Ok, I'm becoming totally and completely spoilt. ANOTHER chance to put on a dress (this time a fringe-y 1920's inspired number) and some fishnet stockings and take on the TOWN. This is what I was meant to do with my 20's (ahem...ok 30's)! Maybe it's time to start incorporating photos...
Enough vanity, let's talk cocktails. Because even though the Punch Room at the Ritz does come with a slightly pretentious entry process (you can't call ahead to make a reservation, but when you arrive they ask you if you have a reservation...um, ok?) it is worth the silliness. In fact, it's worth a lot of hoops to get in there, because it is the BEST DAMN COCKTAIL I've ever had in Charlotte, North Carolina. Well. Done. Bob.
We were fortunate (we being me and the incredibly handsome man who keeps making it a point to take me out and ensure I'm having fun) enough to be seated at the bar where we could watch the composition of and lust after cocktails that would not be ours. And while perusing the menu we sipped the complimentary brandy based punch (yes, Punch Room) that was just large enough to keep my mouth occupied and whet my appetite. Took me back to Asheville and the Thirsty Monk. Total quality, care for ingredients, patience to put it together. Why am I moving?
Bob introduced me to the Hanky Panky (go ahead, I giggled too) and this brilliant thing called Fernet Branca, which evidently I will have loads of in SF. Gin, Fernet Branca infused with vanilla (only Bob does this), sweet vermouth (color!!!!!), and the most darling orange-peel-shaped-like-a-leaf-with-the-world's-tiniest-clothespin as a garnish. Ridiculous. Delicious. Perfection. Go and challenge yourself to have one drink. Savor it. Commit it to memory. After all, it's the Ritz.
Ritz - 10
Cocktail - 10
Date - 10
^ has THAT ever happened before?
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Friday, November 20, 2015
Boozy Magnolia Blossoms
There's nothing new in this world. It's all been done before. So they said...but they hadn't had a drink at Magnolia's lately.
Cassandra had never been to Charleston, SC, which, in the religious South, is kind of like a sin. Especially when you live as close as Charlotte. So keeping to my evangelical upbringing, I declared (oh there are SO many Southern references here) that we would go at the first opportunity, Labor Day weekend. With all the excitement of the end of summer, many trips, and last chances to see friends before the move, it was a welcome opportunity to get there fast and then slow down for a day. Now I don't know about you but when you put two food and beverage lovers on a 24 hour trip, we will find a way to consume as many meals in as many places as humanly possible, at least 4 per day, seasoned with the occasional cocktail as an interlude between restaurants, and beginning with brunch. Now this will not catalog all of our beverages...but the most remarkable one.
Magnolias already held a special place in my heart for the weekend of the Cooper River Bridge Run...what a dinner and lots of fun (PECAN PIE). But I didn't have a cocktail from their menu that time. But tonight our dinner plans were at High Cotton and we had just enough time for one drink somewhere...and found ourselves at the far end of the curved wooden bar at Magnolia. It's moody there, at the curved end. You feel all the crush of the diners and all the stress of the servers entering tickets and yet it's tucked away and cozy. Of course Cassandra ran into a friend (I don't have to tell you she's famous).
And while she ordered her own creation, I opted to go with a selection from the menu: the Hibernia...Jameson Black Barrel Reserve, St. Germain, dry vermouth, orange bitters served in an old fashioned glass with rocks. There is no gin in this drink, yet it has the hallmarks of a favorite...St. Germain, vermouth, bitters. What the devil is the Jameson doing in there? I heard a whiskey expert say that Jameson is the perfect whiskey for mixing...and perhaps he's right. But this Black Barrel is something different, and it's ability to blend and at the same time stand on it's own in the drink is alluring.
While technically not a martini (hey no one's paying me for this, I'll post what I LIKE) it was a unique cocktail that should be experienced. Before or after dinner I think it would work well - I wouldn't go waving food at it. But it is delicious.
Mag's - 7
"Martini" - 8
Cassandra had never been to Charleston, SC, which, in the religious South, is kind of like a sin. Especially when you live as close as Charlotte. So keeping to my evangelical upbringing, I declared (oh there are SO many Southern references here) that we would go at the first opportunity, Labor Day weekend. With all the excitement of the end of summer, many trips, and last chances to see friends before the move, it was a welcome opportunity to get there fast and then slow down for a day. Now I don't know about you but when you put two food and beverage lovers on a 24 hour trip, we will find a way to consume as many meals in as many places as humanly possible, at least 4 per day, seasoned with the occasional cocktail as an interlude between restaurants, and beginning with brunch. Now this will not catalog all of our beverages...but the most remarkable one.
Magnolias already held a special place in my heart for the weekend of the Cooper River Bridge Run...what a dinner and lots of fun (PECAN PIE). But I didn't have a cocktail from their menu that time. But tonight our dinner plans were at High Cotton and we had just enough time for one drink somewhere...and found ourselves at the far end of the curved wooden bar at Magnolia. It's moody there, at the curved end. You feel all the crush of the diners and all the stress of the servers entering tickets and yet it's tucked away and cozy. Of course Cassandra ran into a friend (I don't have to tell you she's famous).
And while she ordered her own creation, I opted to go with a selection from the menu: the Hibernia...Jameson Black Barrel Reserve, St. Germain, dry vermouth, orange bitters served in an old fashioned glass with rocks. There is no gin in this drink, yet it has the hallmarks of a favorite...St. Germain, vermouth, bitters. What the devil is the Jameson doing in there? I heard a whiskey expert say that Jameson is the perfect whiskey for mixing...and perhaps he's right. But this Black Barrel is something different, and it's ability to blend and at the same time stand on it's own in the drink is alluring.
While technically not a martini (hey no one's paying me for this, I'll post what I LIKE) it was a unique cocktail that should be experienced. Before or after dinner I think it would work well - I wouldn't go waving food at it. But it is delicious.
Mag's - 7
"Martini" - 8
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Skyline Cocktails with a SUIT
"I want to get dressed up and go out," he says...my eyebrows go up. Reeeaaallly? Because perhaps that is one of my very favorite things to do, ever. So after a false start (our August date cut short due to illness - his not mine), we are dressed to the nines (what does that mean?) and have a trifecta of cocktails planned for the soiree.
Bright pink dress with a key-hole neck and back and a full swing skirt, I am READY to go out. Even the lip gloss is on point, er as the kids say on fleek (eye roll). And my partner in crime rolls up in a SUIT - navy/charcoal (OK I admit I should have paid more attention) but he looks very, very nice. We hop in an uber and head to stop 1 on the trail - Bentley's. Now, ya'll know that this is one of my favorite places in the world to have a cocktail. But now that Amanda's gone I know it will be different. And because of the Carolina vs Carolina (Chapel Hill vs Gamecocks) game at the stadium, plus the Thursday before Labor Day weekend, we rolled up in there like we owned the place. And it was empty. One table. The bar was closing, the dining room was closing, the kitchen was closing. So after all my talk about Oysters and martinis, I felt like a real chump. Danny (the new Amanda - who CLEARLY isn't) recognizes my drink order from Jane and Sharon a few week's prior. And then he quizzes my date on why he wants an Old Fashioned. Well, Danny - it was a disappointment. The drink was too sweet (no lemon juice) and you STALKED our table for the bill. As someone who's worked in food service, if you really want to tab out ask to close the tab. I wouldn't have tipped you at all.
Next stop - Fahrenheit. The breeze was balmy and coming off the fireplace took the little edge off the early September evening. Although the view was phenomenal, this wasn't shaping up well either. No service for almost 20 minutes. Ok, now I'm hungry, cranky, feeling embarrassed that all my big fancy places are not delivering and FINALLY she comes over, and offers menus. I ordered a Lexi's Aviation - more lavender infusions this week - how unusual. Plus some Luxardo and lemon juice. I really need to stock Luxardo at home. I mean - then I could always have the last word (cocktail pun - google it). And we got some appetizers that were delicious. After a couple of those...we decided that the 3rd bar of the night could wait for another outing...which may be happening soon. Stay tuned.
Bentley's - 3
Fahrenheit - 7
No idea who won - Carolina or Carolina...
Bright pink dress with a key-hole neck and back and a full swing skirt, I am READY to go out. Even the lip gloss is on point, er as the kids say on fleek (eye roll). And my partner in crime rolls up in a SUIT - navy/charcoal (OK I admit I should have paid more attention) but he looks very, very nice. We hop in an uber and head to stop 1 on the trail - Bentley's. Now, ya'll know that this is one of my favorite places in the world to have a cocktail. But now that Amanda's gone I know it will be different. And because of the Carolina vs Carolina (Chapel Hill vs Gamecocks) game at the stadium, plus the Thursday before Labor Day weekend, we rolled up in there like we owned the place. And it was empty. One table. The bar was closing, the dining room was closing, the kitchen was closing. So after all my talk about Oysters and martinis, I felt like a real chump. Danny (the new Amanda - who CLEARLY isn't) recognizes my drink order from Jane and Sharon a few week's prior. And then he quizzes my date on why he wants an Old Fashioned. Well, Danny - it was a disappointment. The drink was too sweet (no lemon juice) and you STALKED our table for the bill. As someone who's worked in food service, if you really want to tab out ask to close the tab. I wouldn't have tipped you at all.
Next stop - Fahrenheit. The breeze was balmy and coming off the fireplace took the little edge off the early September evening. Although the view was phenomenal, this wasn't shaping up well either. No service for almost 20 minutes. Ok, now I'm hungry, cranky, feeling embarrassed that all my big fancy places are not delivering and FINALLY she comes over, and offers menus. I ordered a Lexi's Aviation - more lavender infusions this week - how unusual. Plus some Luxardo and lemon juice. I really need to stock Luxardo at home. I mean - then I could always have the last word (cocktail pun - google it). And we got some appetizers that were delicious. After a couple of those...we decided that the 3rd bar of the night could wait for another outing...which may be happening soon. Stay tuned.
Bentley's - 3
Fahrenheit - 7
No idea who won - Carolina or Carolina...
Sunday, September 27, 2015
ArtPop
It was 1996, I was a Freshman in high school going to my first prom, when I arrived at the Adam's Mark hotel in my date's father's vintage MG - I felt HOT. Flash forward, it's 2015 and I'm going to my first ArtPop event in Charlotte and this very same hotel has had a major upgrade (it is now le Meridian) and I arrived on foot - and I felt hot (but that's because it was a little bit of a walk from my place plus it's September in Charlotte)!
Jane and I went to sip cocktails and watch Sharon Dowell paint...but we got to make art too! The bar and lounge in le Meridian feels much cooler than the Charlotte I live in; it's got a very boutique hotel meets Paris meets the South kind of groove. There is modern furniture and funky lighting with a couple of high top tables in the bar area. The bartenders were ok - I felt more like an imposition than a VIP guest. But I did manage to receive a menu and ordered a spectacular creation made with lavender. It was the loveliest shade of purple with a dried lavender bloom as a garnish. Not too sweet but elegantly crafted, this cocktail was worth the price tag ($15!). Now hold on to your hats...this one is a cosmo - yes, with Vodka - so I've gone a bit off the reservation here. Lavender infused vodka, lemon and lime juice, triple sec, simple syrup, and cranberry juice. Spectacular.
Sharon's art - 10
Le meridian vibe - 9 (would've been a 10 if those bartenders had made me feel moderately welcome!)
Martini - 9
Jane and I went to sip cocktails and watch Sharon Dowell paint...but we got to make art too! The bar and lounge in le Meridian feels much cooler than the Charlotte I live in; it's got a very boutique hotel meets Paris meets the South kind of groove. There is modern furniture and funky lighting with a couple of high top tables in the bar area. The bartenders were ok - I felt more like an imposition than a VIP guest. But I did manage to receive a menu and ordered a spectacular creation made with lavender. It was the loveliest shade of purple with a dried lavender bloom as a garnish. Not too sweet but elegantly crafted, this cocktail was worth the price tag ($15!). Now hold on to your hats...this one is a cosmo - yes, with Vodka - so I've gone a bit off the reservation here. Lavender infused vodka, lemon and lime juice, triple sec, simple syrup, and cranberry juice. Spectacular.
Sharon's art - 10
Le meridian vibe - 9 (would've been a 10 if those bartenders had made me feel moderately welcome!)
Martini - 9
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Run Pig Run!
Once I saw the website name, www.runpigrun.com, I HAD to go here. Swine. I read about it a year ago in the US Airways magazine...yes, I was that bored on the flight. There were so many reasons: bourbon, barbeque, cracklins, cocktails...but I had it in my head that it was a tapas place and would be better suited to a few people than the solo business traveler. So I waited. And every time I had colleagues with me they wanted to eat near the hotel. Sigh. And finally I had an opportunity to go at the end of last summer - a really lovely man I met on a flight invited me for drinks...but I was seeing someone at the time (whom very shortly after I STOPPED seeing) and I declined. Moral of the story - say yes to the drink!
The next shot - more business travel - this time with our President and another colleague. This was IT! But it wasn't.We dined French...
Again - this time I'm taking my clients and there's nothing that could stand in the way! But alas, there is a mechanical failure and the restaurant has to close - so I take them to Bulla instead.
And now...drum roll please...it's Monday night, I have no travel companions, and I decide to go for it. I request my Uber and a few minutes later I am arriving at Swine. Finally. I go in - it's small, rustic, 10 seat bar with one couple stationed near the corner; a few community tables full of diners and a handful of 4 tops and 2 tops. I sit at the bar, and the darling bartender gives me the menu(s) and lets me have a moment. I tell him about my trials just trying to go there (he's very polite about it) and we talk about the options and settle on the Miami Spice menu (this is a 3 courses for $39 like Charlotte restaurant week). And a Manhattan with Bulleit rye. It's just right - pretty coupe, sour cherry, the sweet vermouth is an accent, and the bitters bring out the rye. Well done, young man.
And the food was everything I hoped for. I even ate cold leftover ribs for breakfast the next morning. Just saying.
Martini - 7
The next shot - more business travel - this time with our President and another colleague. This was IT! But it wasn't.We dined French...
Again - this time I'm taking my clients and there's nothing that could stand in the way! But alas, there is a mechanical failure and the restaurant has to close - so I take them to Bulla instead.
And now...drum roll please...it's Monday night, I have no travel companions, and I decide to go for it. I request my Uber and a few minutes later I am arriving at Swine. Finally. I go in - it's small, rustic, 10 seat bar with one couple stationed near the corner; a few community tables full of diners and a handful of 4 tops and 2 tops. I sit at the bar, and the darling bartender gives me the menu(s) and lets me have a moment. I tell him about my trials just trying to go there (he's very polite about it) and we talk about the options and settle on the Miami Spice menu (this is a 3 courses for $39 like Charlotte restaurant week). And a Manhattan with Bulleit rye. It's just right - pretty coupe, sour cherry, the sweet vermouth is an accent, and the bitters bring out the rye. Well done, young man.
And the food was everything I hoped for. I even ate cold leftover ribs for breakfast the next morning. Just saying.
Martini - 7
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Triple Threat, but not American Pharoah
That's right folks, 3 for 1 tonight.
#1 (yes, YOU are number one, but so is this bev). Charlotte restaurant week...ahem Queen City Feast I believe is the proper name. Scene: hot Wednesday night in Charlotte, NC, slightly early cocktail hour - it was almost 5 - chez moi (oh no Meg it's another Manhattan...), how are we the first ones here seat us in the middle of the restaurant do they know what they are doing!, well...let's just get a cocktail while everyone arrives. Upstream in Phillips Place - sophisticatedly noisy and menu driven, this dining room offers an incredible value and wide variety for their restaurant week. But back to the cocktail - on the features list The Outer Bank: Smirnoff Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Fresh squeezed grapefruit, lime juice, splash of cranberry. But of course, to be contrary and because the grapefruit made me crave a greyhound, I asked for gin instead of the vodka. And then so did Heather (not speaking in the third person, my friend Heather!). And then so did everyone else that ordered the drink. It's nice when your friends overwhelmingly approve of your choices.
Martini - 7
#2 girls weekend - a much needed low key getaway to stare at the water, sun bathe, cook, and sleep was hovering in the distance TOO FAR AWAY and the days felt like sand stuck in an hourglass. All you could do was stare and tap the sides and occasionally a few grains would fall. But finally on Thursday night, I dropped the top, picked Kate up and we hit the road! It felt like freedom even in the thick of traffic on 74. We allowed Google Maps to take us the most bizzaro back country roads, but in the end (plus getting caught in a massive thunderstorm - yes the top was still down) we made it to the townhouse around 11. Time for a grilled cheese and a salad and a martini! I know - that's a weird combination, but I wanted a drink and something comforting to eat, so there. What makes it a blog-worthy martini? Well, when you pour your New Amsterdam gin from the giant bottle on your home bar into a weekend's worth portion (safely toted in a Smuckers Natural Peanut Butter jar - hey it won't leak!), realize you have no vermouth, and that there aren't any martini glasses the whole thing makes for a pretty comical assembly. In a short glass (no shaker) add ice. Dump gin from peanut butter jar into said glass trying not to spill; clearly these jars are not designed for pouring liquid, clean up mess, curse wasted gin. Slice lemon (we did get some things right), squeeze into "shaker" and stir. Strain into chilled tiny wine glass. Garnish with lemon twist. Not the prettiest, but damn refreshing.
Martini - 5
#3 Pisces: Refined Drinks - I LOVE going for cocktails with Cassandra - just the two of us. It's always fun, real, and centering. I'm a lucky girl to have such long time friends in my life - and this one goes back to 2001, Limoges France. We decide to go for the sushi boat! Yes boat. I hadn't done this before, and it was amazing. To compliment, what better than a Manhattan? Ok, I'll admit that was a terrible pairing choice, but I really wanted it and we ordered drinks before we decided on the boat. Pisces version is called the Far East Manhattan - Bulliet Rye, Ginger Liqueur, Zipang
Sparkling Sake & Bitters. The balance is so perfect that there is no overwhelming ginger or sake. It's just good.
Martini - 8
#1 (yes, YOU are number one, but so is this bev). Charlotte restaurant week...ahem Queen City Feast I believe is the proper name. Scene: hot Wednesday night in Charlotte, NC, slightly early cocktail hour - it was almost 5 - chez moi (oh no Meg it's another Manhattan...), how are we the first ones here seat us in the middle of the restaurant do they know what they are doing!, well...let's just get a cocktail while everyone arrives. Upstream in Phillips Place - sophisticatedly noisy and menu driven, this dining room offers an incredible value and wide variety for their restaurant week. But back to the cocktail - on the features list The Outer Bank: Smirnoff Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Fresh squeezed grapefruit, lime juice, splash of cranberry. But of course, to be contrary and because the grapefruit made me crave a greyhound, I asked for gin instead of the vodka. And then so did Heather (not speaking in the third person, my friend Heather!). And then so did everyone else that ordered the drink. It's nice when your friends overwhelmingly approve of your choices.
Martini - 7
#2 girls weekend - a much needed low key getaway to stare at the water, sun bathe, cook, and sleep was hovering in the distance TOO FAR AWAY and the days felt like sand stuck in an hourglass. All you could do was stare and tap the sides and occasionally a few grains would fall. But finally on Thursday night, I dropped the top, picked Kate up and we hit the road! It felt like freedom even in the thick of traffic on 74. We allowed Google Maps to take us the most bizzaro back country roads, but in the end (plus getting caught in a massive thunderstorm - yes the top was still down) we made it to the townhouse around 11. Time for a grilled cheese and a salad and a martini! I know - that's a weird combination, but I wanted a drink and something comforting to eat, so there. What makes it a blog-worthy martini? Well, when you pour your New Amsterdam gin from the giant bottle on your home bar into a weekend's worth portion (safely toted in a Smuckers Natural Peanut Butter jar - hey it won't leak!), realize you have no vermouth, and that there aren't any martini glasses the whole thing makes for a pretty comical assembly. In a short glass (no shaker) add ice. Dump gin from peanut butter jar into said glass trying not to spill; clearly these jars are not designed for pouring liquid, clean up mess, curse wasted gin. Slice lemon (we did get some things right), squeeze into "shaker" and stir. Strain into chilled tiny wine glass. Garnish with lemon twist. Not the prettiest, but damn refreshing.
Martini - 5
#3 Pisces: Refined Drinks - I LOVE going for cocktails with Cassandra - just the two of us. It's always fun, real, and centering. I'm a lucky girl to have such long time friends in my life - and this one goes back to 2001, Limoges France. We decide to go for the sushi boat! Yes boat. I hadn't done this before, and it was amazing. To compliment, what better than a Manhattan? Ok, I'll admit that was a terrible pairing choice, but I really wanted it and we ordered drinks before we decided on the boat. Pisces version is called the Far East Manhattan - Bulliet Rye, Ginger Liqueur, Zipang
Sparkling Sake & Bitters. The balance is so perfect that there is no overwhelming ginger or sake. It's just good.
Martini - 8
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Hickory daiquiri doc
Wait, did you say national daiquiri day, Desi?
I've been to Asheville about half a dozen times and never knew the Thirsty Monk had a sassy side! For members...which my lovely companion, Jane, of course is one...you may order an amazing cocktail in which EVERYTHING (that's right, tonic, grenadine, cola, you name it) except the booze is made in house. Spectacularly made, by people who take pains to ensure balance and pleasure for you. Plus the view is outrageous overlooking the mountains and there is an herb garden wafting aromatics at you on the deck. Seriously, I will go here every time I am in Asheville from now on...NC's own PDT.
When our darling bartender, Desi, said, "it's national daiquiri day!" I was surprised by her sheer joy, not to mention skeptical...I can now see my ignorance soaking me like a cartoon rain cloud hovering overhead. She gestured to the sketched chalkboard menu nestled between towering shelves of bottles looking every bit the star in this intentionally designed space. And then the lesson began. Any drink with three specific components can be a daiquiri! It takes a spirit (typically rum), a citrus, and a sweetening agent (and a skilled hand) to create the proportions that craft the perfect cocktaill shake it with ice, strain and serve up. All along I thought that was a martini - foolishness. I think I need to change the blog to Charlotte Daiquiri...ok not yet. But this may have been the best cocktail I've had since the last time I was in Asheville (see 18 Lex).
The Hemingway (she had my pompous literary side right there) contained rum, some puckering agent, and something just barely sweet enough to set the whole thing in full tilt. Garnished by a stunning grapefruit twist and just a hint of luxardo to tint it pale green, it was beautiful. And delicious.
The atmosphere was the deliberate mix of luxury hotel bar and scandalous speakeasy. Desi's passion for her art absolutely MADE this experience.
Hemingway - 9
I've been to Asheville about half a dozen times and never knew the Thirsty Monk had a sassy side! For members...which my lovely companion, Jane, of course is one...you may order an amazing cocktail in which EVERYTHING (that's right, tonic, grenadine, cola, you name it) except the booze is made in house. Spectacularly made, by people who take pains to ensure balance and pleasure for you. Plus the view is outrageous overlooking the mountains and there is an herb garden wafting aromatics at you on the deck. Seriously, I will go here every time I am in Asheville from now on...NC's own PDT.
When our darling bartender, Desi, said, "it's national daiquiri day!" I was surprised by her sheer joy, not to mention skeptical...I can now see my ignorance soaking me like a cartoon rain cloud hovering overhead. She gestured to the sketched chalkboard menu nestled between towering shelves of bottles looking every bit the star in this intentionally designed space. And then the lesson began. Any drink with three specific components can be a daiquiri! It takes a spirit (typically rum), a citrus, and a sweetening agent (and a skilled hand) to create the proportions that craft the perfect cocktaill shake it with ice, strain and serve up. All along I thought that was a martini - foolishness. I think I need to change the blog to Charlotte Daiquiri...ok not yet. But this may have been the best cocktail I've had since the last time I was in Asheville (see 18 Lex).
The Hemingway (she had my pompous literary side right there) contained rum, some puckering agent, and something just barely sweet enough to set the whole thing in full tilt. Garnished by a stunning grapefruit twist and just a hint of luxardo to tint it pale green, it was beautiful. And delicious.
The atmosphere was the deliberate mix of luxury hotel bar and scandalous speakeasy. Desi's passion for her art absolutely MADE this experience.
Hemingway - 9
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