Barman Julian Cox Returns to LA for Tiki-Loving Patio Party at Otium

Looks like famed bartender Julian Cox just can’t stay away from Los Angeles, as the barman is set to return to the City of Angels for a one-night gig at Otium on July 12. The plan is to let Cox lead the way with a patio-only tiki party that includes drinks, food, and more.

Cox, you’ll recall, headed out of town for Chicago around the first of the year, taking a position with the gigantic Lettuce Entertain You restaurant group. Not long before, he’d opened his own Valley cocktail den The Fiscal Agent, and promised at the time of his departure to make sure he’d be back in often to check in on things — both at his own places, and around LA’s larger cocktail scene in general.

That certainly seems to be the case here, as Cox returns in time to help launch an ongoing Otium summer patio series. The gorgeous Downtown restaurant by Timothy Hollingsworth has been wanting to liven things up out on their green front patio for a while now, and plan to do so by bringing in a variety of guest bartenders over the summer to run one-off events. Dubbed the Bar Collective series, the ongoing run will also include Chris Amirault (who is now running things at The Fiscal Agent), Karen Grill, and Yael Vengroff. Each will be doing their own themed events.

The tiki party with Cox lands July 12 and costs a mere $20 for small bites, guest DJ sets, and access to those a la carte specialty cocktails. The party runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., which means there’s plenty of time to get your money’s worth. You’ll have to pre-pay for your ticket though, so head to Table 8 if you want to join the fun.

• Julian Cox, One of LA's Most Accomplished Bartenders, Is Moving to Chicago [ELA]
• The Fiscal Agent Is Drinks Wizard Julian Cox's Long-Awaited, High-Spirited Bar [ELA]