Boozy NYC: April 2009 Archives

Weekend Tastings

By Head Bartender on April 30, 2009 2:55 PM | No Comments

Here are some events to whet your whistle for the next few days:

Sake is big this weekend -

Friday Sakaya (324 E. 9th Street) is hosting a tasting of spring namazake (unpasteurized sakes), one of which is brand new to the U.S.
Acker & Merrill (160 W. 72nd) is holding two sake tastings - one on Thursday and one on Saturday featuring different sakes.
The Greene Grape is holding two "introduction to sake tastings" - Friday in Manhattan and Saturday in Brooklyn. Five sakes will be tasted in Manhattan, four in Brooklyn and the list is online.

Schedule
Sakaya: Friday 5/1 6pm - 8pm
Greene Grape: Friday 5pm - 7pm (55 Liberty Street, Manhattan), Saturday 5pm - 7pm (765 Fulton Street, Fort Greene)
Acker & Merrill: Thursday 5:30 - 7:30pm and Saturday 5/2 2pm - 5pm

If you're looking for something other than sake, Astor Wines and Spririts (399 Lafayette Street) has multiple tastings. Tonight you can play out the classic Northern vs Southern Italy rivalry by trying four wines. On Saturday, you can try four more Italian wines as well as some Woodford Reserve Bourbon (the best bourbon there is in our humble opinion) in honor of Kentucky Derby day.

Lastly, as much as we'd like to avoid it, Cinco de Mayo is coming up. Garnet Wines & Liquors (929 Lexington Avenue) is having a blow-out with live music, tequila and margarita tastings and more. Saturday 5/2 from 12pm - 3pm.

What Do I Make With... Dubonnet?

By Head Bartender on April 30, 2009 12:27 AM | No Comments

If you're like us, you have some stuff buried in your liquor closet that you just don't know what to do with. Since we're feeling frugal - thank you never-ending recession - we've decided to take on the challenge of finding recipes to finish off some of our booze. This week, it's Dubonnet - a French aperitif.

After the jump, the recipe...

Continue reading What Do I Make With... Dubonnet?.

Happy Hour - Savoy

By Head Bartender on April 29, 2009 11:41 AM | No Comments

For those of you looking to get an early start on boozing, Savoy Restaurant (70 Prince Street) has started a happy hour that begins at the dignified hour of 3pm weekdays! Enjoy bites at the bar - shrimp fritters ($6) and deviled eggs ($4) - to go along with $6 rosé and $8 ginger mint juleps.

Savoy Restaurant
Happy Hour: Monday - Friday 3pm - 7pm, Sat & Sun 4pm - 7pm

Best Rosé Around

By Head Bartender on April 28, 2009 3:30 PM | No Comments

If the warm weather is making you think of rosé, we have an excellent one for you - the Commanderie de Peyrassol 2008.

This terrific rosé has just the right amount of fruit and is perfectly balanced between sweet and dry. You can pick it up at Chambers Street Wines (148 Chambers Street), Le Du's Wines (600 Washington Street) and Smith & Vine (268 Smith Street, Brooklyn) for $15.99. Uptown, Crush Wine & Spirits (153 E. 57th Street) also has it - though it's $4 more.

BYO Deals

By Head Bartender on April 28, 2009 2:05 PM | No Comments

Wined and Dined has a pretty exhaustive piece today on BYO and lower corkage fee restaurants. Definitely worth checking out.

Chambers Street's Real Wine Assault II - The Breakdown

By Head Bartender on April 27, 2009 3:30 PM | No Comments

Chambers Street Wines (148 Chambers Street) held another of their giant wine tastings yesterday, this one called "The Real Wine Assault II." The wines in this tasting were from 13 different wineries in the portfolio of Louis/Dressner, one of the best importers out there. As a whole, they tended to be well-made and fairly expensive, and all were from either Italy or France.

After the jump, our list of the best wines that were tasted.

Continue reading Chambers Street's Real Wine Assault II - The Breakdown.

Smoking Permitted

By Head Bartender on April 27, 2009 11:17 AM | No Comments

A reader emailed us over the weekend bemoaning the lack of smoking establishments and asking where he might find one. While smoking is not our thing, we do like to be helpful. But besides cigarette lounge Circa Tabac, we had no idea and had to google around. This list seems relatively up to date.

We do know of another place that works - Larry Lawrence Bar (295 Grand Street, Williamsburg, web) that has an outdoor deck in the rear that overlooks the bar. It's a smoker's paradise and you can even bring your drink out before 11pm or so says the sign on the door.

One Fine Drink - The Hudson Sour

By Head Bartender on April 24, 2009 4:05 PM | No Comments

DFF aka Damon: Frugal Friday (everyday but Tuesday next door to Craft) has a drink steal you just have to try - the Hudson Sour. It's a delicious mix of Buffalo Trace, Apple Schnapps and Lemon.Yeah, we know - apple schnapps isn't something we choose to put in our drinks either. But trust us. And it's all of $6.

Burgundy Bash at Union Square Wines

By Head Bartender on April 24, 2009 4:00 PM | No Comments

Tomorrow Union Square Wines (140 4th Avenue) blows out the Burgundies with a large tasting featuring the likes of Domaine Simone Bize, Michel Lafarge, Domaine Leflaive and more. Click here for more info.

Union Square Wines
Burgundy Tasting
Saturday 4/25 2pm - 5pm. Free admission.

Raines Law Room Revisited

By Head Bartender on April 24, 2009 10:45 AM | No Comments

Recently we found ourselves in Chelsea and close enough to Raines Law Room (48 West 17th Street) that we decided to pop in for a spot check. The room was busy as usual and Paul, the host, was deftly juggling the crowds as we settled into one of the snug booths.

The first time around, we loved the space and some of the cocktails but found imprecise execution in certain drinks. Our recent visit showed a bit surer hand behind the bar but still some issues to work out. And we have now learned our lesson - ignore the specials, which can be hit or miss, but generally don't justify the $16 pricetag for "premium ingredients." Heck $13 is a bit steep for drinks in this day and age.

Right away we re-visited the Gold Rush and made sure the waitress knew we liked a good amount of bourbon in it. The version we got was as good as we remembered it (after it was fixed the last time). We also tried the Smoke and Mirrors again - this time it was sweeter than we liked and just okay. Seems like execution is still an issue with this drink and as much as we want to like it, we just can't recommend it. Other specials included the Frida (Don Julio tequila, aperol topped with moet chandon), which was okay, and the Sylvia (made with Tanqueray Ten and a touch of absinthe), which was pretty good.

Back ordering off the menu, we enjoyed both the Archangel and Corpse Reviver #2. A Manhattan made with Bulleit was terrific but the revelation was a perfectly made Negroni.

One thing that sets Raines Law Room apart is the service - the staff, from the busboys to the waitresses, is really accomodating and without a trace of attitude. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about the drinks and also extremely nice. And as we walked out into the night, Paul was as gracious as ever.

Wines of Portugal Recap

By Head Bartender on April 23, 2009 4:10 PM | No Comments

A lot of time large scale tastings covering a certain region or country are not great ways to showcase wine - too much filler, too little interesting product. Thankfully, the Wines of Portugal event held this Tuesday intrigued us enough to overcome our skepticism, and thankfully we found lots of interesting wines - some available in the U.S. and some not.

The wineries present represented all of Portugal's growing areas and specialized in whites, reds and ports along with a smattering of rose and sparkling wines. We stuck to the indigenous grapes such as Alvarinho, Arinto, Aragones and Touriga Nacional, avoiding the more international styles whenever possible.

Here are some of the highlights, with a focus on wines that have distribution in place and thus possible to find in stores and restaurants:

Continue reading Wines of Portugal Recap.

Free Tastings at Astor Tonight

By Head Bartender on April 23, 2009 10:35 AM | No Comments

Astor Wines & Spirits (399 Lafayette Street) is welcoming the arrival of warm weather with several tastings tonight. Try two wines from Long Island's Pellegrini Vineyards plus a pair of Italian whites. And for a nightcap, Death's Door Spirits - whoever they are - will be tasting their gin, vodka and white whiskey. Tasting tonight 4/23 6pm - 8pm.

New Brooklyn Distillery Coming 2010?

By Head Bartender on April 22, 2009 2:32 PM | No Comments

Crains NY is reporting that Brooklyn brewery co-founder Tom Potter is raising money to open the New York Distilling Co. somewhere in Brooklyn next year. The distillery plans to make both gin and whiskey, mainly from local and organic ingredients. It also plans to be open for tours that showcase the distilling and tasting process. Whether he can raise the $2 million is up for debate but it would be rather cool to have the city's first distillery since Prohibition.

Joy of Sake Aftertaste - May 6

By Head Bartender on April 22, 2009 11:35 AM | No Comments

Tickets are onsale now for the next Joy of Sake Aftertaste. Aftertaste events are more intimate than the large-scale Joy of Sake and allow for focused sake tasting and interaction with sake experts. The event will feature more than 30 sakes plus "sake appetizers." Tickets are $37 and available online.

Joy of Sake Aftertaste
Wednesday May 6
EN Japanese Brasserie (435 Hudson Street)
6pm - 8pm

Scotch Tasting Tonight

By Head Bartender on April 22, 2009 11:24 AM | No Comments

Union Square Wines (140 4th Avenue) is having a free Scotch tasting tonight from 6pm to 8pm. Try selections from Linkwood, Caol Ila, Glen Grant, Cragganmore and Mortlach. More information at USQ.com.

Astor Tuesdays - Oregon

By Head Bartender on April 21, 2009 10:35 AM | No Comments

Today it's all about Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir at Astor Wines & Spirits (399 Lafayette Street). For "15% Off Tuesdays" they are featuring the wines from Oregon at 15% off. See the entire list here.

ViniPortugal Tonight

By Head Bartender on April 21, 2009 7:45 AM | No Comments

ViniPortugal is bringing over 300 wines from Portugal to City Winery (155 Varick Street) tonight. Tickets are still available for $40 and proceeds go to WomenHeart.

And if you can't make it, we'll give you a run down on what we liked tomorrow.

ViniPortugal
April 21, 6pm - 8:30pm
City Winery
~~Tickets available~~ More info: online (tickets available at the door)

Yet Another Reality Show?

By Head Bartender on April 20, 2009 12:50 PM | No Comments

On the heels of Bartender Wars, The StrongBuzz today is reporting about another casting call - this time in LA - for a "Culinary/Catering" reality show.

Yup, just what we need, another cast of "motley" misfits. They are looking for sous chefs, pastry chefs, designers and a mixologist. This just speaks for itself: "MIXOLOGIST- 'state of the art' bartender- Molecular Mixologist/Alcohol Alchemist a plus." No word if they provide the lasers, vacuum machine and liquid nitro but we bet there will be plenty of booze to foster bickering and late night hook-ups.

Interested parties should send a picture, resume and bio to info@castingduo.com

First Look: Mayahuel

By Head Bartender on April 17, 2009 12:05 PM | No Comments

A tequila and mezcal cocktail bar? Just try keeping us away.

Mayahuel is one sexy space, from the dark brown bar to the tiny tiled tables opposite to the plush lounge upstairs. With bar-master Phil Ward (Death & Co.) the brains behind it, expectations were high for the cocktails and we are happy to report we were not disappointed.

The Lapsong Punch (lapsong suchong infused "tea-killa," lemon, grapefruit and whiskey barrel bitters) is a great drink to start off, nicely balanced, light and citrusy-smoky. The Smoked Palomino (amontillado sherry, mezcal, grapefruit, lime, salted rim) was delicious, unique and a rare find: a good sherry drink. The Cabeza Pequeno (blanco, grapefruit infused vermouth, amaro and maraschino) was an inventive take on the Manhattan. The Slight Detour (jalapeno tequila, reposado and joven mezcal, agave nectar and Xocolati mole bitters) made for interesting drinking - both the chocolate and orange came through the booze, almost dessert-like. Like the Cabeza, it's a pretty potent concoction.

El Jimadors Shifty didn't work as well - the pineapple-infused mezcal didn't cut through the Negra Modelo and was MIA until we drank through the beer and found it on the bottom.

UrbanDaddy has a great slideshow that shows off the interiors. Mayahuel is soft open now.

Mayahuel
304 E. 6th Street
Cocktails $13, Beer-based cocktails $7 to $12

Japanese Culinary Center Opens

By Head Bartender on April 15, 2009 3:06 PM | No Comments

Opening today is the Japanese Culinary Center (JCC) at 711 3rd Avenue (E. 45th), which will be a showcase for Japanese cuisine and products. Operated by New York Mutual Trading, the center is open to both professionals and the public. A big draw will be the sake gallery - 130 sakes and 40 shochus ~~will be available for sale. We'll keep our eyes peeled for the inevitable sake tastings and let you know.~~

*Seems the press materials were misleading - sakes & shochus are available for order by restaurateurs and wine shop owners only. (Updated 4/25/09)

CB2 Recap - Martignetti Gets Reamed, Cafe Noir a No-Show and a New Pera

By Head Bartender on April 15, 2009 12:30 AM | No Comments

Surprises and contentious moments abounded at last night's Community Board 2 meeting. Biggest of all was the curve ball thrown by the Martignetti brothers. Seems they want to split their liquor license and hold onto the basement club while giving over the ground floor to Cafe Noir... Except it's not Cafe Noir! Instead, Burak Karacam, managing partner of Pera, was before the board to apply for the license the Martignettis want to relinquish on the first floor - in addition to applying for a license for a new Pera at 54 Thompson. The folks from Cafe Noir were nowhere in sight and didn't answer the call, likely signaling the end of the road for that rumored takeover.

Unfortunately for the attending brother, Tom Martignetti, the knives came out almost immediately. After several minutes explaining the idea of splitting a license and then bringing in someone else to run the restaurant independently, we witnessed a fascinating (not) discussion of ingress and egress. But lo the board was confused by this idea of two separate joints. Who's the other guy (Burak) and is this legal they asked. How did you get a license in the first place - did you apply as one entity, etc etc. Poor Tom stumbled along as they failed to grasp what he was saying - he didn't express the idea clearly enough to my mind but I still understood the point A vociferous board member signaled it would be a rough ride though, launching into a speech that there were too many liquor licenses in the area and that even if they rescinded one, they should not issue more than a beer & wine license. Then came the neighbors.

Continue reading CB2 Recap - Martignetti Gets Reamed, Cafe Noir a No-Show and a New Pera.

Deal or No Deal? - Bar Blanc Bistro

By Head Bartender on April 14, 2009 4:20 PM | No Comments

With just two days left in the Bar Blanc Bistro (142 West 10th Street) opening week deal, we decided to pop in and see how they were doing. The bar was fairly busy but the restaurant mostly empty when we arrived. We grabbed a pair of empty seats at the bar and were handed the menus. The bartender clearly explained the half-off deal and the exclusions - no bottled beer, burger or oysters for half price. Fair enough, we thought, since the bar menu had a good bit of choice.

The half-off special applied to draft beer, wine by the glass and carafe, and house cocktails. (The not-included bottled beer is your typical rip-off with $7 Stellas, Leffe and Hoegaarden). There were lots of choices among the cocktails, normally $12, generally classics or riffs on them including a caipiroska, sidecar (very popular) and a grapefruit martinis. We stuck to beer and wine. The Grimbergen ale was new to us but quite good (normally $7) if a bit sweet at the bottom of the glass while Blue Moon is... Blue Moon. Wines were interesting but suffered from being too warm and open for a while. A Pinot Noir from France was good but neither the mundane Tempranillo nor the White Bordeaux excited us.

Food-wise, we enjoyed most everything - the chicken liver mousse was very good as were the beef croquettes, though the underlying mustard was way too hot. The burger was large and juicy while fries were perfectly crisped.

Overall, the space looks the same from its previous incarnation (pre-bistro). It certainly doesn't read bistro and it's way too dark - reading menus was only possible by candlelight. Will this incarnation make it? Certainly the bar is comfortable but beer and wine are a bit too expensive for it to be a regular stop. The restaurant itself is a tougher sell and they have their work cut out for them. The previous restaurants struggled in the same space so you have to wonder if it is cursed.

In the meantime, is it a deal? Heck yea! 50% off the entire check (tip on the whole amount fellow boozers). We suggest you hurry over before it expires tomorrow night at 8pm. Rumor has it they will have some type of happy hour after the deal is gone but it won't be nearly as good.

Bartender Wars

By Head Bartender on April 14, 2009 2:00 PM | No Comments

We've had Top Chef, Chopped and a ton of reality cooking shows but surprisingly no booze fests... until now. Announcing "Bartender Wars" airing soon on Fine Living Network.

Right now they are casting for the show - from the website:

"Great bartenders have to employ a variety of skills - from mixologist to psychologist - and now Fine Living Network wants bartenders in the New York metro area to put those skills to the test! We're looking for bartenders in the New York/Tri-State area to feature on "Bartender Wars," an upcoming FLN series where they are the stars of the show. Participating bartenders will go head to head with each other and frequently enlist their patrons in a variety of bartending challenges, from the simple to the outlandish."

If you feel you have the chops to compete, visit their website and fill out the form. Casting ends on 4/17.

Beer at Whole Foods + Wine Dinner at Convivio

By Head Bartender on April 14, 2009 10:00 AM | No Comments

For those of you not feeling the bite of the recession, here are a couple of intriguing but pricey dinners:

Friday 4/17 at LES Whole Foods (95 E. Houston) - The Brewmaster's Table with Garrett Oliver. Sample six dishes, including Lobster Fettuccine, paired with beers from Brooklyn Brewery. Mr. Oliver will be doing the cooking and talk about how to pair beer with food. The price is a bit steep though at $95 (all inclusive). Reserve online.

Another option is the winemaker dinner at Convivio on Monday April 27th, which features the wines of five Italian producers paired with Chef Michael White's food. Maccheroni alla Carbonara... mmm! The wines are all made without pesticides and were arranged by Chambers Street Wines. Cost is $85 plus tax and tip. For reservations call Convivio at 212-599-5045.

Early Deals

By Head Bartender on April 13, 2009 5:28 PM | No Comments

Here are some of the better early drinks deals that have come across our inbox:

Elettaria (33 W. 8th Street) has 50% off cocktails, wine and beer during "Violet Hour" from 5pm - 7pm daily.

Bar Blanc Bistro (142 W. 10th Street) is having an opening week special until Wednesday 4/15. Get 50% off the bar menu and drinks at the bar (sans wine by the bottle).

Centro Vinoteca (74 7th Ave South) has daily selections of quartinos for $7 and house cocktails for $8. Plus you get free nibbles like truffled devil eggs. Daily 5pm - 7pm.

Self Breathalizer

By Head Bartender on April 13, 2009 10:43 AM | No Comments

We have one cool gizmo for you today - the iBreath Breathalizer. This handy gadget plugs into your iPod (and iPhone if the site's photos are to believed) so you can self-test your blood alcohol level after a night of drinking. They are pitching it for celebrities - you know the ones who get behind the wheel in LA and smash into things - but it should be handy for anyone who drives after imbibing. Oh, and to sweeten the pot, it has an FM receiver so you can get your iPod on your car radio.

Available online for only $69.99! And no, they are not throwing in a matching knife set.

Weekend Tastings

By Head Bartender on April 10, 2009 2:11 PM | No Comments

Here are some bunny-free weekend tasting opportunities:

The Greene Grape (55 Liberty Street) is tasting four wines tonight - three whites from France and Germany plus a red from Chile. Friday April 10 5pm - 7pm

Chambers Street Wines (148 Chambers Street) is blowing it out with two weekend tastings. Tonight from 5pm to 7pm, there will be a tasting of new arrivals. Tomorrow, try roses and off-dry wines from 4pm to 7pm.

New York Vintners (21 Warren Street) will be tasting wines and holding a demonstration of how mozzarella cheese is made from 12pm to 4pm.

As always, Astor Wines & Spirits (399 Lafayette Street) has multiple tastings with something for everyone on Saturday. Try two whites from the Loire Valley, New Amsterdam gin, a Brazilian margarita made with Cabana Cachaca and three sakes.

No BYOB in NYC?

By Head Bartender on April 9, 2009 1:51 PM | 1 Comment

The SLA is diligently killing off the concept of BYOB for restaurants as evidenced by the latest report on Grub Street about Emporio's booze-less opening. Yup, no BYOB for them.

As we've previously reported, the current laws are asinine - a restaurant can't be BYOB unless they have a liquor license (not even if you have applied and it is pending) but if they never intend to apply, they are not under the SLA's authority and thus they can't do anything to stop you. The cops could, theoretically, but we doubt they'll be raiding anyone over this.

A much better idea would be to re-write the laws to allow any restaurant to be BYOB and to streamline the licensing procedure for restaurants. There was a movement to separate restaurants from bars and clubs but that seems to be up in the air. In the meantime, since it's clear people want booze with their dinner, shouldn't our state reps help foster a system that is a win-win for both customers and restaurant owners? Cause this cockamanie system is terrible for everyone and has damaged too many restaurants to count.

Happy Hour - Blaue Gans

By Head Bartender on April 9, 2009 12:56 PM | No Comments

Feeling carnivorous? How about a side of meat with your happy hour? Blaue Gans (139 Duane Street) has an "after work" special designed to fill you up. Drop by the bar and get a Bitburger beer for $4 or a sausage platter for $16 from 4pm to 7pm.

Blaue Gans
139 Duane Street
Happy Hour Daily 4pm - 7pm

A Suspect Deal in Midtown

By Head Bartender on April 8, 2009 4:31 PM | No Comments

We've never been to any incarnation of the Russian Tea Room (150 W. 57th Street) so we have no qualms with it. However, their newest deal, coming to us via Eater's Dealfeed, seems a bit suspect. For the month of April, if you order the "Business Express Lunch" for $35 they will give you a free vodka martini to wash it down. Strikes us as an odd promotion - how many people want a vodka martini in the middle of the day? Especially when they are ordering an express lunch?

The Manhattan Project - Employees Only

By Head Bartender on April 8, 2009 11:52 AM | No Comments

We hadn't been at Employees Only (510 Hudson Street) in a while - it's not in our top tier of NYC drinks places - but recently found ourselves just down the block and needing a drink. The cocktail menu had a few intriguing choices but we went straight for their version of the Manhattan ($14) - "Rittenhouse Rye stirred with Italian Vermouth, Orange Curacao and Angostura bitters." The resulting drink is delicious - the orange curacao really rounded out the flavor. One of the best Manhattans we've tasted yet in this project.

Wine Biz Shifts to the New World

By Head Bartender on April 7, 2009 2:17 PM | No Comments

World wine consumption went down almost 1% last year but the U.S. increased its consumption according to The International Organization of Vine and Wine.

Europe was the main culprit for the drop, with France, Italy and Germany all drinking less wine than in the past. In fact, the U.S. passed Italy for the first time in wine consumption. Both Canada and Australia did their part, consuming more wine than the year before. And in another shift, Europe accounted for less than half the world's wine production for the first time. Brazil is a big up-and-coming producer with about 100,000 hectares now under production.

Please Stop Telling

By Head Bartender on April 2, 2009 4:05 PM | No Comments

Message to the media - please stop writing about PDT. It's in the name of the place for god's sake. Yes, it's a great bar. Yes, we like it very much. But enough's enough. The latest offender is Food & Wine. In their May 2009 issue featuring the best restaurants and bars around the world, they go for the obvious when it comes to NYC and highlight PDT - complete with photo. Yup, more tourists trying to figure out how to get through the phone booth. Just what we need.

Monday Deal at Irving Mill

By Head Bartender on April 2, 2009 4:00 PM | No Comments

Irving Mill (116 E. 16th Street) has had its share of bumps since opening but it does have a good burger courtesy of chef Ryan Skeen and the location is primo. While it has been the target of some criticism from us and others for its high beer prices, IM is now making up for it with a great Monday night deal. Get that burger, a pint of Sixpoint Ale and a shot of (ri)1 whiskey for $15. Month of April only. Thanks to Urban Daddy for letting us know.

Upcoming Booze Tastings

By Head Bartender on April 2, 2009 12:13 PM | No Comments

Some upcoming tastings for you to peruse:

Tonight, try ten different wines from Portugal at Garnet Wines & Liquors (929 Lexington Avenue) paired with cheese from Cheese on 62nd. Even better, the wines are priced to move - all are under $20 making them perfect for those weekend parties you're hitting. Thursday 4/2 4pm - 7pm.

Saturday, you can try the wines of Kermit Lynch, one of the best importers. If you see his name on a label, it's bound to be good. Le Du's Wines (600 Washington Street) will be tasting five wines, including a pair made by the man himself. Sat 4/4 3pm - 6pm.

Another Saturday option is the cognac tasting at K&D Wines & Spirits (1366 Madison Ave). Try Pierre Ferrand Cognacs and learn how to be a sophisticated sipper of aged cognacs. For more on Ferrand, visit their website. Saturday 4/4 4pm - 7pm.

Apotheke - A Review

By Head Bartender on April 1, 2009 3:45 PM | No Comments

Apotheke (9 Doyers Street) is an enigma - one of New York's sexiest spaces that is also often uncomfortable to be in coupled with one of the city's best known mixologists running a show that falls short on cocktails. The idea of a cocktail apothecary sets Apotheke apart, as does its focus on expensive house absinthe, but it's unclear whether people want a concept or just a good bar with great cocktails.

Hidden away in Chinatown, the space is a knockout - much larger than your typical speakeasy - and if you can score a couch, quite comfortable. However, the long bar has no stools so you have to stand and staff can be overwhelmed. One busy night when we snagged a table, we experienced long waits while the lone waitress struggled to keep up with the busy bar. Apparently Apotheke was on Gossip Girl that week and it had brought a whole new crowd down to Chi-town. Another time, we stood near the bar and were taken care of by several bartenders, which meant the drinks came quickly (it was a pretty quiet night). We much prefer taking our cocktails sitting down, preferably at the bar, which they have made impossible.

So what of the drinks?

Continue reading Apotheke - A Review.

Wine Tax Upped in State Budget

By Head Bartender on April 1, 2009 12:04 PM | No Comments

No you won't be able to buy wine in supermarkets but you will be paying more for it at the corner joint. Grub Street reports that the per gallon tax will rise 58% this year to 51 cents. As usual, Albany can't do anything right.

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