The Art of Absinthe

Well before I dined at ArtBar in conjunction with an overnight stay at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, I attended an event to launch their signature Absinthe Hour program featuring cocktails made with La Clandestine Absinthe Superior.  

La Clandestine is Europe's leading absinthe producer and the only brand who hand crafts the spirit in its birthplace: the Swiss village of Couvet. In addition to sampling expertly crafted cocktails and nibbling on delicious bites from ArtBar's spring menu we learned a lot about the history of absinthe and its mythical "green fairy" inducing properties. 

We also sipped absinthe in its traditional and exquisitely eye catching form where a classic metal dripper is used to slowly mix cold water with the spirit releasing its essential oils as it turns cloudy. 

Daily from 5-6pm Absinthe Hour is ArtBars devotion to crafting unique beverages with the wonderfully herbaceous, anise flavored spirit. The bartenders have a keen sense of how absinthe enhances modern mixes and classic cocktails. The East Meets West combines absinthe, batavia arrack (an Indonesian rum) and egg whites with lemon, demerara and a touch of walnut bitters. It was frothy, smooth and sophisticated. I also adored the Old School Punch where the absinthes fragrant and distinctive wormwood blossom essence was enhanced by Haymans Old Tom Gin and rounded out with the addition of Oleo-Saccharum. 

And what's all that booze with out some inventive bar bites to pair alongside? The perfectly crispy sweet potato tots are not to be missed and their deep fried mac and cheese roll with a velvety truffle fondue sauce will not disappoint!

Special thanks to Alan Moss, the Clandestine representative and author of The Real Absinthe Blog for a fun and informative presentation!

Dinners in The French Quarter

With so many different restaurants to choose from and a slew of recommendations passed our way, the toughest decision of vacationing in New Orleans proved choosing where to eat dinner. It seems everyone from co-workers to cab drivers had a must visit spot. Should you ever be faced with similar decisions upon planning a visit, I would highly recommend both Irene’s Cuisine and NOLA, respectively, our Friday and Saturday night dinner destinations.
After the days excursions we would venture back to the Ritz to re-group and freshen up. Dinner was a necessary first stop before the Bourbon Street craze. It was a welcome respite; a time to linger over good food, bottles of wine and lots of laughs in a more relaxed yet formal atmosphere. (Formal in comparison to Hand Grenades and Hurricanes, relaxed in the sense that we are not at a loud, rowdy bar - you catch my drift.)Irene’s offers lust worthy Creole-Italian cuisine in an old warehouse that underwent a transformation into a romantic setting housing multiple dining rooms with an antique aura. It is highly regarded by locals. You have to venture slightly off the beaten path to get here but it is still within the safe confines of the French Quarter at 539 Phillips St. It is definitely worth a trip and worth the wait. They do not take reservations and we were told to show up and hour and a half before we wanted to eat. The wait time (even though upon arrival were told 45 minutes) was closer to the hour and fifteen minute mark. We put our name in and ventured to a neighboring dive bar called Flanagan’s where we enjoyed some pre-dinner brews, a Miller High Life for me! Once we returned we were seated in one of the dimly lit dining rooms at a cozy table amongst the ever bustling scene. With smells of garlicky seafood wafting, a bottle of Pinot Noir already being poured and immediately being served a complementary Bruschetta, I knew we were in for an excellent meal. The bruschetta came just slightly toasted with the warm fluffy bread quality still intact, topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese and thick slices of tomatoes accented by fresh basil. This proved an exciting bread (if you can even call it that) course, starting the meal of on a high-note after such a long wait. A delightful appetizer came in the form of a Soft Shell Crab, the crustacean was skillfully fried in a light batter beholding an airy crispiness giving way to sweet succulent crab meat. For my entrée I ordered the San Francisco style Cioppino ($23). Upon being served a huge oval bowl beholding shellfish bathing in a most luscious, velvety smooth saffron scented fennel infused tomato broth; I’d just about died and went to heaven.From the plump gulf shrimp to the well-executed mussels, the briny clams to the flaky fish, all of it was just outstanding. Slices of crisp ciabatta bread achieved the perfect texture for dunking without being abrasive.Seriously, this meal was perfect. Dessert saw a luxurious Crème Brulee and a rich Chocolate Hazelnut Torte in a vanilla raspberry cream sauce. The next evening we enjoyed a highly anticipated dinner at Emeril Lagasse's NOLA located in the heart of the French Quarter on 534 St Louis Street. Thankfully NOLA takes reservations and we were seated promptly upon arrival for ours at 8 pm. The celebrity chef is known for his "New" New Orleans style of cooking which is essentially Creole cuisine with contemporary American twists. The décor is in line with the cuisine, emitting touches of historic French Quarter elegance with an upscale modern industrial feel. Weathered brick walls surround high arched windows and dark gray pipes span the ceiling, serving to separate areas of the large refined warehouse space. A brightly lit open kitchen lines the far perimeter. A giant chalkboard menu boasting a list of cocktails in bold colors is tastefully eye catching set against a brick wall in the center of the room. Speaking of cocktails, I couldn't pass up a Sazerac which is a New Orleans specialty, often referred to as the oldest known cocktail in America! Made with cognac, rye whiskey, absinthe and peychaud bitters - the Sazerac is seriously strong and provided an excellent aperitif! With our meal we drank a bottle of Rose wine (the detail escapes me) but unfortunately it didn't impress us. It was lacking depth and did not stand up to the hearty creole cuisine.We shared an appetizer of Wood Oven Roasted Escargot Rockefeller ($12) with herbsaint, parmesan and herb bread crumbs. This was my first time trying Escargot! The chewy morsels were not at all intimidating and very flavorful. I'd eat Rockefeller style snails any day! My entrée of Grilled Atlantic Salmon ($28) came over a bed of black bean and sweet corn succotash mingling in a chimichurri butter sauce with a tomatillo salsa. The succotash is essentially what sold me on the dish over the more traditional orders of Shrimp n Grits or Gumbo. (Which I tasted - and they were excellent.) A unique preparation made this otherwise standard fish truly stand out. The grilled salmon displayed a nice char topped generously with dried onions whose unexpected crunch added a welcome contrast to the soft flaky fish and flavorful succotash. Desserts at NOLA are not to be missed! We enjoyed the Strawberry + Pistachio Bombe ($8) where a unique creamy pistachio ice cream shell encases a pink strawberry sorbet over a thick strawberry compote. It came sprinkled with toasted pistachios. The Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cheesecake ($7) with Oreo crumbles, raspberry compote and chocolate drizzle was divine. Our experiences at both these vastly different establishments were superb. From the service with waitstaff who went above and beyond, to the perfectly prepared appetizers and well executed flavorful entrees, to the expertly crafted cocktails and the extensive wine lists, we chose well! NOLA being the more expensive choice and Irene's proving a longer wait, there are certainly options to be weighed when making a decision.  I will fondly remember these dinners in New Orleans not only for the outstanding food that lingers on my mind but also the fantastic company. The nights were still young, even we didn't know how young at the time. And so it goes...

Irene's Cuisine

529 Bienville St

New Orleans, LA 70130

NOLA

534 St Louis Street

New Orleans, LA 70116

updated November 2022: NOLA did not survive the pandemic and is now permanently closed. 

Drink | Fort Point

After A Taste of Bubbly at Morton's the ladies and I made an impromptu visit to Drink. While not my first time visiting it had been awhile and I was excited to go back!

Dedicated to the craft of the cocktail, Drink is an underground haven of serpentine wood bars backed by exposed brick walls and street level windows. Uncluttered counter space features simple bowls of citrus fruits, bunches of fresh herbs and vintage barware.

Urbanites dwell among industrial black metal bar stools while mixologists perform magic with high quality spirits, bitters, sugars and more. The hostess managing the floor greets you upon arrival and if you're lucky enough to avoid a line, shows you to open stools or a comfortable standing room area for your party.

The concept here is well executed and unique, where the experience is meant to cater to your individual drink preferences, hopefully ones you never even knew you had. The waiters and bartenders are extremely well versed. You'd be foolish to order anything other than something new.

Actually, I take it back. Meghan has been to Drink a number of times and was in the mood for a Dark-n-Stormy. Drink's ginger beer is house made providing a sensational DnS. I looked to the ever changing menu board for inspiration where the listing of Monkey Gland from Paris caught my eye. I followed that initial instinct and inquired about the ingredients with our waiter. Turns out a Monkey Gland is a blend of gin, orange juice, grenadine and absinthe, which sounded a little too sweet for my present craving. However, gin and absinthe sounded nice so we took it from there.

He suggested a Corpse Reviver made with gin, absinthe and a blend of lilet, orange curacao and lemon. Vivid. Potent. Fun. New. Different. Loved it.

This place is truly a one-of-a-kind-in-Boston experience. Embracing Drink's philosophy and breaking out of your vodka-tonic-lime rut or your go-to dirty martini comfort zone can be a beautiful thing. I would highly encourage a visit with like minded enthusiasts or open minded participants. There's a whole other world of craft cocktails waiting for you here!

Drink | Fort Point

348 Congress Street

Boston, MA

Bond | The Littlest Bar | South Street Diner

Saturday night we ventured to Bond Restaurant & Lounge to enjoy cocktails with friends. This cosmopolitan haven of luxury is situated in the heart of Boston's Financial District at The Langham Hotel. The hotels complimentary coat check was offered as we arrived which we happily took advantage of before climbing a small staircase into a room on grand display. The former Boston branch of the Federal Reserve Bank, Bond, not James Bond; but Bond, savings Bond relinquishes any movie themed notions in favor of historical finance figures and denominations complete with blow up wall hangings of presidents and a distinctive cocktail list named in the wealthys honor. The bar was approachable even though it was super crowded and the bartender took notice of new patrons right away. I drank The Vanderbilt ($14) Makers Mark, Peychaud Bitters, Cinnamon Reduction, Lucid Absinthe, Lemon Twist. The bartender omitted the lemon twist but this was a well crafted drink, a play on the traditional Sazerac with the aromatics of the anise flavored absinthe delightfully potent. I could have sipped Vanderbilts all night long, but after a round or two each and no cocktail tables or seats at the bar in sight we decided to move on.

I was definitely captivated by the grand interior, the ceiling lined with twinkling crystal chandeliers and granite balconies flanking both sides of the semi circular bar. The recessed walls framing the vertical savings bonds also stand to impress. It would be wise to arrive earlier than 9pm or return on a calmer evening instead of peak party time. I'd love to grab a seat, sample the menu and enjoy Bond to the fullest. What I experienced so far, I enjoyed.

It was a high starting point to the evening that lead us next to The Littlest Bar on Broad Street.The exterior is charming. (Especially in daylight, when I took these pictures.)This casual no frills pub wasn't overly crowded so we were able to grab a table and hang out. Before tonight, I didn't even know this place existed. I drank a dirty martini first, the craving struck and I figured it was worth a shot. I followed the mediocre martini up with Miller Lites, always a safe bet. You know you've had a good night when it ends like this:The South Street Diner caters to the late night and early morning crowd serving grub at 178 Kneeland Street all night long.

I am always a fan of Boston's greasiest spoon!

I devoured Two scrambled eggs, homefries, toast + sausage links ($7). This plate of food was a perfect way to end the night morning. 

How did you spend last Saturday night?