Lou Bustamante

Freelance culinary and drinks writer, author of two books, contributor to SF Chronicle and Eater, culinary professional: former line cook, baker, cheesemaker, distillery spirit guide, and behind the bar.

Latest Articles

Tending a Cocktail Garden at Barndiva
https://ediblemarinandwinecountry.ediblecommunities.com/about-us/tending-cocktail-garden-barndiva


Chef Ravi Kapur gets back to his roots with Olehna, a unique, neon-orange spirit
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/liholiho-ravi-kapur-hawaiian-olehna-17338360.php

Pioneering distillery St. George Spirits still fresh after 40 years
https://sf.eater.com/2022/7/21/23271728/st-george-spirits-legacy-lance-winters

Patrick Rue started a winery in Napa Valley after leaving the craft brewery he founded
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/napa-erosion-wine-beer-17307618.php

Tag along on a brewery tour of greater Sacramento with Rob Archie of Urban Roots and Pangea Bier Cafe
https://sf.eater.com/2022/5/26/23067329/best-sacramento-brewery-tour-pangaea-bier-cafe-rob-archie

This pocket of the North Bay has become a destination for bakers making creative desserts
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/article/Quiet-North-Bay-pocket-suddenly-booming-with-17132184.php

English-style beers have a dedicated following among Bay Area brewers
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/article/english-beers-freewheel-17082157.php

Tag along on a torta, taco, and tortilla crawl led by Rancho Gordo founder Steve Sando
https://sf.eater.com/2022/3/8/22966257/rancho-gordo-founder-steve-sando-favorite-napa-restaurants

H(opt) Out: Bay Area brewers making gruits, hop-less beers flavored with botanicals
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/What-s-a-gruit-This-ancient-beer-style-without-16820580.php

Meet Asian Brothers Brewing, where craft beers are made to pair with Southeast Asian food
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/Meet-Asian-Brothers-Brewing-where-craft-beers-16583570.php

Is there such a thing as a California-style whiskey? Finally, the answer is yes
https://www.sfchronicle.com/wine/article/Is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-California-style-15811459.php

Limited imperial stouts are selling out across the Bay Area in craft beer’s Black is Beautiful movement
https://www.sfchronicle.com/wine/article/Limited-imperial-stouts-are-selling-out-across-15440881.php


Featured Articles

Low Bar Explores What It Means to be a Chicano Bar
https://sf.eater.com/2021/12/16/22836512/low-bar-oakland-chicano-bar

Exploring bars that open up at 6am in San Francisco
https://altaonline.com/beer-for-breakfast/

With the idea of regionalism, will more Bay Area bars champion local spirits?
https://www.sfchronicle.com/wine/spirits/article/With-the-idea-of-regionalism-will-more-Bay-Area-12788203.php

California brandy is better than ever. Will consumers notice?
https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/California-brandy-is-better-than-ever-Will-13323976.php

How the Bay Area’s craft cocktail culture was born over the last 25 years
https://www.sfchronicle.com/wine/spirits/article/How-the-Bay-Area-s-craft-cocktail-culture-was-12398896.php


Published books

The Official Downton Abbey Cocktail Book (September 2019)
https://www.amazon.com/Official-Downton-Abbey-Cocktail-Book/dp/1681889986

The Complete Cocktail Manual (October 2016)
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Cocktail-Manual-Tricks-Recipes/dp/1681880997


Social

Instagram: @thevillagedrunk
Twitter: @thevillagedrunk


Contact

lou@thevillagedrunk.com