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Welcome to Season 3 of The Cocktail Guru Podcast!
Jan. 17, 2024

Magic with John-Paul Lavoisier

Magic with John-Paul Lavoisier

J.P. Lavoisier's favorite drink: old-fashioned.

J.P. Lavoisier, a guest on the Cocktail Guru Podcast, revealed his favorite drink to be the old-fashioned. The podcast, hosted by Jonathan Pogash and Jeffrey, explores the latest trends in hospitality and features interviews with industry trailblazers and tastemakers.

During the podcast, J.P. Lavoisier, an actor and magician, shared his fondness for the old-fashioned cocktail. He mentioned that the best old-fashioned he has ever had was at the Minetta Tavern on Minetta Lane in West Ville. This particular old-fashioned was mind-blowing for him and opened his eyes to the unique flavors and presentation of the drink.

J.P. Lavoisier also mentioned another favorite restaurant of his, Joe Allen's, which serves a close second in terms of his favorite old-fashioned. However, it seems that the experience at Minetta Tavern left a lasting impression on him.

The old-fashioned is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. It typically consists of bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus peel. It is often garnished with a cherry and served over ice in a lowball glass. The drink is known for its simplicity and the balance of flavors it offers.

By expressing his love for the old-fashioned, J.P. Lavoisier joins the ranks of many cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate the timeless appeal of this drink. Its combination of smooth whiskey, sweetness, and aromatic bitters make it a favorite among those who enjoy a well-crafted cocktail.

Overall, J.P. Lavoisier's preference for the old-fashioned showcases his appreciation for the art of mixology and the unique experiences that can be found in different bars and restaurants. His mention of the Minetta Tavern's old-fashioned as a mind-blowing experience highlights the impact that a well-crafted cocktail can have on a person's perception of a drink. The old-fashioned continues to be a beloved classic in the world of cocktails, and J.P. Lavoisier's endorsement further solidifies its status as a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.

Burger and Old Fashioned memories.

Furthermore, J.P. Lavoisier's discussion of the cherries used in the old-fashioned at Joe's and the Minetta Tavern adds an interesting element to his burger and old-fashioned memories. The mention of the real Maraschino cherries, which are relatively expensive, emphasizes the attention to detail and quality that goes into crafting a memorable cocktail. It also shows Lavoisier's appreciation for discovering new flavors and ingredients, as he had never had these cherries before.

The conversation then shifts to the burgers at the Minetta Tavern, with Lavoisier and his friend sharing the Black Label burger and the Minetta burger. Their enthusiasm for the burgers is evident in their discussion of the deliciousness and the accompanying fries. Lavoisier's mention of Francois's special mustard, which includes cognac, further enhances the dining experience and showcases the unique and creative offerings at the Minetta Tavern.

The podcast also touches on the nostalgia and sentimental value attached to these burger and old-fashioned memories. Lavoisier and his friend reminisce about their time working together at a restaurant in New York City and how their paths have crossed again years later in a different city. This highlights the interconnectedness of life and the unexpected twists and turns that can lead to cherished memories and reunions.

Overall, the podcast transcript provides a glimpse into the joy and appreciation that can be found in the simple pleasures of a well-crafted cocktail and a delicious burger. It showcases the importance of quality ingredients, skilled bartenders, and unique dining experiences in creating lasting memories. Whether it's discovering new flavors in a cocktail or savoring the perfect combination of burger and fries, these experiences can leave a lasting impression and evoke a sense of nostalgia for years to come.

Be cautious with financial stability.

However, nestled within this light-hearted conversation is a deeper message about financial stability and the importance of being cautious with one's finances. The speaker reflects on their early days in the entertainment industry, specifically in soap operas, and how they were initially unaware of the precarious nature of their position. They highlight the fact that they could be fired at any time, without warning.

This realization prompts the speaker to share their own experience of giving a three-week notice to their previous job, even though the standard notice period was two weeks. They were excited about their new opportunity and had already started making financial plans based on their expected income. However, their start date was repeatedly pushed back, leaving them in a state of uncertainty for two months.

This experience serves as a cautionary tale for the speaker, who now recognizes the importance of being prepared for unforeseen circumstances. They emphasize that anyone, regardless of their age or profession, can be let go from their job at any point. This realization has led the speaker to adopt a more cautious approach and advise others, particularly young people, to be ready for potential setbacks and not to make impulsive financial decisions based on the assumption of job security.

The speaker also recalls a conversation with a colleague who had been working on the soap opera for 13 years. When the speaker excitedly shared their recent purchases and the amount they had charged on their credit card, their colleague responded with a simple, yet profound, warning: "be careful." The speaker admits that at the time, they didn't fully grasp the significance of this cautionary statement. However, in hindsight, they realize that their colleague was trying to convey the importance of financial prudence and avoiding excessive spending.

This anecdote serves as a reminder that financial stability can be fragile, and it is crucial to exercise caution and restraint when it comes to managing one's finances. The speaker's own experience of accumulating debt in a short period of time serves as a cautionary tale for others who may be tempted to indulge in immediate gratification without considering the potential consequences.

In conclusion, the podcast transcript sheds light on the importance of being cautious with financial stability. It highlights the unpredictable nature of many industries and the potential risks associated with assuming long-term job security. The speaker's personal experiences and the advice they received from their colleague serve as reminders to be prepared for unexpected setbacks and to exercise prudence when it comes to financial decisions. By heeding this advice, individuals can better navigate the uncertainties of the professional world and maintain a more stable financial future.

Restaurant work is valuable experience.

Additionally, the transcript emphasizes the value of working in a restaurant. The speaker expresses their gratitude for the opportunity to work at a fine dining establishment and highlights the benefits of being thrown into the "wolves of adulthood" at a young age. They mention the sense of maturity and responsibility they gained from working alongside adults and having to learn about unfamiliar aspects of the job, such as different types of alcohol.

The speaker goes on to assert that everyone should work in a restaurant at some point in their life. They argue that this experience allows individuals to better understand and appreciate the work that goes into serving customers and delivering food. By having firsthand experience in a restaurant setting, individuals can gain empathy and perspective, enabling them to be more patient and understanding as customers themselves.

Furthermore, the speaker acknowledges the challenges of working in a restaurant, such as being overwhelmed during busy periods. However, they still maintain that the overall experience is valuable and worth it. They believe that everyone should go through the trials and tribulations of working in a restaurant to develop a greater appreciation for the service industry and the hard work that goes into it.

In conclusion, the podcast transcript highlights the importance of working in a restaurant and the valuable lessons and experiences that can be gained from such employment. It encourages individuals to have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the service industry and emphasizes the benefits of being exposed to the challenges and responsibilities of restaurant work. By doing so, individuals can develop empathy, patience, and a greater understanding of the work that goes into providing excellent customer service.

Reconnecting leads to unexpected opportunities.

However, the transcript also touches on the theme of reconnecting leading to unexpected opportunities. The speaker discusses how after being unavailable for 10 years, they wanted to experience being available for anything and everything in their career. This openness to new opportunities eventually led to a call from Days of Our Lives in 2015, where they were able to work for a year. This unexpected opportunity came about because the speaker was willing to say yes and try something new.

Furthermore, the podcast transcript shares a personal story about the speaker reconnecting with an actress they knew from their acting class in New York. This actress happened to be in the first movie of a horror franchise that the speaker loves. When the speaker received a call to read for a part in a continuation of the franchise, they reached out to the actress and she offered to make sure the director watched their tape. This unexpected opportunity to potentially be a part of a franchise they admire came about because of their reconnection with someone from their past.

This story illustrates how reconnecting with people from our past can lead to unexpected opportunities. By staying in touch and remaining relevant to each other, we can open doors to new experiences and connections. In this case, the speaker's connection with the actress led to a potential role in a movie they love. It serves as a reminder that maintaining relationships and connections can have a significant impact on our lives and careers.

The podcast transcript also emphasizes the importance of being open to new opportunities and saying yes to different experiences. The speaker mentions how they wanted to hold off on accepting offers when they first came to LA, but eventually decided to say yes to Days of Our Lives because something felt right about it. This willingness to try something new led to a year-long opportunity on the show.

In conclusion, the podcast transcript highlights the power of reconnecting with people from our past and being open to new opportunities. By staying in touch and remaining relevant to each other, we can create unexpected connections and open doors to exciting experiences. The speaker's story serves as a reminder to embrace new opportunities and say yes to different experiences, as they may lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths in our careers and lives.

Days of Our Lives surprise cameo

The podcast transcript begins with the speaker expressing their excitement about a surprise cameo on the TV show "Days of Our Lives." While watching the show at a doctor's office, the speaker sees someone they know pop up on screen. This unexpected sighting prompts the speaker to reach out to the person, and they send them a note expressing their surprise and curiosity about the situation.

The conversation then shifts to a memory involving the speaker, their wife Megan, and the person they reached out to. They all worked together at the Russian tea room and would often hang out together. The speaker reminisces about their time at a nearby bar called Faces and Names, where they would make fun of guests and deal with eccentric managers. Despite the chaotic environment, the speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with the person they are interviewing on the podcast.

The conversation takes a lighthearted turn as the speaker and their co-host discuss the possibility of continuing the interview. However, they are interrupted by their executive producers, who indicate that the interview is coming to an end. The speaker playfully bumps the table in defiance, expressing their desire to continue the conversation.

The discussion then takes a humorous detour as the speaker mentions seeing someone named Meg Pies in a Starbucks. The co-host is confused by this reference, and the speaker drops the topic, deeming it unimportant. They jokingly refer to it as a "turd" and move on to another topic.

The conversation concludes with the speaker expressing their appreciation for the listeners and thanking them for joining the podcast. They then ask the co-host what they are drinking, leading to a discussion about the speaker's favorite coffees. They mention their preference for Dunkin' Donuts and McDonald's coffee, with the possibility of their rankings shifting depending on the quality of the coffee. The speaker also mentions a new favorite called Cosmix, which they describe as a cross between Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts.

The co-host thanks the speaker for their insights, and the podcast ends with a friendly exchange and the promise of future conversations.

Mai Tai recipe using scotch.

The podcast transcript begins with the co-host expressing their excitement about being at Tonga Hut in North Hollywood, California. They mention the decor and a drooling statue in the bar. The co-host uses some Hollywood lingo and mentions getting some b-roll footage of the statue.

The main speaker, Jonathan, introduces himself as being from Tipple Time and expresses his enthusiasm for making cocktails. He mentions that he will be making a Mai Tai using scotch whiskey. He names the cocktail "Blackmore's Tai" in honor of his friend David Blackmore from Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whiskey.

Jonathan proceeds to add two ounces of Glenmorangie 10-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey to a mixing tin. He then adds a pre-mixed juice blend called Mai Tai from Monin. He describes the blend as pineapple, orangey, and citrusy. Jonathan shakes the mixture with ice and strains it into a tiki mug filled with ice.

He garnishes the cocktail with pineapple fronds and a lime wheel. Jonathan mentions that he is also a cocktail stylist and recommends watching the podcast on YouTube to see the visuals. He then proceeds to do an ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) segment, whispering and taking a sip of the cocktail. He invites Kat from Tonga Hut to join him in the ASMR experience.

Kat agrees and they both take a sip of the cocktail, expressing how delicious it is. The podcast ends with Jonathan saying goodbye and mentioning the sponsors, Monin Gourmet Syrups and Glenmorangie. The co-host concludes the podcast by asking listeners to rate, review, and subscribe, and provides information on where to find the podcast and follow them on social media.

In conclusion, the podcast provides a detailed description of a Mai Tai recipe using scotch whiskey. The speaker, Jonathan, shares his enthusiasm for cocktails and showcases his skills in mixing and styling drinks. The co-host thanks Jonathan for his insights and promises future conversations.