WASHINGTON – A D.C. bartender who traveled the world believes that cocktails will not be shaken nor stirred by COVID-19.
Eli Schwarzschild only began in the bar and restaurant industry to earn a living.
He graduated from American University with a degree in International Politics and Mandarin after studying abroad in Beijing for 11 months. Schwarzschild spent much of his time there learning Chinese culture by making music with a multi-cultural band.
He quickly realized he needed to find a job and make money, so he moved back to D.C. to find work.
Schwarzschild was drawn to a bar and restaurant, CopyCat, that offers patrons an authentic Chinese dining experience. He applied and quickly fell in love with cocktail crafting.
“It’s on par with like a fine art,” Schwarzschild said. “Beholding this whole little piece of art that’s impermanent like a song.”
His ability to speak Mandarin helped him make fast friends with CopyCat’s owner. Schwarzschild went on to help open a new Szechwan bar and restaurant, Astoria, as a partner in April 2019.
Before the bar celebrated one year of business, COVID-19 forced D.C. officials to issue a stay-at-home order in March 2020.
Both Astoria and CopyCat had to adapt. They changed their hours of operation, began offering delivery and curbside pick-up, patio dining and now limited indoor seating.
Despite all the obstacles, Schwarzschild believes the art of cocktail crafting and the restaurant industry is strong enough to survive.
“When you’re talking about nice restaurants where you have like people who’ve studied this stuff, the art of it isn’t going anywhere. That’s the resilience of this industry.” Schwarzschild said.
Astoria is now accepting reservations for in person dining and online orders for pick up and delivery.
