Noted as one of the nation's top 5 mixologists by Food and Wine January 2006, Lucy Brennan is a household name in the cocktail industry. Her one of a kind concoctions, fabulous Portland, Oregon restaurant and lounge, and dedicated following, have earned her many accolades as she actively reinvents today's cocktail culture. A native of London, England, Lucy moved to New York City at sixteen, where she worked as an assistant to two Wall Street stock traders. Her adventurous spirit later took her to San Francisco, where she served four years as a beverage and assistant restaurant manager at the San Francisco Park Hyatt. Lucy's first bartending experience was not until she moved to Portland, Oregon in 1994. After five years of mixing and shaking her way to bar manager at Portland's Saucebox restaurant on SW Broadway, Lucy had found her true calling. Lucy opened her own restaurant in North Portland in the spring of 2001. She chose the name Mint because in Greek mythology, mint is the symbol of hospitality. The success of Mint and the incredible demand for Lucy's unique cocktails prompted her to open the 820 Lounge next door to Mint in spring 2003. Today, Mint's menu has evolved from the Latin American inspired dishes of its previous years to offer contemporary American cuisine influenced by fresh seasonal ingredients. The menu, which is available in the lounge as well as the restaurant, accompanies a mouthwatering list of over 40 of Lucy's custom cocktails including hot cocktails for the cold fall and winter months. In addition to her most recent honor in Food and Wine, Lucy won The Oregonian's "Battle of the Bartenders" in 2001, was cited as one of the "Best 9 Bartenders of the Moment" by Spirit Magazine November 2003, won the ABSOLUT Portland Style Drink Contest in 2003, and was also featured as one of the top mixologists in the country by Bon Appetit in 2004. Lucy has also authored the cocktail book Hip Sips, which will be published by Chronicle Books in 2007. With her successful background and amazing palate for blending spirits, Lucy is now sharing her mixology wisdom through cocktail classes at 820. In her interactive, hands-on, hour and a half classes, participants learn the basics of making three of Lucy's signature drinks, the secret of her distinct lollipop rims, and are given the opportunity to ask questions regarding spirits and the mixing of cocktail masterpieces. Lucy also shares her expertise by working as a cocktail consultant. Bars, eateries, and events are constantly looking for fresh ideas and flavors as the demand for exclusive cocktails increases. From concocting one unique drink for a wedding to ten for a restaurant menu, Lucy crafts vibrant recipes and trains bar staff to expertly recreate her cocktail creations. Lucy expands her reputation as a world-class bartender as she continues to mix unique libation creations including cocktails that incorporate fresh food ingredients. As The Oregonian once phrased it, "Something really does set Brennan apart — almost an uncanny feel for mixology that makes each drink taste like some new element on the flavor chart." < back