Sophisticated Nostalgia: Cereal-Inspired Brunch Cocktails at Hundred Proof in University Heights
The new brunch cocktails at Hundred Proof in University Heights feature nostalgic flavors and sophisticated techniques.
Now Open: Rendezvous, a Historic French Speakeasy, Re-Opens Downtown
After almost 40 years, the century-old US Grant Hotel has re-opened its historic French-style speakeasy in Downtown San Diego.
The Backstory
Rendezvous was established by the hotel’s prohibition-era owner, Baron Long, in 1933 just after the Cullen–Harrison Act was signed into law by President Roosevelt, but closed for good in the 1970s. The new space welcomes guests with a replica of the original 1930s neon sign, vintage decor, and a menu of complex, French-inflected cocktails, wines, punch bowls, and cask ciders that echo the glamor and intrigue of the original storied space.
The Vibe
Inside, the dim lighting, brass and leather, and eclectic decor have a decidedly vintage feel. This is no accident, as the design was inspired by the original club. Live music and a custom-built modern gramophone “jukebox”, add a lively vibe to the space.
The Drinks
This is a cocktail bar. Sure, they have well-priced, well-curated wines, beers, and ciders, but to order anything other than a well-crafted cocktail would be like ordering a salad at a steakhouse.
Every experience begins with the beverage version of an amuse buche, presented on a silver tray in petit glasses, these sips are meant to awaken the palate before you move on to one of Beverage Director Jeff Josenhans' complex creations.
There is the femme fatal, made with Blanche Armagnac, Dijon cassis, sparkling rose, and citrus. The Le Coq features a heady blend of French thyme and rosemary liqueurs, La Fee absinthe Parisienne, Domaine Santé “All-Sass” Riesling nectar, and cremant de Loire. Then there is the deceptively simple-sounding Triangle Amoureux, made only with gin, Lillet Blanc, and yellow chartreuse, but presented topped with an impressionist painting hovering like magic in its foam.
Surprises are a-plenty, and the mixology skills are so good, you shouldn't miss the chance to see the magic first hand when the roaming, table-side service Vieux Carre cocktail cart rolls by. Perhaps the biggest surprise of all is that most cocktails are a mere $10.
326 Broadway, Downtown San Diego
Hours: Thursday to Saturday, 5:30pm-1am
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