The Obscure
LA’s dinner and drinking scene continues to surprise and we were lucky enough to get an invite to season 1 at something called “The Obscure.” Situated in DTLA’s Arts district, a densely populated and industrial swath adjacent to the not-so-great parts of Los Angeles is this dark, mysterious black building. Make no mistake, there is nothing welcoming about this façade and save for the helpful and friendly staff who greet you, you’d probably just prefer to take a glance and keep driving by. That would be a mistake.
Inside, once you’re granted clearance for entry, you walk inside an oasis of awesome. Creative, yet dimly lit bulbs are everywhere, candlelight, the sound of gushing water from illuminated falls within, we find ourselves in a mesmerizing and enchanting space completely devoted to something I hold especially dear: whisky, bourbon, and other magical beverages that I don’t even know how to describe. There are giant trees and other plants adorning the stone walls, a nod to the various herbs the mixologists blend into their concoctions, each served in mini-flights with ample descriptions of what you’re about to taste. This experience is so much more than merely tasting; it is a totally immersive sensory deep-dive.
Everything about this endeavor is mysteriously creative, from the Four Thieves Gin and Dichotomy Brand, to the Seven Spheres Rye and Three Fates Herbal Génépi. This is the brainchild of head distiller Théron Regnier who makes his spirits in a facility next door and then fancifully weaves brilliant narratives around each one as he and his bartenders mix up fetching and delicious drinks and the stories behind them, one glass at a time. Each bottle is its own personality; each drink it’s own relationship to you. And many of those relationships are mixed and blended by Bar Master Hope Ewing.
In the midst of all this darkness and creativity, Candice and I drop in some Cocktail Floats™ to add a little more whimsey into this surreal evening. They become the perfect accessory, subtly playing off the lights of the room, our deep blues and purples accentuating the room’s dim lighting, adding yet another layer of awesome in this tremendous place. Make sure to arrive on time (late-comers are turned away); this is invite-only (which you’ll get after sending a text, maybe); the drinks are generous and plentiful so pace yourself; and enjoy this world away with a drink in one hand – and another drink in the other. Oh, they do prefer you dress in all black, so keep that in mind. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to Dress Up Your Drink with Cocktail Floats™.
Visit The Obscure
