Chris Amirault
Otium | Los Angeles
October 2019
Chris Amirault grew up in Boston and made his way to Los Angeles with a theatre degree in hand. But soon, the hospitality industry reeled him in. He started as a barback at Fresh before snagging a bartending gig and finding his way to Julian Cox’s training program.
Next, Amirault worked for Rising Stars alum Kiowa Bryant at Eveleigh, learning to work with seasonal, fresh ingredients. In 2014, Amirault opened West Hollywood cocktail bar Harlowe, where his cocktails and talent started to gain recognition. His work at Harlowe earned Amirault inclusion on Zagat’s “30 Under 30” list and led to consulting gigs at Clifton’s Cafeteria and The Corner Door. After Cox departed from The Fiscal Agent, Amirault took over as beverage director. A mentee had stepped into his mentor’s shoes. Also active on the competition circuit, he won L.A.’s Espolòn Cocktail Fights in 2015 and Ti’Punch Cup USA in 2016.
The Fiscal Agent happened to sit right above Chef Tim Hollingsworth’s barbecue concept, Barrel & Ashes. And when the time came to open Hollingworth’s downtown L.A. stunner, Otium, Amirault joined him as bar manager. At Otium, Amirault works with the kitchen to build a whimsical, culinary-driven cocktail list—with a touch of drama held over from his acting days. Amirault and Hollingsworth have continued their partnership with the relaunch of West Hollywood’s Hudson, where Amirault delights guests with his creative beverage program.
2019 StarChefs Chefs Congress Presenter
2017 StarChefs Los Angeles Rising Stars Award Winner
