SANTA CRUZ, California, August 11, 2020 – Venus Spirits is excited to announce that the opening of Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen will be this weekend, August 15th & 16th. The long-awaited opening was delayed by several months due to COVID-19, but will now open with outdoor dining and to-go food and cocktails. The new restaurant space, designed by Stripe Design Group, will be focused around a cocktail experience utilizing various Venus Spirits distilled spirits and will be complemented by an assortment of from scratch snacks, small plates, fresh salads, and sharable entrees.
In the kitchen, Chef James Manss has taken on the role of executive chef. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, he was exposed to cooking at an early age by his mother who was a chef. Chef James found a mentor in Chef Pete Martinez while Martinez was the executive sous chef at the Sardine Factory. Chef James has cooked at several local restaurants including in the executive chef role at both Sotola and Süda. He met Chef Gabrielle Molina at Süda and the pair will continue to work together at Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen with Chef Gaby as sous chef. Chef Gaby also grew up with a passion for cooking and grew tremendously under chef Mikey Adams and Chef Nicholas Vollono while at Restaurant 1833. She enjoys cooking with fusions and creating colorful, plated art with her food. Together the chefs have developed a menu that features modern comfort foods and fresh, seasonal dishes.
The cocktail menu will include favorites from the tasting room along with classic cocktails and unique creations by bar manager Lindsay Eshleman. Lindsay has over fifteen years of experience and ran the cocktail program at Seascape Beach Resort for several years. An award-winning competitor and spirit educator, Lindsay has also bartended at Jack Rose in Los Gatos. The new distillery facility is right next door to Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen, allowing guests to view where the spirits are made through an assortment of windows that have been placed in the shared wall. Cocktails may be enjoyed on the outdoor patios and most drinks will be available to-go.
Please visit venusspirits.com for hours and information.
About Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen
The brand new 11,500 square foot Venus Spirits warehouse, located in the developing Delaware Addition in the Westside, Santa Cruz neighborhood is home to the distillery, Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen and the tasting room. For founder and distiller Sean Venus the opening of the restaurant is a culmination of two and a half years of planning and designing to bring his vision to life. We hope you enjoy!
About Venus Spirits, LLC
Founded in 2013 by Sean Venus, Venus Spirits is located in Santa Cruz, California. Venus Spirits currently produces small-batch spirits Wayward Whiskey, Venus Spirits Gin, Aquavit, Vodka and El Ladrón Blue Agave Spirits and rum. A line of canned cocktails launched in 2019. Distributed throughout California by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Venus Spirits is available at fine locations across the state and may be purchased online through select retailers or Venus Spirits’ online shop.
Good luck to you all! I can’t wait to come visit!