Even though matcha is nothing new, the finely ground green
tea powder is having a resurgence in popularity in L.A. Over the last year, two
matcha-dedicated cafes have opened up in town: Matcha Box in Beverly Grove and
Shuhari Matcha Cafe in Venice. The craze has even extended to boozy variations
of the earthy, jade-tinged tea as well. From matcha-laced gin fizzes, to Moscow
mules and martinis, here are some bars and restaurants serving up their spins
on the classics.
Blue
Ribbon: Matcha Tea Martini
New York´s popular Blue Ribbon sushi restaurants spread its
wings to the West Coast last year with their first California outpost at The
Grove. Not only did Blue Ribbon bring along its famed wasabi-honey fried
chicken across the country, its Matcha Tea Martini tagged along for the ride,
too. Frieda Hor, the creator of the libation and bartender at Blue Ribbon,
says, “Matcha has a rich savory character with high, sweet notes that
linger on the palate. Both aspects are held in place with a splash of dry
vermouth in this twist of a classic. The vodka provides a clean base to
showcase these flavors, and a house-made honey syrup rounds out the cocktail,
making it an ideal pairing for the restaurant´s superb seafood and sushi.”
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill is located at the Grove
at 189 the Grove Dr., Fairfax, (323) 352-9300. $13.