It’s not hard to imagine what critic H.L. Menken would think of Palmilla’s Mexican Hot Chocolate Martini, which is made with tequila. Menken described the gin and vermouth martini is “the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet.” But maybe, if he had the opportunity to try one, he could be won over. Our readers have been. And for the traditionalists, La Palmilla’s veteran bartenders will happily follow Noel Coward’s recipe for the perfect martini by “filling a glass with gin and waiving it in the general direction of Italy.”
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila: 39 Pier Ave, HB. 310-503-7722. www.palmillarestaurant.com
Runner-up: Zane’s, 1150 Hermosa Ave, HB. 310-374-7488. zanesrestaurant.com
