"Un-Written Past Times"...Vol.2: Feb

1st:"For Peat Sake",2/1/10
Location: Beekman Bar and Books, NYC

The best way to kick off the month of February is a round table discussion about PEAT! The experts, such as Sam Simmons, Jeff Karlovitch, Peter Silver,Robin Robinson, and Simon Brooking came together to share some insight on the "Peated World". I'd learned a lot and tasted some great peaty whiskies and was honored to be in such great presence of these gentlemen!

2nd: Wine Bow's 1st annual Portfolio Tasting
Location: Ace Hotel, NYC

Wine Bow's extensive collection is something to really talk about, but let me be honest here, I came for the whisky!

Goodness me! I was in heaven when I had the opportunity to taste some OUTSTANDING brands!

Out of the dozens of the Bruichladdich selections, my best pick was the Valhalla, (15 year) Links expression. It is yet another great edition to the series. Finished in a bourbon cask with rich flavors. My favorite notes was of citrus and the briny sea smoke.

For info: http://www.bruichladdich.com/trade/NewProducts/Sell%20Sheet%20-%20Links%20-%20Birkdale.pdf

Winebow Info: http://www.winebow.com/About_Winebow/About_Winebow.aspx

View the Peaty night: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lushlifeproductions/sets/72157623218224021/

Photo Credit: Lush Life Productions

3rd:Sunburnt Cow's menu tasting, 2/15/10
Location: Sunburnt Cow Restaurant, East Village,NY

This Australian restaurant will knock your socks off with their un believable specials during the week and their friendly staff! I went on a Monday night with friends and they had this "Happy Hour" special, which consist of all you can eat and drink for 2 hours!!! You can catch this deal on a Sunday too!

My delicious picks was the lamb balls for my appetizer, and the Kangaroo Shepard's pie for dinner. Me and my friends shared the YUMMY: Lamington's, Pavlova, and the Sticky Date Pudding for dessert.

FYI: They also have the all you can drink for 2 hours for $20, any day(well drinks only).

Wrap-up: For $20+tip, I think this place is a TERRIFIC "Recession Special"! You don't come across great service and food like this with a affordable price to match too often.

More info and menu:http://www.thesunburntcow.com/food.php

Photo Credit: Sun Burnt Cow

4th: Winter Cocktail Tasting Party, 2/9/10
Location: The Summit, East Village, NY

Greg Seider, owner of the Summit Bar was on hand creating some delightful cocktails from the menu along with his dynamic staff. I just had to have the The Gov’ner, which is made of: Yamazaki 12 year whisky, toasted cardamom infused agave,
Japanese yuzu, and fresh orange juice.

The Gov'ner is my absolute favorite at the Summit Bar, but when I'm in the mood for whisky and a beer(normally all of the time), I'll get the Estrella Damm lager and a dram of the Black Bottle.

Stay tuned for my next review at the Summit, because it's a Beefeater libation I can't wait to experience!

Wrap-up: The Summit Bar is a fantastic 5 star East Village watering hole! Now go and wet your whistle and say hi to Greg.

Info on The Summit Bar:http://www.thesummitbar.net/main.html

5th:USBGNY+USBG Illinois/LUPEC 1st Annual Winter Ball, 2/21/10
Location: Children's Aid Society, West Village,NY






First off, I cannot say how well this ball turned out! It was a 80's/90's themed prom. We had Lush Life Productions taking silly high school styled photographs, a "Make Out Room", Crif Dogs catering, a live karaoke band, lethal punches and several brands pouring some tasty spirits.

I had more fun at this prom than I did at my own high school prom back in the 90's!! I really do think that the photo's WILL speak louder than words!!! View this link and get your tissue's, because these are some great pix that will make bust out in tears with laughter!

Enjoy:http://www.flickr.com/photos/lushlifeproductions/sets/72157623507762442/

Photo Credit: Lush Life Productions

6th:BEEFEATER'S "Fish and Chips", 2/21/10
Location: The Summit Bar, East Village,NY

This event was to celebrate one of the best English dry gin's: Beefeater and Plymouth. Being a huge fan for the spirit, I was excited to taste the new cocktails and eat some sinfully delicious Fish and Chips.

The cocktails was as the following:

1. London's Calling(Beefeater)
2. Chamomileon Collins(Beefeater)
3. The Income Tax Cocktail(Beefeater)
4. The Last Word(Beefeater)
5. Bijou Cocktail(Plymouth)
6. Pineapple Julep(Plymouth)

All of these was exquisite, but my top picks are number 1+2. Here are the recipe's and I hope you can try them out for yourself and enjoy the spirit!

• London's Calling

Source: Jamie Gordon,2010
2 parts Beefeater 24
2 parts Paprika-infused fresh pink grapefruit juice
1 part Chardonnay Honey Syrup
2 dashed Lemon Bitter's

To make juice: Use 1 part Chardonnay, 1 part Honey, and 1 part water; then add in a few Coriander seeds.

Method:Add all ingredients together.
Shake and strain into a coup glass.
Garnish: Use the discarded zest of grapefruit and lemon.

• Chamomileon Collins
  

Source: Jaime Gordon,2010

1 1/2 part Beefeater 24
1 part fresh lemon juice
3/4 part Chamomile syrup
Top Lavender syrup

To make syrup: Use 1 part strong chamomile tea and 1 part sugar.

Method: Add Beefeater 24, lemon juice, and chamomile syrup to a mixing glass and shake with ice.
Pour over fresh ice into a highball glass
Top with Lavender syrup.
Garnish: A lemon wedge and chamomile and/or lavender flower.

Photo Credit: intoxicologist.files.wordpress.com
Catering by: A Salt and Battery (Highly recommended)
A Salt+Battery website:http://www.asaltandbattery.com/menu

CHEERS!!!