The other day I read that Justin Guthrie, one of the really cool mixologists here in DC, was leaving Central Michel Richard.? While the food at Central is great, I’d started going there thanks to Justin and so was a bit dismayed!
Work done for the day, I headed down to Central today hoping it wasn’t too late.? Alas, it was – last night was the last day for Justin – I was too late!? I sipped on a maple Manhattan and debated what to do.
Well, the drinks were still great, so I stuck around.? I found out Justin will be going to a restaurant in Glover Park near the original Bourbon called Blue Ridge, by the people who do Sonoma (from what I understand).? Taking over for Justin at Central will be general manager/sommelier Brian Zipin and his trained staff of bartenders.
They made for me a “Turf Club” – Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters – and an original recipe Jack Rose that they were experimenting with at the bar.? I polished off some fish and chips along with an Old Speckled Hen and had a “Primo” tempranillo wine for dessert.
Don’t count out Central – I’m sure they’ll miss Justin, but the drinks are still tasty, and it’ll be interesting to see what they put on the menu next.? I can’t wait to check out Blue Ridge when they get going (the date I heard bandied about was March 10th) so we’ll have to see what happens.
