Because what else are you supposed to do in Laguna Beach on a Monday at midnight, except go to a real speakeasy – invitation only, password protected with killer drinks, a vampire DJ and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” playing on the TV.
The best part? Even if you are over 30, you’re not embarrassed to go because you went to your first speakeasy before these kids were even born, dammit.
Enter Café Frankenstein, the alter ego of Broadway, of all places, Laguna’s rare, Michelin-sanctified restaurant with bone marrow worthy of a vegetarian exception. Attended by about 70 people, the speakeasy was the brainchild of award-winning bartender Jade Bustamante, the 20-something mixologist savant.
“I’m thrilled with how it turned out,” said Bustamante. “This was more of an experimental event to blend our community, quality craft cocktails, and speakeasy culture.”
Bustamante likes to push boundaries, creating new cocktails with exotic ingredients that defy explanation: drag blood, solera manzanilla, XTA Mayan honey liqueur, homemade orgeat, butterfly pea.
“I’m an eccentric with weird interests, and I’m passionate about cultivating unique and captivating experiences,” she said. “Laguna Beach is a city with a rich history full of art that echoes through every restaurant bar and gallery. It’s our responsibility and privilege as young creatives to cultivate new and inspiring trends that are inclusive and captivating.”
Aside from the inventive cocktails and festive Halloween costumes – which looked more like a goth party – the most original thing was just how unexpected it was.
Downtown Laguna. Monday night. Into the wee hours of the morning. When was the last time that happened? Maybe never.
Will there be more?
“We are talking about doing this for special occasions and keeping it a rare treat,” Bustamante said. “In a perfect world, I’d like to manifest it as a Laguna Beach cult classic.”
If you want to go to the next incarnation, you need to get invited and learn the secret handshake. Your best bet is to hang out with Bustamante at Broadway. Ask her what she’s making. Be nice. Be interesting.
You can also follow her on Instagram, where she might give some clues. Not surprisingly, her handle is classic: @ spookypremiumsubscription.
“I love our community and I want to share my art and my most authentic self through any medium I can manage.”
Calling all mediums.
