Chillin’ with Cleo Anthony

Cleo Anthony stars in the Spike Lee Netflix Series, She’s Gotta Have It.

Cleo plays Greer Childs, a former model turned successful photographer who longs for the artist’s life. Cleo recurred on Extantand Transparent, and also starred opposite Taraji P. Henson in the film Seasons of Love.

Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on.

We’re super excited about our Netflix Original Series She’s Gotta Have It, created and directed by the legend himself, Spike Lee. It’s a modern spin on his first feature film, of the same name, that made waves, broke records and set standards 30 years ago. Now it’s been updated and reimagined into a hilarious half hour dramedy.

With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?

“Down … time … ” What’s that?

When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?

My heart is in Ma/Pop dives and hole-in-the-walls of every nationality and cuisine. Places you know someone’s elder is in the kitchen micromanaging and passing out headaches. Food where there is no discernible difference from what you’re served and what the family enjoys for Sunday dinner and holidays at home. Though, as a foodie, I try to keep up with the hot spots and chefs du jour.

What types of dishes do you usually order?

Breakfast! As often as possible. But stay away from sugar and grains. Aside from that, eat all the fat I want—cheese, bacon, cream, steaks. People question this all the time, especially when it comes to “kryptonites” like ice cream and fresh bread, but I feel absolutely amazing. Not to mention it drops weight like a sack of bricks.

Do you cook?

You bet I do. Namely, breakfast. If you successfully convince someone to stay the night because you make a mean breakfast, you damn well better back it up.

What types of drinks do you order when out?

I rarely drink when out. Most places have no clue how to make a well-balanced cocktail. Some drinks should be stiff. Others smooth. I like a place that knows the difference.

Do you prepare drinks at home?

I think it’s the only reason my friends visit.

Do you own a home bar?

Indeed.

What is it stocked with?

You start with the basics—you know, the five clears, some whiskeys and a few shooters. That’ll satisfy most any request they throw at you. Then, as your interests grow, the seasons change and you build experiences, you pick up a bottle here and there. For instance, I loved St-Germain and Disaronno. One night at Pizzeria Mozza in L.A., I ordered my date and myself both. They had neither. Instead we were introduced to St. Elder and Luxardo. I’ve never looked back. On a flight I was offered Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey and cranberry. Now it’s all I drink when I fly. When you let your bar grow with your experiences, cocktail time invariably becomes story time. I’ve got over 50 bottles worth of stories to tell.

What is your favorite drink/cocktail?

My drink of choice is undoubtedly the Sidecar Martini. No one makes a good Sidecar, it’s almost witchcraft! To experience a surefire proper Sidecar, mosey over to Mastro’s Ocean Club in Newport Beach and the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Your drink game will never be the same.

Have you ever been a bartender?

My first bar job was at the infamous Saddle Ranch on the Sunset Strip. I worked the morning shift. First day on the job, guy comes in and orders a vodka soda (yes, in the morning). I proceed to ice my shaker tin (first mistake), pour a shot of vodka, then figure, “Coca-Cola is a soda … ” (next mistake), pour the coke in the shaker tin (that’s three), cap it and shake the the snot out of it! Then … strain into a shot glass ( … I’ve lost count … )! The look on the guy’s face prompted the GM to pull me aside for a word. That’s it, first job, first day, first drink! I knew I was done. But somehow, survived. Last gig was many years later at the Bazaar by Jose Andres in the five-star SLS Hotel, Beverly Hills, where I made Halle Berry a Jalé Berry (JALApeño and blackBERRY Martini). And, oh, the many stops in between …

Follow Cleo on Instagram and Twitter.