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

Fatted Calf's Moroccan Lentil Soup
Link to Rancho Gordo's Blog


Last Call: Lo & Behold's Jamaica-Inspired Hot Toddy
Link to Edible Marin and Wine Country Magazine (Winter 2023)

Spilt Canned Clarified Milk Punch Upcycles Sonoma Farmstead Whey
Link to Edible Marin and Wine Country Magazine (Winter 2023)

Tending a Cocktail Garden at Barndiva
Link to Edible Marin and Wine Country Magazine (Fall 2023)

Chef Ravi Kapur gets back to his roots with Olehna, a unique, neon-orange spirit
Link to SF Chronicle

Pioneering distillery St. George Spirits still fresh after 40 years
Link to Eater

Patrick Rue started a winery in Napa Valley after leaving the craft brewery he founded
Link to SF Chronicle

Tag along on a brewery tour of greater Sacramento with Rob Archie of Urban Roots and Pangea Bier Cafe
Link to Eater

This pocket of the North Bay has become a destination for bakers making creative desserts
Link to SF Chronicle

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
Link to Eater

H(opt) Out: Bay Area brewers making gruits, hop-less beers flavored with botanicals
Link to SF Chronicle

Meet Asian Brothers Brewing, where craft beers are made to pair with Southeast Asian food
Link to SF Chronicle

Is there such a thing as a California-style whiskey? Finally, the answer is yes
Link to SF Chronicle

Limited imperial stouts are selling out across the Bay Area in craft beer’s Black is Beautiful movement
Link to SF Chronicle


Featured Articles

Low Bar Explores What It Means to be a Chicano Bar
Link to Eater

Exploring bars that open up at 6am in San Francisco
Link to Alta California Magazine

With the idea of regionalism, will more Bay Area bars champion local spirits?
Link to SF Chronicle

California brandy is better than ever. Will consumers notice?
Link to SF Chronicle

How the Bay Area’s craft cocktail culture was born over the last 25 years
Link to SF Chronicle


Published books

The Official Downton Abbey Cocktail Book (September 2019)
Link to Amazon

The Complete Cocktail Manual (October 2016)
Link to Amazon


Social

Instagram: @thevillagedrunk

Contact

lou@thevillagedrunk.com