Marvin Allen has seen it all. As head bartender at one of the premiere bars in the French Quarter, can you imagine the stories he has to tell? If you want elaboration, you’ll have to make your way to the Carousel Bar (214 Royal St) in New Orleans’ historic Hotel Monteleone. As for now, I’ll just tell you about the cocktails.
Dunc’s Mill Rums
Great rum is born of sunny origins. It’s supposed to be a Caribbean spirit. Transported by peg-legged pirates aboard their wooden square-riggers, jolly rogers flapping violently upon the masts. But forget what it ought to be. Dunc’s Mill Artisan Rums–handmade in Vermont, of all places–shows us what great rum actually is.
Mother’s Day Cocktails
Today is one of the most popular dining days of the year. Moms do so much, they deserve to be treated to a nice meal on their own special day. But no holiday is complete without that certain celebratory cocktail. As an added treat for your momma, put together one of these delicious drinks. Or ask a professional to do it for you…
Neverending New Orleans Vol. 1: Delmonico
New Orleans, Lousiana holds a very special place in my heart. It’s a city always celebrating something. Life as it should be. Never is this more obvious than during the Jazz and Heritage Festival, held annually for two glorious weeks every spring. If you’ve never been, approximate it near the top 3 on your Bucket List. Because the music in this town never stands alone. It’s continually served alongside some of the most precious cuisine and cocktails on the planet. I made a pilgrimage far beyond the fairgrounds of Jazz Fest in order to find the city’s most outstanding outposts for fine dining. Over the next few weeks I’ll share them all. But remember, as the music from 2013 Jazz Fest has dimmed, the real festival forever plays in New Orleans.
Build: Berkeley’s Slice of Italian Spirit
Italy is a proud land steeped in serious tradition. Berkeley is an ever-evolving town determined to break the rules. The two seemingly incongruous cultures find their common ground in a mutual admiration for great food and drink. Build (2286 Shattuck Ave.) is at the crossroads.
Big Easy Boozin’
New Orleans is known for great music, strong cocktails and insanely rich cuisine. Bourbon street, whiskey drinks, candied pecans and everything in between. The Crescent City brings it all together, which is precisely why it’s my favorite place on Earth. When I can’t be in the Big Easy, I need to find a way to weave all these magical elements together in a fitting homage to glorious excess. The surest way to do this: quality booze.
Indubitably Dublin
The name Dublin is derived from the Irish phrase, ‘black pool.’ But this world-class cosmopolis is nothing but a bastion of brightness, offering access to some of Europe’s most refined culture; a treasure trove of culinary creations.
Cinco De Mayo Drink Recipes
Cinco De Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage. Here in America, we honor the proud history of our neighbors to the south the best way we know how: drinking really good tequila. For my tastes, there is no better homage to Jalisco than Dulce Vida.
Distilleries of Ireland: Kilbeggan
Today we explore the Irish countryside. Specifically the quaint, idyllic village of Kilbeggan–home to the Kilbeggan Distillery.
Product Review: Barr Hill Vodka
Caledonia Spirits is far from ordinary. Born of the Northeastern Kingdom in verdant, Vermont farmland, is a line of vodka and gin distilled from the finest local ingredients. The most notable component? Pure, raw honey. Owner and distiller Todd Hardie has spent most of his life as a beekeeper. So it was only natural for him to ferment the bounty of his craft into something special: Barr Hill Vodka. Turning honey into vodka is no easy task, either. It requires a unique process of cold fermentation which preserves the subtleties of the nectar while highlighting some unexpected complexities. For example, my first sip of the silky smooth spirit produced lingering notes of vanilla that lasted for a few moments after the swallow. There is a slight spice on the tip of the tongue that doesn’t quite make it to the back of the throat. Mass market vodkas in this country tend [...]
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