different cocktail curated by some of the nation's most reputable beverage industry experts. The cocktail is batched and served on tap via Tavernita's innovative, kegged cocktail system. The featured drinks are available throughout the month for $14, with a portion of the proceeds supporting Freshwater's mission to ensure the healthy future of waters in the Great Lakes region. 

  

The July Taps for Tap cocktail, La Perla, is courtesy of Jacques Bezuidenhout, master mixologist for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and National Cocktail and Tequila Ambassador forPartida Tequila. Served chilled and garnished with a lemon twist, La Perla features a delicious combination of Partida Reposado, sherry, and pear liqueur.

  

South African native Jacques Bezuidenhout began bartending nearly 20 years ago and continued to do so in London and in San Francisco where he relocated in 1998. He has been voted Best Bartender in San Francisco by Anthony Dias Blue, is a judge in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition as well as the Ultimate Spirits Competition. Under the direction of Bezuidenhout, the acclaimed Tres Agaves in San Francisco won the "Spirits Restaurant of the Year" award from Santé magazine in 2006. He also helped launch the  San Francisco chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild. In recognition of his work, he was named best American brand ambassador at the 2011 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. As Master Mixologist for Kimpton, Jacques oversees the company's individual and national spirits menus and bar concepts at nearly 60 restaurants and bars throughout the country. Jacques has also been selected to be on the Board of Advisors forLiquor.com.

  

Next on Tap

Taps for Tap will continue throughout the rest of the year featuring cocktails contributed from the following special guests:

August:	Todd Thrasher, General Manager, Sommelier, and Liquid Savant, for Restaurant Eve, Alexandria, VA
September:	Miguel F. Lancha, Paradisus Palma Real Hotel, Dominican Republic
October:	Eric Alperin, Mixologist, The Varnish, LA
November:	Phil Ward, Mayahuel, New York City/Last Call Consulting
December:	Alfredo Sandoval, Managing Partner of Mercadito Hospitality

  

From Taps to Tapas

To provide small bites with your beverage, the restaurant's adjoining bar, Barcito, has introduced 5 p.m. Tapas Time. At the daily tapas party, guests who purchase a beer, glass of wine, or cocktail will receive a complimentary tapa. The Tapas Time party is available everyday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For additional information, please visit www.tavernita.com.

About Tavernita and Barcito

Owned and operated by Mercadito Hospitality, Tavernita and Barcito are located in the heart of Chicago's popular River North neighborhood at 151 W. Erie St. Featuring the cuisine of Chef/Partner Ryan Poli, the restaurants' menus offer a mix of American dishes with Mediterranean influences and an innovative beverage program showcasing creative selections from around the world and unique kegged cocktails. Designed to encourage sampling and sharing, the menus have something for every taste and are brought to life in distinct spaces expertly designed by Seed Design. Barcito presents a stand-and-eat tapas experience with an array of wine, beer and signature cocktail selections.

  

Tavernita is open seven days a week. Lunch is available Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner is served Sunday through Tuesday from 5 to 10 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. The Lounge at Tavernita is open Saturday from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Weekend brunch is served Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit Tavernita's website,Facebook page and Twitter feed.

Barcito is open Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m., and Friday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. For more information, visit Barcito's website and Twitter feed.