s p i rS
e m m u S
and tion —
this
iza social e m o s of ds. need k with frien n i e r rin us a to ny of o go for a d a st has t the m a , o d t a C e h l e’ve ct tim ughou entra w e o C r f f r l h e t e a h h p t en a ils -aockta e stayed op r-and , seems like c a r e e y m e v ar th ha um After , in particul best s rants that e h t r f u e . eo sta summ e som ars and re ed during it t s a t eb en and e out upport to th nes that op r u t n e So, v ve some s ially the o gi ec offer; ic, and esp m pande
By Zachary Rosen
Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust Ventura Husband-and-wife team, Brandon Ristaino and Misty Orman, have actually opened two new bars in the midst of the pandemic while running their other three establishments. These three bars — The Good Lion, Test Pilot, and Shaker Mill — are all based in Santa Barbara and are known for their stylish touch and distinctive themes. For a while, Brandon and Misty had been interested in opening a new bar in Ventura. They couldn’t believe their luck when they discovered a historic Italian bank building was available on Main Street in Ventura. They quickly jumped on the property and began developing it. The building had previously been a clothing shop, so the site needed a complete rebuild, including adding a kitchen. This restaurant and bar would be the first of Brandon and Misty’s establishments to have an integrated kitchen, and they had big plans. The week they submitted permits, the statewide (and eventually worldwide)
Photo by Lure Digital
A wide selection of Italian-inspired flavors at the Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust’s bar. california101guide.com
shutdown began, and they were stuck in development. It was tough to decide whether to continue, but they knew that they would never find such a cool building again. Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust’s decor celebrates the architecture and design of the historic Baroque building. Brandon has Italian roots and they both share a deep love for the culture and cuisine. They wanted to combine a range of Italian influences, pulling largely from southern and coastal Italy with many bright citrus flavors, vermouths, and amaros, like an Amaro Sazerac. The Fluffy Garibaldi cocktail combines fresh orange juice with lemon, Campari, and cherry bark vanilla bitters. The menu also features more “brown and boozy” cocktails, with one of their bestselling drinks being a mezcal cocktail. For something mellower, there is a selection of Italian natural wines available that fit the “quirky Italian comfort food” they serve in the restaurant. Photo by Lure Digital
Bright citrus flavors enhance this Amaro Sazerac at Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust.
Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust, 394 E Main St, Ventura bankofitalycocktails.com
Photo by Lure Digital
Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust showcases the building’s original Baroque architecture and design.
Photo by Lure Digital
“Quirky Italian comfort food” served up at Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust. Summer 2021
97
