I have recently returned to the classic martini as my evening cocktail, mostly because I missed the crispness and simplicity that makes it such a delight. Caipirinhas and margaritas and Manhattans Continue reading “Gin, Gin, And More Gin”
The Knot Irish Whiskey — The Good, The Bad And The Beautiful
The Knot is an Irish whiskey that has an undeniably elegant bottle and label — thus the “beautiful.” It is also a wonderfully balanced whiskey, without a hint of harshness on the finish, Continue reading “The Knot Irish Whiskey — The Good, The Bad And The Beautiful”
Musings On The Gin & Tonic
Why, you ask, would I discuss the quintessential summer drink as we rush headlong into winter? Well, I just returned from sunnier climes, and I had the opportunity to drink many of these sometimes wonderful drinks. Unfortunately, when bartenders are left to their own devices, Continue reading “Musings On The Gin & Tonic”
Bar Etiquette
One of the pleasures of bar dining is the hustle and bustle of a busy city bar, with all of the dynamics of the mix of diners and drinkers and watchers, and all of the rest of the people who make up the crowd in a good place.
I mention “city bar,” because there is an unspoken set of Continue reading “Bar Etiquette”
Vya: A Great Vermouth
I really hate it when I discover a product that is significantly better than my old standard. Mostly because, in my experience, the new and better is always more expensive than the old and staid and comfortable. And this stuff is no different, so don’t get excited about the possibility Continue reading “Vya: A Great Vermouth”
Water, Water Everywhere!
Harold McGee is no slouch when it comes to the science of cooking and the chemistry of food. He wrote what many consider to be the source for accessible information on the science behind cooking and food, unsurprisingly called On Food And Cooking. He also writes Continue reading “Water, Water Everywhere!”
Rum Sazerac
I am sure that I have violated some basic tenet of New Orleans drinking culture by bastardizing their classic cocktail, but damn, it tasted great! So send your zombies, I can handle them, especially with a few of these drinks to stiffen my resolve. The original drink Continue reading “Rum Sazerac”
Liverpool House — Montreal, Canada
I hate rushing for dinner, but because of the ineptitude of the Canada Border Services Agency, we spent a not-terribly-interesting 100 minutes sitting in line at the border. Yes, that is one hour and forty minutes. And the worst part was Continue reading “Liverpool House — Montreal, Canada”
Small Change, Big Taste — Thoughts On The Sazerac
Late last summer I spent a few hours at Blue Smoke, enjoying the service, the look of the place, and the air of professionalism that permeates it. I didn’t particularly enjoy the food, but maybe I am too picky. What I did take tremendous pleasure in was the Sazerac that Continue reading “Small Change, Big Taste — Thoughts On The Sazerac”
La Promenade — Jullouville, France
Where do you eat in a small town on the Normandy coast? Well, if your friends know the mayor, who is justifiably proud of this lovely beach resort 40 kilometers from Le Mont-Saint-Michel, let him make the decision. And that was a fine idea. My only regret is that we didn’t have more time to try some other restaurants, because the two we enjoyed were both excellent, charming and, most important, they served innovative and interesting food.
We began at La Promenade, a seaside restaurant in a building that was used as a hospital by the Nazis until it was liberated by American forces in 1944. We sat on the patio Continue reading “La Promenade — Jullouville, France”