Drink - Find. Eat. Drink.

Bartender Derek Brown Talks Sherry

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:00:32 -0400

Bartender Derek Brown is the co-owner, along with his brother, of The Passenger and Columbia Room in Washington, DC and is in the process of opening a new sherry bar, called Mockingbird Hill. The Passenger and Columbia Room are actually two bars in one space - a bar within a bar with the same goal of serving great cocktails. The bar through which you enter is The Passenger and in addition to cocktails, also serves bar fare. Derek recommends the kimchee hot dog and pork-cheek chili nachos. They also feature an extensive beer list. Whereas The Passenger is a saloon that’s “a little more rock-and-roll,” the Columbia Room is “private and intimate.” It’s focused on cocktails and holds no more than 10 people, so reservations are a must.

Mockingbird Hill, which is targeted to open by the end of May, is their take on Spanish sherry bars. We asked Derek about all things sherry.

Lillet Aperitif Cocktail Recipes

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:00:54 -0400

As the warmer weather glides in and dreams of dining al fresco fill our heads, one of the best starting points to satisfying these urges is the aperitif. Lillet aperitif wines have been jumpstarting people’s nights since the late 1800s. These fortified wines are a blend of Bordeaux wines, citrus liqueur and quinine. The actual wines differ by bottling. The Blanc and the recently launched Reserve Jean de Lillet 2009 are made from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle; the Rouge is based on Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc; and the Rosé is a blend of both white and red varietals.

For the uninitiated, Lillet Blanc is golden-orange and is bright with citrus flavor, fresh, floral and slightly sweet. The Rosé is slightly richer with berry flavors, but still has a brightness and freshness. The Rouge, as you’d expect, is more robust with dark fruits. The new Reserve bottling is a more complex and fuller version of the Blanc using wine from Sauternes.

Since Maison Lillet has declared May 16th as National Aperitif Day, it’s the perfect excuse to give these three cocktails a try.

Spirits of Tennessee

Wed, 8 May 2013 09:00:24 -0400

Prohibition overstayed its unwelcome in Tennessee for five years after the nation repealed the law and as a result fewer brands of Tennessee whiskey survived. Today, old traditions are being revived and some new spirits, including gin, are being created by up and comers.

Nashville native, and Rolf and Daughters bartender, Matt Tocco shares his recommendations for local liquor gems worth sipping and mixing in cocktails.

Del Maguey Mezcal | Ron Cooper

Thu, 2 May 2013 09:00:35 -0400

Ron Cooper is the founder of Del Maguey Mezcal and the creator of single village Mezcals. He’s an artist whose work has been exhibited in the Guggenheim, Whitney, Chicago Art Institute and museums around the world. He believes art is transformative and started Del Maguey as “another art project,” originally for him and his friends, but now for the rest of the world. He explains why Mezcal inspires him.

Drinking In New Orleans... A Serious Business

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:00:32 -0400

Whether you are a local or a visitor to New Orleans, drinking is a serious business. There are many choices to be made: classic or modern cocktails, dive bar or hotel bar, live music or serenity, rotating or still. Whatever your preference, it’s worth taking the local bartenders’ recommendations and tips to heart when planning your itinerary.

Wine Director Ashley Santoro | The Standard East Village

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:00:11 -0400

Ashely Santoro gained wine fame in New York for developing the laser focused Spanish wine lists at Casa Mono and Bar Jamon. She is currently working with chef John Fraser to open the new restaurant at The Standard East Village. She was a member of one of the five US teams to compete in the 2011 Copa Jerez, an international gastronomic food and sherry pairing competition.

Bartender Jackson Cannon

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:24 -0400

Bartender Jackson Cannon is a former musician. His foray into bartending began when he was booking acts at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge. One part performer, one part philosopher, and a healthy splash of cocktail historian, award-winning Cannon has been a big influence in elevating the craft of the cocktail in Boston.

Bartender Troy Sidle | Pouring Ribbons

Wed, 3 Apr 2013 09:00:54 -0400

One of the four master mixers behind Alchemy Consulting along with Toby Maloney, Joaquín Simó and Jason Cott. In addition to his craft cocktail prowess, he's known for curating the Chartreuse collection at Pouring Ribbons.

We asked Troy to give us a lesson in Chartreuse and pass along his favorite eating and drinking spots in New York.

Sake Expert Johnnie Stroud | Saké Nomi

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:00:27 -0400

Johnnie Stroud imports and sells premium-grade Japanese sake at his store and tasting bar, Saké Nomi in Seattle. Stroud and his wife, Taiko, lived in Yokohama, Japan, where he learned much of what he knows about the sake world. It’s worth stopping into Saké Nomi to try whatever Johnnie and Taiko are pouring and to expand your sake knowledge.

Wine Director Caroline Styne | Los Angeles

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 09:00:19 -0400

Caroline Styne is the co-owner and wine director of Lucques, A.O.C., Tavern and Larder in Los Angeles, CA.

A.O.C., which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, has just moved to a new location and added a cocktail program. Styne and business partner chef Suzanne Goin will be opening three new business ventures: The Larder at Burton Way and The Larder at Tavern in the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX and a new restaurant in Montecito in the summer of 2013. Styne was a 2012 and 2013 James Beard Finalist for Restaurateur of the Year.