Celebrity Bartender Rob Floyd’s ‘Cocktail Theatre’ Coming to TRIO Restaurant
Rob Floyd is one of the world’s most renowned cocktail creators. He’s a regular on the Bar Rescue TV show; he’s designed cocktail programs for some of the biggest cruise lines; he’s performed at some of Las Vegas’ most impressive hotel-casinos; and he travels the world as a consultant for bars and restaurants.
So why is he taking time out of his crazy-busy schedule to bring his Cocktail Theatre live show to TRIO Restaurant, in the middle of scorching-hot July? It’s because, he says, he loves Palm Springs.
“I can’t wait to get here,” he said during a recent lunch at TRIO. “Any excuse.”
Cocktail Theatre will arrive at TRIO, 707 N. Palm Canyon Drive, for two shows on Saturday, July 6—one at 6 p.m., and another at 9 p.m.
Floyd said his interactive show takes a historical and theatrical approach to cocktails. He’ll tell the stories behind various drinks, from the 1600s up through the molecular-gastronomy era. Audience-goers will get to try five different drinks during the show, which runs just a little longer than an hour.
I asked Floyd what makes a cocktail great. His response: He treats creating a cocktail like a good artist creates a painting—except instead of colors, he uses ingredients.
“I use just a couple of primary colors, that are just gorgeous, and one or two accent colors that are just beautiful,” he said.
Of course, a lot of people can’t or don’t drink alcohol, for all sorts of excellent reasons—and many bartenders completely disregard this demographic. Fortunately, Floyd does not—and that’s why his show includes “zero-proof cocktails” for those who don’t imbibe. In fact, he estimates that up to 20 percent of his show attendees don’t drink.
Tickets to Cocktail Theatre are $62.50; a VIP meet-and-greet package along with the 6 p.m. show is $80, and includes a special cocktail created by Floyd. For tickets or more information, visit triopalmsprings.com.
In Brief
Workshop Kitchen + Bar, located at 800 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, will soon have a sister restaurant in Los Angeles. According to Eater Los Angeles, chef/owner Michael Beckman has bought the space currently housing Odys + Penelope, at 127 S. La Brea Ave., with plans of turning it into Workshop; expect it to open sometime next year. … One of the west valley’s best sandwich joints is moving to a larger space—although customers will still get to park in the same place: The Sandwich Spot is moving from its tiny home at 240 N. Palm Canyon Ave., in Palm Springs, into the old Tipper’s Gourmet Marketplace space, in the Henry Frank Arcade, at 276 N. Palm Canyon Drive. The move should be effective on July 1; call 760-778-7900 with questions. … Coming soon to the old Elephant Bar space at 73833 Highway 111, in Palm Desert: The BaBaLoo Lounge. It’ll be the second location of the Peruvian- and Cuban-fare joint; the original spot is in Lake Havasu, Ariz. Watch www.facebook.com/BabalooLounge for updates. … The new managing partner at the retooled Persimmon Bistro at the Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N. Museum Drive, in Palm Springs, has a familiar name: It’s Arthur Vasquez, who used to run Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse in Rancho Mirage. Congrats, art! Visit www.facebook.com/persimmonbistro to learn more. … Congratulations to the bar at Melvyn’s, located at the Ingleside Inn, at 200 W. Ramon Road, in downtown Palm Springs! Esquire magazine just named it one of the 27 Best Bars in America for 2019. … Coming soon to the space that used to house Maxcy’s Grill in the Ralph’s shopping center at 425 S. Sunrise Way, in Palm Springs: Asadero Los Corrales. It appears this will be the third location for this Sinaloa-style Mexican eatery, joining restaurants in La Quinta and Coachella. We learned this news because we happened to drive by and see the new sign; we will keep you posted as we learn more. … Congrats to the folks at La Quinta Brewing Co., who have announced the construction of a new, larger brewing location near Interstate 10 and Cook Street. The brewery—which opened its doors in 2013 at 77917 Wildcat Drive, in Palm Desert—also operates successful taprooms in Palm Springs and La Quinta. The new location is slated to include food and an outside beer garden; keep your fingers crossed for an opening late next year. Watch www.facebook.com/LaQuintaBrewingCo for updates.