Oh, Julian. Say it ain't so.
In an emotional Facebook post this morning, LA's preeminent mixologist announced that he has accepted a position in Chicago, and will be moving to the Windy City at the end of the month. His message was filled with thanks to the many bartenders, chefs and media that have been part of his journey for the last 11 years, while touching on the challenges that, in part, prompted his move.
"After helping open 8 concepts last year, as you can imagine, I am exhausted," he wrote. "I have been searching my soul for meaning and purpose over the last couple months. Hard work has defined my path and has brought me success in my career, but it has also consumed me. Friends, it has never been easy doing what we do in hospitality. Creativity has come at a cost. Years of dealing with the pressures and cumulative weight of politics, personalities, and forced creativity had brought me to the brink of self destruction."
A meeting at the James Beard Awards in May provided him with a new opportunity in Chicago, where he'll be joining the restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. His first project will be overseeing the beverage program at the upcoming Italian trattoria il Porcellino.
Cox is responsible for arguably the best bar programs in the city, including those at Rivera (now shuttered), Redbird, Petty Cash, Barrel & Ashes, Las Perlas and Bestia (when it originally opened). His latest project, The Fiscal Agent, received one of only two five-star bar reviews we handed out last year.
From Cox's signature drink at Rivera, the Barbacoa, to the continued success of his bar programs in dining destinations across the city, the name Julian Cox has been synonymous with market-fresh ingredients and delightful creativity. His contributions to the bar scene in Los Angeles have been immense, and we will miss him greatly. Good luck in Chicago, Julian—and come back soon.