Mixologists’ movies

What is it about Angelenos? Not only do we stay in town during the annual Academy Awards presentation, we actually revel in it, and the loss of the red carpet segment hasn’t done much to dampen our spirits. It’s nothing like New Orleans, where the locals flee Mardi Gras. Or the City of Light, which Parisians leave each August to avoid tourists.

Still the hype can make you want to simply stop it all and knock back a drink. But even the lowly cocktail hasn’t escaped -- with local barkeeps mixing up their own Oscar memories.

At the Writer’s Bar in L’Ermitage hotel it’s the Chicago Sling. At Mastro’s Steakhouse, there is a trio of martinis called the Ladies of the Hours. At Nic’s Restaurant and Martini Lounge, it’s the Sorcerer’s Magic, a salute to “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.” And then there’s one named for “The Pianist.” Just listen to Jay Gonzalez, bar manager at the Regent Beverly Wilshire, wax cinematic about the film: “Not only was it a true story, it was so powerful. I’m pulling for it more than any other film.”

Or Jim Walker, head bartender at the Grill on the Alley, discussing Daniel Day-Lewis in “Gangs of New York”: “I would see this movie just to watch him walk. He plants his feet like he’s planting a flag.”

Maybe it’s just easier in L.A. to think of yourself as an expert on the subject when it comes to the movies. Scratch the surface and beneath most accountants, lawyers, painters or plumbers you’ll find would-be Roger Eberts. Thumbs ready.

In Gonzalez’s the Pianist, the blend of Chopin Vodka and black Sambuca Romano is served on a silver tray with a strawberry dipped in dark and white chocolate to look like a puffed-out chest sporting a tiny tuxedo with buttons and bow tie.

Is hand-dipping strawberries worth it? Yes, says Gonzalez. Hey, we take our Oscar responsibilities seriously.

Walker, meanwhile, is a dyed-in-the-wool New Yorker. His drink and his Oscar pick for best movie shows a distinct preference for Martin Scorsese. Walker dubbed his concoction Old Glory in deference to “Gangs of New York.” It’s made with red creme de almond, blue Curacao, espresso and milk foam, and it’s striated to represent the American flag.

What about all that violence in the film? Here again, bartenders a stone’s throw from Hollywood become critics during Oscar season. “If all you see is the violence, you’re not looking deep enough.”

If this seems over the top, just a reminder: We all tend to get a little star-struck at Oscar time.

“Who would want to escape? Everybody wants to be a part of it,” says Gonzalez. He’s right; there is a special currency to the Oscars. Can you imagine drinks inspired by the Grammys? The Emmys?

Besides their Oscar drinks, there are also their Hollywood stories -- personal brushes with fame and the fabulous. Walker loves to tell about the time Clint Eastwood and Arnold Schwarzenegger came in together and he had to ask Arnie to butt out the stogie; or the time Tim Conway, Dick Martin and Don Rickles regaled each other with shtick so funny, diners were in tears; and the times Jackie Gleason would stay at a hotel across the street, hop in his limo and call Walker from the car to say he was on his way.

“I’d put a J&B; on one corner of the bar and another on the other end. He’d throw down the first one, grab the other on the way into the restaurant and say, ‘And away we go!’ ”

Too much Hollywood name-dropping? One too many Oscar moments?

Not for Walker, who says he hopes he’ll never be jaded about mixing it up -- with and for -- the glitterati.

And now, the winner for best supporting bartender.... Envelope, please?

Anne Valdespino can be contacted by e-mail at anne.valdespino@latimes.com

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Oscar drinks, 90210

The Pianist: Regent Beverly Wilshire, 9500 Wilshire Blvd.

Old Glory: The Grill on the Alley, 9560 Dayton Way

Ladies of the Hours: Mastro’s Steakhouse, 246 N. Canon Drive

The Sorcerer’s Magic: Nic’s Restaurant and Martini Lounge, 453 N. Canon Drive

Chicago Sling: The Writer’s Bar, Raffles L’Ermitage, 9291 Burton Way