The bar at Nuance is not like your standard haunt, so, if youāre looking for a Jack and Coke, keep walking.
Former head mixologist Julian Cox brought much to the table ā er, bar ā and left no room for complaint, designing a bar program the likes of which most Santa Barbara bars have not seen.
His attention to the tiniest of details, like which type of ice to use when chilling drinks in a shaker to extremely selective brand choices, have shaped Nuance into a top shelf bar which in turn is creating memorable tasting experiences.
Needless to say, Coxās recent absence at Nuance has left big shoes to fill. The new guy behind the bar, 33-year-old Daniel Bennett, has his work cut out for him, but seems to be having no problems taking over.
As I watched the pomp and circumstance of various cocktails being made, I peppered Bennett with questions from the shape of ice (yes, that matters) to domestic and imported spirit brands.
According to Bennett, āeverything crafted at Nuance is made to stimulate the three main senses: sight, smell and taste.ā
I watched as he slung the nitro out of a glass over his shoulder, which disappeared into thin air, before vigorously handling the cocktail shaker filled with a specialty concoction and cylindrical ice.
(Tara Jones / Noozhawk photo )
If you havenāt figured out by now, watching your cocktail be prepared is half the fun.
When asked what his favorite cocktail is, Bennett simply replied, āThe Penicillin.ā
Not found on the menu but likely to be made if requested, the Penicillin is a scotch whiskey-based drink, on which Bennett puts his own spin with a spritz of Scotch peat to enhance the aromatics.
He also claims you wonāt appreciate a White Russian anywhere else in town, and Iām game to take him at his word.
I tried a few different cocktails on the menu and am happy to report that you wonāt find a typical bar menu at this joint, but rather some creative spins on old favorites plus a few original ideas.
My favorite on the menu: The Cunning Stunt, a cleverly named drink refreshingly smooth with hints of summer peach and a tinge of chili sambal spice.
While Iām not your typical tequila fan, I also enjoyed The Diving Bell.
This complex and smoky margarita-type concoction will fool you into thinking itās a simple and demure drink, being housed in a delicate glass, but donāt be fooled.
It has a light spicy finish and delightful tropical pineapple flavors that will make you wish you were sitting a little closer to the beach.
So, dip your toe in the water that is Nuance and taste from their reasonably priced cocktail menu.
Located at 119 State Street in Santa Barbara, Nuance is open for breakfast 7ā11 a.m. and dinner 4ā10 p.m. and stays open until 11 p.m. on weekends.
ā Tara Jones leads Eat This, Shoot That! and welcomes reader tips and ideas for future columns. She can be reached at tara@eatthisshootthat.com. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are her own.