Ready for a Hot Lips Cosmo? The revamped downtown cocktail club, Stir, thinks maybe you are. Located in the former Barcode space (404 Mendocino Ave.,), the new owners have come up with a list of specialty cocktails and a remodeled design for their July 3 opening.
The vibe, according to the new ower, will remain upscale cocktail chic, but with more seating, new lighting and a less stark color palette. So, what’s on the menu? They’ve come up with a handful of signature drinks for opening including the Hot Lips (a Cosmpolitan with a kick of chili); The Naked Lady (a vodka, mint and vanilla-flavored drink); Plum Crazy (a vodka and plum-flavored martini) and the Irish Cosmo (a Cosmo aimed toward the gents). Stir will also feature a wine list with small production wineries both local and outside the region. Stir, 404 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa
.… In other news, BiteClub has confirmed that Chef Preston Dishman is “transitioning” away from his post at The General’s Daughter in Sonoma. Dishman is a much-lauded chef who brought new life to the restaurant with his Wine Country meets Southern cookin’ style. UPDATE: Dishman says he’s hoping to stay local and has a few offers already. He’ll be at the General’s Daughter through July. His wife, who manages the restaurant’s front-of-the-house operations is also leaving. Does anyone smell a possible love match for John Ash, where Chef Madura recently departed?
…BiteClub’s got a bit of egg on her face after lauding the return of Chef Randy Lewis to Sonoma County. The former 707 and Popina chef was at Occidental’s Bistro des Copains for about six weeks before, well, leaving. Turns out the restaurant was taken a bit off-guard as well and will be naming a new chef shortly. Randy, who is apparently moving back to his old stomping grounds in New Orleans, will be continuing on as consulting chef and his menu and recipes will remain for the time being. Check out my gushing review online. Just ignore the parts about Randy.
…And even more chef shuffling. BiteClub has also confirmed that Chef Michael Ellis of Dry Creek Kitchen has resigned from his post. His replacement has not yet been named.