Video produced and edited by Jarnard Sutton
Paloma
Agave Wine
fresh lemon juice
fresh lime juice
Squirt
Champs and Tajin rim
Lime wedge garnish
What's unique about your paloma?
What’s unique about our Paloma is our usage of Agave wine. Agave wine has many flavors similar to tequila, but is less harsh and aggressive of a liquor.
If you had to pair this cocktail with a dish, what would you pair it with?
I don’t know if you can get this pairing anywhere else but at Tavern At The Vogue, but the Paloma with Fish and Chips is to die for. Our Fish & Chips consists of tempura battered white fish and crispy fries, with tartar sauce for dipping. The refreshing and light flavors from the Paloma perfectly compliment it.
Tavern at the Vogue isn’t a craft cocktail bar, what are you most known for?
We are most know for our imported European Beers on draft. Some styles we have, such as Helles Lager, Kellerweiss, Dunkle and Marzen, aren’t brewed locally year-round, if at all
The Tavern at The Vogue owners Alan Cassell (left) and National City City Councilman Gonzalo Quintero.
What kind of experience can diners expect at Tavern at the Vogue?
We have been fortunate enough to have many of our diners become regulars. Those regulars bring friends, and when they do, they see how laid back the vibe is. Family-friendly atmosphere, free play classic video games shuffleboard and darts. Warm atmosphere. You may start off with a pint and a pretzel, but before you know it you’ve been here a couple of hours and tried everything from sausages to schnitzel.
About Doctor Q
Doctor Q / Photo credit: Jarnard Sutton
Are you from San Diego?
Born and raised. I call the South Bay home, specifically National City where I serve as a City Councilmember.
How has your journey been leading up to your role at Tavern at the Vogue?
I have a doctorate in education from SDSU. I’ve been a college administrator an instructor and advisory board member in many projects. Perpendicular to that I have enjoyed many years on the floor, behind the bar and in the office of our family’s restaurant: La Bella Pizza founded by my wife’s grandparents in 1955. When this opportunity of bringing something new and old school presented itself it looked like a great chance to marry my passions of education and food culture.
What's your favorite drink to make behind the bar?
Anything. If I can make you happy with a perfectly poured cup of water, I’m satisfied that you are satisfied.
What's your favorite spirit?
Bourbon. Neat. A bit of liquid Americana.
What should everyone stock in their home bar?
Make sure you have quality filtered water. I see people drink bottled water all day, even at home. Yet when it comes time to use ice, they’re using whatever the automatic freezer is making or filling the ice tray with tap water. Same goes for your coffee. People buy expensive coffee and ruin it with crap water.
What do you do in your spare time when you're not operating a tavern?
I have wife of nearly 10 years and 2 little girls under 4-years-old at home. I do whatever I can to make the time to take them to the zoo, aquarium or Balboa Park. It is partially self-serving as I love being a family man, but I am not a homebody.
What's next for you?
Third Ave. Village in Downtown Chula Vista is growing by the day. As much as we and many of our neighbors have seen success, I know our audience is still mostly folks that live below 15 freeway. I want to utilize my abilities to communicate with and rally our neighbors throughout the county and beyond to join us in The South Bay as customers, collaborators and operators.
Photo Credit Jarnard Sutton
The Tavern at the Vogue is located on 230 3rd Ave in Chula Vista. For more information, visit tavernatthevogue.com, or call, (619) 371-3322.