Head bartender David Valiente creates some magic.
Tomorrow marks National Repeal Day, the anniversary of a very important day when Americans no longer had to deal with parched throats or organized crime (at least they didn’t have to do deal with it as prevalently) since the government amended the 21st Amendment to formally repeal the 18th Amendment, ending the era known as Prohibition.
Long Beach’s true speakeasy, the Exhibition Room at Roxanne’s, is inviting patrons from across the city to celebrate in two fashions: one way is to stop in tonight and mimic the many Americans who sat glued to their radio speakers awaiting whether the government would act as it should and, another way, to join them tomorrow to officially celebrate National Repeal Day.
“On Thursday we will be discussing prohibition with era stories and poetry slam brought to us by Philosophy,” said owner Robert Molina. “This will include a taste of drinks that became popular during the times in which bartenders working in speakeasies created to help mask the strong taste of moonshine.”
On top of the dancing, some burlesque, a costume contest, some dirt cheap Tom Collins and Old Fashions, and the quirky pianist in The Exhibition Room, Philosophy is of particular highlight. The well-known Long Beach poet knows how to sling words with the smoothness of a mixologist handing you an addicting concoction.
“When I first saw the The Exhibition Room, it reminded me of a classy Juke Joint during prohibition, where the barkeep muddles the bitters of an old fashion bringing the life to a distilled spirit,” Philosophy said. “Bulleit Rye poured pleasure over the glacier of hand diced ice cube. A glass and a cocktail crafted for a Gentleman, a Flapper or a Scholar.”
Tack onto this the talent of head bartender David Valiente and there is no question that Philosophy’s philosophizing about the End of Prohibition are far more than just words that flow but truth in a bottle.
“The ambiance in the Exhibition Room had me feel like I was living in the life and times of the 1920s, as poetry serenades the speakeasy with metaphors and similes,” Philosophy said. “Piano plays easy in the back drop. Black and white ivory keys, lead to bow ties, classic cocktails, and conversation. The 18th Amendment did not amend the mindset of a Classy Juke Joint.”
The Exhibition Room is located inside Roxanne’s Lounge, at 1115 E Wardlow Rd. Reservations can also be made at theexhibitionroom.setmore.com.
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