27th Floor Martini

The quest for the perfect martini has reached a climax (after two years of foreplay it's about time). But never fear, I will continue to press on in search for a contender.  Because with this new perspective on the Queen City, I begin to wonder if there might be more than one perfect martini.

This was my second trip to Bentley's, and we made time specifically to have a martini at the bar before dinner.  I can now say with conviction that Bentley's has the BEST martini in Charlotte I have ever had.  I asked the bartender, a lovely young lady, to make a Hendrick's and St. Germain martini with some lemon.  A good bartender recognizes that when someone know what she likes you should give it to her the way she orders it.  A great bartender knows what will make that drink even better - and this bartender is a great one.  She perfectly balanced the St. Germain and lemon to make the Hendrick's shine through (like the city view from the 27th floor at Charlotte Plaza - beautiful).  Then she added three thinly shaved seedless cucumber slices.  The effect of the cucumber was precisely what a garnish was intended to achieve. 

My friend was equally delighted with his Sapphire and blue cheese stuffed olives, slightly dirty. 

The martini and the whole evening - a 10. Bien fait toutes les duex!