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Strike When the (Flat)Iron is Hot!

Dates, Drinks, LoungeLizComment

Delicious Cocktails in Flatiron!

The Flatiron Lounge (http://www.flatironlounge.com/index_main.html) was on my list of cocktail spots to visit during my January break. Consider this mission accomplished. Before we headed to dinner, we grabbed a drink here and I liked the general vibe of the lounge. It was a Friday night, so naturally it was a bit crowded. We were unable to get a table or sit at the bar, so we enjoyed our cocktails on a countertop near the entrance. While this was more convenient that just holding our drinks, I kept getting bumped by people walking in and out. I ordered the Veruca Salt, made with Cachaca, Lemon, Blueberry Agave, Cocchi Rosa, Elderflower and Champagne. So tasty!

Veruca Salt

Veruca Salt

My date ordered the Maple Leaf, made with Rye Whiskey, Maple Syrup, Grapefruit and Lemon. It was served up in a coupe and well-balanced.

Maple Leaf

Maple Leaf

This is a great spot and I'd love to go back on a non-weekend evening.

Cheers,

Liz

 

Please Don't Tell the Sharks

Drinks, LoungeLizComment

PDT Cocktails Pack a Punch!

Stop 3 of the East Village Bar Crawl led us to Please Don't Tell (http://www.pdtnyc.com/). I tried to go here once before unsuccessfully, so I was very excited when my phone rang that our reservation was ready!

Please Don't Tell is one of the worst kept secrets in NYC speakeasies. I guess you should blame the internet for that. Clearly, this blog post is only perpetuating the non-exclusivity, but I believe in the democratization of fantastic cocktails. PDT is located within Crif Dogs, an unsuspecting hot dog shop. The food is great fast food - who doesn't enjoy processed, shaped meat wrapped in bacon?

Within a phone booth, there is a number to call to make a reservation. A hidden door opens and a very small lady opens to invite you to give your phone number. I imagine if it isn't busy you can sit down right away, but I've never had the pleasure.

After checking out the menu, we got the Shark, made with butter-infused Bacardi Silver Rum, overproof rum, Frangelico, Blue Curacao, Lemon and Pineapple Juice, Cream, and Bittermens Elemakule Tiki Bitters. It is a beautiful blue hue and accessorized with a teeny-tiny umbrella.

The Shark

The Shark

The décor at PDT is interesting to say the least. Many taxidermed animals decorate the walls. It adds a certain "something" for sure.

This raccoon was out at night, so it didn't have rabies. Also, it was dead.

This raccoon was out at night, so it didn't have rabies. Also, it was dead.

This is worth a visit for any serious cocktail fan. Just be prepared to wait - there are plenty of bars nearby to stick around for a drink or two while you wait for a ring!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Evelyn, The Pleasure is all Mine

Drinks, LoungeLizComment

Finally Made it Here!

I put together a list of cocktail places I wanted to visit during my time off (http://www.personalitini.com/cocktailandculinary/2013/12/22/cocktail-places-to-explore-in-january) and Evelyn (http://evelynnyc.com/) was in the East Village section. After our dinner at Back Forty, it was only a couple of blocks away to get to Evelyn. We ran since it was cold and we were THIRSTY!

The cocktail list is very interesting. There is a section called "Spirited Phosphates" which are carbonated beverages spiked with booze and charged with CO2! The drinks are "poured" from an old-fashioned seltzer container, super cool. The smaller size is $7 and the bigger size is $11. OF course we got the bigger size. I chose the Bramble Cup, made with Four Roses Bourbon, Pimms, Blackberry Syrup, Mint, Lemon, Angostura Bitters and Phosphate (the Bubbly stuff!). The quality of this photo sucks. I tend to use my iPhone but hate using the flash when I'm out. I don't want to be annoying when others are enjoying their cocktail or meal with a BRIGHT FLASH. So, sometimes we get ehhh photos.

The Bramble Cup

The Bramble Cup

Since Aish and I were having a cocktail crawl, we only got one drink here. The back bar was interesting. It looked like someone was trying to be romantic with the candles and then things got out of hand. It adds a certain mood for sure.

Bath and Body Works EXPLODED on the Back Bar

Bath and Body Works EXPLODED on the Back Bar

I'd recommend exploring this spot and sticking around for a couple cocktails. I wanted to be able to walk to our next location, so we kept it tame with one.

Cheers,

Liz

 

Wine Happy Hour!

Drinks, Lounge, Wine, Happy HourLizComment

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

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

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

Lantern's Keep

Drinks, LoungeLizComment

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

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!

Dates, Lounge, DrinksLizComment

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

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

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

Venturing above 34th Street...

Dates, Drinks, LoungeLizComment

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

 

The Dove Parlour

Drinks, Happy Hour, LoungeLizComment

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

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

Dates, Drinks, LoungeLizComment

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!

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

 

Visiting Temple (Bar)

Drinks, Lounge, TapasLizComment

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

 

Bell Book & Brenne (Candle)

Drinks, Lounge, New AmericanLizComment

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).

Drinks, LoungeLizComment

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

 

Celebratory Drinks!

Desserts, Drinks, LoungeLizComment

Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar

Yesterday was a GREAT day! If anything, it was more of a turning point in my life than just a Thursday. After several years of planning, researching and preparing, I got a job offer to join my dream company. Over two years ago, I started the process of applying to business school and transitioning to a completely different industry (real estate to wine, beer and spirits) and function (investment banking to marketing). I am thrilled to start this next chapter of my life. In the spirit (pun intended) of celebration, I met with a new friend from Stern, Scott. In a small world twist, we actually know each other from my first job. We were in the same hire class in Charlotte, NC over six years ago - crazy! He was near my neighborhood, so I suggested a fun spot near me that has fantastic dessert cocktails, Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar (http://www.ayzanyc.com/midtown/index.html). 

I started with the Raspberry Chocolate Martini. It was DIVINE! It is made with Chambord and Kahlua. It is also served with an 80% dark chocolate truffle - YUM! The cocktail was rich and creamy - so much so that I needed a spoon at the end to get up all the chocolate shavings!!

Raspberry Chocolate Martini

Next, I ordered a lighter cocktail. It was still sweet, but not weighed down with cream. I ordered the Bohemian Pear. It is a mix of Absolut Pear, St. Germain, Angostura Bitters, and Fresh Lime Juice. I loved it! It was light and refreshing!

Bohemian Pear

As my final cocktail, I ordered the Pomegranate Martini. It is made with Ketel One Citroen and Pomegranate Juice. This drink was a bit *tart* - I don't think that the juice was sweetened. This likely made the drink have fewer calories, but my face was puckered. I enjoyed it, but it was my least favorite. 

Pomegranate Martini

The weather was lovely last night and we sat outside. My only complaint would be that they wait to throw out all of the garbage until the venue closes for the evening. I found it a bit distracting/disturbing that the workers were putting out garbage bags (on the street) while patrons (including us) were sitting outside. Garbage isn't exactly 1. nice to look at or 2. neutral smelling. I found it odd, my only improvement to an otherwise great cocktail/dessert spot.

Cheers!

Liz

 

Pretty (J)bird

Dates, Drinks, Lounge, New AmericanLizComment

Trekking to the UES for Cocktails

I terribly underestimated the discomfort that would result by walking from the subway stop at 63rd/Lexington to 75th and 1st Avenue. In order to look hot for my date with a very tall suitor, I wore my highest heels. I haven't worn these particular shoes in a hot minute. They are hulking platforms, probably 4''+. I won't lie, they aren't comfortable for even short periods of time, let alone an estimated 19 minute walk from subway to destination (thanks HopStop). Did I have flip flops in my purse? Of course. Did I put them on? No. I didn't want to "give up" before the date even started (giving up = putting on flip flops). In hindsight, this was silly. I told myself I could break in my heels by walking! If anything was broken in after, it was my feet. I had no idea the UES was incredibly hilly. I realize these "hills" are merely slight changes in the slope of the sidewalk to people in flat shoes, but I felt like a newborn colt, trying to find my footing after crossing the street. (Note: the time provided to cross a wide street is not enough in said heels). 

Anyhoo, I will stop mumbling about my shoe situation. I finally found an opportunity to visit Jbird (http://jbirdny.com/). This cocktail spot has been on my radar for awhile, but for one reason or another, I just haven't gone! Well, it was fantastic, the perfect spot for a great first date. I started with a cocktail that was as beautiful as it was delicious: Jbird Swizzle. It is made with Jasmine Flower Rum, Don's Spices, Lime, Pineapple, Blueberry Syrup, Orgeat and Bitters. This cocktail fell under the menu's "Tart & Refreshing" category.

Jbird Swizzle

Next, I wanted to order a more dessert-like cocktail. I stayed within the "Tart & Refreshing" family and ordered the Golden Cadillac, a luscious blend of Galliano, Creme de Cacao, Orange Juice and Heavy Cream (YUM). This tasted like an Orange Julius with a hint of chocolate - is is described on the menu as "Dessert in a glass" - I agree!

Golden Cadillac

Following this heavier cocktail, I wanted to switch it up. I had read about the Honey-Nut Old-Fashioned on several Yelp! reviews so I had to check it out. It is made with Roasted Peanut Bourbon, Honey Syrup and Aromatic Bitters. This cocktail fell under the "Stirred & Boozy" family of drinks. Hot damn! I agree. The drink was lovely but STRONG. At this point, it was my least favorite, but the bar was very high! My first two cocktails were incredible.

Honey-Nut Old-Fashioned

On our third round, my date ordered the Moscow Mutt, a spin on the classic Moscow Mule. It was made with Vodka, Lime Juice, Blueberry Syrup and Ginger. It was presented with such style, I had to snap a photo. Luckily, my date seemed ok with all my picture taking and wasn't annoyed. I love cocktails and sharing them with you all and pictures really help!

Moscow Mutt

My final drink had to cleanse my palate of the incredibly strong cocktail I just ordered. I wanted something a bit sweeter. I ordered the Good Humor Fizz (again under the Tart & Refreshing family of drinks). It was a complicated drink! It is made with Blanco Tequila, Campari, Passionfruit, Lime, Vanilla-Infused Agave, Egg White and Cream Soda. It reminded me of a Creamsicle (as the menu suggests). 

Good Humor Fizz

It makes sense that my last photo may have been a bit blurry - after four drinks, my iPhone started to get a buzz! I highly suggest visiting Jbird, but, for my sake, consider your footwear ladies if you're taking the F Train like I did. 

Cheers!

Liz

 

A Speakeasy in Murray Hill

Drinks, LoungeLizComment

Middle Branch - Hope in Fratville

I caught up with one of the lovely ladies (Lauren F) I met at Stern during my first year. She had an incredibly intense internship in investment banking this past summer. We wanted to catch up and celebrate her full-time offer over cocktails. I suggested a speakeasy near her apartment that I had not visited: Middle Branch (no website). The exterior of the spot is incredibly reclusive. If I didn't have the street number, I would have walked right by. This is clearly on purpose and part of the appeal - you're only going to come in if you're in the "know" vs. well-known spots such as Joshua Tree (ughhh). 

I found the service very personalized when I walked down the front stairs and the doorman kept repeating "Liz? Liz? Liz?". Once I could understand what he was saying, I said "Yes. Yes. Yes". I didn't realize Lauren got there before me. I figured he may have just been a psychic on the side. 

When I entered the venue, I went upstairs. The space is a bit small. Once we reviewed the cocktail menu, I ordered a traditional daiquiri and Lauren got a Moscow Mule. 

I loved that the cocktails were served on cloth napkins. It added a certain level of sophistication vs. a coaster or a paper napkin. The drink was nice and refreshing but a tad too sour. It can't compare to those made at Diageo with Zacapa!

After I noticed that the woman next to me ordered it, I had to get the Queen's Park Swizzle (above). It is made with rum, mint, lime simple syrup and bitters swizzled and served with a metal straw (so fancy!). I'm sometimes on the fence about mint, but I loved it in this drink. It wasn't too "minty" (as mojitos sometimes are), it was just the right amount. 

Cheers!

Liz

 

Cocktails by Color at Peels

Dinner, Drinks, Lounge, New AmericanLizComment

Feeling Orange!

Peels (http://peelsnyc.com/) is a lovely New American restaurant near Stern. Based on Instagram pics and FourSquare check-ins, it is popular with a lot of my friends. I was excited to check it out with my good friend Liv. 

The cocktail menu is really unique. I love how the cocktails are organized by color. I am a huge fan of cachaca, passionfruit and grapefruit, so I went with orange!

The ice cubes are awesome! Huge square blocks that have a slow melt so they don't dilute the cocktail.

I will have to go back during the school year!

Liz

 

Pour(ing) on the Ribbons of Cocktails!

Drinks, LoungeLiz1 Comment

Checked Off Another Speakeasy!

I had heard about Pouring Ribbons (http://www.pouringribbons.com/) and wanted to check it out but had not found myself in Alphabet City. After my mid-year intern celebration (I've been bad in posting!), we went to Pouring Ribbons, since we were right down the block! 

Drink #1 - bartender's choice with Zacapa Rum as the base. I thought it was ok but wasn't a fan of some of the bartender's mixer choices - sometimes it pays to be VERY specific of what you do/don't like. Wasn't feeling too adventurous that night.

My next cocktail was straight off the menu, a classic Champagne cocktail. Delicious and refreshing!

Overall, I thought that Pouring Ribbons was a beautiful space and was quiet enough to have conversations with your friends or date. I will keep this in mind to visit in the future!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Call the Nurse!

Drinks, LoungeLizComment

This Prescription is Quite a Pickle!

Before we had dinner at Beauty & Essex, I wanted to try out a new cocktail spot. I read favorable reviews about Nurse Bettie (http://nursebettie.com/). The bar has a reputation for Burlesque and the bartender was a real character! People in NYC go crazy for Pickleback shots, but I refuse to get in on that action. My interest was piqued however when I saw the Pickle Martini - this sounds more like me!

The drink includes gin, Pickle Guy's pickle juice, dry vermouth and fresh black pepper. I was shocked at how much I loved the drink! I always wanted to be cool and like dirty martinis, but whenever I order them I don't like them. This, however, was SO DELICIOUS! It was more a hint of pickles than overwhelming. Really balanced, a bit salty, but I love salty. Make sure to order a nice tall glass of water with it! Yum! New favorite!

Bottoms up,

Liz

 

Cocktails (Not Cannolis) in Little Italy

Drinks, LoungeLizComment

The Mulberry Project: A Hidden Gem

My friend and I planned to meet my brother at Goldbar in Little Italy but there was a bit of a SNAFU so we had to resort to Plan B in an area that I'm not too familiar with...but I am familiar with Yelp! so I consulted that. 

What is there to do here besides eat pizza, pasta and pastry???

The consensus of many online reviews led me to Mulberry Project (http://projectgroupnyc.com/mulberry-project/). I walked by the door without even knowing it was the spot - it tends to be that way with speakeasies. When we got to the bouncer, he asked if we "knew anyone inside" to which I said "no". Not sure what the point was since it wasn't crowded inside, maybe a reason to refuse entry if they think you're not dressed right? Thank goodness I had my swagger on. 

The bar has an "inspiration" board inside where there are different flavor profiles (cucumber, jalapeno, mango, lemon, orange, etc.). If you want to put yourself in the hands of the bartender, you pick a spirit and a flavor and you get a surprise! Make sure to be clear if there is anything you don't like so there are no bad surprises! I ended up with a yummy drink that was inspired by mango and vodka - it had hints of orange and was really well balanced.

On the cab ride back home, I saw some cool street art by Hansky (http://hanksy.com/). I saw a play on Iron Man and Aziz Ansari - loved it! New York doesn't disappoint, especially when you have an iPhone handy to capture the moment. 

Cheers,

Liz

 

A Trip to the Orient

Hotel Bar, Desserts, Drinks, Tea, Lounge, New AmericanLizComment

Cocktail & Tea Time!

I wanted to surprise Amber with something special so I made reservations for afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel (http://www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork/). The tea is daily at starts at 2:30pm. We got there a bit early (2:00pm) to make sure we could secure a window seat. Most of the seating has a good view, but when you're spending $$$ you want to make sure it is the best!

While we waited for tea time to start, we (naturally) ordered a cocktail. One immediately caught my eye: the Summer Solstice. It is a heavenly mix of vodka, blood orange juice, mango puree and Solerno liqueur (blood orange). This cocktail was magical and at $19 (!!) I was hoping it would be. I knew at a place like this you're paying for the view and it was worth it. 

Once we finished our cocktails, we moved on to tea! I ordered the Thunderbolt Darjeeling tea. It was a delicious black tea. Check out the scones, finger sandwiches and desserts! Nom! I highly recommend this spot for a special event - a mom in town, good friend or to impress a lady!

Until next time!

Liz