Classics Perfected | Fairmont Copley

Elite Fairmont bartenders from around the world joined forces to create a new global cocktail menu. The result was perfectly reimagined, time-tested classics. I was honored to celebrate the launch with them last Thursday evening at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. They hosted an elegant affair in the St. James speakeasy, easily one of the best cocktail parties I've attended!

 [The Menu]

Fairmont Old Fashioned | Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, simple syrup, angostura bitters, garnish: wide orange wheel

Perfect Martinez | The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, Contreau, sweet red vermouth, dry vermouth, angostura bitters, garnish: lemon twist

VSOP Boulevardier | Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Remy Martin VSOP Fine Champagne Cognac, Campari, sweet red vermouth, garnish: wide lemon wheel
Right Word | Bombay Sapphire Gin, Lillet Blanc, St. Germain Elderflower Liquor, fresh lime juice, garnish: thinly sliced lime wheel

Sparkling Collins Royal | Belvedere Vodka, Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label, fresh mint + cucumber, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, garnish: sprig of mint

Pomegranate Paloma | Casamigos Reposado Tequila, Contreau, pomegranate juice, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lemon juice, angostura bitters, garnish: coarse salted rim, half lemon wheel

I was enamored with the first four, especially the Boulevardier as Campari is one of my favorite spirits. This one drinks similar to a Negroni with whiskey stepping in for gin. A splash of champagne cognac adds a luxurious touch. The Old Fashioned hold true to its simplistic standards while benefiting from the excellent, full bodied Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum which imparts a richer flavor. In the Perfect Martinez the botanicals in the gin mingle with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth creating a well balanced martini. The Right Word offers a light and elegant variation of the classic Last Word. Swapping out Chartreuse, now St Germain and Lillet are responsible for the bright floral notes. I didn't have a chance to sample the Sparkling Collins or the Paloma - but the Fairmont's elevated versions certainly sound delicious and refreshing. 

This gorgeous Boston hotel is especially stunning around the holidays. If you're local, I wouldn't hesitate to visit the Oak Long Bar + Kitchen to sample these elegant cocktail revivals - they will not disappoint! Otherwise, you can find them at Fairmont properties worldwide. 

Del Frisco's Grille | Chestnut Hill

The other night we had an awesome dinner at Del Frisco's Grille in Chestnut Hill. Seated comfortably at the bar for the Bruins game; everything we ate blew me away starting with the addictive Blistered Shishito Peppers ($11) dusted in togarashi and yuzu. Togarashi = Japanese chili pepper and yuzu = Asian citrus fruit. We noshed on cute little Ahi Tuna Tacos ($14) with avocado and spicy citrus mayo. The tuna was exceptionally fresh and so were the crispy shells that cradled them. The cocktail pictured is a fun one - the Kilt Lifter ($11) offers well balanced sips of Hendrick's Gin and St Germain with a dash of Tabasco and a splash of lemon.
You won't find it on the menu but the New England Burger is being offered in honor of national burger month. A fried egg and succulent lobster meat are piled atop two flat patties over a fresh slice of tomato and a bed of crisp lettuce. While it sounds a little overwhelming and I even found myself questioning if I could handle all that food under one bun - the first bite and my fears were alleviated. It's surf and turf, burger style, and it rocks. High praise goes to the signature Steamed Brown Bag Fish ($22) which comes with fork tender fingerling potatoes bathing in butter, white wine and basil pesto. The brown bag really served to lock in the flavors and kept the fish nice and moist. A side of Creamed Kale ($6.50) sprinkled with crusted pistachios is terrific. 

If all that wasn't enough, holy mother of Coconut Cream Pie ($10.50). An avalanche of cream and white chocolate shavings, this guy could have fed the entire bar! Go big or go home? Seems to be a theme with this meal. Thanks Del Frisco's!

This meal was complimentary, all opinions are my own 

Del Frisco's Grille

33 Boylston St. Suite 3370

Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

Wedding at Moraine Farm

Our sixth and final wedding of 2012, Megan and Jeff's, was marked by a picturesque fall setting at Moraine Farm complete with rustic touches at every turn, Chinese lanterns enveloping the tent space in a warm orange glow, and seasonal food from Moraine's CSA and other local farms. Located in the town of Beverly just 30 minutes north of Boston, it felt light years away from the city. 

The overcast day made for good lighting and everything was just begging to be photographed, from the wooden crate water station to the cranberries floating in mini mason jars, to the dried hydrangea arrangements lining the aisle. Festive fall colors, notably pops of bright orange blended with the natural setting, highlighted by green fields, pretty foliage and a weathered serpentine rock wall overlooking Wenham lake.

Passed appetizers included impeccably fresh, briny oysters with a green apple mignonette, brie puff pastries with raspberry jam, and a remarkable pumpkin bisque dotted with crème fraiche and toasted pumpkin seeds. There was herb crusted lamb lollipops and delicate bites of quail. We drank St Germain cocktails and sipped on local beer including Pretty Things Jack D'or and Allagash White. 

Our meals were wonderful and truly in tune with the fall season. The salad featured slices of pear and sprinkles of goat cheese. My entrée was a Kurobuta Bone-In Pork Chop topped with a fall hash consisting of roasted apples, rutabaga, chestnuts and pork lardons. On the side - parsnip puree and caramelized brussels sprouts. The dessert bar provided guests mini bites of sweet treats: candy corn cupcakes, eclairs, s'mores tarts and apple cider doughnuts!

Every detail was original and inspired. Local food, St Germain and mini desserts are some of Megan's favorite things. Their happiness was contagious at every moment, it was a beautiful and fun celebration. Congratulations to the wonderful couple!

Resting Violets | Russel House Tavern

corazon reposado tequila, dry vermouth, creme de violette, st germain, orange bitters

The ingredient list is robust. Tequila, vermouth and a double dose of liquors plus a dash of orange bitters; this shiny grey and purple hued martini seamlessly combines five ingredients for a remarkably clean tasting drink. The versatile liquors:Creme de Violette and St Germain play nicely together, lending their distinctly floral and sweet notes upfront. The vermouth subtly adds its dryness into the mix and provides necessary balance. Then the tequila kicks in, exactly as you'd hoped it would for a final punch at the end. Order this gem the next time you find yourself bar side at Russel House Tavern. 

P.S. lunch at Russel House here and dinner (restaurant week) here.

life, lately.

August has been intense. I have traveled every single weekend. But around here, there is still so much to explore. I have been visiting local bistros, bars and cafes, and soaking up the atmosphere and architecture. I love to wander the quaint and charming side streets lined with elegant gas lamps, discovering colorful painted doorways and stained glass windows.  We have also been cooking and grilling quite a bit, hosting BBQs and visitors, and I've been whipping up fun summer cocktails like St Germain Margaritas (Espolon Blanco, St Germain, fresh squeezed lime) and Sage-Advices (homemade sage simple syrup, prosecco, lemon). I've been on a serious homemade chicken salad kick, mixing in red grapes, chopped walnuts and celery, seasoning it with dill and fresh garlic chives (that I grew in my garden!)

Yes, I have a garden. It is lacking produce, but abundant with herbs, greenery, a lush dogwood tree, and a few colorful flowers. I'll have to take some photos.

The endless slew of weekend travel included a wedding in Chicago, a bachelorette party in Newport and then a trip to Cape Cod. One of my favorite days all summer was spent with my Mom on Chapin Beach in Dennis. We collected sea glass and driftwood on the flats and went swimming a lot. 

Wedding season is still going strong into September, I'm looking forward to seeing more of my dear friends get married.  

So that's what is up with me. 

How was your August?