Duck, Duck, Venice Duck! - The Story Of Venice Duck Beer

Most people who have lived in Venice for a certain amount of time have been served an adult beverage by John Henry Binder and/or Christian Warren, bartenders extraordinaire. Binder was voted Best Bartender in the L.A. Weekly in 2017 for his many years of service at James Beach, and Warren has gone on to have his own bar,  the very popular Melody Bar on Sepulveda near LAX. Being so good at their jobs, these good fellows thought they should also have their own spirits brand ... and thought, "Venice has got to have its own beer", and thus, Venice Duck Beer was born.

Let's go back in time a little ... I sat down with these gents one recent happy hour and heard the story of Venice Duck where it all began, there at the bar in James Beach. Binder was born in New York, and came out to L.A. when he was 12 to live with his Dad, a documentary filmmaker (he shot Woodstock!). He got into acting (playing a kid in Popeye when he was 10!), and attended UC Santa Barbara. Digging the beach, Binder made his way down the coast to Venice in 1993, and began his illustrious career as one of our most beloved barkeeps. A stint at Typhoon in Santa Monica taught him all the mixology ropes, and led him to the then new James Beach in 1996, where he has been ever since.

One drinking night at Hal's, Binder was introduced to Warren by the Hal's bartender, Happy, and they became fast friends. Warren was born in San Francisco, and also made his way to L.A. to be an actor like so many before him. He got a gig working at the then super hot Whiskey Bar in Hollywood, where he learned the bartending trade (after paying bar backing and valet dues). He wasn't feeling Hollywood, and says, "There was something familiar about Venice that made you feel at home ... and everyone was cool" (those were the days, right?!). He soon got a gig at Baja Cantina (when that place was super happening), where he worked for six years, and earned the nickname "Elvis" from a fellow bartender who observed him making out with all the customers and said it was "like working with Elvis". Ah, the good old days!

Warren then came to work at James Beach (for a mere six months), and that is where the idea for Venice Duck Beer came up one late night after a shift. Binder and Warren were in back sipping on their Sierra Nevadas in 2002, and the "Wouldn't it be cool if there was a Venice beer?" talk started. Something like the Sierra Nevada they were drinking, but VENICE. Their friend, Happy, had told them about a drunken night when he passed out in the Canals on the way home, and woke up to find a flock of Venice ducks had covered his body with theirs, to keep him or themselves warm. It was a funny story, but Binder thought, "Venice ducks will always be here ... that's the name."

Time passed, both guys had kids and a lot of other things going on, and nothing happened with their beer idea. Warren bought and sold the Makai bar in Santa Monica in two years, and then opened the Melody Bar, which kept him real busy, remodeling and refining it. Binder was tending bar at James, and raising his family, when Warren came back and told Binder the time for Venice Duck was now, with the craft beer industry exploding. They had meetings with investors (friends) and did fundraising, and went about finding the right brewmaster. They wanted to brew their beer in Venice, but you need an industrial area and there wasn't one. They found their guy in San Jose, and soon (after much trial and error) they had their Venice Dogtown Duck IPA.

Lucky Duck (an agave nectar blonde ale) and Stoner Duck (hemp seed nut brown ale) soon followed, and all have their own Venice story. Dogtown and Stoner are obvious, but the Lucky Duck is inspired by the flapper-era ladies who one would meet in prohibition booze smuggling tunnels legendary in Venice. And coming soon - NALU, a hard seltzer from the Venice Duck guys (like Truly or White Claw) with yum organic flavors like yuzu and ginger. Awesome.

After starting out by self-distributing their wares around town, Venice Duck was taken on by Southern Wine and Spirits, the largest alcohol distributor in the United States. It can be found, of course, at the Melody Bar and James Beach on tap, but also Mercedes Grille, Cheesecake Factory, Umami Burgers, LAX, various liquor stores, and they're only growing larger every day. "The dream is to keep growing and have people drink it internationally, but come to Venice one day to drink it in its home," says Warren. And they envision that Venice home to be their own tasting room in Venice proper. Stay tuned for that excellence.

Binder takes his role as a Venice bartender very seriously, and isn't interested in being a flashy, trendy mixologist. He's more about making everyone feel special and important as they sit with him and drink their beverage of choice. That care for his customers is obvious as a nonstop stream of friends and well-wishers forced this interview to happen in two parts, so busy was he mixing cocktails and shooting the breeze, giving high fives and hugs left and right. That speaks to what Warren said as we sat there at Binder's bar ... "Venice always feels like home, it has changed, but there's always something magical about it. Everyone embraces everyone, and there are so many cool, eclectic, interesting people ... People still come and fall in love with Venice."

We wrapped up our chat and our drinks (spicy prickly pear margarita for me, thanks John Henry!) with Warren saying the following truth: "Once Venice touches your heart, it's in you, and you will always have it with you." That's right, and that's why we'll always love it.

I grew up in Minnesota where the kid game was "Duck, Duck, Grey Duck!" (Never "Goose"). In Venice, it's Duck, Duck, Venice Duck - every time.

Venice Duck is available on tap, in the can, or in the bottle at fine restaurants and liquor stores all over Venice and beyond - or will be. Check the website below for the latest vendors.

VeniceDuckBrewery.com
Facebook: /veniceduckbrewery
Instagram: /veniceduck
Twitter: /veniceduck

New David Hockney & Alison Saar Works At L.A. Louver!

There was a packed house at the L.A. Louver last night for the opening of David Hockney: Something New In Painting (and Photography) [And even Printing] ... Continued as well as a new sculpture from Alison Saar almost exactly a year after their dual show this time last year. The crowd was abuzz with anticipation to see the new work from one of the most celebrated living artists in the world, but certainly in Los Angeles, which is almost always the star of Hockney's work. Bright colors and swimming pools made his name, and we were all here to see the latest.

It was almost intimidating to arrive to see the absolute longest line to get in I've ever seen stretching down Venice Boulevard all the way to Speedway. Indeed, it was too much for some who chose to sit it out at James Beach or the Canal Club rather than wait in line, but that's too bad because the line moved very quickly, and the reward was great once inside the door of the Louver.

The first floor was all Hockney, with large scale murals depicting "photographic drawings" of people in chairs taking in the more familiar, colorful works from Hockney. The drawings of mostly men were a little creepy to me, but it's cool to see such a range from someone so known for the almost tropical hues of his beautiful paintings of the great and sunny outdoors.

I've loved the Australian artist, Ken Done, since I was a little kid, and several of the bright new works from Hockney reminded me of those gorgeous visuals from the hemisphere to our south.

This will be a show worth revisiting, as there was really no way to take it all in with so many people crammed in there to see and be on the Art Scene. You couldn't take two steps without running into a longtime Venetian art lover, and that's really the best part of these show openings. That, and the confirmation that ART is still very much alive and well in our fair town. I overheard a girl in line saying in her Millennial drawl, "It's smart that they're putting art galleries in Venice now, there's so much money here." I had to step in and let her know that this venerable gallery has been here in Venice since 1975 ... and that Venice has always been about art, money or none. And always will be, if we the People have anything to say about it. And we do.

The upstairs gallery featured more of the bright works, and a series of drawings of Hockney friends, from Ed Sheeran to this lady that I thought was Jane Goodall, but was really a woman called Erica Bolton.

I loved the piece called The Walk To The Studio, 2018, as it features the wonderful flora and fauna outside of Hockney's Hollywood Hills studio. Lucky fella!

In the Skyroom outdoor galley, there was the new sculpture from Alison Saar called Grow'd, depicting one of her Topsy characters based on the girl in Uncle Tom's Cabin. It is pure power, and the now grown girl/woman commanded the room beautifully. I love Saar's work, and I'm not alone, because there was a hushed and reverent aura over the room from everyone who entered. The importance of good art cannot be understated.

What a great show! And night - as the party continued on to James Beach, the Venice Art Crawl mixer at Canal Club, and then an extra fun whiskey tasting party over at The Stronghold. This was one of those Venice nights that make all the rest of the things going on here all the way worth it. Kind of like standing in the line to get into this show ... there's hassles, sure ... but the art and community you get once you're here is WHY you're here. I love you, Venice. I love you, Art. Thank you!

David Hockney Something New in Painting (and Photography) [And even Printing] 
Alison Saar : Grow'd
L.A. Louver
Venice
February 7 - March 23, 2019

The Venice Art Crawl Turns 7!

The Venice Art Crawl turned 7 years old last night with a party at Canal Club to celebrate! The back room was jam packed with artists and the people who love them and their work. The entire mission of the VAC is to keep ART alive in Venice, and these are the folks that are making sure of that.

The VAC was the vision of Danny Samakow, Edizen Stowell, and Mike Newhouse, who came together to ensure that Venice as an art destination would remain so. They, along with tireless board member, Sunny Bak, were honored last night with a well-deserved certificate from the Venice Chamber of Commerce, and a big old 7th birthday chocolate cake.

A raffle was held all night, with winners claiming art by local artists, among other great loot prizes. Danny Samakow was sporting the bright pink VAC shirt from when the event was a monthly deal, and shared with me how happy he was to see how far it's all come.

Fun and familiar faces of Venice enjoyed themselves all night (and do be sure to check out the watermelon margarita across the street at James Beach while it's in season - delish!), and all looked forward to the next installment of the VAC in September for the Venice Afterburn - always a highlight of the year!

Happiest Birthday to the Venice Art Crawl, and endless thanks for all of your hard work to keep the art world in Venice not just alive, but thriving! Much, much love!

Next Venice Art Crawl - September 21st! 

 

A Werner Scharff Tribute Mural By Jonas Never

There is a new-ish mural of Werner Scharff tucked in at the parking ramp across from James Beach, in a wonderful depiction of the late patron of the arts done by muralist Jonas Never. A lot of people might be wondering who Mr. Scharff was to Venice, so here you go.

Scharff was a German immigrant who made his name and fortune with Lanz, his clothing company best known for its well-loved flannel "Granny nightgown". He saw a dilapidated Venice and began investing in real estate here, amassing a land empire that he had beautified along the way. He commissioned several murals to spruce up the joint, effectively launching Rip Cronk's career while creating Venice landmarks for generations to enjoy (The Van Gogh Starry Night one. The one of Cronk rappeling down the side of the Beach House Hotel. The side of the now Surf Side. Iconic all.) If you look closely, several murals around town feature the tag "Werner loves Simone" as a public declaration of his love for his wife. Sweet.

The L.A. Louver is a gallery that Scharff had built, and he owned the James Beach building also (among hundreds of others, including The Cadillac Hotel), so his memorial mural is exactly where it should be. The kindly looking gentlemen is there driving his convertible with the top down, cruising through Venice for always. A reminder and an appreciation for the history of a very special place, and the people who get it.

Tip your hat next time you're sauntering down North Venice.

The Fall Art Crawl - Best One Yet!

The September Venice Art Crawl was the best one yet, and that's saying a lot. But it WAS a lot, and fun was in the air everywhere, all over Venice.

Rose Avenue was blocked off for the first time, and transformed into a small-scale Burning Man Playa for the evening. The street was filled with costumed revelers, super impressive art installations and glow in the dark fun for everyone.

As you approached Rose, you could hear the din of drums and cymbals being banged on in unison on a contraption by passersby. It was a complete cacophony, but somehow worked together, sounding tribally and rad.

There was a gorgeous temple with people lined up out front to get their futures told.

There was a dinner party mobile table that looked like a miniFoodshop on wheels.

There was a big lit-up cube made out of stretchy bands that the kids had a blast climbing and swinging on.

There was a performance by our Venice Symphony Orchestra at the Rose Compound, which also served as a fundraiser for the VSO to bring more music classes to our kids that need them.

There was a big wild boar animal you could sit on, for some reason.

There was Jules Muck live-painting on someone's car.

There was half-dressed young ladies being live-painted on surfboards.

 There was a giant boom box structure blasting the Burning Man-ish EDM soundtrack smack in the middle of the street, where an impromptu street dance then took shape. Dancing in the streets in Venice ... what it's all about, right?! 

That, and art, of course. It was everywhere, and everything.

There was a showing of art cars too, many of which I'm sure were used to cruise around the real Burning Man, from rocket ship bikes to a Beatles Yellow Submarine.

Love IS all you need!

As packed as it was everywhere, you really had to take your bike, get an Uber or taxi, or just hoof it through the crowds. Biking is always best for the VAC, as there's a lot of ground to cover, from one of town to the other.

The Full Circle church building (that honestly, I don't yet get ...) had art inside and out, with a cool neon burning bush outside...

... And a packed house of people checking out all the artists' work inside.

Though Rose was really the main (and extra fun) attraction this month, there was still lots to see elsewhere. We headed over to Gotta Have It to see the art and Paul Chesne again throwing it down, as he does.

At this point, my camera died and it was time to just celebrate how cool it all was. The Townhouse slaked our thirst, and then we tried to cram in any more art that we could (Danny's Deli, Cadillac Hotel,  Shulamit Gallery, Small World Books, etc...) on our way to James Beach to wish James and Danny a HAPPY 18th Birthday of James Beach! Their girl is all grown up! We toasted with some yummy wine, and felt thankful for all the years of good times in those walls.

Winding up the night sitting outside at Plancha Tacos, all were in agreement ... what a great thing the Art Crawl is, and what a great place Venice is to live. Thank you again to all involved in making that so! Love you all.

The Fall Venice Art Crawl

I love the Venice Art Crawl. It's such a good night every time, everyone seems to be in high spirits and excited ... all in the name of art!  Last night was the Crawl for fall, and we covered a lot of ground. It's best to do it on bikes, as the various stops on the Crawl are pretty spread out around town.

It kicked off with a gorgeous - though muted in a more autumn palette - sunset that rivaled much of the art that we were about to see. Clouds hid the full moon, but you could tell it was there. Rowdy!

The best thing to do is go to pick up a map outside of Danny's Deli and go from there. Danny's had some art upstairs and a musical Improv group downstairs, and Cairo Cowboy, Kiki Designs, Gotta Have It and Gumbo Kinney all did too. More and more people are participating each time, and the art changes out of course, so it's a different experience each time the VAC takes place.

Down the bike path we went to the Cadillac Hotel who were hosting a very cool exhibit called "Mirror, Mirror" where local professional artists paired up with a local homeless person to create pieces from oil paintings to drawings on burlap, from skate and surfboards as canvas for paintings to sculptures of heads. The sense of pride from both parties was tangible, and helped make clear how very healing art can be. Powerful stuff.

From there it was on to the Venice Breeze Suites who had music and art on their rooftop lounge, where it was tiny and packed and stunningly beautiful.

Shulamit Gallery had seemingly nothing going on and nobody to explain what wasn't going on, so it was on to the bright fun of the art at Canal Club, featuring very Venice superhero surfers and sea-like amoeba paintings. 

James Beach had some C.A.V.E. Gallery works and a DJ - and drinks. There was a great spread at "Streamlined" on North Venice, with art works by Dillon and a ton of good snacks. Good hosts!

Over on Venice Boulevard there was a little show of photographs of Big Bill, everyone's favorite Venice mechanic, who is now being forced out of his longtime garage. The photos of Big Bill made that already sad and wistful truth even more stark.

Back on Windward, Hama had some bright paintings by John Christensen displayed outside, and next door was a photo exhibit of Red Bull Flutag events. There was even a sand mermaid on the sidewalk outside of Venice, bringing some Boardwalk to the street.

The very best part of this edition of the VAC I've saved for last, as it was awesome.

My old friend Jason Teague has built a home complex out of shipping containers on Main Street, fronted by a huge mural by our local street artists. Inside (if you got in, there was a verrrry long line) all those same artists had pieces hanging for silent auction to benefit our Venice Symphony Orchestra. That's right, we now have a Symphony Orchestra, led and conducted by Wesley Flowers. They play everything "from Beck to Bach", and were in performance in the courtyard in the middle of the complex.

As everyone enjoyed the pulled pork sandwiches and cold brews (and Dogtown Coffee) being served, the PACKED crowd circled around the orchestra to hear selections from Mozart and yep, "Two Turntables And A Microphone" from Beck, orchestra style. It was so great. I'm so proud of these guys for having a beautiful idea and making it happen (You will hear more about the VSO very soon).

The VAC is so great for Venice because this is one happening that you actually see people from the neighborhood, like First Fridays used to be. I couldn't go two feet without bumping into another fantastic Venice person, also having an excellent time and loving it.

I didn't make it to every location along the Crawl, but we did pack a lot in. I feel so lucky and grateful to live in such a vibrant, talented, creative community, and the VAC spotlights those characteristics better than just about anything we have going on. The next one is in December, and promises to be another art extravaganza. Join in the creation or the appreciation - both are extra rewarding.

Thanks to the VAC for yet another blast. Love it.