March 10, 2005 The Cocktail Guru Every season has its trendy drink. There was the apple martini. Then the caramel apple martini. The Mojito. Then the Watermellon Mojito. All it takes is one bartender serving a fancy cocktail to a starlet or two and BAM! A drink sensation is born. But where do those novel drinks come from? Where are the creative bartenders? We found one right in Hollywood and boy, does he know his way around a cocktail. You might already know the scene at Vermont, but next time you're there be sure to look for Curtis behind the bar. A moment in conversation with Curtis and he begins building your drink profile. Do you like creamy or clear? Tart? Sweet? Fruit flavors? Banana? Nuts? Name your favorite Jolly Rancher. And then, "Oh -- I've got something for you, but it packs a punch." We're ready, Curtis. Feels good to be in the hands of a master. Curtis won't reveal what's in his peanut butter and jelly drink but it left us wondering whether there's such a thing as peanut butter schnaps. His mint chocolate chip martini made us hanker for another scoop. And his Cabo Cabo is like a margarita on steroids. At $8 to $11 per drink his concoctions aren't exactly a bargain, but the flavors he creates are worth their weight in liquid gold. Curtis works Tuesday through Friday at: Vermont 1714 Vermont Los Angeles, CA 90027 Tel: 323.661.6163