Daniel Djang is the founder of Thirsty in LA, a lifestyle blog focused on cocktail culture, spirits and travel. Since its launch in May 2009, Thirsty in LA has become a widely-read and respected industry resource, with accolades that include LA Weekly Best Cocktail Blog, Imbibe Magazine: Imbiber of the Week, and Guest Blogger: Portland Cocktail Week. Daniel was featured in the Los Angeles issue of Imbibe – the magazine’s first-ever city issue – and was a judge for the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, as well as numerous LA cocktail competitions.
In November 2011, Daniel co-founded Art Beyond the Glass (ABTG), an acclaimed series of national events for bartenders to showcase their artistic talents when they’re not behind the stick. From cocktails to paintings, photography, live music, DJs, spoken word and more, ABTG is a celebration of bartender artistry inside and beyond the glass.
Proceeds from every ABTG event are donated to a local arts-based nonprofit – to date, ABTG has donated more than $210,000 to these vital community organizations. LA-based recipients include KCRW, Global Inheritance, Beautify Earth, and the Mural Conservancy. National donation recipients include Creative Growth Art Center (Oakland), ArtReach Chicago, Arts Council Oklahoma City, and The Moth (NYC).
In response to the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, ABTG refocused its fundraising mission in order to support bartenders suffering financial hardship due to loss of employment or reduced work hours. The ABTG COVID-19 Relief Fund continues to accept applications and award microgrants to LA County bartenders in need.