Stephanie Teslar has a lot of years behind the bar.
For ten years, she ran various bars up north in Flagstaff, Arizona. Then an opportunity at Kimpton Hotels, including the Blue Hound Kitchen, brought her to downtown Phoenix, where she helped their beverage programs.
Throughout the years, she's been able to watch the Valley's bar scene, specifically its cocktail scene.
"I would say it's blossoming" said Teslar.
The Valley has seen its share of cocktail lounges that have recently open in the Valley. To name a few, Second Story Liquor Bar and Counter Intuitive in Scottsdale, The Ostrich in downtown Chandler and Bitter and Twisted in Phoenix.
Yes, mixology is the art of making a drink, but a lot of factors go into creating a menu. It's about combining different spirits, their flavors and other aromas-- some bold, others subtle-- to create a comprehensive drink that tastes good and engages the senses. That's one aspect Teslar is taking on in her latest adventure.
She has been tapped to develop the drink menu at Honor Amongst Thieves, a new upscale cocktail lounge above Stock & Stable restaurant, along Seventh Street between Missouri and Montebello avenues.
It opens Thursday, June 16.
She created the drink menu to ensure it offered a taste for everyone, but with a few twists.
There is some emphasis on the classics, like The Martini. The Vermouth will not be forgotten. She refers to Vermouth as the "quintessential" part of a martini.
The lounge also features ingredients that are difficult to find, something that may intrigue the cocktail enthusiast.
One of her favorite drinks on the menu is the Bloody Bull. It's made up of Hophead Vodka, fresh tomato, beef bullion, herbs and smoke.
Other drinks include the Silver Dollar, Rutte of The Problem and The Remington.
"Honor Amongst Thieves is focused on hospitality [and] giving people great cocktails. We want everyone to feel comfortable," Teslar said.
Guests enter the lounge from the stairs at the back of the building. The inside has a "dark and sexy" vibe, Teslar said. There is a lack of black, subtle lighting and antique pieces on the walls.
IF YOU GO:
Honor Amongst Thieves, 5538 N. 7th Street, Phoenix AZ 85014
www.honoraz.com
Stock & Stable
Stock & Stable
Stock & Stable is a modern American gastropub that opened at the beginning of June. It's located beneath Honor Amongst Thieves at The Colony, a multi-use development project along Seventh Street.
While the two concepts--S&S and HAT--are different, they have the same owners.
Teslar also helped create the drink menu for Stock & Stable.
Stock & Stable's menu is American fare with an Italian influence. It has options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It hopes to provide both simple comfort dishes and creative items using seasonal ingredients
IF YOU GO:
Stock & Stable, 5538 N. 7th Street, Phoenix AZ 85014
www.stockandstable.com
Stock & Stable
