Chief Mixologist Jon Arroyo Shakes Up ‘Harold and Maude’ for ARTINI 2011

Jon Arroyo's Harold & Maude cocktail

Come support Farmers & Fishers / Founding Farmers Chief Mixologist Jon Arroyo as he serves up his inspired cocktail “Harold and Maude” influenced by Delacroix’s 1862 Tiger and Snake oil painting on canvas. Jon is a cheftestant in the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s annual ARTINI event, an exhibition of Washington’s top 12 mixologists, competing to craft premier cocktails inspired by a select work from the Corcoran collection.

At first glance, Jon “was stuck by the opposing forces portrayed in the painting” and was inspired by clash of a snake against a tiger, and their surprising and unconventional beauty when paired together. He then crafted what he calls “Harold and Maude”, a cocktail inspired off yet another unusual, mismatched couple featuring seemingly incompatible ingredients that become brilliant when shaken together.

This April 2, the ARTINI cocktail party celebrates its fourth year at the Corcoran Gallery of Art from 8:30pm to midnight and showcases the inspired cocktails of all 12 mixologists, with an open beer and wine bar, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, music, and dancing. The winning ARTINI will be announced during the evening. It’s not too late to cast your vote for “Harold and Maude” to support Jon!

Jon Arroyo Featured in James Beard House Dinner in NYC

On August 10, Jon Arroyo, the cocktail mastermind behind Alembic Cocktail Catering and the Founding Farmers and Farmers & Fishers mixology programs, served a signature cocktail at the James Beard House in New York City.

A handful of Washington, DC’s most talented chefs and mixologists, all RAMMY nominees, presented their dishes at this prestigious event. Jon served his RAMMY cocktail, “Play It Again, Jim.” The unique twist on a traditional daiquiri is made with Jim Beam Rye Whiskey, lime juice, Luxardo Maraschino, grenadine and Angostura bitters.

Meet Chief Mixologist Jon Arroyo

Our own Jon Arroyo, Chief Mixologist for Founding Farmers and Farmers & Fishers, is going to be behind the bar at Farmers & Fishers Wednesday through Saturday nights mixing up a storm of hand-crafted cocktails. Join him at the Washington Harbour, just down the street from Founding Farmers, and have him make you a classic cocktail, pick a new favorite from the Farmers & Fishers menu of original recipes and Tiki specials.  Or, you could even try to stump Jon with a special suggestion!

And don’t forget that Jon and Founding Farmers are rewarding Earth Aid members for saving the most energy by Earth Day (April 23) with a Mixology Class for Eight – check out the details at the Earth Aid Blog.

Founding Farmers & Cabana Cachaça Celebrate Brazil

FF Mixologist Josh Tugjnyam

On Labor Day Monday (9.07) Founding Farmers Mixologist Josh Tugjnyam appeared on the WUSA9 morning show and prepared the official cocktail of Brazil – the caipirinha – in celebration of Brazilian Independence Day.   FF Chief Mixologist Jon Arroyo is the DC Brand Ambassador for Cabana Cachaça the upscale double distilled Brazilian Rum that is the key ingredient in the caipirinha.  Jon was away on holiday, so Josh stepped in to shake up some great cocktails.   See the video for yourself, and the food demo with Farmers & Fishers Sous Chef Mario Pineda, who prepared the very popular Heritage Truck-style Fish Tacos. No holidays for busy restaurants!