Best Bartender
Kaden Yamashita, Pop & Hiss
215 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove
(831) 275-3303, popandhiss.net
Jugglers at the circus are masters of legerdemain, meaning “sleight of hand” in French. Replace pins, balls or even chainsaws with spirit bottles and mixing liqueurs and the only one standing in the ring will be Kaden Yamashita from Pop & Hiss. The price of admission to any show in the back bar of this vinyl shop is worth watching Yamashita practice his craft, with a lineup of signature musically-themed cocktails – many of which were developed by the master bartender. Yamashita’s talents don’t stop there. When he steps out from behind the bar, he’s just as good with turntables in front of him.