Sweet Blog O'Mine

v. 2.0

  • Catching Up and Slowing Down

    Hotdougs

    As is my typical pattern, after running myself ragged for the past few weeks I'm now paying the price with a hacking cough and a fever.  That said, it was worth it.  I had an amazing weekend at the Mates reunion (more on that to come), and one of the highlights of last week was a visit to the Astor Center by Chicago's Hot Doug's — Bill and I had pigs in blankets, a perfect Chicago Dog, a Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, Foie Gras Mousse and Sel Gris, and duck fat fries.  Delicious. More pictures here.

    Unfortunately, I have a stupidly busy week.  Here's to hoping that one day working from home will do the trick to get me back to 100%.

  • Homecoming

    I'm heading up to Tufts this weekend for the Amalgamates 25th anniversary celebration.  The Mates are a coed a cappella group that I was in for three of my four years at Tufts and whose alumni and members have been a part of my life ever since.  People are coming in from all over the world to celebrate and sing, and I'd be shocked if I have much of a voice left after the weekend.  Can't wait to see everyone!!!  Oh, and apparently there's a football game?

  • Saying Goodbye

    A very close friend of the family passed away this week.  She was a model of patience, calm, and generosity, and infused our family with her warmth, quiet wisdom, and subdued humor during the 25 plus years she was a part of our lives.  When I went up to Maine this past September, Jennie was visiting us as she did each year since she retired.  I feel so lucky and fortunate that I was able to spend time with her and, in effect, say goodbye and let her know how much we all love her.  I was given the same opportunity when my Grandma Mae passed away several years ago.  Having not had that opportunity in the past when others I loved passed away, I am eternally grateful for it. 

    We will miss you Jennie.  Thank you for being part of our family.

  • Passing the Bar

    Wired_header_w_menu

    As many of you know, I am an attorney by trade.  I have taken two bar exams in my life and am technically admitted to practice law in both New York and Massachusetts.  I'm currently in the process of taking my third bar exam: Bar Smarts Wired, which is designed by Pernod Ricard USA.  As I've started to write about cocktails in addition to food, I figured I should get a little more in-depth knowledge of my subject matter, and Bar Smarts is giving me the ability to learn from experts in the field, the team behind Beverage Alcohol Resource
    (BAR), LLC    , Dale DeGroff, Doug Frost, Steve Olson, F. Paul Pacult, Andy Seymour and David Wondrich.  They do a full-on live course, but the Wired course is jam-packed full of information — creation of spirits, categories of spirits, mixology, and practical application.  There's even a virtual drink builder in lieu of the live exam offered by the live course.  I'm halfway done, and proud to report I've passed the first two modules.  I am a bit up against a time crunch — I have 30 days total to complete the process, which I started on September 17th, but I'm hoping my trip to Boston this weekend on the Bolt Bus will give me some time to focus.  Registration for the Wired course is closed for the time being, but will be offered again in February 2010 — I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to learn more about the bartending industry, spirits, or cocktails.

  • Recovery

    Greatlawnsour

    The Great Lawn Sour, a.k.a. my umpteenth cocktail of the weekend and the first of the day on Sunday.  The Manhattan Cocktail Classic was a huge success, but it's now time for a little detox.  Personal highlights included the Pegu Club seminar, Dave Wondrich's seminar, and the magnificent gala.  Pictures and more to follow shortly.

  • This Week on Serious Eats NY

    In preparation for this weekend's Manhattan Cocktail Classic:

    – Meet & Eat with Lynnette Marrero, President of LUPEC NYC

    – Mix it Up: The Venetian at White Star

    and tonight, a cocktail tasting for next week's column, a potential visit to Luke's Lobster, then home to watch BarSmarts videos (more on that to come!).

  • TweetUp Upgrade

    So, these booze-focused TweetUps that I've been organizing are hitting the big time.  What first started as six people for brown liquor at Char No. 4, then maybe 15 for clear liquor at Double Crown, followed by about 20 for rum at Elettaria and then about 25 for tequila at Cabrito is now giving it a whirl at the new bar space at Astor Center.  Mark your calendars for 11/2.  We're still working out the details, like ticket cost, but it's sponsored by Chartreuse and the lovely ladies of LUPEC NYC will be developing cocktails and working the bar.  Jean Marc Roger, the president of Chartreuse Diffusion, will be in town and will lead us through a tasting, and there will be several Chartreuse cocktails available.  I'm incredibly excited, and I hope you all can make it!  Please RSVP here (although you'll need tickets in advance – details to follow) and spread the word!

  • I Am a Delicate Flower

    Delicateflower

    and did I mention classy?  I had to share this picture with you as it made me crack up beyond belief and I enjoy embarrassing myself on the internet.  The story behind it is that Leo (who was behind the camera) was saying that I always make the same face whenever he points a camera at me.  So I decided to make this one instead.  Photo by Leo Borovskiy of Lush Life Productions (whose more serious photos are fantastic).

  • Color Burst


    Color Burst!

    Just a little color to brighten up your day. And mine. Not that there’s anything wrong with today, I’m just a little tired. Plus it’s my Monday. Anyhoo, enjoy!
    xoxo
    –L

  • Atonement

    Over the course of this weekend, I have committed the following sins and/or engaged in the following sinful behaviors:

    – I have openly mocked the gaudy McMansions we passed on our 50-mile bike ride.

    – I ate all kinds of pork and shellfish, including oysters at the Stone Street Oyster Fest, Momofuku pork buns, and Flying Pigs Farm bacon (not in one sitting, however).

    – Gluttony: late night snacks at Blue Ribbon, several cocktails at the LUPEC NYC Avon breast cancer walk fundraiser at Death & Co.

    – Sloth: an entire portion of a day watching a Mad Men marathon.

    – Denial: ate a Choinkwich from the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck on Yom Kippur.

    And finally, atonement — bought a new scale today.  Happy New Year, all!