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