A true friend will tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. And yesterday while we drank coffee and chatted, Carrie very kindly offered to help me wash my windows sometime. Well, they were a bit dirty but I promptly deflected the conversation away from my housekeeping flaws (and later at the library picked up a book on how to clean things).
So this morning while I sat quietly drinking my coffee on the couch and looking through my dirty windows at the lake, I decided today was the day. Wash the windows and then go to the pool - so I did.
After the hot and sunny afternoon at the pool, I made a fabulous roast beet salad with goat cheese and arugula, and sipped some cucumber water. How very spa, no?
But something was missing. Those cucumbers floating in clear liquid begged for a higher purpose. Somewhere between gazing out my clear windows and Edith Piaf, I felt the need for a cocktail. Out came the Sapphire, the rest of the cucumber, the ice, St. Germain (thanks, Edith, for the French inspiration), the shaker, the glass. Ah the ritual. I placed a few cubes in the martini glass (with stem), and poured the cucumber water in to begin the chilling process. I mean, we cannot waste the perfectly good water! Into the shaker went more ice, and then the gin, a splash of St. Germain, and a splash of lemon juice. Cover the whole thing with a towel (because I am a wuss and don't like holding the cold metal) and commence to shaking it like a Polaroid picture. Free the glass of the ice and the chilling water, and strain in the elixir. Garnish with a few fresh cucumber slices.
Edith's album is over, but Madonna and I are enjoying a spectacular view of the water. Right now as the sun is setting, I am not missing a single nuance of the colors - no dust or smudges are obstructing the shafts of light through the clouds.
Homemade martini - 7
Small edit - now that the sun's gone down I went out onto the porch and was inspired to add a baby mint leaf as a garnish. Oh yes.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Schooled
Have you ever been schooled by a bartender? I got my second life lesson this weekend in Atlanta. Mandy, Reece and I started the evening with a wonderful meal of oysters, mussels, liver, and chicken "oysters" at JCT Kitchen. I tried the Allagash White Ale - yummy. After we were sufficiently amused with couple staging their proposal for some photos, and the most awkward date ever - she's 6'1 and he's 5'4 - we crossed the tracks to Ormsby's. This is a super fun bar: pool tables, darts, jukebox, and Bocce ball! After stalking the Bocce courts for a bit we played with an interesting couple. Damn it Brad! I tried 2 new beers: Hitachino White Ale and then a draught - Weihenstephan Hefeweizen. I stepped out for a moment and my beer was commandeered and replaced with a Sapphire martini! Then we moved on to Skeeball followed by a round of darts.
It was at this point I went to the bar and ordered a Sapphire martini, not dirty. Why did I say, "not dirty" instead of "no fruit, no olives" like I usually do? Who knows - let's blame it on the beer. So I was admiring the way the bartender chilled the glass, painstakingly shook the shaker for at least 1 minute...mmm. Very nice moves. And then, when he brought the drink there was a toothpick of olives in it! How did this happen? So as I removed the olives and handed them back to the bartender I said, "I am sorry I said not dirty" and he said, "I know - dirty is olive juice." Wow. So, kind readers, learn from my lesson - be clear with your drink order or be schooled.
Oh, and the first time a bartender taught me a lesson - I was 19 and at a bar in London. I ordered a pitcher of sex on the beach and 2 glasses. Picture me standing there with my index finger and middle finger extended, a common symbol of the number 2. But not with the palm facing the bartender (like a peace sign) but the palm facing me. The bartender became furious and waving his middle finger at me said, "How would you like it if I came to America and ordered 1 fucking beer and 1 fucking cheeseburger?" And so if you really want to insult a Londoner, please do give them the reverse peace sign...but he still gave me my glasses!
Ormsby's martini? 4 - but mostly because of the attitude he served with it.
It was at this point I went to the bar and ordered a Sapphire martini, not dirty. Why did I say, "not dirty" instead of "no fruit, no olives" like I usually do? Who knows - let's blame it on the beer. So I was admiring the way the bartender chilled the glass, painstakingly shook the shaker for at least 1 minute...mmm. Very nice moves. And then, when he brought the drink there was a toothpick of olives in it! How did this happen? So as I removed the olives and handed them back to the bartender I said, "I am sorry I said not dirty" and he said, "I know - dirty is olive juice." Wow. So, kind readers, learn from my lesson - be clear with your drink order or be schooled.
Oh, and the first time a bartender taught me a lesson - I was 19 and at a bar in London. I ordered a pitcher of sex on the beach and 2 glasses. Picture me standing there with my index finger and middle finger extended, a common symbol of the number 2. But not with the palm facing the bartender (like a peace sign) but the palm facing me. The bartender became furious and waving his middle finger at me said, "How would you like it if I came to America and ordered 1 fucking beer and 1 fucking cheeseburger?" And so if you really want to insult a Londoner, please do give them the reverse peace sign...but he still gave me my glasses!
Ormsby's martini? 4 - but mostly because of the attitude he served with it.
Monday, January 10, 2011
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!
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!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
COOKIES!
Nothing pairs as naturally as cookies and...martinis?
What?
Well, nothing was stopping my martini appreciating pals this weekend at the now annual cookie party. Upon arrival 4 out of the first 4 guests requested martinis. Actually it was a series of, "I'll have what she's having" and that "she" was me...
I must admit, I was not prepared for multiple martinis at the commencement of the cookie party, but somehow it worked. Carrie even brought her own shaker (should I be offended that one of my dearest friends brought a shaker to my house? Oh no - let's just keep the shaker of gin and the shaker of vodka separate, shall we?)
This year it was bring a batch of cookies and a cocktail for sharing. Although the martinis were not the winning beverage of choice, we had a back up plan much more conducive to the flavor profile of a cookie. Cassandra's now famous Apple Pie beverage. Have it as a shot, mix it with ginger ale, pour it over ice, shake it and strain it into the ever famous martini glass...it was decidedly the preference for the cookie participants.
And speaking of participants, way to go Tim for the best cookie - chewios - is there even a correct spelling for that? Just the thought of the gooey, marshmallow, chocolate, cheerio goodness. And yes, now that you've all gone home I can admit that I stashed the last one in my cookie tin so no one could take it home - ha ha!
So for holiday martini's chez moi - 10. Wow - a perfect score - that hasn't happened before. Am I biased?
What?
Well, nothing was stopping my martini appreciating pals this weekend at the now annual cookie party. Upon arrival 4 out of the first 4 guests requested martinis. Actually it was a series of, "I'll have what she's having" and that "she" was me...
I must admit, I was not prepared for multiple martinis at the commencement of the cookie party, but somehow it worked. Carrie even brought her own shaker (should I be offended that one of my dearest friends brought a shaker to my house? Oh no - let's just keep the shaker of gin and the shaker of vodka separate, shall we?)
This year it was bring a batch of cookies and a cocktail for sharing. Although the martinis were not the winning beverage of choice, we had a back up plan much more conducive to the flavor profile of a cookie. Cassandra's now famous Apple Pie beverage. Have it as a shot, mix it with ginger ale, pour it over ice, shake it and strain it into the ever famous martini glass...it was decidedly the preference for the cookie participants.
And speaking of participants, way to go Tim for the best cookie - chewios - is there even a correct spelling for that? Just the thought of the gooey, marshmallow, chocolate, cheerio goodness. And yes, now that you've all gone home I can admit that I stashed the last one in my cookie tin so no one could take it home - ha ha!
So for holiday martini's chez moi - 10. Wow - a perfect score - that hasn't happened before. Am I biased?
Monday, November 29, 2010
A series of unaddressed martinis
Somehow it is almost December and the last martini I documented was in August. Does this mean I have found the perfect martini?
Does it mean I have stopped drinking martinis?
Oh no. I have been enjoying a series of non-descript martinis, and thereby (or "by the by" according to Nicole) have been uninspired to record them. However, now that the list has gotten a bit long and the time is passing quickly, I'll pay a short tribute to the martinis of late summer and fall.
Bentley's on 27 - beautiful view, interesting bar patrons, a very flirty bartender (quel plaisir), and a mediocre grape kneehigh. I am not sure if it was the sweetness that put me off or the slightly intrusive but well meaning bartender (well there were only 4 people at the bar), but the extra shot of vodka did help to smooth it out. 4. The second martini was a custom job - Hendrick's gin, st. Germaine, lemon twist. 7.
Capitol martini - well this one was not in Charlotte; however it was a very refreshing beverage - all gin and cucumber and basil. At the W Hotel, mind you, and avec un serveur francais (my apologies but I cannot make the proper cedille or accent marks in this font). And did I mention my new leopard print 6 inch stilettos? Definitively an 8 (both the shoes and the cocktail, and the waiter). And while not a martini the Hemingway Mojito at Ceiba on 14th street was certainly a remarkable and pleasant drink...ahem...both of them.
Soul Gastrolounge - back to Charlotte - one with the new boss, one with a longtime friend, and one more with a coworker. All three of them on different nights, mind you. One of the few bars in Charlotte where I can find St. Germaine. And so every time I go there, that's what I get. And they do it OH so well. And dare I forget the lamb lollipops? Not that is not a drink - they are little morsels of tasty lamb with parsley and pecorino. Oh, just because I love you, Soul, you get a 9.75 (almost perfect).
Desert martini - I rode a horse. At a dude ranch. I deserved a martini - 7.
Selwyn pub - Everyone is eating pizza and drinking beer and here comes Heather - ordering a gin martini...well looking back I have not rated the martinis at Selwyn, yet I have had several there, spaced appropriately over time. 8. And thankfully they have never put an olive in my martini.
30th Birthday Martinis - there were a smattering of these throughout my dear friend's birthday weekend...but my favorite was a one time martini - at 2:30 in the morning we were dancing in the kitchen and Reece decided to shake some gin with some sliced pear. YUM! 9 Oh, these also were not in Charlotte - but you can't order one anyway so I am not going to divulge the top secret locale. Only the 3 of us know...
And tonight - sitting on my couch - I ought to be drinking a martini at home, alas I am having a glass of Bordeaux.
Does it mean I have stopped drinking martinis?
Oh no. I have been enjoying a series of non-descript martinis, and thereby (or "by the by" according to Nicole) have been uninspired to record them. However, now that the list has gotten a bit long and the time is passing quickly, I'll pay a short tribute to the martinis of late summer and fall.
Bentley's on 27 - beautiful view, interesting bar patrons, a very flirty bartender (quel plaisir), and a mediocre grape kneehigh. I am not sure if it was the sweetness that put me off or the slightly intrusive but well meaning bartender (well there were only 4 people at the bar), but the extra shot of vodka did help to smooth it out. 4. The second martini was a custom job - Hendrick's gin, st. Germaine, lemon twist. 7.
Capitol martini - well this one was not in Charlotte; however it was a very refreshing beverage - all gin and cucumber and basil. At the W Hotel, mind you, and avec un serveur francais (my apologies but I cannot make the proper cedille or accent marks in this font). And did I mention my new leopard print 6 inch stilettos? Definitively an 8 (both the shoes and the cocktail, and the waiter). And while not a martini the Hemingway Mojito at Ceiba on 14th street was certainly a remarkable and pleasant drink...ahem...both of them.
Soul Gastrolounge - back to Charlotte - one with the new boss, one with a longtime friend, and one more with a coworker. All three of them on different nights, mind you. One of the few bars in Charlotte where I can find St. Germaine. And so every time I go there, that's what I get. And they do it OH so well. And dare I forget the lamb lollipops? Not that is not a drink - they are little morsels of tasty lamb with parsley and pecorino. Oh, just because I love you, Soul, you get a 9.75 (almost perfect).
Desert martini - I rode a horse. At a dude ranch. I deserved a martini - 7.
Selwyn pub - Everyone is eating pizza and drinking beer and here comes Heather - ordering a gin martini...well looking back I have not rated the martinis at Selwyn, yet I have had several there, spaced appropriately over time. 8. And thankfully they have never put an olive in my martini.
30th Birthday Martinis - there were a smattering of these throughout my dear friend's birthday weekend...but my favorite was a one time martini - at 2:30 in the morning we were dancing in the kitchen and Reece decided to shake some gin with some sliced pear. YUM! 9 Oh, these also were not in Charlotte - but you can't order one anyway so I am not going to divulge the top secret locale. Only the 3 of us know...
And tonight - sitting on my couch - I ought to be drinking a martini at home, alas I am having a glass of Bordeaux.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, August 16, 2010
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.
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.
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