IZZE, A Nom Treat!
July 11, 2009
Izze is one of my favorite refreshing treats, and yet the first time I noticed the name and brightly colored box I had always avoided it thinking it to be one of the many energy drinks. After all, the can size matches them and even with its bright colors it blends in with the others.
But then one day the word “clementine” caught my eye and I decided to explore it further. Looking at the ingredients, I was pleasantly surprised and had to give it a try- I love it! It is so refreshing and absolutely delicious.
Simply fruit juices and sparkling water, no preservatives or other nonsense. Not to mention it is the perfect size- not too much, just a great taste. It is great for those cravings, too- I like the bubbles of a soda but not so much the syrup taste or texture, it bothers me after a while. But with this- no worries, it is just a crisp clean flavor. nom!
I’ve tried as many as I can get my hands on- when I find something I love I want to try them all. So far the clementine and grapefruit ones are my favorite, though the lime izze in the glass bottle is also very heavenly. I love that natural tartness.
I’m starting to see IZZE show up in more places now which is great, I’ve been having to hunt for them on my own for a while now. I am always determined to have some in the house.
On another note- I bet it would taste GREAT mixed for a cocktail, especially the sparkling grapefruit. Will be trying that sometime soon, too! This could definitely lead to some refreshing cocktails. Yummy.
Loving The Cocktails, Mmm…
June 17, 2009
The following post has been presented for your viewing pleasure! Some cocktails just make your mouth water staring into them, these are definitly strong candidates, talk about yummy.
I could take a bath in this first one, it is so lovely. And it is a nice balance- you cannot identify any of the ingredients since nothing overpowers another, they just blend perfectly for a unique, clean, crisp and delightful taste. I don’t know all the ingredients in this one, but I do know that gin, pineapple, and a sage leaf are involved. This drink, called the “first growth” is perfect for any occasion or mood.
Next, how about a glass of “paradise”? Also a very refreshing number, the citrus is beautiful in this aperitif. With freshly squeezed orange juice, apricot brandy, and gin- this classic cocktail is easly found to be a paradise indeed.
Next up we have a mystery cocktail- and by that I mean something the bartenders came up with after having some fun in the bar. We were fortunate enough to be included in these games with a glass of our very own to enjoy. And it was a welcoming treat. I love the look of perfect ice cubes- such attention to detail. Being this was a surprise, I couldn’t tell you the ingredients so you’ll just have to enjoy with your eyes on this one.
And I’ll finish off with a dessert cocktail, which clearly this one is and a very yummy one at that. The classic “Brandy Alexander” for your sweetest dreams. With brandy, creme de cacao, half-and-half/heavy cream, and nutmeg this is a luxurious way to finish an evening. So rich and smooth!
All of these cocktails were enjoyed at Anvil and prepared by our favorite bartender, Sebastian- he always selects and creates the best cocktails for me. Gotta love that!
A Love Of Cocktails And Another Night At Anvil
May 31, 2009
Mmmm, I do love my cocktails- and the other night we had a real treat with some classic and beautiful cocktails at Anvil. These are beauties I look forward to having again soon.
With a place like this, I like to let the bartender select my drinks for me. This is their skill and I want them to have fun with it- I am the same way with my chef’s and their food. I am here to enjoy their talent with good tastes. Sebastian, our bartender we seek out by request, made some fantastic selections for me!
For instance, the Jack Rose- a classic cocktail of the 1920’s and 1930’s. What a lovely cocktail! Made with Applejack, Grenadine and Lemon juice, this may be a favorite of mine. It is so lovely with the right balance of flavor and texture. Enjoying it out of a vintage glass only adds more of the charm.
Another lovely drink from that same era would be The Last Word- love the name and the cocktail (pictured below). What a delicious beverage with a nice little hint of spice in the finish. I love the tartness of citrus, especially when it has the right balance, and a little spice can blend beautifully.
The Last Word consists of Gin, Lime Juice, Green Chartreuse, and Maraschino Liqueur- nom! Very refreshing, crisp, and delicious. A lovely way to begin an evening- the flavors just blend and melt so beautifully in your mouth.
This is one I could see myself having quite reguarly, it is perfect for any mood or event. I keep thinking about it, delicious!
Here we have the Smitten cocktail, which I had mentioned previously but had forgotten to take a photo of. I was prepared this time and captured this refreshing drink. I think this one would be so perfect by the pool on a warm day- the mint in this cocktail is delightful without being overpowering at all.
This cocktail consists of Gin, Campari, Lemon, and Mint. And it tastes as pretty as it looks.
And the final act was a beautiful one that tastes just as heavenly and dreamy as it looks- The Vanishing Act! Wow, this one is so lovely and rich in texture- yet light and welcoming, what a fantastic way to finish the evening.
Now, unfortunately with this one- I was not by it when it was made and don’t know of what it all consists of. The egg whites and bitters is all I can tell you- but I do plan on having this gem again next time I visit and returning home with the ingredients. So lovely!
All this writing has me ready for a cocktail, nom- speak with you soon, loves!
Anvil: A Modern Tradition
May 24, 2009
Anvil is what I want and look for in a bar- classic traditional cocktails made by proud and talented bartenders. The look is rustic yet modern with a classic and timeless feel, and the details go far.
Like the glassware for instance- vintage glassware that adds charm to each cocktail that is ordered. Bartenders take pride in their work and create wonderful cocktails you truly can enjoy. The environment is wonderful, as is the staff- welcoming and like a moment of time from the past living here in the now. This is a must indulge for the cocktail admirer, or for anyone looking to relax in a timeless and classic fashion.
The ice is perfect; the crafting of libations are done precisely and elegantly like the art it is. When I first walked in and saw a shelf devoted to bitters I knew I was in the right place.
The bartenders have my respect, I love to let them make the drinks they love and introduce me to new and wonderful drinks. Our bartender kept our orders in mind and recommended new ones for us to try based on the styles we had been enjoying- I love that. The attention to detail and pride is a beautiful balance.
Last night was our first visit, and we were pleased to see a menu of cocktail specials which changed on a daily basis. I started my evening with a cocktail by the name of “Smitten” -how could I pass that up? It consisted of Gin, Campari, Lemon, and mint- very refreshing and very lovely. I could see this one being a marvelous drink by the pool on a warm summer day.
From there I moved on to “The Darb” which was composed of Apricot Brandy, French Vermouth, Gin, and Lemon. A very delicious drink indeed- the apricot brandy gave a nice smooth finish after a crisp and refreshing beginning. The texture of the ice danced perfectly along side it, too.
Now, I was too busy enjoying my first cocktail to take a picture- as was Timothy with his “Sazerac” which composed of Rye, Absinthe, Campari and a lemon twist. Though it looked like a cosmo in appearance, after a quick taste you knew this was no girlie drink. I loved it- but I like a strong drink. Timothy did too, but definitely an interesting drink to start the night with. This was lovely, smooth and with a bite that was pleasant to me, but could be considered harsh to others. I’d have this one later in the evening.
From there, he moved on to the “Negroni” which was composed of Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Campari, and Bitters. Sebastian, our bartender, recommended this one to us off the menu- and what a lovely choice.
It was at this point that we found out how small of a world it is- a we were welcomed by friends who happened to already be there! We were fortunate to taste a grand variety of cocktails between all of us- including a sip of a “Gin Fizz” made to perfection and a “Gin Gin Moscow Mule” that was very refreshing!
As the night progressed we found a new favorite- the “Corn N Oil” which was composed of Blackstrap Rum, Falernum, and Angostura Bitters. This one is *fabulous* and a perfect drink to finish an evening with. I love everything about this drink- and it was made beautifully with the right amount of sweetness, not overpowering in the least. The first sip reminded me of a port , which I love, but in a beautifully crafted cocktail. Definitely a must!
For me, I decided to end the evening with an old treat I used to love having in Miami (this bar was making me feel at home and reminded me of my old home). And so I finished the night with a “Caiprihana”- which I’ve posted on in the past as a love of mine that is refreshing when your sitting by the ocean.
This brazilian cocktail has become more popular across the US which is lovely to see. And being in a place where I had bartenders I could trust, I was very excited to order this drink.
A fabulous end to a remarkable evening. We definintely will be frequenting this treasure of a bar and look forward to the wonderful times ahead.
I am calling it a “Modern Tradition” because it is one of the timeless treasures that needs a modern embrace- and with places such as this one opening, it is a fond piece of history and memories reintroduced to modern times for a new and modern tradition.
Find out more about Anvil at their website: http://www.anvilhouston.com or follow them on twitter via one of the co-owners, @Bobby_Heugel . If you are ever in Houston, this is a must visit wonderland.
Driving Around With A Coconut - Nom!
May 18, 2009
Because you so know you want to! The other day Timothy and I were running errands and came across a stand selling coconuts- they would cut them for you, put a straw in, and hand them to you. Lovely, makes me feel at home.
So we ended up driving around for the rest of the day with a coconut in hand. (Don’t worry, I was the passenger… no drinking coconuts while driving!)
There is nothing like a freshly cut coconut that has been chilled and ready to drink- I love coconut water, it is so refreshing. And what a fun way to spend running around doing errands. We certainly got some looks everywhere we went- mostly people wanting to know where they, too, could get one!
When was the last time you drank out of a coconut?
Pommard, A Love Of Luxurious French Wines
April 13, 2009
I love wine, and as the evening arrives and all is calm and quiet- I love nothing more than to relax with a glass of Burgundy. Even when we have some guests over for conversation, a bottle of luxurious wine is always present- it makes us warm and happy.
I love all styles of wines, but burgundy- or pinot noir, is my personal favorite.
So I thought this evening I would share with you what I am drinking, and be forewarned, this is certainly an earthy, full, and rich red wine.
It is a 2005, and comes from the appellation of Pommard, France- where only red wines are allowed to be produced. The wines are known for their full bodied tannic quality, and because of it do well with aging. I admit I am opening this one early (five is generally a minimum with this one, and as many as fifteen or more does very well to soften the tannins and bring out the complexity of the fruit flavors and dimensions).
I used one of my fun little wine tools to speed up the breathing process as well as letting it rest, and I must say it was still quite the treat! Definitely holds well with food- something rich and meaty like a filet, especially something gamey like venison or elk. Nom!
Very rich of red fruit- black cherry, black currant, and plum. Love it. Without the Wine Aerator Tool I have it would come across more bitter, which is why it will do better with time. This is certainly something I would purchase again (and let rest for a future celebration or gathering).
Cheers, loves!
Kaffee gute Nacht Makes For A Good Night
March 31, 2009
The only thing that makes this a “coffee” is the splash of coffee found somewhere within this drink- absolutely delicious by the way. Hardly coffee, though- all booze, wow and yum.
The drink is prepared table-side, and what a beautiful presentation it is. The owner created the beverage himself and presents it beautifully with care. He begins with an orange wedge to the outside of the glass, then proceeds to coat the glass in sugar. He has a flame prepared and then brushes the orange-sugar coated glass to the flame.
Next is the beverage itself- mostly whiskey, kahlua, and some sort of citrus liquor- added by spoon fulls that are lit by the flame- glowing with a flame during the entire preparation. He mixes it from glass to glass and tops it off with some cream- and a final spoon of the flame-lit liquor.
Somewhere in the mix he added some coffee- it was so beautifully orchestrated that I didn’t pay enough attention to the actual coffee. To call it Kaffee gute Nacht or “coffee good night” is quite appropriate as afterward it will be good night.
Rudi Lechner’s German restaurant was an absolute delight, and even a more welcomed surprise to have the man himself prepare for us his beverage.
Foamy & Creamy Tastes of Belgium
March 11, 2009
Although my favorite beers are dark beers (especially the black ones like Kostritzer), occasionally I will want something on the lighter side that is only slightly crisp, but still rich with texture and flavor. When I first tasted the St. Sebastiaan Dark I was in love- the bottle is so charming and the taste did not disappoint. It was rich and reminded me of gingerbread (which I love) and is one I will definitely be having again.
I noticed St. Sebastiaan also offered a Grand Cru in a similar ceramic bottle; naturally I chose to indulge. I was very curious to see what else they could provide as the dark bottle was so wonderful.
Wow, what a creamy and foamy head on a slightly pale pour. I could bathe in those bubbles, I love how rich they look. And it is indeed very creamy in texture - not like anything I’ve really had before, and as unexpected as it was it made for a lovely drink. Perfect for that in-between mood when dark and heavy isn’t what you are craving but light is just too light. And the bottle it comes in is an absolute delight.
I’d recommend both for a lovely tasting, beginning with the grand cru and following with the dark for the full experience to see what you like best, if not both. I like to keep different tastes, styles, and textures in mind for the different moods of an evening or occasion, and both of these make for a yummy treat.
Latest Creation: Ruby Red Lychee Cocktail
February 12, 2009
Do you love it when playful creations end up becoming masterpieces? You are going to love this fabulous cocktail.
It all started innocently enough when I wanted a drink. Not just any drink, but a cocktail- something delicious and pretty. You know those nights, something boring just won’t do.
But it was raining outside and so I had no desire to go out- which means the inevitable inventing a drink with what you have on hand. Always interesting, not always a delight! But this one truly was.
So when I am in this sort of mood I tend to go for lychees- love ‘em. I have some soho lychee liqueur, but not too many options of what to mix it with. Mixed only with vodka it ends up missing something and has an unpleasant bite that takes away from the smooth flavor of the fruit. Vodka with lychee juice works fine alone, but somehow the liqueur and vodka on their own do not. So why not grapefruit, make it a citrus cocktail with some style!
The ruby red grapefruit juice not only adds a delicious taste to the mix, but it absorbs any of the bite and blends perfectly with the lychee, giving it instead a pleasant citrus yet smooth finish. The smell alone of this drink is heavenly! You must try this, and I know you will fall in love.
It is part of its charm, so pretty and so delicious!
My hunny created the measurements for me, as my live in bartender he does fantastic work and I approve! I told him what I wanted in my drink (the ingredients listed above) and he made it work wonderfully.
6 oz ruby red grapefruit
2 oz vodka
1 oz lychee liqueur
I love simple recipes, they make up some of the best out there. This gorgeous concoction is a heavenly treat you will enjoy for all occasions! Cheers, loves!
Marvelous Margarita Perfection
February 10, 2009
Yum! So the other day we had an unexpected and delightful brunch with some friends. It kind of came together at the last minute but worked out beautifully.
It was such a gorgeous day- sunny with a nice cool breeze, the kind of weather you dream about, and we enjoyed ourselves sitting outside on the patio. We kept seeing tables nearby order these delicious looking drinks and so we could not help but also indulge. When we saw the description about it on the menu as part of a review, we were instantly sold.
“The perfect blend with the perfect ingredients, Herradura Silver, Cointreau & fresh lime juice, served straight up, or on the rocks.”
Within one taste we were in love and ordered more for the table. The balance with the lime was just perfect, especially for an early afternoon drink. It made the day even more pleasant.
They call it “The Perfect” and it is perfectly delightful. No nonsense, just yummy.
Champagne Ale, Anyone?
February 5, 2009
Or should I say Bierre Brut? Might sound a bit more glamorous, haha. What an interesting find, hope you didn’t think all beer was the same (how could you!) because you are about to be surprised.
When I first saw the bottle in the store, I thought it was on the wrong shelf. There were only two of them in all and the bottle looked like your traditional champagne bottle. Deifnitely stands out among the much smaller beer bottles.
Belgian? Ale? Champagne? YES, it definitely qualifies for a taste. Besides, I always love an extra special reason to celebrate, and what better way than with a drink. Cheers.
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I must say it definitely is a balance of both. Brewed with Barley, Deus is fermented and matured in Belgium, refermented in the bottle and then is followed by the traditional “remuage” and “degorgement” in Champagne, France.
It pours with a very light golden color- has the bubbly action of a champagne and the head of a belgian beer- even breaks up in the same manner. What a marvelous thing!
It is very sweet- much sweeter than I was expecting and so makes for quite the dessert! Though it is sweeter than my usual liking, I must admit it starts to grow on you making you want more. A little is honestly all you need with with this flavorful concoction, also making it a perfect dessert for a celebration. I used my chimay chalice glasses, which I felt was appropriate for the occasion, though a flute would also be suitable. The texture is lovely and a fun experience over all. Champagne and beer- how can you not have fun?
It tastes of pears, honey, and spice most prominently for me, with hints of an apple tartness as well. I love the hint of tart in the finish, adds that bite I love to round out the sweetness.
Fun, love a new drink for a fabulous toast!
Caipirinha: Cocktail Luxury Of Brazil
January 22, 2009
caipirinha's as seen from story from LAtimes.com
I remember my first taste of a traditional caipirinha. Living in Miami, many of my friends were from Brazil and knew the drink well. I would see them drink it and it was only a matter of time before I began to indulge myself.
So what is a Caipirinha, anyway- besides a confusing to pronounce alcoholic beverage? A traditional one is quite simply:
muddled limes and sugar &..
2 oz cachaça
Cachaça is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugar cane and is most known for its relation to Brazil. It is very much the alcohol of Brazil.
A restaurant by the name of Table8 in Miami (though originally from LA as seen from the photo above) offered a black cherry caipirinha- talk about deadly and delicious! Their twist of the drink involved muddled black cherries with cachaça. It definitely was a moment of: oh, how delicious, let me devour a couple and then discover upon my first attempt to move that the world will move around for me first. It is quite potent! so beware and take caution.
Gourmet offers a recipe for a passion fruit caipirinha, which calls for the traditional recipe with the addition of pure passion fruit juice. The drink is quite simple to start which allows itself very open to fruit inspired variations.
All are grand really, it is difficult to mess up. Oh how I do love my cocktails, and I must say I have been quite happy to see this beverage show up in more and more bars across the states. This is one to keep your eyes peeled for. Try it (in small doses to start perhaps, or at a slower pace if anything else) and enjoy its luxurious flavor.
Don’t feel as though you have to wait for your bartenders to discover this for you first- they are simple to make at home provided you find the cachaça.
Make a traditional one and then make your own lavish concoction. Its really quite fun, invite some friends and make it an occasion to remember.
