Product Description

Lush Life; Portraits from the Bar is a collection of portraits and stories from the many colorful characters whom the author/illustrator has met in cafes and bars around the world. The book captures more than just some heady characters; it reveals the inner sanctum of the bar, providing a compelling look at contemporary cafe society. Along with the stories, comes a selection of great cocktail recipes contributed by leading bar chefs, including Jill s husband, award-winning mixologist and author, Dale DeGroff.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #268719 in Books
• Published on: 2009-11-01
• Binding: Paperback
• 80 pages

Review
Jill DeGroff s work displays the very essence of the bartenders, musicians, and artists featured in this book; she has a way of capturing their personalities on the page. Couple this with the fabulous bar stories straight from the mouths ... and the result is an intriguing look into the souls of the men and women who hold forth from behind the mahogany in the twenty-first century. Lush Life is beautiful, and absolutely fascinating. --Gary Regan, author of The Gin Compendium

Ms. DeGroff catches you and then some. Not only does she find an entry point into your essence but she captures the vonz (Dexter Gordonese for vibe) of the room, she is brilliant! --Arturo O farrill, Musical Director, Jazz at Lincoln Center

Shortly before the repeal of Prohibition, Al Hirschfeld published his sketchbook of great speakeasies and legendary barkeeps, shining a light into the back rooms, basements, and often, surprisingly open world of illicit clubs, bars, and neighborhood speaks . Now, seventy-eight years later, Lush Life; Portraits from the Bar takes a look at the devotees who are redefining today s bar. Jill has opened a window to the 21st century saloon, and discovered that the characters are still belly up to the bar! --Dale DeGroff, author of The Essential Cocktail

Ms. DeGroff catches you and then some. Not only does she find an entry point into your essence but she captures the vonz (Dexter Gordonese for vibe) of the room, she is brilliant! --Arturo O farrill, Musical Director, Jazz at Lincoln Center

Shortly before the repeal of Prohibition, Al Hirschfeld published his sketchbook of great speakeasies and legendary barkeeps, shining a light into the back rooms, basements, and often, surprisingly open world of illicit clubs, bars, and neighborhood speaks . Now, seventy-eight years later, Lush Life; Portraits from the Bar takes a look at the devotees who are redefining today s bar. Jill has opened a window to the 21st century saloon, and discovered that the characters are still belly up to the bar! --Dale DeGroff, author of The Essential Cocktail

About the Author
New York artist, Jill DeGroff, has made bars around the world her studio. Aiming her paint brush at bartenders, musicians, artists, and the regulars, DeGroff captures a wide spectrum of unforgettable characters at the bar. Her soulful renditions have appeared in industry publications including: Imbibe Beverage Media, My Table (USA), and trade pubs overseas. Jill is also the founding Vice President of The Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans.

Customer Reviews

some of the best "spirits" at the bar!
Jill's collection of portraits and stories collected in cafes and bars around the world, embrace the many colorful characters she has encountered over the years. Included are mixologists, chefs, musicians, writers, journalists, and other barflies who share their recollections and bar room wisdom in the best oral tradition- served up with great cocktails, and a splash of heart and soul. What emerges is a compelling portrait of today's "Cocktailian" society. Jill has opened a window to the 21st century saloon, and discovered that the characters are still belly up to the bar!"
-Dale DeGroff, author of "The Essential Cocktail"

Life is even a bit more Lusher with Lush Life
Years ago I had seen on the internet a beautiful, and haunting, illustration of the Twin Towers that Jill had done. It was artistically masterful, beautiful in its way, and most importantly heartfelt.

Jill uses her great talent to document through her illustrations and words the world of mixology, bartenders, bars and lounges, and the characters that inhabit them. And, characters they are!

This book will bring a smile to your face and make you realize that beyond the stress and activity of the day there is always a refuge to go to where you can relax, put your elbow up on the bar and simply sip a well-made cocktail, a shot of whiskey, a pint of beer, or as they say, "whatever is your pleasure".

Love it!
I've followed Jill DeGroff's characature work for years now, and it's so special to now be able to own a compilation of these magnificent creations! For the bartender and enthusiast alike, "Lush Life" includes meticulously thought-out and creative depictions of some of your favorite characters behind the bar, along with the quirky stories and anecdotes that make their lives so interesting. Some pretty delicious cocktail recipes are thrown in the mix, too! Perfect holiday gift!!