Thankful for Whiskey Down

Vegas Baby!

What better way to prepare for Thanksgiving break than to go to Vegas with nearly thirty people from Stern? Honestly, I cannot think of a better way. Can you? Somehow we thought it would be a good idea to stay in Vegas for four nights and nearly five days. It was pushing it to the extreme, but we were there with the Stern Adventure Club, so it is sort of expected levels of debauchery.

During the trip. I got some serious bonding time with some awesome MBA1 ladies. Jenn and Miranda are special ladies and share my passion for a bar that we frequented over the weekend: Whiskey Down (http://www.mgmgrand.com/nightlife/whiskey-down.aspx). I knew it would be a special place when the bartender made Miranda an "extra spicy" Bloody Mary with his "special ingredients". We are still not sure what he put in the drink; sometimes it is best to have some mystery, especially in Vegas.

The bar is located in the MGM Grand (where we were staying) and it is conveniently located right near the elevator bank! It makes it easy to pick up a to-go cup.

My New Favorite Bar in Vegas

The drinks were affordable (by both New York and Vegas standards). Most of the specialty cocktails (typically $15) at $10-$12 and were fantastic. My favorite of the weekend was the Down-Home Punch. Served in a mason jar, it is made with Woodford Reserve MGM Select Barrel Bourbon, White Peach, Fresh Mint, Lemon and Tea. You know a casino means business when it has its own bourbon. #jealous

Down-Home Punch

If you're in Vegas and happen to be in the MGM Grand, I highly recommend this spot. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Gyu-Kaku Happy Hour for the Win

Desperately Seeking Cocktails

Last week, Melissa and I went to Gyu-Kaku (http://www.gyu-kaku.com/ny/eastvillage.htm) for its fantastic Happy Hour (everyday from 11:00am to 6:00pm and 9:30pm to 11:00pm Mon-Thurs). I ordered the Saketini as my cocktail, a mix of vodka and sake! All cocktails are 50% off - all liquor brands too!

Saketini

We ordered a bunch of plates to share, including the rib-eye, hangar steak, and shishito peppers. If you use FourSquare make sure to check-in so you can get complimentary edamame! Both of us check-in, so we each got a bowl!J

Rib-Eye for BBQ!

Shishito Peppers

We had an awesome lunch! This is such a good spot to go during happy hour, otherwise it is a bit pricey.

Cheers,

Liz

 

Chocolate and Bourbon Are Besties

A Chocolate Lava Cake is Best Eaten with Friends

Saturday night, Meredith and I walked over to a dessert spot located very close to me. I've gone there several times and it hasn't let me down. It is called Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar (http://www.ayzanyc.com/midtown/index.html). Meredith had a hankering for chocolate and ordered the Lava Cake. 

Lava Cake is Best Served Warm and With Vanilla Ice Cream

For our cocktails, Meredith ordered the Chocolate Raspberry Martini. 

Pure Decadence. Served with a piece of chocolate.

I attempted to order a Bulleit Rye Perfect Manhattan. Unfortunately, the spot didn't have Bulleit Rye, so I had it with Maker's Mark. It definitely wasn't the same. I "struggled" through it because I am a good sport. 

This Perfect Manhattan wasn't quite "Perfect" without Bulleit Rye

If you're in the neighborhood and have a craving for a sweet fix, I encourage you to check out this spot. You will not be disappointed!

Cheers, Liz

 

Unlimited Mimosas at Essex

It's Saturday - Of course we're going to Bottomless Brunch

With my friend (Meredith) still in town, I knew a boozy brunch would be on order for her and her friends. I wanted to check out a spot that I had not been before, so I suggested Essex (http://www.essexnyc.com/). I had heard good things and I love that the spot takes reservations - woot!

There were lovely freshly baked, hot onion rolls brought out to the table. I didn't partake - noooo bread for me! It looked delicious though - ugh! The brunch special is $23.95 for an entree and "3" cocktails (mimosas, screwdrivers or bloody marys). I use quotes because they are constantly refilled, so who knows how many were actually poured. The quality of the cocktails weren't exactly thrilling, but sometimes quality can be dodgy when you get unlimited quantity. 

The Aristocrat - Potato Pancakes with Poached Eggs and Smoked Salmon 

Check out these HUGE sausage patties!

The Omelette - Spinach, Tomato, Sheep's Milk Cheese

Meredith ordered the potato pancakes and I got the omelette with a side of sausage. I was really happy with what I ordered. Poor cocktails though aren't an excuse, so I would likely return to old reliable Agave!   (http://agaveny.com/)

Cheers,

Liz

 

So EN Love with this Place!

Dinner with Famous People

This past Thursday, I had a truly special evening. In my Digital Media Innovation class, a classmate and I won the opportunity to have dinner with several heavyweights in the digital/tech industry. I knew that my professor (Greg Coleman) and the CEO of LinkedIn (Jeff Weiner) would attend. I didn't know that one of the largest investors in Twitter (Fred Wilson) and basketball legend Dr J (Julius Erving) would be there as well! 

I tried to remain calm and not embarrass my professor and his super important (and rich) friends. We dined at EN Japanese Brasserie (http://www.enjb.com/). I only took *one* picture. Naturally, it was of the super swanky drink I ordered: The Local Honey. 

Local Honey

This cocktail is made with Yamazaki 12 whisky. local honey with wasabi, Beefeater gin and royal bee pollen. It was DELICIOUS!

Our meal was INCREDIBLE. It was a pre-set menu and we dined on the following items:

Edamame - soaked in dashi (pretty basic, yet the addition was welcome)

Freshly Made Scooped Tofu - served warm with wari-joyu (not sure what the sauce is, but this was one of the highlights of the meal. It was so interesting and the texture was super creamy/soft. Also, it is made hourly!)

O-Tsukuri - chef's sashimi selection (definitely some of the best raw fish I've had in a long time!)

Oysters with Ponzu - chef's selection (these were ok, I had one that was a bit "fishy" and it made me have to chug my lovely cocktail. Eek)

Lobster Ishiyaki - stone grilled lobster with a butter miso sauce (yum city, loved this)

Stone Grilled Kuroge Washugyu Ribeye - with ponzu and arajio (the marbling on this was insane, I can only imagine it was expensive)

Sushi Rolls - chef's selection (basic but nom. I tried an eel roll, I am so adventurous...it tasted like chicken, sort of?)

Seasonal Panna Cotta - with a hojicha cookie (the seasonal selection was chestnut, really lovely)

This restaurant is expensive and certainty worth it. I hope to return soon with friends, even if only for the drinks!

Cheers,

Liz

 

My Life is Full of Sen

Cocktailing Event at Sen NYC

Last week, I organized an event for a club (Cellar) at Stern at Sen (http://www.senrestaurant.com/nyc/). It was a hands-on cocktail demonstration with paired Japanese cuisine. The venue is super swanky and our small group had a wonderful time. I was enjoying myself and didn't snap too many pictures of the cocktails or food. I managed to get one before the activities started of the bar set-up. 

We had four different cocktails. The Shiso Spritz (highlighting Vodka and Shiso Leaves), The Sen Mojito (highlighting Katana Sake and Malibu Rum), The Sen Cosmopolitan (highlighting Sake and Triple Sec) and the Mizu "NYE" Cocktail (highlighting Prosecco and St. Germain).

We nibbled on sushi, tempura, chicken wings and chicken skewers. So yummy!

I'd recommend going back here. The best feature of the restaurant is its square bar. It is an awesome focal point. Check it out during Happy Hour!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Colicchio & Sons Tap Room

Dinner and Drinks

Tonight, I had dinner at Colicchio & Sons Tap Room (http://www.craftrestaurantsinc.com/colicchio-and-sons/). It was fantastic. The bread looked amazing but I didn't have any - I'm still doing a special diet and cannot have any of that, wah! I ordered a Ketel One and Soda. It was great, as usual.

For my entree, I ordered the Skate. It was DELICIOUS! It is such a light and yummy fish. If you haven't had it, definitely try it if you see it on a menu.

One of my friends ordered dessert. He got the beignets (little balls of fried dough goodness). Again, couldn't partake but I lived vicariously through him and it looked/smelled lovely.

Instead of giving patrons a mint or something else when the check comes, the server gave each of us a freshly baked pumpkin spice muffin to go! What a great idea! I gave mine to my friend.

Happy Sunday!

Liz

 

Tuttles!

Is Murray Hill Cool?

I went on what ended up to be a really great date this past Friday after my pre-date with Christine (heart her!). My brother lives near a bar I've walked by multiple times: Tuttles (http://tuttlesnyc.com/blog/). My date also lives in the area, so I suggested going there.  

A great feature of the spot is its exterior garden - it's a little too late in the season for it though. We sat at the main bar and had a great time. Sometimes it is too awkward to take photos of drinks on dates, so I didn't end up taking one. I ordered a Bulleit Rye Manhattan - if it ain't broke, right?

This is a great casual spot that is worth checking out if you're in the area, especially in the warmer months!

Have a good one,

Liz

 

Tapas at Salinas

The Fun Continues in Chelsea!

After we left the Tippler on Friday, Christine and I headed several blocks uptown to Salinas (http://salinasnyc.com/). We wanted something a little more to eat beyond what was offered on the first venue's menu. We started with the Trio of Charcutero - it was delicious. It came with some toasted slices of bread and a fig spread; Christine said it was tasty. 

Meat on Meat on Meat

To complement with carnivore dream, we ordered some cheese. We got the daily selection of "Quesos Artesanales" - naturally, this is translated to "the expensive cheese" - not really, but basically.

More Cheese Please - MASSIVE GRAPES!

The spot definitely had mood lighting. I didn't want to use my flash so all my photos have a red hue...how mysterious. I ordered my go to drink for now - try to guess!

Bulleit Rye Perfect Manhattan

I had a date scheduled later that evening after my date with Christine - I am such a double booker! So, I ordered a cappuccino to keep going. 

You think you're fancy? Yes, of course!

Salinas is a lovely spot. There are a lot of tapas places in the city that I want to explore, so not sure if I would go back.

Cheers!

Liz

 

Gramercy Tavern

Catching up with a Mentor over Manhattans

My old boss, John, was in town and suggested we catch up over a meal at the bar at Gramercy Tavern (http://www.gramercytavern.com/). He has been such a great mentor to me over the past couple of years; especially in my transition to business school from investment banking. To celebrate my job offer, I ordered a Bulleit Rye Manhattan. I need to support my brands!!

Bulleit Rye hits the Spot - the brandied cherries are a classy touch!

As an appetizer, I ordered four oysters. So yummy!!

Oysters, on the rocks

As my main course, I ordered the crispy duck leg with zucchini and grilled pole beans. Absolutely delicious. 

Quack Quack Nom Nom

To round out the meal, I finished with a Blue Bottle cappuccino.

I heart this drink

This place is super fancy (even at the bar area where we ate) - it has one Michelin star. It was a wonderful place to catch up with John. I will need to go back - that was one hell of a Manhattan!

Cheers, 

Liz

 

Some Tipples at the Tippler

Visiting the Tippler

My good friend Christine was finally free this past Friday! It was a joyous occasion that demanded celebratory drinks. She wanted to go to the Tippler (http://thetippler.com/) and I had been there once before and loved it, so our location was set!

The Outside

If you haven't been to this spot before, it can be tricky to find it. If you go, look out for the lit "Open" sign to guide you! I've been on a Manhattan kick lately, so why stop it? I ordered the Flight of Manhattans. It included (from left to right), a classic Manhattan, a Greenpoint (with Green Chartreuse) and a Little Italy (with Cynar). I liked them in descending order! The classic was clearly the winner. The Greenpoint was interesting. Green Chartresuse is a green liqueur made with over 100 herbs and plants. It had a nice flavor. The Little Italy was not that pleasant. I had not yet had Cynar...it is odd. It is an Italian bitter liqueur made with herbs and plants, the predominant taste profile from the artichoke....ehhh. It doesn't taste like artichokes it just doesn't taste great. 

Manhattan Flight

Christine ordered the featured special - an alcoholic egg cream. The dusting of cinnamon on the top was a lovely touch!

Alcoholic Dessert :)

We got hungry and ordered appetizers. I got a shrimp cocktail and Christine got one of the featured toasts with white bean puree. Nomnomnom!!

Shrimp Cocktail

White Bean Toast

For our last round, I got a Bulleit Rye Perfect Manhattan and Christine got some interesting drink that tasted like orange soda (but was alcoholic). I only snapped a pic of mine though, oops!

Bulleit Rye Perfect Manhattan

This is a fun spot right by Chelsea Market. There is a lot of bar seating and standing table room which is an awesome feature. If you get there before 9pm, you could probably find a spot to sit without much trouble.

Check it out if you're in the area!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Visiting Temple (Bar)

Drinks with the Girls

Last night, I caught up with two close friends from Stern (Michelle and Olivia). I wanted to try out a bar I read about near school, Temple Bar (http://www.templebarnyc.com/). I love trying out new places - there are simply too many bars in this city to always go to the same places. I read about Temple Bar's reputation for expertly crafted cocktails and was convinced I need to visit it immediately, if not sooner!

Beautiful Interior Features a Sculpted Wood Bar

I asked the bartender if they made their own pickle juice - specific question, I know! Instead of a dirty martini, I enjoy a pickle martini. The flavor profile is a bit more subtle and less salty if the pickles are made in-house. Naturally, I ordered it with Ketel One. 

Dirty Pickle Martini

Next, I wanted a Perfect (sweet & dry vermouth) Bulleit Manhattan. I had one this weekend and I loved it. Instead of a cherry (hate them!), I ordered with a twist. Such a good choice!

Perfect Drink! :)

I loved the set-up of the back bar. I snapped a photo. 

Swank City

This place would be a great date spot - check it out! I hope to check it out on a date sometime soon :)

Cheers,

Liz

 

The Commodore

Birthday Drinks in Brooklyn

This past Friday, there was a Stern birthday celebration at The Commodore (no website, http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-commodore-brooklyn). I've heard that the food there is legendary, so that alone was worth the trip. For a dive bar, the Commodore offered several interesting drink options. I wasn't sure which to order first...the Perfect Manhattan or Old Fashioned. 

Where to Start?

I started with a Bulleit Rye Perfect Manhattan. I love love love Bulleit! It really makes wonderful cocktails. I've been dabbling in dark spirits more. I haven't gotten to just drinking bourbon neat, so a little cocktailing never hurt. 

Perfect Manhattan - made with Sweet and Dry Vermouth

After I finished this delicious drink, I moved on to the Old Fashioned. I ordered it with Bulleit Rye as well. This cocktail was a bit too weird for me. For the size of the glass, the slice of orange was HUGE and the drink was way too red. It just seemed off - should have gotten another Manhattan since it was "Perfect" after all. 

Old Fashioned

Once we were hydrated, we checked out the menu. I loved the monkey on it - really different!

The place is pretty famous for the fried chicken. Ingrid was smart and ordered that. I ordered a Kale Caesar salad. Complete rookie mistake. I'm trying to eat healthier...yet ordering a salad in a place famous for frying food is just a bad call.

What You Should Order - Fried Chicken

What You Shouldn't Order - Salad...

The birthday boy, Tim, kept ordering rounds of  Bandera Shots aka Mexican Flag Shots. The shot is made out of three separate shots: tequila, lime juice and Bloody Mary Mix. Woof. I didn't partake. It looked interesting..

Bandera Shots

This is definitely a place to check out. It was cold outside and HOT inside. The bar is small and I got overheated pretty quickly. I would recommend wearing layers so you can prevent yourself from sweating your face off.

Cheers,

Liz

 

Picking Apples

Apple Restaurant & Bombar

A good friend of mine, Scott F., suggested getting drinks at a local spot near Stern. I couldn't believe he would actually suggest this spot for a good martini. I've walked past it many many times but never thought of it as somewhere to actually go inside! I want to come from a "Place of Yes," so I agreed and went to Apple (http://applerestaurant.com/).

Ketel One Dirty Martini

I am SHOCKED to admit I was wrong. The bartenders make incredible martinis for a great price ($10)! This is the spot to go near school. The interior of the spot is completely random and super weird. The bar is shaped like a piano. If you can get beyond the decor, the drink selection and pricing is a bargain. Happy Hour is 4-7pm, half off the entire bar. 

Good job Scott!

Cheers, 

Liz

 

Another Day, Another Date.

Keeping it Casual at Galway Pub

Although I tend to prefer fancier cocktail spots, lately I've been leaning towards more casual places to meet for a first date. I feel like it relaxes the tone and may not make me appear as high maintenance ($12-$15 cocktails could do that, so trying new strategies). 

I messaged back and forth with a new gentleman. We hit it off and planned to meet at The Ginger Man. My date arrived earlier than I did and asked for me to scope out some other spots, since the original location was super crowded. Next door, he suggested Galway Pub (http://galwaypubnyc.com/). We ended up going there and it was a great location. We met around 9pm. As the night wore on, it started to get more and more douchey (a bit too fratastic). We managed to find a quiet spot at the bar and stayed there, away from the first pumping. I ordered a Ketel One and Soda - didn't take a picture, since it wasn't that exciting. 

I'm not sure if I would go back on another date, but it met the needs (quiet enough, somewhere to sit, cheaper drinkers, low key).

Cheers,

Liz

 

Visiting the House of Walker

Keep Walking

A classmate at Stern passed on that he was attending a House of Walker event. Naturally, I am always inclined to attend a "spirited" event, so I RSVPed for two and invited another Sternie. The House of Walker events take place in a space that has been entirely transformed to fit the Johnnie Walker brand. We arrived about 30 minutes early to ensure that we could get into the event - even with the RSVP, entry is not guaranteed. 

Ice Artist

At the rear bar, an incredibly skilled gentleman was carving beautiful designs from blocks of ice. Johnnie Walker Black Label and Double Black Label were served at the back bar. 

Put Your $$$ on Black!

We moved over to the other bar; it featured Johnnie Walker Red Label in expertly crafted cocktails. I chose the first option, White Gold. In addition to JW, it had Canton Ginger Liqueur and Lilet Blanc. The cocktail was very balanced and delicious. Drinking scotch neat or on the rocks is a bit intense for me. The addition of other spirits rounded out the profile.

Which to Pick?

White Gold Cocktail

After we each got a cocktail, we sat down to a scotch tasting with Johnnie Walker Black and Diageo's Master of Whisky. It was informative! We got to try it three ways: neat, with a drop of water and with an ice cube. 

Scotch Tasting

The next part of the evening consisted of hearing the Diageo Master of Whisky ask questions to Hella Bitter's Eduardo Simeon and Tobin Ludwig. Their company, based in Williamsburg, was funded by Kickstart.com contributions. Check them out here: http://hellabitters.com/

Hella Awesome

Each corner of the venue had different "themes" - did you know that the Walker family initially began blending teas...not scotch? I snapped a photo of all the different blends that make the awesome Johnnie Walker labels. 

Blended to Perfection

I encourage you to attend one of these events in the future: 

https://rsvpjohnniewalker.com/

Keep Walking!

Liz

Bell Book & Brenne (Candle)

Celebrating Allison and Brenne!

Last week, some classmates and mine attended a year-anniversary for Brenne Whisky (http://drinkbrenne.com/). Allison, the "Whisky Woman", launched this brand because of her passion for whisky and she has absolutely crushed it! Her blog, http://drinkbrenne.com/blog, details her journey. Allison lives in the West Village and chose Bell Book & Candle (http://bbandcnyc.com/) for her anniversary celebration.

Celebrate! Brenne is 1!

The expert bartender crafted a delicious Manhattan with Brenne - so yummy. 

YUM! Check out that orange peel :)

One of Allison's good friends made a cake with a bottle (a BOTTLE) of Brenne. I tried a little bit and it was fantastic!

Apparently, others liked the cake as well

Isn't the bottle for Brenne beautiful?

Brenne: Incredible Whisky!

I will need to go back to Bell Book & Candle to try some of their signature cocktails. Wherever you go, look for Brenne and try a cocktail with it. You will be glad you did!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Stand Under My Umbr(ELLA).

Backup Plans Can be the Best Plans.

This weekend, three of my friends (Sherri, Leslie and Tom) hosted a birthday party at The Royal (http://theroyalnyc.com/). The Royal is located near Union Square and tends to be a bit of a cluster-f. I arrived around 10:45pm and the place was already OVERFLOWING. The bouncers are some real winners (read: asshats) too. Some of my friends left the inside party and we left to start our own party somewhere else. Someone in our group suggested Ella (http://ellalounge.com/), a lounge that features live music in Alphabet City. The venue is a bit narrow but also has a basement..but the basement was booked for a private party, so it looked like we would be hanging on the main level. I took a photo below, the lighting is cool but not as cool as my photo (due to an illuminating effect on my camera, sooo not cool to use a flash in the club!). 

The signature cocktail, appropriately named the Reyka Vodka, St. Germain, Watermelon and Lemon Juice. They use fresh watermelon, evidence below. 

Overall, it was a fun spot, but the narrowness of the venue makes bumping into people almost a guarantee. If I come again, I'd come for the live music and then leave before it converts into more of a dance venue (after 11pm). 

Until next time,

Liz

 

A Cause for Celebration!

Visiting NYC's Hottest New Restaurant, Piora

My close friend, Liv, and I had two huge reasons for celebration: after a year of recruiting, interviewing, and interning, we have job offers. It feels great! I tend to celebrate momentous occasions with food and drink. Allison, the fabulous entrepreneur behind Brenne Whisky (http://drinkbrenne.com/), recommend this spot: Piora (http://www.pioranyc.com/). In addition to carrying her incredibly whisky, the restaurant is currently ranked #1 on Eater Manhattan's Heatmap for Where to Eat in Manhattan. Given these two pieces of information, I made a reservation!

As we reviewed the menu, we ordered cocktails. I ordered Fall Leaves (Plymouth Gin, Calvados, Apple, Maple Syrup, Tea and Lemon). It was yummy! It reminded me of fall, a blend of apple cider flavors and maple! Liv ordered the Wear and Tear, a play on an Old Fashioned, made with Old Overhold Rye, Aperol, Chartreuse Jeune, Cinzano  and Angostura. 

Fall Leaves

Wear and Tear

Once we got our cocktails, the chef presented us with an amuse-bouche. It was crisp, light and tasty. A nice way to prepare the palate for what was to come!

Amuse-Bouche

We had to order the Monkey Bread!! It is served hot, warm, sweet and salty with two awesome spreads: Lardo (aka pork fat) and Seaweed Butter. Each spread was awesome in its own right and I'm not sure which I preferred.

Monkey Bread - Lardo (left) and Seaweed Butter (right)

For our entrees, we started with a split order of Bucatini. The pasta is black because it is made with black garlic and a little squid ink is added. There is also crab and mushrooms on top - simply divine. Since we split the pasta, our server was gracious enough to separate into two bowls. It can be awkward to split pasta!

Bucatini

For the entrees, we split the Duck (a perfectly prepared breast) and the Halibut (with mushrooms and brown butter)

Duck...Duck...

...Halibut!

With our dinner, I ordered a glass of white and Liv ordered a glass of red wine.

A pair of happy glasses

You know we totally got dessert! Liv ordered a glass of Port, but I wanted to try the ice cream (chocolate, salted caramel and vanilla). Liv is such a good friend that she offered to try it too!

3 Scoops of Awesome

The owner, Simon, came by our table and we chatted about our mutual friend (Allison, mentioned above). I should say that I know her more, since she is a celebrity of sorts - we got a complimentary dessert! It was lovely.

Chocolate Raspberry Tart

Before we left, I had to snap a photo of the back-bar. I saw Allison's bottle of Brenne! I am so proud of her! I realize the photo is bad. It was tricky taking a photo without completely infiltrating someone's personal space.

Brenne, right next to Blue Label - so impressed!

You must try Piora!

Liz

 

Brass Monkey...

...That Funky Monkey

Last night was apparently a birthday bonanza for Stern! Isaac was celebrating his birthday and picked the Brass Monkey (http://brassmonkeynyc.com/) as the meeting spot. I have heard about this spot for a long time but never quite made it over. I first saw it on The Real Housewives of New York when Bethenny and Kelly met to discuss their awkward "friendship". It is clear that Bethenny has moved on to better things, not including Brass Monkey. 

The venue reminds me of the type of place a ton of people end of going that don't want to deal with the hassle of covers and VIP lists but want to go to Meatpacking - such a hot spot. The crowd seemed to be heavily skewed to the B&T (Bridge and Tunnel) population, which is never a good sign. This crowd tends to be very annoying and a hallmark move is the always reliable "I have somewhere more important to go than you so I'm going to shove through the crowd with my massive purse and you're just going to have to f-ing deal with it because I drove here in my new outfit" move. It is super annoying. The bar lets in WAY too many people, so everyone is shoving and moving about, especially to make it up to the rooftop. 

It was nice once I escaped the frenzy of the first two levels. The rooftop had places to sit. It was also two other classmates' birthdays: Trent and Lilian. It was nice to catch up with each of them in an area that lent itself to conversation. It sounds like I'm asking for a lot, but I like to hear what the other person is saying during a conversation.

Overall, Brass Monkey will not be on my list of places to return. There are far too many other great places to go to in the city that aren't jam-packed with people. I'd rather pay $15 for a cocktail at a nice spot than return here for a vodka & soda (all they can really make) that I will likely spill on myself because of the B&T move described above.

Cheers,

Liz