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| Dirty Habit Head Bartender Sarah Ruiz |
From our friends at Dirty Habit...
Sommelier-Certified Bartender and Spirits Expert to Bring Innovative Cocktail Menu to New Penn Quarter Restaurant and Bar
Dirty Habit welcomes Sarah Ruiz to its talented team as head bartender. With a sommelier certification from The Court Master Sommeliers and nearly a decade of hospitality experience, Ruiz brings her attention to detail and her dedication to spirits craftsmanship to the excitingly edgy new Penn Quarter restaurant and bar opening this fall.
“We’re excited to have Sarah bring her perspective to the Dirty Habit beverage program,” said William Smith, general manager of Dirty Habit. “Her bar menu will showcase atypical ingredients and bold flavors. Paired with Executive Chef Kyoo Eom’s eclectic social-plates, Sarah’s craft cocktails will offer ingenuity and an unexpected twist.”
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| Rendering of Dirty Habit |
Ruiz’s hospitality career began at the Michelin-star-awarded Fifth Floor in San Francisco, where she learned the importance of discipline, preparation and the value of high-quality service. She then forged her spirits expertise further during her most recent post managing an agave-focused spirits division for Baja Wines, a wine-importing company in Mexico, learning the ancestral methods of mezcal production. In addition to frequenting vineyards in California, Oregon and Burgundy to gain a deeper understanding of grapes and wine-making, Ruiz studied sherry production in Jerez, Spain and cider houses in Basque Country. This global spirits and wine knowledge will be present in Dirty Habit’s subversive bar, complementing Chef Eom’s culinary direction.
Ruiz will bring grit and whimsy to the stylishly dark bar, featuring such standout craft creations as:
• "Seeing Spots" is made with Amontillado, Fino, Bianco Vermouth, Nocino, Strega Rinse, Walnut Bitters and Oil. It’s a low-proof cocktail for guests who want to start the evening with an aperitif or for those ready to wind down after a long night.
• "Matcha Picchu" is a mix of Pisco, Guava, Falernum, Matcha and Citrus. With its tropical and floral notes, this refreshing beverage is well-suited for guests hiding away on Dirty Habit’s private city-block patio.
• "Smoke Signals” consists of Rye, Oloroso, Lapsang Souchong, Maple and Nutty Bitters. The Asian tea adds smokiness to Ruiz’s take on an Old Fashioned, serving those that enjoy a classic cocktail with a unique spin.
• "I’m truly looking forward to joining the DC bar scene,” said Ruiz. “The willingness of Washingtonians to try new things allows us to push the envelope, focus on the evolution of cocktails and simply have fun and make a statement.”
ABOUT DIRTY HABIT:
Dirty Habit is a luxe restaurant and bar that offers a vivid social scene centered around expertly-crafted cocktails, an innovative social-plates menu, edgy design and an expansive urban patio. It is located at 555 8th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20004, adjacent to the Hotel Monaco DC across from the Verizon Center. The restaurant and bar is open seven days a week and features private-dining services. Follow Dirty Habit on Instagram at @DirtyHabitDC.
