A Moment with Devon Espinosa, West Hollywood

West Hollywood is renowned for its exciting night-life, and who better to give us the low down on this scene and more than an expert mixologist at one of the city’s chicest bars?

Tell us a bit about who you are and what you do?

My name is Devon Espinosa and I’m the Beverage Director of The Church Key on Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood.

How did you end up becoming a mixologist?

I started off as an aspiring chef graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY with an Associates in Culinary Arts and a Bachelors in Business and Management.

Bartending fell into my lap as I was waiting tables to make some extra cash at the age of nineteen in upstate New York. My boss at the time had me learn to bartend after the former had walked out. Finding passion in the art of mixing cocktails I instantly realized you can still be thoughtful about your processes, you can still be seasonal and its just like being a chef except it just another medium.

How does West Hollywood inspire your creativity?

From the locals to the street art to our local farmers market I find inspiration everyday in all my surroundings.

Where do you go in WeHo to unwind?

There are so many great places in West Hollywood to cater to whatever you are looking for at any given time. If I am not sipping coffee at Zinque on Melrose, walking around the Pacific Design center is a great source of relaxation and inspiration if your into architecture and design. the moca within the design center is always a fun place for a bit of added culture as well.

Where should we go to witness WeHo’s most authentic side?

Taking a stroll or drive down any of the famous streets in WeHo is a great way to see all the sides to this amazing city. From iconic Sunset Strip to vibrant Santa Monica Blvd. WeHo is not just one kind of place. Its a true melting pot thats always surprising me with something new.

If we’ve only got one day in WeHo, what should we do?

Hit up a comedy show or musical act on Sunset, get inspired at the Pacific Design Center, Do some shopping on Melrose or Robertson then check out the crazy fun that ensues on santa monica blvd to cap your night off.

Aside from The Church Key, do you have a favorite place to go on a night out? Too many to sound off but my some of my favs are EP & LP, Now Boarding, Bar Lubitsch, Harlowe, Eveleigh and of course the THE ABBEY.

What do you think it is that makes WeHo such an attractive destination to visitors?

West Hollywood caters to all and the judgement is checked at its borders. The food and drink scene is always rising and the outlets of entertainment are endless. No better place to people watch!

Finally, describe WeHo in three words?

Exciting, Unpredictable, Home

DEVON ESPINOSA’S 24 HOUR WEHO ITINERARY

1. BE INSPIRED AT THE PACIFIC DESIGN CENTER

2. GO SHOPPING ON MELROSE

3. CATCH A COMEDY OR MUSICAL ACT ON SUNSET

4. START YOUR NIGHT WITH A DRINK AT E.P & L.P

5. DANCE TILL DAWN ON SANTA MONICA BLVD