More Mixology For Downtown: Petraske, Alperin Opening Speakeasy at Cole's

About a year ago we heard a rumor that Sasha Petraske, who owns some of New York's most revered sanctums of mixology (Milk & Honey, White Star), was planning something for Downtown LA. Last night we confirmed said rumor: Petraske and Eric Alperin have partnered with Cedd Moses to open The Varnish, a "back room" speakeasy at Cole's. It's like the meeting of the mixology minds: Alperin used to work with Petraske at Milk & Honey in NY; he did the cocktail list for Osteria Mozza, and then with Moses at The Doheny; and, of course, Moses will be reopening Cole's in November. Full circle. While making some sort of refreshing, tangy smash thing for us at the Bar Celona event, Alperin didn't give too many details about Varnish except that it won't be private like M&H and should open in December. More soon.
· Milk & Honey, Petraske in LA? Possibly. [~ELA~]
· Petraske Takes Milk & Honey Private; Blames Bloggers [~ENY~]
· Fall Tracking: Cole's [~ELA~]For more stories from Eater LA, go to la.eater.com.