The beachside, Playa del Rey neighborhood restaurant Playa Provisions, co-owned and operated by “Top Chef” Winner Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts, introduces a new, elevated cocktail program under the direction of new Bar Manager Liam Odien, previously of The Corner Door in Culver City and Evan Funke’s Bucato. Celebrating the summer season, Odien is rolling out new beverage creations to pair with Williamson’s renowned cuisine at both the California coast-inspired Dockside (nightly dinner and weekend brunch), as well as the soon-to-reopen, hidden gem Grain whiskey bar, which has been closed since March 2020 due to the pandemic.
“My method to creating bar programs utilizes the concepts of education, accessibility, and creativity, resulting in memorable experience for guests,” shares Odien. “From spending significant time with chefs in my past, I have a very gastronomic approach to creating cocktails, in that I want to provide signature, one-of-a-kind drinks, just as there are staple menu items on a food menu. All of my creations have a purpose.”
At Dockside, guests can expect an approachable, yet intriguing beverage list, with something for everyone with the new bar direction. In addition to assorted regional and domestic wines and locally produced beers, Odien is also introducing a handful of new, handcrafted cocktails to rotate with seasonal ingredients. Fan favorites like the Del Rey and Blood Meridian will remain on the menu, with a few new signature additions including:
- Wi Spa – strawberry-infused Tito’s vodka, sparkling spa water
- Hiro – Bombay Bramble Gin, lemon, yuzu, violet
- Bananaphone 3.0 – Bacardi 8, pico, banana, coconut, lemon, exotic spices
- El Super (Chingon) – Verde Momento mezcal, lime, passionfruit, bergamot, egg white
- What She’s Having – Buffalo Trace bourbon, pecan, raspberry, vanilla, milk clarified
As Grain reopens for the first time in over a year later this summer, Odien brings his 10+ years of industry knowledge to create an educational and accessible, yet esoteric and edgy cocktail experience to pair with bar bites from Williamson’s kitchen. The bar, tucked away in the back corner of the complex, will feature an extensive list of 100+ domestic and international whiskeys, as well as both whiskey and non-whiskey cocktails. In addition, Grain will offer build-your-own flights of whiskey, tequila, and rum, allowing knowledgeable imbibers to cater to their palettes, as well as those who want to try something new to explore and learn from knowledgeable staff. New menu and opening date to be shared soon.
In addition to Dockside and Grain, Playa Provisions’ four-in-one complex is also home to King Beach Café, a casual, all-day breakfast and lunch counter; and Small Batch Ice Cream Bar, serving housemade ice creams, sorbets, desserts, and other frozen treats. Playa Provisions is located 119 Culver Boulevard in Playa del Rey, CA, and is open from 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Sun-Thurs) and 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Fri-Sat).
