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
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