Can You Samba?

If it is Happy Hour, of course you can!

After our wine happy hour at 8th Street Wine Cellar , Melissa and I were still hungry. Melissa suggested heading to Sushi Samba West Village (http://sushisamba.com/location/new-york/nyc-7). This restaurant has "SambaHour" which is a Happy Hour from 4-7pm and 11pm to close.

Naturally, we started with a cocktail. We both ordered the Nina Fresa. It is made with vodka, strawberry, grapefruit and guava shaken with rhubarb bitters, lime and sugar. Normally, it is $14 - on happy hour, it is $7!!

How beautiful is that lime?

Although we had the cheese plate at 8th Street Wine Cellar, we were still a little hungry. We each ordered one of the Happy Hour rolls. The Ezo roll is made with soy-marinated salmon, asparagus, sesame, tempura flake, and served with some yummy wasabi mayo on the side. Normally, it is $12.50 and I believe it was $6. It was really yummy although the ratio of salmon to wrapping was a bit unfavorable.

Let me see your Sushi Roll

This is now a favorite spot for Happy Hour! I can't wait to return.

Cheers,

Liz

Wine Happy Hour!

A Lovely Spot Near NYU

I am always in search of a Happy Hour spot and I read about 8th Street Wine Cellar (http://8thstwinecellar.com/) near Stern that has a solid offering. The spot offers half-off bottles everyday. Although the selection is small it is tasteful. Naturally, since I was with Melissa, we went with the Montepulciano that was featured on special. We love a good red - pure heaven in a glass.

I haven't met a Montepulciano I haven't liked

As we drank our wine, we were enticed to order the cheese tray. I can't recall what the daily selections were but they were yummy. It was a bit disappointing that the slices of cheese were VERY TINY. We were given an ample supply of slices of bread, which was nice, but that isn't the high ticket item. The cheese is and we wanted more!

The bread to cheese ratio is all wrong

If you check out this spot, go for the Happy Hour (half priced bottles of wine until 7pm Mon - Fri) but hold off on the food. Just not a good value.

Cheers,

Liz

The Smith...

Where the People are Terrible and the Food is Great

After getting some drinks at Pierre Loti, we walked down the street to The Smith (http://www.thesmithnyc.com/) for our dinner reservation. I chose this place because I had heard good things about it from multiple people. Given the location, however, I was a bit worried that the place may be chockfull of the crowd that the area (Midtown) tends to attract (read: terrible people). Anyway, I was deadset on going here, so I was just going to have to block out the awful conversations held by the people sitting next to us. Topics ranged from unreturned Snapchats to Juice Cleanses.

As I mentioned in my prior post, dinner with a romantic interest is a rare event for me. This whole "online dating" situation I've found myself in doesn't tend to led itself to second dates or breaking bread with people. To say I was excited would be an understatement.

After looking at the menu, I decided to order a unique cocktail I had not seen before, the Dirty Jane. It was a reinterpretation of a dirty martini but instead of olives, it was made with pickled tomato. I tend to prefer a dirty martini made with pickle juice over olive juice, so I was looking forward to trying this - I'm glad I ordered it. It was practically an alcoholic salad.

For my main course, I got the salmon. It was served with mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, leeks, parsnips and bordelaise (a red wine sauce). It was quite yummy. The salmon was served as two smaller pieces instead of a larger piece. Which I think made it a little dry, even though I ordered it medium.

Of course we ordered dessert. Their menu is pretty tempting and when I read "S'mores Bread Pudding" I was done. It was made with a chocolate brioche bread pudding, graham cracker crumb bottom and homemade marshmallow topping with a honey anglaise. It was one of the best desserts I've had out in a restaurant. I would be happy to go here and just get drinks and dessert in the future. Cut out the crap with ordering entrees. Who really needs actual food? Desserts for life.

Check out those PICTURE skills!

Anyway, this is a nice place, especially for cocktails and dessert . Be forewarned, it attracts a certain type of Midtown / Murray Hill-ish crowd.

Cheers,

Liz

A Nice Wine Bar with TEENY TINY Seats

Pierre Loti, Where the Seats are Not a Loti

The excitement and panic of a second date! Where to go? What to do? To my complete shock, my date suggested that we meet for an actual meal...dinner! I cannot even remember the last time I went on a date with someone and had food. This is likely because many of the men I have met never make it to the second date, either by my or their decision. It is hard to find two people that are mutually attracted to each other.

Before we met for dinner, I suggested drinks. As the forward thinking woman that I am, I planned to make a move to pick up the tab for this portion of the date. I was successful at doing this because I am a swift ninja when it comes to paying the bill. I also wanted to demonstrate that I didn't need to be wined and dined. I like him and by paying for something, I feel it shows you're also into the other person.

Anyway, I digress. I suggested Pierre Loti's Midtown East location (http://www.pierrelotiwinebar.com/midtown/index.html). For our first date, we were going to go to the Union Square location but we ended up changing the location and time. I was clearly still determined to go here with this person. I did not realize, however, that this location has super tiny tables and small chairs. If you have some junk in the trunk (like me), the barstools can be a bit of a challenge. At least I could work on my core muscles as I attempted to balance myself.

We ordered two glasses of wine each. I cannot remember which ones I got. I recall that they were very good and red. So, there you go. My wine knowledge as defined by color. The spot gives out random Asian crackers to nibble on (think wasabi peanuts and puffed sesame sticks), yet it is described as "Turkish" on Yelp!, so who the hell knows.

Anyway, I like the selection at this place (there are three locations in NYC). I would recommend Union Square as the set-up (and seating) is better.

Cheers,

Liz

Ten Degrees of No PDT

Pick Up Your Phone When You Give PDT Your Number!

After Scott and I finished dinner and dessert, we wanted to visit PDT, located within Crif Dogs. You go within the unassuming hot dog spot to discover the hidden speakeasy. The phone booth has a number that you call. Then, someone within PDT opens up the phone booth and either 1. Invites you inside or 2. Takes your phone number for a reservation. We fell within 2 and Scott left his phone number. We decided to kill some time at a bar right down the street, Ten Degrees Bar (http://10degreesbar.com/).

I've been here before as it features a pretty awesome Happy Hour. 2 for 1 Drinks, 7 Days a week from noon to 8pm! Of course we entered the bar right after 8pm. I ordered a glass of red wine, I believe Montepulciano. It was $9 and quite nice.

Yay for Red Wine!

While we were at Ten Degrees, Scott's phone rang. Naturally, he didn't have the volume up or the phone even out, so we missed the reservation. When we showed up at PDT, we were told it would be another 30 minutes. So, we just went home. I am still determined to go there sometime soon! If you're in this area, check out 10 Degrees for an affordable drink.

Cheers,

Liz

Lantern's Keep

I finally made it to this hidden bar!

After my wonderful date, I had plans to meet a good friend of mine (Scott) at Lantern's Keep (http://www.iroquoisny.com/lanternskeep), a small bar located at the back of the Iroquois Hotel. When I attempted to go last time (on a date), the bar had already closed...apparently midnight is late for hotel bars in Midtown, ugh.

I already had two strong cocktails at Measure and thought I should order something to at least nibble on with my cocktail. I ordered the mixed nuts with rosemary and a Manhattan. The cocktail was good even though it was a bit strong. I preferred the Manhattan at Measure.

Manhattan

This bar is a hidden gem, a class act. It is a bit cozy and has a certain "mood" to it. I enjoyed it and look forward to coming back.

Cheers,

Liz

A Date that Measured Up!

Cocktails and Jazz at Langham Place

I have been in Arizona with my family for the past 2.5 weeks. While I have had a wonderful time relaxing at home, it has put a bit of a kink in my dating strategy. I tend to prefer to not talk to a potential date too much before I meet him. Most of the time, one person ends up saying something that is misinterpreted (texting is the devil) and then it is awkward. Especially given the amount of time I would be home, I was reluctant to really chat with a potential date. However, I had way too much idle time and naturally started talking to someone. By some sort of miracle, we didn't end up hating each other after two weeks of talking long-distance and we set up a time to meet when I got back to NYC.

We were going to meet at The Bar Downstairs at The Andaz, but there was a 30 minute wait and I was not having that. So, I asked him to meet me at Measure, the lobby lounge at Langham Place, a super swanky hotel (http://newyork.langhamplacehotels.com/restaurants/hotel-dining-measure.htm). The cocktail menu is impressive and it was hard to pick a drink to start. I went with a reliable order: a Manhattan.

Manhattan

The Manhattan was made with Rittenhouse Rye, Carpano Antica and Bitters. It was delicious! It was a lovely balance. The next cocktail I ordered was much more of a liquid dessert. The Jazzy Razz, made with Vodka, Framboise, Godiva Liqueur, Espresso and Cream.

Jazzy Razz

The cocktails were wonderful! The lounge has a great date vibe. After we were there for an hour or so, a jazz group started playing. It was a bit loud at first, but ended up adding a nice touch. I was pleasantly surprised that (for once) my date was even better than my drinks. I'm cautiously optimistic on future dates. I will keep you posted!

Cheers,

Liz

New Year's Eve Cocktail Suggestions

Ring in the New Year with Terrific Tipples!

This year, I will be celebrating NYE with my family in Arizona and not attending an overpriced shindig in New York City. While I am a lover of cocktails, I am not a fan of jam-packed events with strangers that cost $200+ per person. Last year, some of my Stern friends (Mark, Sean and Tom) hosted a get together at their apartment. It was a nice, low-key affair and no one projectile vomited. To me, this is a very positive outcome for one of the craziest nights of the year. In honor of the hosted event, I wanted to share some of my favorite celebratory recipes, both single format and large format, for you to imbibe on this December 31st. Cheers!

Large Format Drinks

A Crowd Pleaser that is Pleasing to the Eye: Southern Comfort Punch (recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart, your favorite convicted felon)

Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Ingredients: 6 lemons, 4 navel oranges, 2 six-ounce frozen lemonade concentrate, 1 six-ounce frozen orange juice concentrate, 2 liters lemon-lime soda, 1 liter Southern Comfort

Step 1: Line two baking sheets with plastic wrap, and set aside. Slice lemons into rounds as thin as possible. Arrange lemon slices in layers on one prepared baking sheet. Repeat with oranges; layer on second baking sheet. Place in the freezer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, until fruit slices are frozen. LIZ NOTE: This is a game-changer! You can prepare the fruit days in advance and just have them ready in a ziplock (once they freeze on the baking sheet, remove and put in a baggie and they will not stick together). This way, as you refresh the recipe, you can keep it chilled and not dilute it!!

Step 2: Just before serving, open the cans of frozen lemonade and orange juice, and place the frozen concentrates, whole, in a large punch bowl. Add the soda, Southern Comfort, and several handfuls of ice. Remove frozen fruit slices from freezer, and arrange over the top of punch. Serve immediately.

Servings: The recipe says that is serves 12 - 20 people. LIZ NOTE: This is laughable. I tend to pre-prepare at least 2 batches of large format cocktails (for 10-15 people) with ingredients to make more quickly.

Source: http://www.marthastewart.com/260517/southern-comfort-punch

Spice up Store Bought Eggnog!

Ingredients: Premade eggnog (making it from scratch takes A LOT of effort and the purchased variety is just fine!), bourbon, nutmeg

Steps: Add bourbon in a ratio of 1:4 (bourbon to eggnog). Make sure to mix it really well and put into a serving container or just pour into glasses. Top with freshly grated nutmeg! LIZ NOTE: I would recommend using Bulleit Bourbon. If you have your own preference or prefer whisk(e)y - go with that! For the eggnog, I tried a Pumpkin Spice one and it was lovely!

Source: Me :)

---

Individual Cocktails

Cocktails with St. Germain = Fancy: The Texas Sipper (recipe courtesy of Tito's Handmade Vodka)

Photo Courtesy of Tito's Handmade Vodka

Ingredients: 1.5 parts Tito’s Handmade Vodka, 0.5 parts St-Germain, 1.5 parts grapefruit juice, Top with club soda. Garnish with a mint sprig. LIZ NOTE: I would substitute the Tito's with Smirnoff or Ketel One since I like to support my people!

Steps: Combine Tito’s, St. Germain, and juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain over fresh ice. Top with soda. Garnish with a mint sprig

Servings 1. LIZ NOTE: You can multiply all the ingredients (except the club soda) and pre-make a large batch for your party. When you serve it, just top off with club soda and the mint sprig.

Source: http://titosvodka.com/drinks/ontherocks/the-texas-sipper/

Champagne & St. Germain = BF4L

Ingredients: Champagne (dry Champagne or sparkling wine) and St. Germain (elderflower liqueur). LIZ NOTE: St. Germain isn't a cheap option (unlike Triple Sec) yet it is versatile and worth the investment. You can use in multiple cocktails, like the one above :)

Photo Courtesy of St. Germain Facebook

Steps: Pour 1/2 ounce chilled St. Germain into a Champagne flute. Top with Champagne. Enjoy!

Source: Myself :)

Keep Your Guests Awake with The Tiramisu Martini

Ingredients: 2 parts Rum Chata and 1 part Espresso Vodka. LIZ NOTE: For the vodka, I prefer Three Olives Triple Shot Espresso or Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka. Smirnoff used to make one, but it is no longer available! Rum Chata is amazingly delicious - think of the milk leftover in the bowl after you have Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal! Bailey's just released Vanilla Cinnamon which is very similar :)

Photo Courtesy of Rum Chata

Steps: Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Sprinkle with shaved chocolate. LIZ NOTE: Drizzle chocolate syrup in the glasses and freeze. It makes a festive design and adds to the flavor profile of the cocktail as it melts! Yum!

Source: http://rumchata.com/#/recipes/74/thetiramisumartini

I hope you have a fantastic New Year's Eve and start off 2014 in the company of your loved ones. If you choose to imbibe on this wonderful holiday, please do so responsibly. Thank you for visiting my site!

Cheers!
Liz

A Hot Deal on Hot Drinks

Happy Hour in the East Village

After Melissa and I finished at Cha-An Tea House, we wanted a spirited beverage, preferably hot, as the weather was quite brisk that day. It was a weird time though, 4:00pm-ish; it isn't the sweet spot for bars to be open. This seems odd to me though, as we were near NYU, which doesn't exactly have a population of people on a 9-5pm schedule. After some false starts, we finally walked by a spot that was 1. Open! 2. Serving Hot Beverages! and 3. Offered Happy Hour! We were delighted to go to Vbar (http://vbarandcompany.com/) and get cozy at the bar!

Hot Cider with Captain Morgan!

I loved my first drink (above). The hot cider and Captain Morgan were mixed really well. It was a dangerous drink - went down far too easily (there has got to be a "That's What She Said" joke in there).

Coffee with Baileys

I was being responsible and ordered a coffee (with Baileys) as my second drink. I had to present in my evening class for a group project and wanted to be ready to go. This is totally random, but I've been taking screenshots of random wireless network names that are hilarious. Check out what I found at Vbar below.

Walrus Mode?

If you're in this neighborhood, Vbar is a solid choice for a Happy Hour beverage (we got our $12 drinks for $6!).

Cheers,

Liz

 

Cocktail Places to Explore in January!

Ringing in the New Year Right!

I've put together a list of spots (and respective cocktails) that I'd like to enjoy during my month off in January. I do realize my list is expansive a bit aggressive, but goals should be that way. I want to challenge myself to check out some new neighborhoods and cocktails! Unlike many of my business school friends that will be jet-setting around the world, I will be exploring New York City!

If you have been to any of these places, please leave your comments and recommendations. Also, if you want to join me, please let me know! :)

Manhattan Spots

• East Village
  • Maharlika (http://maharlikanyc.com/) has quite the reputation for its Sharon Cuneta, a Filipino twist on an eggnog
  • Evelyn (http://evelynnyc.com/) is a spot that has a cocktail list that I've been wanting to experience. The "Is It Good?" is made with rye, rum, cloves, cardamom and matcha foam. Also, the Creme de Julius is a play on the oh-so-classy Orange Julius! Sign me up!
  • PDT (http://pdtnyc.com/) - how have I not gone here yet? I'm embarrassed. I should go to Crif Dogs for something wrapped in bacon and then enter through the phone booth. I know it has become a bit of a tourist trap, but I'd love to go to at least say I've gone. Seasonally, TONY (Time Out New York) recommends the Great Pumpkin.
• TriBeCa
  • Distilled (http://www.distilledny.com/) the Mystic Mead (honey wine and spices served warm) looks incredible. I plan to go here for dinner - I want the Country Fried Duck and Waffles and the S'mores for dessert!
• Lower East Side
  • Experimental Cocktail Club (http://experimentalcocktailclubny.com/) - the Wimbledon Milk Punch looks amazing, not sure if it is seasonally appropriate, but since when was that fun?
• NoHo
  • Saxon + Parole (http://saxonandparole.com/) has a super quirky drink that I'm intrigued to try. I know my friend Liv would love it: the Celery Gimlet!
• Flatiron
  • The Flatiron Room (http://www.theflatironroom.com/) has a functioning fireplace and nightly live jazz music. Also, 400 varieties of whiskey, the most on the East Coast!
  • The Flatiron Lounge (http://www.flatironlounge.com/index_main.html) has a tiki-inspired beverage: Siegert's Swizzle, made with Angostura, green Chartreuse, cinnamon syrup, and fruit juices. YUM.
• Midtown West
  • Lantern's Keep - I've tried to visit this tucked-away bar in The Iroquois Hotel with no luck before. I will be more successful this time! The mood and setting is perfect for a cold winter's night.

Brooklyn (mostly Williamsburg)

• Williamsburg
  • Dram (http://drambar.com/) is located on the South Side. It is a super hipster cocktail spot and, based on Yelp!, it looks like the Hot Toddy is yum city
  • Post Office (http://www.postofficebk.com/) cozy whiskey bar in Brooklyn. They have a drink called The Jersey Fire Drill, made with applejack and hellfire habanero bitters, and the Pick-Me-Up, made with Bourbon, coffee, sweet vermouth and orange bitters. Must. Go.
  • The Richardson (http://www.therichardsonnyc.com/) serves up classy ass cocktails at a good price. The North by Northwest, a gin based cocktail, Twin Palms, vodka based with cider.
  • Ba'sik (http://basikbrooklyn.com/) has a cocktail featuring CACHACHA (also has hibiscus, mulling spices and lime) and is right next to The Richardson!
• Cobble Hill / Gowanus
  • Clover Club (http://www.cloverclubny.com/) this spot is a bit further, in Cobble Hill, but certainly worth the trip! I don't know where to start - Bellevue Stratford (gin based) and Major Moses (apple brandy based) sound amazeballs.  
  • Zombie Hut (http://www.yelp.com/biz/zombie-hut-brooklyn) is a spot I plan to visit when I go to Clover Club. I want to drink something that has been lit on fire...generally a good life goal.
  • Brooklyn Social (http://www.yelp.com/biz/brooklyn-social-brooklyn#query:cocktails) will be my last stop on the Cobble Hill / Gowanus trek.
  • The Jake Walk (http://www.thejakewalk.com/) probably the first stop on the Cobble Hill trek. Need a good base of wine and cheese to start the night. Fondue for two is $16. Done and done! Just need to find a date. lol!

Cheers!

Liz

Since You've Been Von

Happy Hour with a New Friend :)

This past Friday, I got drinks with Ashley, someone I was introduced to by Justin, an MBA 1 at Stern. I should note they are a very cute couple! I really liked her when I met her and only saw her randomly at school events. I wanted to see her on purpose. So I sent her a Facebook message and asked her out on a "friend" date. It sounds silly, but it is hard to meet new girl friends sometimes! I was glad she wanted to meet me for drinks. We picked Friday the 13th - it would be Spooky Drinks! She suggested a spot that had a solid Happy Hour, Von (http://www.vonbar.com/). The Happy Hour is from Monday - Friday, 5pm to 7pm and Saturday - Sunday, 3pm to 5pm. I ordered a Sauvignon Blanc that was $6 and quite nice. After this drink, I ordered a glass of the mulled wine. It was delicious!
The

Mulled Wine

Do you see the hot steam coming off that wine? It was so comforting on a chilly December evening. I had a wonderful time with Ashley and I look forward to getting together with her (on purpose!) again. Also, Ashley has an amazing website: The Fiscal Femme. You should check it out: http://thefiscalfemme.com/

Cheers,

Liz

 

Keeping it Classy at a Cigar Bar

Smoking a Cigar is Sexy...until you cannot wash the smell out of your hair for days

After our dinner at Indochine, Scott and I went to Lexington Bar and Books (http://www.barandbooks.cz/lexington/) for a classy evening of brown liquor and cigars. As my first cocktail, I ordered a Hot Toddy made with Bushmills Irish Honey, orange liquor, lemon juice, honey and spices.

Hot Toddy and a Lexington Cigar

I love hot beverages on a cold night. It is so soothing. I hardly smoke cigars (I've smoke one like 10 years ago?) so I didn't want to have anything too aggressive. Our server recommend the Bar and Books Lexington. It is described as having flavors that are "tantalizing and complex, while mild in body, the smoke is smooth and easy." I really enjoyed it while I was smoking it. However, immediately after, I never wanted to smell it again. That is the thing about cigars: they don't know when to say goodbye. They are CLINGERS. When I got home I must have washed my hair about 5x. It didn't matter. Today, several days later, I am free of the smell. #toughlife

As my second cocktail, I got the Apple Cider made with Tuaca, lemon juice, fresh apple cider, and cinnamon - served hot of course!
made with Tuaca

Apple Cider

This is a great spot for a classy cocktail. Be forewarned, if you do not want to smell like smoke, stay far away from here! Otherwise, enjoy! :)

Cheers,

Liz

 

Indowhat? Indochine!

Colonial French Vietnamese, or something like that

Last night, I had a wonderful night catching up with one of my favorite MBA1s: Scott! We had a night (sort of) planned out. We knew we were going to go to Lexington Bar & Books, but weren't sure where to have dinner. Luckily, Scott had an idea! He recommended a spot near school: Indochine (http://www.indochinenyc.com/index_F.html).  I haven't had much Vietnamese food and I have never had Colonial French Vietnamese food - so what is not to love? Naturally, we started the meal with a cocktail. But which one? According to Yelp! reviews, I went with a clear winner: the Indochine Martini, made with citrus vodka infused with pineapple and ginger and fresh lime juice.

Indochine Martini

It was quite good - far too easy to drink. I only ordered one since we were going uptown for cocktails and cigars after. For dinner, we split three items. The Spicy Shrimp sautéed with long beans, fresh tomato and basil, the Glazed Duck Breast, with long stem bok choi and a baked Vidalia onion broth and Sautéed Rice with shrimp, green peas and egg.

Spicy Shrimp

The shrimp were so tasty! The spice level was just right - it added flavor without being overbearing. Ugh, I hate that!

Glazed Duck Breast

The duck was also lovely. The broth really complemented the side of rice.

Sautéed Rice

I loved that the shrimp were normal size in the rice. Sometimes fried rice can have "baby" shrimp which just taste super fishy to me. Barf. This was not like that, yummy!

If you want a special dinner near campus, check out this spot. Also, on our way out, we saw the actor Wallace Shawn (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001728/?ref_=tt_cl_t5). He is best known as the voice of Rex in the Toy Story franchise, Cyrus Rose in Gossip Girl, and Vizzini in Princess Bride. I didn't take a photo because I'm not a super weirdo.

Cheers,

Liz

 

Oh Dennis, You Got So Skinny!

After brunch, we headed to a bar near Michelle and Ilya's place: Skinny Dennis (no website; http://www.yelp.com/biz/skinny-dennis-brooklyn). The name alone should be reason enough to visit this spot. Also, you get peanuts (in shell!) and the drinks are strong & cheap - gotta love Brooklyn.

Skinny Dennis is well know for its (locally) famous "Willie's Frozen Coffee" - it is like a Frappuccino with Bourbon - Starbucks is totally doing it wrong.

Willie's Frozen Coffee

I love the double paper cup it is served in - such a funky twist on the classic bodega coffee! The vibe of the spot is super casual and comfortable.

The Bar

It can't really be that shocking it is casual - you can shell your peanuts on the floor. It sounds silly, but it is super fun. Ilya ate through a bunch of peanuts and completely trashed the floor. Evidence below.

PEANUTS!

Shortly after we arrived, a band (described as "Honky Tonk" by Michelle) started playing live music. It was lovely!

Honky Tonk Band

This is a wonderful spot that I look forward returning to! All the cocktails were awesome, cheap and massive! Brooklyn for the win!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Oh Brooklyn, You're a Star!

Brunch with my Favorite Bunch!

Yesterday, I had a lovely afternoon with two of my favorite couples: Michelle & Ilya and Olivia & Cullen. You may be wondering: why are they so awesome? Quite simply, they don't make me seem like a failure / leper when I am the single gal at the table. I don't feel like a fifth wheel, I feel like the fifth person in an awesome group of people. It is refreshing - why aren't all couples like this?

We decided to check out Brooklyn Star (http://thebrooklynstar.com/). It is a Southern style restaurant with a wonderful brunch in Williamsburg (the North Side). The cocktail list is pretty awesome. I decided to order two completely different selections. I started with the Bourbon Bonbon, made with bourbon, iced espresso and condensed milk.  YUM!!! The drink was almost too easy to drink. It was a bit sweet, so I only wanted to have one. Hangovers ruin Sundays...or any day.

Bourbon Bonbon

For my next drink, I got the Bloody Bull. made with vodka, Bloody Mary mix, beef broth, and pickled string beans. It had a bit of a kick to it - yowzers! I only had one - so intense.

Bloody Bull

At brunch, I am constantly torn between sweet or savory. Shockingly, I miss the South sometimes - at least the cooking (and Warren!). I got the Shrimp and Grits, made with bacon, leeks and a fried egg.

Shrimp and Grits

I really loved this spot. The atmosphere is inviting, the food is lovely and the drinks are tasty. I will come back for dinner sometime!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Venturing above 34th Street...

Another Day, Another Date

I was supposed to go on a date on Saturday, but I happened to already be up on the Upper East Side. The date was planned in that neighborhood and as much as I love traveling out of my way, I figured I may be able to get two things done with one subway ride - a study in efficiency!

Luckily, my date was flexible so we kept the location (Jbird, http://jbirdny.com/) but bumped up the date. I've gone here before and really loved it.

I ordered three completely different cocktails. The first was The Colonial. It was made with Rye Whiskey, Apple Brandy, Overproof Jamaican Rum, Demerara, and Tiki Bitters. The drink is described as "potent" and that is an accurate description. I love a strong drink but this was somewhat difficult to enjoy.

The second drink I ordered was the Golden Cadillac - I got this the first time I went to JBird and loved it. It is basically an alcoholic creamsicle, made with Galliano, Crème de Cacao, Orange Juice and Heavy Cream. Delicious and far too easy to drink!

The final drink I ordered was the Sunset Park, made with Rye Whiskey, Dry Vermouth and Apricot Liqueur. I thought I would love it given the ingredients but it was awful. Just steer clear - it was difficult to drink. Ugh.

I love this spot - it has a great vibe for a date. I would mention though, that there was random club fist-pumping music playing at times that didn't really go with the vibe I expected. The person in charge of the playlist should be fired.

Cheers!
Liz

 

Aces!

Cocktails at The Ace Hotel Lobby Bar

On Thursday, I had a first date and decided to meet at The Ace Hotel (http://www.acehotel.com/newyork). I've had good luck here in the past and I always figure that even if the date doesn't work out, I should still have a great cocktail.

Sometimes I don't take pictures of cocktails on my dates because I want to have some semblance of being cool. The first cocktail I ordered was a Bulleit Rye Manhattan. It was fabulous. Like most classy establishments, the cocktail is served with brandied cherries and not jarred Maraschino cherries. This is a game changer! I loved the cocktail. Perfect balance.

As my second cocktail, I ordered one of the seasonal features. It was a spiced apple cocktail with brandy. Delicious. I'm really glad I changed it up and didn't just get another Manhattan - even though they are incredibly tasty.

I felt the date went well but only time can tell. To be determined. Either way, I had two awesome drinks.

Cheers,

Liz

 

The Dove Parlour

This is what it tastes like when doves...drink?

This past Thursday, the Luxury and Retail Club at Stern hosted a holiday get together at The Dove Parlour (http://thedoveparlour.com/), a great little cocktail lounge near campus. I've visited this lounge multiple times because of its incredible Happy Hour. Sunday through Thursday, most martinis and specialty cocktails are $7 (as compared to $11).

One of my favorite choices is the Spiced Peach Cobbler. It is made with peach vodka, honey, cinnamon and organic vanilla soy milk. It reminds me of a slice of peach pie with ice cream. It is delicious and dessert in a glass!

The Spiced Peach Cobbler

If you happen to visit the Dove, the French Lavender and Silk Road Margarita are also lovely. This is a great deal during Happy Hour and I encourage you to explore!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Pour on that Milk & Honey

Great Spot Hidden Near Madison Square Park

After we had one drink at The Long Room, my date suggested that we go to a classier establishment: Milk & Honey (http://www.mlkhny.com/newyork/). Once we got out of the cab, I realized I had walked by this location several times. It is right next to a McDonald's and completely non-descript. I feel that is the point - You only know if you're in the "know" - I guess now I am. I just thought it was a random door - consider me informed! Luckily, we didn't have to wait and could be seated inside immediately. You enter through a velvet cloaked entryway - swankfest.

The server came by and asked for what we would like to drink. You can get a unique cocktail based on your spirit preference and taste profile or order a standard cocktail. For my first drink, I asked for a spiked egg nog, bartender's suggested prep. It is holiday time, so why not be festive!

Spiked Eggnog? Yes Please!

The cocktail was lovely. Not too strong or too creamy - perfection! For my next cocktail, I got an "interpretation" (quotes very necessary) of a Manhattan. I didn't take a photo because I like to contain the crazy during a date. I can only take so many photos on a first date. I need to let out my cocktail obsession drink by drink, not all at once.

I would highly recommend Milk & Honey for a date, catching-up with a friend or just grabbing a well-crafted cocktail solo. Get after it.

Cheers!
Liz

 

The Long Room

Midtown Hotel Bars Close at 12 (Just FYI)

This past Saturday, I had a first date and we were originally going to meet at Lantern's Keep at the Iroquois Hotel. For a cocktail lover such as myself, I was very impressed with his suggested. Many times picking a location can be daunting for either party. I had wanted to go to this bar for a while and walked by it daily on the way to my internship this summer. Finally! I would go...but, little did I know, this wish would not be granted.

Just as a heads up, Yelp! isn't always right. The website said that the bar was open until 1AM. Both of us were coming back to the city form Thanksgiving travel, so we planned to meet for a nightcap. I showed up at midnight to have the bartender ask for my "last call" - boo! Instead, I asked for a back-up recommendation. A girl has to be resourceful. This is how we ended up at The Long Room (http://www.thelongroomnyc.com/). It has a gastropub atmosphere with live music - maybe not the best first date location. Anyway, we both ordered a Bulleit Manhattan and made the best of it. I was pleased when he recommended our next location: Milk & Honey!

Read my next post for details!

Liz