Q: Where can you find the best spirit-free cocktails?
Kristen: Kiki Bistro! Mixologist Kel Minton oversees the cocktail programs at both Soul Gastrolounge and new-ish sister concept Kiki, and he made a point to have equally tasty zero-proof options on the menu. While I think all of the incredible bartenders around town can make a great booze-free drink, I appreciate Kiki’s menu including the drinks along with their alcoholic options.

Q: What are your top three new spots to get a cocktail?
Kristen: What Amanda Britton is doing at Orto, the new Italian restaurant from chef Paul Verica, is definitely worth a visit. Also, Supperland’s dining room gets a lot of love because it’s so beautiful, but what Colleen Hughes has going on in the small cocktail bar to the side is just as worthy. Billy Sunday isn’t really new, but it doesn’t get much attention, and it should. Those are my picks!

Q: What do you think it will take to get a labor force back into restaurants? 
Kristen: Higher wages, but also benefits, vacation time, and a more reasonable schedule. What will it take for that to happen? Higher menu prices across the board. I think coming out of the pandemic is a good time for concepts to consider raising prices; it’s been so long since most of us have eaten out, higher prices won’t be as noticeable. We spoke about this a lot on the ScallionPancake podcast last week. Check it out here!

Q: Can I purchase simple syrups from the old-fashioned kits in larger quantities?
Kristen: You can’t buy them anywhere too official, but I’m sure if you reached out to the bartenders on Instagram, they could work something out! We’ve also posted the recipe for Justin Hazelton’s winning old-fashioned in our December kit — the Smokin’ Hot Date Old-Fashioned — on our social media and, more permanently, on YouTube.

Have a question for our staff? E-mail it to editor@unpretentiouspalate.com!

Unpretentious People Say...

Other Articles You Might Enjoy