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One of the smallest watering holes in Honolulu continues to make a big splash in the global cocktail community. Less than a year after opening its doors at the Topa Financial Center, Bar Leather Apron has been named one of Playboy magazine’s Best New Bars in America.
With room for just 25 customers at a time, BLA opened in January to plenty of hype and more than a few disgruntled guests who couldn’t comprehend the need to make reservations for seats at a bar. The concept was designed as an ode to the tiny bars that owners Justin Park and Tom Park (no relation) admired so much on trips to Japan.
“That’s something that always happens when a small bar gets recognized,” Tom Park said of the overflow crowds. “So it’s good and bad … (but) we’re happy to get Hawaii on the international map. That’s the goal.”
Under the direction of award-winning mixologist Justin Park, Bar Leather Apron quickly scored coveted media coverage in national and international media outlets such as The New York Times and Vogue Japan.
The Playboy award, issued this month, considers 50 of the best new drinking establishments —nominated by top bartenders, drink writers and industry insiders along with readers — and narrows the list to 10.
No. 1 is the Columbia Room in Washington, D.C.
“Some of the bars on that list are bars that I’ve visited and checked out because I heard they were doing cool stuff,” Justin Park said. “Just to be recognized with people I think are leading the charge with cocktails, to be on that same list is pretty awesome.”
Read what Playboy has to say about each of the bars at playboy.com/features/best-bars/2016.
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Jason Genegabus, Star-Advertiser
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Holiday grinds
“Celebrating in Hawaii” is cookbook veteran Muriel Miura’s latest release, a compilation of favorite local dishes, organized for holiday parties throughout the year.
Menus at the front of the book start with a Japanese-style New Year’s party and carry on through Christmas, with a baby luau and pupu buffet thrown in for good measure.
The cookbook is another partnership of Mutual Publishing and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. It is on sale for a limited time for $5.95 off the cover price — see the purchasing information on Page 16.
Sweet treats
If dessert is your fantasy, this event is your dream come true.
United Cerebral Palsy’s annual Dessert Fantasy and Silent Auction takes place 1-3 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Pacific Beach Hotel.
A ticket buys you unlimited tastes of some 50 desserts.
New this year: a High School Dessert Cook-Off Challenge.
Tickets are $25 presale, $30 at the door. Call 532-6744 or visit ucpahi.org.
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