Robust Water Anaheim has formally been named a 2024 James Beard Award nominee for “Excellent Wine & Different Drinks Program”!
As the one nominated idea in Orange County on the esteemed listing, house owners Ying Chang and Robert Adamson are honored to characterize the local people on such a world stage!
Robust Water, based by Ying Chang and Robert Adamson, is a nautical-themed restaurant and bar in Anaheim, CA. Upon coming into, visitors are transported onto a sunken ship for an immersive tiki expertise with rum-based drinks and elevated Asian Fusion bites. The hidden “tik-easy” is adorned with eclectic decor, together with nods to tiki tradition just like the “Zombie King Grotto” and references to Don the Beachcomber.
Ying and Robert’s journey started within the company world, however they quickly realized they shared a ardour for hospitality trade. Ying specialised in coaching and administration, guiding groups to success and guaranteeing top-notch service supply. In the meantime, Robert honed his expertise behind the bar and on the ground, mastering the artwork of mixology and offering distinctive visitor experiences. The inspiration for the ambiance of Robust Water comes from the couple’s favourite guide, Robinson Crusoe.
“We’ve crafted an environment that makes probably the most out of a difficult scenario. The furnishings tells a narrative too – upcycled outdated headboard frames function distinctive items, paired with vintage library tables that add a contact of historical past. Seating is all about consolation with eating room chairs that create a comfortable vibe. We wish everybody to really feel relaxed, as in the event you’ve stumbled upon a hidden oasis.”
The drink program at Robust Water is described by Ying as “a vibrant fusion of tropical inspiration and homage to basic tiki type cocktails.” They view themselves as pioneers in refining tiki cocktails to go well with the trendy palate, and as components evolve, so does their tackle them of their drinks. They replace their cocktail and meals menu twice a yr to maintain issues recent, and so they actually have a menu devoted to rum lovers.
With over 40 cocktails on the menu, together with their famend favorites just like the Starward Swizzle, Zombie King, Miehana, Pineapple Whipped Colada, and the Ritual of the Queen there’s one thing to tantalize each style bud. Ying elaborated on the enduring attract of the tiki craze, noting its origins within the mid-Twentieth century as a method of providing an unique escape with out the necessity for journey. This pattern offered a refreshing break from on a regular basis life by means of its tropical ambiance, unique delicacies, and vibrant drinks.
Though the tiki pattern waned within the 80s, its latest revival mirrors the renewed curiosity in craft cocktails and cocktail historical past. Its timeless attraction lies in offering patrons with a short escape from actuality, making it a welcome respite in as we speak’s world. Ying advises bartenders delving into tiki cocktails to embrace range, honor custom, prioritize recent components, innovate with garnishes, and enterprise past rum. As for important tiki-style drinks for any bar menu, the Mai Tai stands out as a first-rate alternative.
The latest and newest enterprise from Ying and Robert is Double Luck, a neighborhood cocktail bar nestled only a block away from Robust Water that may characteristic an Amari bar, that may function a haven for novices and consultants alike.
So, whether or not you’re looking for an escape from LA, a reprieve after Disneyland, or just love craft cocktails, the 2024 James Beard Semifinalist institution affords an unparalleled expertise.
