Coming into its own, general manager Chris Langston and staff of Tacoma's 1022 South lounge celebrated its one-year anniversary along with a packed house Monday evening. From 6 p.m. on it was standing room only; granted this is not a difficult feat given the lounge's actual physical dimensions. The difference is that those standing were content to do so if it meant possible seating later.
There were gifts. Corina Bakery provided darling cupcakes. As sweet thanks for showing up, specialty cocktails were only $6.
The Hilltop lounge's new spring/summer cocktail menu debuted ripe with interesting infusions, ingredients and bitters to blow the mind: rosemary syrup, rooibus/vanilla, hibiscus, and yerba mater infusion, celery, pear, saffron/cardamom, and Peychaud's (sweet, floral) bitters, as well as house made grenadine, cola and ginger beer. Not for a salad, Serrano pepper, basil, lavender, coconut, cilantro, and cayenne further add depth to cocktails. Spirits, liquors, liqueurs, aperitifs, and elixirs, oh my.
As a non-drinker, I am often stuck with the option of dreaded orange/cran/sprite or water. Not so here, Langston shook up lemon, coconut, and lavender committing the icy concoction to a martini glass. It was amazingly delicious. My companion and designated drinker enjoyed the Gaucho: vodka, yerba mater infusion, honey, bergamot, and lemon served tall on ice.
It is well known that 1022 South cocktails are crafted individually, which means patience is required as this is not a "slam the drinks out" establishment.
Charcuterie items of tasty salami and a rich, buttery peppered Italian coppa cola ham, sour dough crostini, Mediterranean late harvest olives, goat cheese, marcona almonds and silky paprika dusted hummus were enjoyed throughout the evening. The addition of actual cloth napkins provided with finger foods was a welcome one.
Happy anniversary 1022 South.
[1022 South Lounge, 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday-Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday; happy hour every day until 8 p.m., 1022 S. J St., Tacoma, 253.627.8588]
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