Q & A: Snake Oil Cocktails

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We sat down with our fav craft cocktail pourin’ friends over at Snake Oil to talk about what makes them so great besides their delicious concoctions, cool vibe and oh-so-ah-mazing presentation.

Snake Oil, tell us, what makes you unique in your field?

We believe memorable beverage experiences come from an abiding appreciation of all the senses. We understand how just the right drink, at the right time, has the power to build lasting and transformative sense-memories. Our cocktail craftsmen build extraordinary bar and beverage experiences because we ask the right questions and listen to our clients. We look to the kitchen and to the farm and we employ sound culinary technique based on years 
of beverage experience. Underlying our work is passion, and a deep-seated respect for the five fundamentals of culinary mixology: Simplicity | Seasonality | Quality | Creativity | Taste

So does that mean our signature drink would be a summery cocktail garnished with tiny flowers and have an equestrian feel to it?

That’s right! We can do it all. We love the opportunity to work with clients and couples in the early stages to help create an unforgettable craft bar experience and to help tell their story through cocktails. The unique customization our mixologists can do with craft cocktails is absolutely incredible!!!

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You guys do great work and a lot of weddings, right? What is your favorite thing about weddings in particular?

The fact that each event is absolutely unique. No two weddings are the same — not even close!!! The diversity in wedding experience is incredible and there is no formula for the perfect wedding. I love how weddings bring people together to celebrate the lives of two different people and their friends, family and culture. I appreciate all the small details from the custom signature cocktails to the calligraphy on the place cards to the arrangement of the florals… in my view it’s the curation of the details which create the convivial spirit that makes for the best weddings.

We totally agree! Do you have any tips for the bride and groom out there?

Couples we meet often think that the entertainment they hire is the most important part of the wedding experience…. More times than not, however, it is the bar experience where the real entertainment is; not the wedding planner. Remember almost none of your guests will meet the wedding planner or the caterer if they are doing their job right. But your guests will have interactions with the bartenders. It is surprising how often the beverage catering and the bar experience is overlooked in the planning stages. Based on my experience I can assure you that after your wedding starts, the bar is the last thing that your guests will ignore so why not create something worth their talking about.

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You guys are the best! Thanks so much for taking the time to tell your story and encourage our clients to get creative with their event through curating delicious beverages.

For more information about hiring Snake Oil for your next event, visit them online at SnakeOilCocktail.com, email , or drop them a line at 858.754.9173

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Starry Starry Night 2016 to benefit Voices for Children

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Voices for Children’s 13th annual Starry Starry Night gala was held on Saturday, September 19, 2015, at the San Diego Polo Club in Rancho Santa Fe. Co-chairs for the event were Stephanie Bergsma and Dwight Hare, and the theme was “When You Wish Upon A Star.”

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Janice Dodge transformed the polo fields once again with garden glam styling as the evening sky transitioned from sunset to starlight. More than 340 supporters of Voices for Children gathered for sumptuous craft cocktails, curated by Snake Oil Cocktail Company -and paired with savory bites designed by Andrew Spurgin, LTD and Culinary Concepts Catering.

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The sparkle of dotted garden lights strung over luxurious lounges and tablescapes of deep blue and crisp white. The evening was designed to create an intimate gathering around a central stage to focus on the heartfelt success stories of the children helped by VFC and an exciting live auction. Starry Starry Night grossed a record $1.37 million and netted $1.13 million to support the life-changing work of our Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) who advocate for San Diego County foster children in Court, in schools, and in the community.

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Following a delicious dinner and fundraising activities, guests found their way to a dancefloor brought to life by the music mix of DJ Brandon Noel and his team of live club performers. Favorite late night treats were donuts and “cereal milk”, meant to remind us of the kid inside us all! Rentals supplied by Raphael’s Event Works. Technical support provided by Meeting Services, Inc. Event Design, Decor, Florals and Logistics provided by Janice Dodge, Inc.

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Voices for Children transforms the lives of abused children by providing them with volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). We believe that every child deserves a safe and permanent home, and to that end, will review and monitor every court file in the system, provide a CASA to every child in the foster care system who needs one, and advocate to improve the lives of foster children. In addition, Voices for Children increases awareness about the foster care system, and advocates for legal policies and practices that enhance the quality of life for foster children.

Happy Anniversary, Riviera Modern Luxury!

Neon pink lights, 2 shiny Ferraris and Riviera Magazine hostesses greeted the guests at 7th Anniversary of Riviera Magazine, one of the SD Polo Club‘s favorite media partners!  Held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in charming Little Italy, 2 of the exhibit rooms were open for the guests to peruse.  The main attraction was a vibrant room with animated floral art projected on the walls, created by Jennifer Steinkamp.

Riviera had a DJ spinning electic jams, 3 food stations to reflect the trio of local chefs that make up Campine Catering, and a full bar specializing in craft cocktails.

Neiman Marcus stole the show with a twist on the typical fashion show.  Models showed off the new fall fashions on glowing cubes, slowing circulating all of the season favorites.  We saw a lot of purple and deep red, furs, colored tights, blocked patterns, animal and paisley prints, plus sequins and shine!

Snake Oil Cocktail Company served up an array of elixers, from the sweet, celebratory “Birthday Cake” made with Pink Pigeon Rum, sweet cream and fruit to the refreshing cucumber, gin and ginger cocktail.  Snake Oil is a San Diego based company.  We had the pleasure of meeting the owners at a small farm located just behind the Polo Club.

Campine Catering hosted three food stations spotlighting each chef: Brian Malarky of Burlap and Searsucker, Anthony Splurgin formerly of Waters Catering, and Antonio Friscia of Stingaree.  WOW!  We can’t wait to attend more events with the Campine trio.

Publisher, Jessica Cline, and Marketing Manager, Stefanie Leatherman were gracious hosts.  Big thank you to Riviera Magazine!  The San Diego Polo Club had a fantastic time!

Photos from Campine Catering, Snake Oil Cocktail Co., TheMediaBuyLine.com, & San Diego Polo Club