Off the "beet" en path

Some martinis are so wonderful that when you encounter a place with a limited selection you try to recreate the wonderful memory of a martini from days of yore.  It so happens that the martini of the night was actually a repeat from my last post - the Atlanta Martini (or Miller Thyme, if you recall).

I must say that typically when an establishment fails to meet my martini list desires I often default to the standard Sapphire, no fruit, no olives (which only 3 out of 5 actually execute - how fucking hard is it??).  I'll digress momentarily to last night's martinis and then continue on with tonight's.

So last night was an impromptu beverage session with two of my coworkers - one an all time favorite (it's the Irish in me) and the other rapidly gaining status on my list of people I enjoy being around (I mean who doesn't love a dry sense of humor sprinkled with a heady dose of reality?).  Of course, I am the only one having martinis, but at least they kept me company.  Please don't misunderstand, they were drinking too, just beer that's all - nothing fancy.  The mosquitoes were in full force - is there something in the X chromosome that they like better than the YY? - and the weather was idyllic. It was one of those evenings where it was so gorgeous outside that you feel like a jerk if you are indoors.  I started with a lemon drop.  I know, not my typical gin cocktail.  But I have to say that with all that sugar I can understand why they are popular.  It was a great introduction.  The cosmo was actually awful - I don't know where they obtained that juice but it wasn't from a cranberry.  And the third (yes I know - I really shouldn't drink that much on a Tuesday) was my classic Sapphire with no fruit no olives.  Only it came with olives...sigh.  I suppose when your server is still in high school and has on a four flavored sherbet eye shadow blend you can only hope for so much.

So onto Wednesday - it's been a busy week already and tonight I was going to stay home and do nothing.  Visions of PJ's and Food Network were already dancing in my head when the email arrived - Il faut de Grey Goose ce soir.  Vraiment?  Quand et ou? 

So Mandy and I converged on Georges Brasserie, formerly the Oceanaire, and proceeded to have one of those evenings for which summer was designed.  Well, summer somewhere that it's not humid.  Because we had another dose of ethereal weather and a beautiful setting - overlooking a fountain (OK it was in a traffic circle) and some roses.  The sound of French music (and people speaking French) wafted through the air. 

What started as a simple martini in a new place resulted in a new favorite restaurant where they will accept instructions for preparing and produce truly wonderful martinis.  We had a moment to recreate the Miller Thyme - this one with Hendricks Gin (I am starting to like you a LOT), sugar, lemon juice, and thyme (bruised according to Kurt) and it was delightful.  Well, both of them were.

And the food - excellent.  Will definitely do this again.  Oh - I almost failed to mention the beet salad.  I had no idea that beets could taste so good!

Coworker bevs - 4 (not for the company, I am rating drinks only).
George's cocktails - 8 for execution but 10 for following directions.

Atlanta Martini

Writing about Atlanta makes me want to listen to Outkast; but the soundtrack of the weekend was decidedly less hip hop and more Appalachian.  I mean, who doesn't revel in some bluegrass along with your martini?

Despite the disconnect between fancy cocktails and homespun bluegrass, Atlanta is definitely a place where the two can seamlessly come together to make sure everyone is comfortable; thus the true definition of southern hospitality. 

We started the evening with a proper martini - gin, up, twist (lime that is).  Wonderful - a drink while comfortably lounging on the couch and chatting. 

The next martini was an original: the Miller Thyme.  Please do not confuse this with a beer.  This was a thoughtful beverage, beginning with the chilled glass (thank you for the stem!) and a wonderful garnish (no stem!).  Allow the fusion of Miller's gin, fresh lemon juice, and a simple syrup infused with thyme.  This drink is tart, sweet, and places the gin on a pedestal, where it belongs.  Garnished with a pinch of thyme the Miller Thyme provides a nice lift to the palate and a smooth transition into the meal. 

Miller Union is in an unassuming building tucked in a corner surrounded by warehouses and a dance club.  The restaurant should be pleased with its food offerings - we shared three entree options and a few wonderful sides as well.  Excellent meal accompanied by an excellent Chateauneuf-du-Pape. 

9 - good job, Atl.