Astor Wines & Spirits (399 Lafayette Street) has a great selection of cellar-worthy vintages, organic and biodynamic wines, and "delicate" bottlings in its "Cool Room." Today only everything in that room is 15% off - in store sales only. If you were saving up for that '96 Mouton-Rothschild, here's your chance. Sale ends tonight at 9pm
August 2010 Archives
A new Gallup poll shows that 67% of Americans consider themselves "drinkers," the highest level in 25 years. Gallup says the number of drinkers remains "remarkably stable" but we have to disagree. The gap between the low of 55% and a high of 71% is pretty sizable. Interestingly, one look at the graph shows a real correlation between times of crisis and turmoil and high drinking rates. 1945 - 46 were highs - presumably GIs coming home celebrating but also coping with the toll of the war - as were the 1970s, which were economically difficult, not to mention reeling from Vietnam and Watergate. In the midst of the Clinton boom, drinking rates were lower, while with the arrival of George W. Bush, 9/11 and uncertainty, the rate hovered in the mid-60s. Not surprisingly, the current recession has pushed the percentage up though not to the 1978 peak. Not yet anyway.
We'd heard a lot about The Summit Bar (133 Avenue C, NYC) but it always seemed just one block too far east. Finally, we braved the heat to make our way over to Ave C and we weren't disappointed. Their signature drink, The Situation, has gotten lots of love from the likes of TONY and NY Mag so that was our first order. The drink, Afghani Raisin infused Rittenhouse Rye, caraway infused agave, fresh lemon, summit orange bitters, didn't disappoint in richness and depth. One of the best drink's we've had all year. Another winner was Breaking the Law, made with Illegal reposado mezcal, Dimmi Italian cordial, fresh lime, chipotle chili agave, Summit summer orange bitters, cucumber and topped with soda. The layers on both these drinks were impressive and obviously much care has gone into the list, especially the inventive infusions.
We didn't have time to linger but we'll be back... and soon. With a list full of classics and new creations, we're eager to try more.
