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PISCO LATIN LOUNGE BRINGS LEGENDARY COCKTAIL BACK TO SAN FRANCISCO

Early 1900s Saloon Is the Spiritual Inspiration For First Pisco Bar in the United States

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – August 1, 2008 – Take a legendary San Francisco cocktail with roots in Peru; add cutting edge tapas by a Nuevo Latino trailblazer; and serve them up in a cool, yet thoroughly hot, setting by a top restaurant designer and you get a vibrant, sexy lounge like ones usually found in Barcelona, Lima or Buenos Aires.

With its 26 foot long walnut stained bar and Italian marble flooring, Pisco Latin Lounge (www.piscosf.com) is the first pisco bar in the United States; drawing its spiritual inspiration from the historic Bank Exchange Saloon of early 20th century San Francisco where “Pisco Punch”, was invented from Peruvian grape brandy. However, PISCO is decidedly not an exercise in nostalgia.  Sofa lounge seating, intimate cocktail tables for two, eclectic latin influenced music, plus a “floating pagoda” surrounded by a water feature with changing lights that sends ripples of color up the surrounding walls makes PISCO a thoroughly contemporary spot.

“It’s long been my dream to create the kind of thoroughly modern Latin social environment I find in visits to family and friends in Peru, Argentina and Spain,” explained owner James Schenk. “When the original Pisco Punch recipe was recently rediscovered after 80 years, my vision was clear - to use this legendary cocktail as the launching pad for a new approach to pan Latin food and cocktails that honors the past, while being totally design forward”.

“Rich red accents and innovative lighting will be key to creating the mood at PISCO; from a striking modern chandelier with pisco vessel shaped elements to ceiling high wine towers that flank the bar and its center ‘shrine’ to pisco brandy,” said architect/designer Jim Maxwell (www.fullplateconsulting.com). “Although the space is relatively small, we’re creating multiple areas for different size groups; including a semi private area for 20 surrounded on 2 sides by water and ensconced in a contemporary enrejado trellis that symbolically represents pisco brandy’s original voyage from the ports of South America to San Francisco.

Twelve signature Latin Cocktails and the full bar are anchored by the Original Recipe Pisco Punch -- considered by many to be one of America’s first cocktails to gain international recognition. Lost in the Prohibition era (but recently rediscovered by Pisco’s co owner and resident historian Guillermo Toro-Lira through painstaking research) this sweet, yet refreshing concoction with citrus and fresh pineapple was described by Rudyard Kipling as being made from “the wings of cherubs”. It will join other creative specialties such as a Sideways Sour with organic white grape juice and a pinot noir float; Chichabana, a Pisco infused cocktail with a spicy purple corn punch; Algarobina , a traditional South American cocktail made with carob syrup; and a luscious Dulce de Leche Martini; as well as a full array of multi flavored mojitos. The wine list of short and full size pours will focus on Spanish, South American and California offerings with several hard to find Argentine vintages. Plus look for all kinds of pisco, including sipping varieties seldom seen in the U.S.

“Pisco will feature bar food that takes its lead from across the Spanish speaking world; combining textures and flavors in ways that equally pay homage to the culinary innovators of Spain and the late night clubs of Buenos Aires.” Schenk said in describing his culinary vision. “I want every nibble to have a distinctive flair that makes the lounge different from others.”

Savory modern tapas sure to satisfy include Fried Quinoa Risotto Balls With Shitake Mushrooms and Romesco Salsa; Jamon Serrano Wrapped Endive Boats Filled With Grilled Peaches and Cabrales Cheese; Peruvian Tiradito (a distinctive crudo offering), Artisan Cheese Platters and House Cured Chorizo and Morcilla Blood Sausage. Sweets will be far from ordinary with Carmelized Pecan and Amaranth Sushi Rolls Topped with Lucuma Eggfruit Mousse among the intriguing offerings. Prices will range from bar bites and plates to share from $8 - 18 for savories and $6 - 10 for sweets. Party platters and reception menus will build on Pisco’s own creations as well as many of Schenk’s already popular catering offerings.

Pisco Latin Lounge serves Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm to midnight pm with late menu available on Friday and Saturday until 1am; closed Mondays. The bar is open for drinks only 1 hour past kitchen closure. A nightly “Social Hour” from 5-6:30pm will offer weekly changing drink specials. Private and semi-private parties welcome any day of the week. For more information call 415-786-9653 or visit www.piscosf.com.