Tag Archives: Talk Greenville

drinkin’ on the job…in a Mediterranean oasis

09 Thursday Jun 2022

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Parsley & Mint Mediterranean Eatery – photo by Nathan Gray for TALK

Our TALK Greenville drinkin’ adventure this month took us into a Mediterranean oasis just off of Main Street, out of the hustle and bustle of the popular Camperdown/Main intersection where Liberty Bridge and Falls Park traffic converge with the ever-present stream of city strollers. Parsley and Mint Mediterranean Eatery is a bright, happy, full-service spot with flavorful, fresh, healthy, locally-sourced offerings – and a surprisingly-impressive adult beverage selection…a virtual magnet for these gals!

full-service with a smile…

Parsley & Mint is new to the downtown dining scene and is a winning addition to the full-service lunch, brunch and dinner options. While some might know and remember this particular location as a casual, line-service, “to-go” lunch spot, Parsley & Mint is much, much more! As noted, this particular location is full table service – in contrast to their “fast-casual” Furman outlet. The menu covers everything from small plates, soups, salads, sandwiches, and “bowls” at lunch to options like lamb kofta, airline chicken, and scallops on the dinner menu. Based on our sampling…we will be recruiting followers!

While the food is “all that”, Rion, the resident cocktail-master, enticed us with a few of his impressive creations…

The Maeday…photo by Nathan Gray for TALK

The Maeday…

This beautiful beverage pays homage to the cocktail curator’s daughter…pretty in pink with a slightly mischievous side! This fruity, smooth beauty in a coupe delivers a hint of mischief with the Tito’s vodka, a spike of energy from the lemon juice, and a smidge of sweetness from the house-made raspberry-thyme syrup. Try the Maeday any day! It’ll do you right!

The Amethyst – photo by Nathan Gray for TALK

Amethyst…

True to its name, this lavender-colored concoction is easy on the eye. Gin, St Germaine, bitters and lime juice are topped with ginger beer to make a true delight of a drink. Even the reluctant gin-drinker will appreciate this cocktail as it is more herbaceous than medicinal – thanks to the creativity of the resident cocktail connoisseur. This drink is really more precious than the stone, so give it a chance, you’ll be hooked! # purplepotion

The Dead Man’s Handle – photo by Nathan Gray for TALK

Dead Man’s Handle…

“Intoxicating”, “complex” and “umami” are the words that come to mind on this twist on an old classic. A potion anchored with tequila is supported by orgeat for a touch of elegance and Aperol for a touch of bitterness, then a bit of intrigue is delivered by the layering of harissa spices – the perfect finishing touch in our opinion. A cocktail for the ages, we think this one will stand the test of time! #backtothefuture

Photo by Nathan Gray for TALK

Bottomless brunch…

Get your mind out of the gutter…of course you have to wear pants!! Brunch is bottomless in a much less scandalous way on Saturday and Sunday at Parsley & Mint with non-stop menu items and non-top mimosas (several flavors) with a 2 hour limit, “ya drunks” 😉 Work your way through the menu and see how far you can get…they tell us many have tried, but few have made it all the way to completion!

Somethin’ special…

Open for lunch Monday – Friday and dinner Wednesday – Saturday, with brunch on Saturday and brunch on Sunday, there is plenty of time to fit in a visit to this hot-spot. But take a hint from the pros… Wednesday is a great night to give Parsley & Mint a shot because it happens to be half-price wine night! Rion has paid close attention to the wine list, ensuring some crowd-pleasing options and a great selection of half bottles for the lightweights

Try to snag an outdoor table one balmy evening or enjoy the indoor dining options (tables, bar, window seats…) soon. You won’t be sorry! Call or visit RESY to book your experience now!

Parsley and Mint Mediterranean Eatery . 600 S Main Street, Unit 101 . Greenville . (864)412-8199
parsleyandmint.com

By: Alex Burgamy and Angi Einstein – http://www.therarebelle.com

drinkin’ on the job…sippin’ sangriahhhhh

01 Monday Jun 2020

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Our latest TALK Greenville contribution – currently in the June issue…

Well…it has certainly been an interesting couple of months to say the least! “Social distancing” and “sheltering in place” caused quite a few unforeseen challenges – especially in terms of our drinkin’ habits! On one hand, we have been far less social lately with no big weddings, galas, or other shindigs to attend. On the other hand (for some of us), staying home with nothing else to do for weeks on end has driven us to drink a bit more than usual. A belle needs something to look forward to…just sayin’.

We thought we would share what we have found to be an excellent way to drink up any wine you might have left in the cellar…with the potential to serve a crowd (if we ever get to serve a crowd again!).  And – it just happens to be perfect for those hot summer days to come.  Sangria!

First – a bit of history…

Sangria started out of necessity centuries ago as wine, fruits, and spices were mixed into bacteria-filled water.  That little touch of alcohol made the water safe to drink…and the fruits and spices made it tolerable.  The Spanish named it “sangria” (blood) because of the red wine they were using.  These days, under European law, all sangria must be made in Spain or Portugal – but the very best sangrias are made right in your kitchen!

Red, red, sangria…

This is perfect for those who might be trying to avoid too much sugar (can you say quarantine 15?). This particular version uses lemon, lime and orange juices along with agave nectar to add just the right amount of sweetness with a bit less guilt. It sits it the fridge overnight – or you can keep adding to it for weeks on end so that you never run out! Raspberries and sparkling water are added at party time for a surprisingly balanced sweet, savory & fruity elixir.

  • 1 bottle red wine
  • 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
  • 1 lime (cut into wedges)
  • 1 orange (cut into wedges)
  • 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup agave nectar
  • 2 cups sparkling water (club soda)
  • Pour the wine into a pitcher. Squeeze the juice from the lemon, lime and orange wedges into the wine. Toss the fruit wedges into the pitcher (leaving out the seeds if possible). Add the nectar and stir well. Chill overnight. Add sparkling water and raspberries before serving over ice.

Everything’s coming up rosé…

It’s actually hard to drink rosé ALL day – well, for some, but not all of us! This sangria might make it a bit easier! Simply pour a bottle of dry rosé into a pitcher and add lime juice, sliced strawberries, lemon-lime soda and a bit of sugar. Cut several mint leaves into thin strips and add to the pitcher for a savory, herby touch. The result is a crisp, slightly sweet refresher that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser (again…if crowds are a no-no, just pretend you have friends around and down the whole thing yourself – no one would blame you!)

  • 1 bottle dry Rosé
  • 1 cup strawberries (sliced)
  • 4 cups lemon-lime soda
  • 3 limes (squeeze juice of two limes, keep one lime thinly sliced)
  • 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons mint (fresh)
  • Gather the ingredients. Place sliced strawberries, lime juice, sliced lime and rosé in a pitcher. Cut the mint into thin strips and add to the pitcher. Add the sugar and soda, stir, and serve.

Instant sangria…

In these crazy times, we sometimes need a cocktail that is immediately available to wet our whistles and calm our nerves. This delightful instant sangria only needs a few ingredients and a little freezer time to be ready at a moments notice. Simply freeze blended fruit and ginger ale in ice trays and keep them on hand. Drop them in your favorite red or white wine, stir for a quick bit, and you are well on your way to a refreshing respite from this other world we’ve been living in. And bonus points here…the kiddos can enjoy the little ice pops right from the freezer!

  • 1 lemon
  • 1 lime
  • 1 orange
  • 1 cup raspberries
  • 1/2 cup strawberries
  • 1/3 c sugar
  • 2 cups ginger ale
  • 1 bottle wine (red or white)
  • Peel the lemon, lime, and orange, removing the seeds. Put the citrus fruits into a blender with the raspberries, strawberries, sugar, and ginger ale. Blend all of the ingredients (except the wine) together, until it is “slushy.” Pour the slush into ice cube trays and freeze. When the mixture is completely frozen, pop the cubes into a plastic freezer bag and keep frozen. At drinkin’ time, pour yourself a glass of wine and plop 3 to 5 Sangria cubes into the glass. Stir and enjoy!

Grab a pitcher and a bottle of wine (your choice) and get busy! We are here for you, belles!!

a&a

drinkin’ on the job…puttin’ some south in our mouth

05 Thursday Jan 2017

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We know, we know…it’s a pretty popular time to swear off the carbs and ramp up the workouts, but those resolutions can really cramp one’s style!  We decided to throw caution to the wind and partake in a bit of southern home cookin’ (and breakfast cocktailin’) at Biscuit Head in Greenville for this month’s TALKGreenville magazine drinkin’ on the job outing. Whether you are in the mood for a good old cup of joe on a weekday or a toddy to kick off a lazy Saturday morning, Biscuit Head has just the perfect liquid complement to star of the show…those cathead-sized biscuits.

Biscuits here, biscuits there… 

from biscuitheads.com


This classically-southern-with-an-edge operation originated with Carolyn and Jason Roy in West Asheville and quickly became a local favorite.  Enough so that a second location followed, and this past July, it came to our neck of the woods…and its popularity has not subsided!  Although you might experience a bit of a wait now & then, it’s worth it.  We kid you not!

 

photo by Cindy Hosea

The Irish Coffee

Both of us being part Irish, we wholeheartedly support the tradition of spiking our coffee, and these biscuit people know their way around this warm, liquored-up blanket-in-a-mug. Strong, local coffee, Jameson’s, whipped cream and a hint of cinnamon are just the ticket to round out a hearty breakfast .

photo by Cindy Hosea


The Salty Kitty 

Fresh grapefruit juice (we all need our vitamin c right about now), Cat Head  vodka and a rim of salt make for a sassy wake up call.  This delightfully invigorating libation will have you ready to brave the harsh winter weather. Here, kitty, kitty!

 

Spreading the local love…


Biscuit Head strives to keep it local. Big believers in building strong communities where they operate, they also “get” the importance of keeping their carbon footprint as light as air…like those biscuits.  From meats and milk to coffee beans and beer, they bring in the very best available from as close as possible…all for our carb-loading enjoyment

 

from biscuitheads.com

Sip and Savor…

The array of biscuit toppings and fillings range from classic (like red eye gravy) to decadent (fried chicken, sweet potato butter, sriracha slaw with a poached egg).  But have no fear, our health-conscious friends.  There are “lighter fare” options like granola, fruits and salads to keep those resolutions in check (if you must).  As for us, this place is splurge-worthy.  We went for it (why do when you can overdo?). After all, if we decide to go into hibernation this winter, we might need those extra carbs! 

from biscuitheads.com


Biscuit Head – 823 S Church Street, Ste C – Greenville, SC – (864)248-0371 – biscuitheads.com

a Persian pearl of a cocktailin’ experience…

05 Thursday May 2016

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Our TALKGreenville cocktailin’ adventure this month took us to a Persian pearl right in the heart of downtown Greenville. Pomegranate on Main has long been one of our favorite spots for fresh, flavorful, Persian cuisine…and we have always fully enjoyed the libations as well. But when we sat down with Mike at the bar one recent afternoon, our eyes were opened to just how varied the options are in this little gem. A master of the adult concoction, Mike aims to please with a talent for off-menu specialties. Just ask. He will make it!

Derby Days… 

Since May brings the “Run for the Roses”, we would be remiss in not mentioning Pomegranate’s nod to the southern mint julep…their Orange Ginger Julep. Hold onto those fancy hats, ladies…’cause this one will knock ‘em right off! And if the julep is a bit too involved for ya, Mike can serve up some Blanton’s bourbon for your derby enjoyment. Neat. Mic drop.

Pomegranate Martini 

A standard offering (it’s all in the name), the Pomegranate Martini does not disappoint. Don’t let the sweet pink color fool ya. It packs a significant punch! But you can feel good about consuming all those antioxidants. It’s practically a vitamin in a glass! Wink, wink.

The French Mule

The French Mule is a fresh and clean version of the classic mule found out-n-about. Cleverly mixing champagne with ginger beer and lime, this is a bubbly and crisp concoction that is not to be missed.

Desserts to die for…

 While Ali puts his Persian spin on the rest of the menu, his wife, Nancy, lets her southern roots shine through in the baked-goods department. Her chocolate cake is unparalleled…we’ve ordered it for countless birthday celebrations! Whatever your choice may be the dessert is not to be missed!

from dp3architects


Pomegranate is the perfect venue to savor a sultry evening out on the patio, and if one’s leanings are romantic, you can even bring a lock of love à la française. Live music and half-price wines add a wonderful perk to get you over the “hump” on Wednesdays. And while Sundays are usually a day of rest at this delightful little spot, Ali makes an exception a couple of times a year. One of those exceptions happens to be Mother’s Day…convenient, huh?
Time to make those reservations, folks!
a&a

drinkin’ on the job…cheers to HOPE

01 Friday Apr 2016

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We decided to switch things up a bit with our cocktailing this month. Now that warmer weather is on the horizon, we’re getting excited about spring parties and celebrations. One such affair only comes along every other year, giving us something extra-special to attend. 

It’s the HOPE BALL, benefitting the Cancer Society of Greenville County, coming up on April 29, at the Hyatt in downtown Greenville. We thought it would be fun to use a bit of what we have learned over the last year, interviewing bartenders, mixologists, bar managers and the like, by helping to create a signature cocktail…the “Hope-tini”, for this much-anticipated event. 

 
The Color of HOPE…
If you have ever visited the Cancer Society of Greenville County, you might have noticed its distinctive purple front door. This bold choice of color is not accidental. Purple is recognized as the color of hope…exactly what every patient needs and experiences once inside. The lavender used in our signature concoction is no accident either. That hint of color is a nod to the hope we have for each and every life touched by the CSGC.

  

The HOPE-tini…
The “Hope-tini” is essentially a lavender-citrus martini. It might sound a bit feminine and dainty, but this is quite a powerful concoction! Healthy doses of vodka and limoncello combine with homemade lavender simple syrup and fresh lemon juice to create a citrusy-fragrant party in a glass. The lavender hits the nose as the citrus hits the tastebuds…and the vodka hits the spot.

  
Lavender Simple Syrup…
This little recipe could come in handy throughout the summer, so commit it to memory. You won’t regret it! Equal parts of sugar and water are brought to a boil, then 2-3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds per cup of water/sugar are steeped in the syrup for 5-10 minutes. Once strained, this sweet, fragrant elixir is ready to use in cocktails, lemonade, Italian sodas, over ice cream…the list goes on.

  

An elegant affair…
Widely known as one of the most elegant affairs in Greenville, one will want to dress the part…long gowns for the ladies, black tie for the gents. But wear your dancin’ shoes. You just might not be able to resist taking a spin on the dance floor after dinner!

Gettin’ down to the details, now. The Cancer Society of Greenville County (CSGC) is a local organization serving local cancer patients (over 4500 currently). All funds raised stay right here in Greenville to give hope where it seems hard to find. The HOPE BALL is coming up fast, so don’t miss out! You may call the Cancer Society of Greenville County at (864)232-8439 or click here to register online – website:  www.cancersocietygc.org. 

HOPE to see ya there…we’ll be the ones with the martini glasses! 

#yeahthathopeball

a&a

cocktailin’ where everybody knows our name…

04 Friday Dec 2015

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We’ve been cocktailin’ again…(no shock there). The December/holiday issue of TALK Greenville is on stands now. We paid a visit to our favorite neighborhood haunt…Augusta Grill…and shared our (once again) delightful experience. Read on…

 

from augustagrill.com

 

Let’s face it…in the hustle and bustle of the holidays (and any time of year, really), “sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came”. Sound familiar? That little ditty is a perfect fit for our cocktailin’ experience this month. There are neighborhood bars and restaurants all around…and they are to be celebrated. Having a place that’s familiar, friendly, and feels like home just can’t be beat. That place for us is Augusta Grill…and if you’re a “regular”, you know what we are talking about!

 

photo by Cindy Hosea

 

Our first suggested drink…the Blueberry Cosmo

We typically grab a seat and order “the regular”, but we have had friends talking about the “Blueberry Cosmo” for quite a while. One of us is a cosmo girl from way back, so this really piqued our interest. We gave it a try and were very impressed! It’s your classic cosmo (triple sec and cranberry included) with the twist of Blueberry Stoli, giving it a fresh, fruity finish. Brilliant!

 

photo by Cindy Hosea

 

For the finishing touch…The House Coffee

Our second suggestion…and without a doubt a fan favorite…is the “House Coffee”. It’s the perfect beverage to shake off that shiver. It’s also our favorite liquid dessert…ending yet another consistently wonderful meal. The perfect blend of espresso, Baileys and whipped cream, this one is nothing fancy but the comfort level is beyond words.

And as for the menu…one star (in our book) is the Wednesday night “special”…

from augustagrill.com

 

Wednesday night at Augusta Grill is an iconic experience! “Crabcake night” draws a crowd, and for good reason. Their mound of lump crabmeat, held together with what seems to be simply more crabmeat, is not to be missed. Word to the wise…go early to snag a table, or do what we do and head over there on the later side. Buddy never seems to run out of this culinary dream!

And an idea for ringin’ in the New Year with friends…

For those of you planning ahead for the end of the month, Augusta Grill is always a great option for New Year’s Eve.  The food will be delicious, the atmosphere warm and inviting, the drinks will be spot on…and chances are, the table next to you will be full of familiar faces. It’s like celebrating at your home away from home!

Loyal to the classics with no need to rely on trendy twists, fancy names, or learning the art of mixology, there is something refreshing about the good, old-fashioned bartenders at AG. You name it, they can make it…and they’ll remember you (and your cocktail) on your next visit.  We love that!

a&a

 

cocktailin’ while the show goes on…

05 Thursday Nov 2015

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We’ve been out doing some more cocktailin’…this time with a bit of a theatrical flair!  TALKGreenville’s November issue is now on the stands, and here is our contribution… 

photo, Cindy Hosea

 
November is here, and there is so, so much to be thankful for…the fall leaves showing off their colors, football is in full swing (cheers to those rivalries), sweater weather has settled in to stay, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner (our favorite holiday…food, wine, food, wine)! Cocktailin’, of course, will play a major part in that kick-off to the holidays…kinda goes with the territory. We figured now would be a good time to scout out Genevieve’s at the Peace Center to prep for the upcoming shows (including some holiday favorites…a delicious cocktail adds an enticing dimension to The Nutcracker in our opinion!) because an informed imbiber is a happy imbiber.

 

http://www.peacecenter.org

We are privileged and grateful to have the Peace Center right at our fingertips, chock-full of events to please all tastes, and Genevieve’s has upped the ante on this fine establishment’s amenities. We paid them a little visit during a recent show and came away with quite a few suggestions for pre-performance, intermission, and post-performance hob-nobbing and libations.

 

the view from Genevieve’s can’t be beat!

 A Word about Genevieve’s schedule…

This place deserves a Tony for its performance in a supporting role! With its breathtaking views of the Reedy River and cocktails created with nods to all things theatrical, this delightful space could be open seven days a week for all to enjoy. However, they are wisely focused on serving as an amenity, opening their doors and wowing guests only when Peace Center-presented performances are in-house. And let us give you some tips on how to “work” Genevieve’s to your best advantage. Arrive a bit early for your show and grab a table (you can also reserve a table in advance). Relax and enjoy a refreshing beverage along with some snacks, then let your server know that you would like to place an order for intermission. Here’s the mind-blower…they will take that order, let you pay in advance, and will have that order sitting at that very same table, all fresh-n-ready for you when you walk in after the first act! Tony. Award. Just sayin’!

Bar “boss”, Justin, has something to suit all tastes.  These were our favorites…

 

photo, Cindy Hosea

 
“My Favorite Things”…

If you haven’t noticed, gin has come out of retirement and is making a rousing comeback of late. An alcohol that had taken a backseat to younger, trendier liquors, this boozy broad has re-entered society with smashing success! Justin, the suave and savvy bar manager, has quite a few creations featuring this throw-back spirit, and his love for the theater shines through in each delicious one. “My Favorite Things” is named after a childhood favorite of his, the Sound of Music. Here, gin takes center stage (told you gin was back in action) but is enhanced by cardamom bitters, cucumber and bay leaf. This drink deserves a standing ovation as the components play off of each other to perfection.

  
The “Employees Only”…
Much ado is made about the performers and the front of the house, but let’s not forget the hardworking staff that sets the scene, scurries backstage and puts all the pieces together. Justin has rewarded cast and crew with a liquid accolade in their honor. We can’t guarantee that it will be front and center on the menu, but if you ask for this secret cocktail, you won’t regret it. Earthy, with subtle notes of anise, a hint of sweetness, and an acidic note from a squeeze of lime, this beautiful amber elixir will warm you and energize you for the rest of the show.

  
The “Modern Gambler”…

You should be dancing into Genevieve’s at intermission soon to enjoy this concoction. Motown the Musical is showing this month, and Justin (bar manager extraordinaire) created the Modern Gambler with this show in mind. A true American dream story, and a great show for everyone, it’s uplifting, toe-tapping, and not to be missed. With songs like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “My Girl”, we can’t imagine not seeing this smashing hit. And the Modern Gambler will get you ready for all of that fun!

   
And now for a brief word about attire and such. With such sleek and sophisticated surroundings, we are compelled to put our best foot (we love a good shoe) forward! We encourage you to consider the performance and go from there. One might see jeans and cowboy boots for something like a Willie Nelson concert while the Nutcracker warrants a bit more festive, holiday slant to the wardrobe. However, the goal here is to bring a wide range of entertainment…and people…together for all to enjoy. Time to call the box office y’all!

a&a

drinkin’ on the job…a pourable passion 

04 Thursday Jun 2015

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Thought we’d share our latest Talk magazine article with you all…on stands or in your home now!!

  
whiskey with a love story…perfect for dear ol’ dad

We’ve been drinkin’ on the job again. This time, we did a bit less cocktailing and a bit more tossin’ it back…neat…feelin’ that “buttery burn” of a fine whiskey. Or two. Venturing over the county line in search of the perfect Father’s Day idea, we hit the jackpot (or barrel) at Six & Twenty Distillery. They offer tours to let us regular ol’ whiskey drinkers in on their secrets. We loved it. The dads in your lives will, too!

A Pourable Passion:

This tour gratifies our most important senses: Taste (obviously), knowledge (Farmer is a great storyteller and engaging guide), and people-watching (from the well-dressed couple, to the self-absorbed engineer testing his mettle against our distiller, the crowd was full-up with personality). Given the varied audience and Farmer’s laid-back, easy style, the length of the tour is flexible. Ours ended up being close to two hours. The passion for bourbon knows no time and in true southern spirit you are made to feel right at home. 

  
Old Money…

If you’re a bourbon lover you might be aware of a looming shortage. Thank goodness Six & Twenty is doing their part. Old Money (CHECK ARTICLE FOR DESCRIPTION) was developed using their Virgin wheat whiskey, a pure and clean base but with youthful attitude .  Turning the virgin Whiskey at into Old Money for a couple of reasons. Maintaining their profile by making their own bourbon and, well…not everyone marries for love….

  
Six & Twenty Five Grain…

This is a strong, solid, swarthy liquid. It takes your breath away as it hits your tongue and then captures your attention with its warmth and steady but inciting burn. A bourbon that is pure South Carolina, every grain is grown and purchased locally. From start to finish, a true southern gentleman…perfect for the dads in your life.

The love story…

 …it’s how these fellas came up with their name, “Six & Twenty”. Back before the Revolutionary War, Choctaw maiden, Issaqueena, was captured by the Cherokee. She overheard their plan to attack a trading post that housed her British lover. To warn him, she escaped and rode ninety-six miles, marking places by the number of miles she had ridden…Three & Twenty Creek, Six & Twenty Creek, and, finally, Ninety-Six, the town!  All ended well…and a distillery got a kick-ass name!

Now, we know our job is really about cocktails, but you gotta start somewhere right? We suggest taking dad, the father of your grandchildren, or the man who gave you yours on this adventure, treating him to his favorite bottle of hooch, and then (because dads deserve it), fixing him a nice drink, neat, on the rocks, or mixed he if must. After all, it’s all a labor of love.

Look ’em up & take dear ol’ dad for boozy tour!

a&a

treat mama to brunch…and maybe a cocktail or two

07 Thursday May 2015

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With that all-important holiday coming up on Sunday, honoring those who gave us life, guided us through our awkward stages, and taught us how to appreciate a well-poured glass of bubbly or creative cocktail, we thought we would give you an idea or two for winin’ and dinin’ the moms in your life. (Being moms ourselves, we figure it can’t hurt to put a bug in some little ears…if you know what we mean.)   So…on a sunny Sunday, we headed up North Main to one of the best brunch spots in town…the Bohemian…to do a bit of research for our Talk Magazine article and to scope out the place for you!


The Bohemian is quite the popular brunch spot! We arrived at 1-ish, hoping to have given the crowd a spell to settle down. No such luck! Lesson learned: show up early to get your name on the list. Because, if you hadn’t figured it out yet, if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy! No worries this time, though, as the people-watching was sufficient to keep us occupied until we were seated.

Our liquid selections…

A Bohemian Rhapsody…by way of the Bloody Mary bar. You can stick with bar-brand vodka or upgrade to your favorite label or flavor, then choose from a vast selection of tomato juices from Clamato, to Zing Zang, to the house-made.   An abundance of seasonings, spices, and flavors are there for the taking and mixing. Let your imagination be your guide! By the way, we believe bloodies belong in a food group…drink your veggies!!

 

via Chow.com

The classic Mother’s Day brunch elixir…a Mimosa. Mama needs her vitamin c, of course! This delicious concoction of sparkling wine and citrus juice first popped up in the 1920’s when it served in Buck’s Club in London as a “Buck’s Fizz”. Several years later, a clever bartender at the Ritz in Paris (heaven on earth) made his own version and dubbed it the Mimosa…and the rest is history. At the Bohemian, the mimosa is the choice for you if you don’t feel like workin’ the bar.

Traditional as well as edgier options await on the menu. One teen described the French Toast as “to die for”…we wonder where she got her gift for colorful description…wink, wink. Others tried different versions of the classic Benedict as well as the omelet du jour, a delicious asparagus and goat cheese creation.

Know before you go…typical for a Sunday brunch, we found quite a few folks who were stopping by after church, but for the most part, the attire was relaxed and casual.

Biggest bonus for a Mother’s Day outing…no dishes to wash! We all know that’s a gift! So treat yo mama (and yourself) to a liquid-friendly brunch!

a&a

bacon and booze…cocktailin’ with the brothers

02 Thursday Apr 2015

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IMG_2727We’ve been up to the cocktailing again, and this time we upped our game with a bit of bacon as a bonus! We headed out to Bacon Brothers Public House to sample their already legendary menu of creative cocktails…and they did not disappoint. This place is reeling with enthusiasm and a real passion for what they are doing behind that buzzing bar. These bartenders (they don’t like the pretentiousness of the term “mixologists”…big points there) all create, share, and have input on the fine details of the libations. They make their own bitters and shrubs (see our description below) daily, letting inspiration, spontaneity, and creativity guide them. We reap the rewards. Holla!

The Bacon Brothers cocktail menu...see what we're talkin' about?

The Bacon Brothers cocktail menu…see what we’re talkin’ about?

We tried the “Gin Shrub Fizz” and the “Fog Cutter” (perfect the San Francisco native), and we were quite happy with our choices!

Made with Damrak Gin, fruit shrub (spiced-apple in this case), and sparkling wine, the “Gin Shrub Fizz” kept us effervescing for a bit…a quality we love! It’s a nice balance of fruity and crisp…a cool, calm, collected sort of drink. This particular concoction will change as the shrub flavors change, so it might be worth a try every couple of weeks!

The “Fog Cutter”, made with rum, gin, brandy, byrrh (pronounced “beer”), allspice dram (again…we will explain this in a minute), and a touch of kumquat, is a strong, swarthy sort of cocktail. The citrus of the gin balances the bitterness found in the byrrh which is made with quinine, said to aid with digestion…a healthy bonus! Kumquat is apparently the next trend in cocktails. We are all aboard!

Now…to explain the “shrub”, which beats anything you’ll find in the yard! Used to flavor cocktails or sodas, this kind of shrub is a blend of fruit, sugar and vinegar. The recipe dates from 15th century England but is enjoying quite a revival. Gabriel, the brilliant Bacon Brothers beverage manager, uses in-season fruits to create a new shrub every couple of weeks.

And as for that “dram”…a dram can simply be a small portion of something to drink. However, the allspice dram used in the Fog Cutter is made with highly-spiced rum. We have discovered that allspice dram is apparently hard to come by, so Bacon Brothers is in the know!

"The Burger"...need we say more?

“The Burger”…need we say more?

And one should never cocktail-it-up without a nibble or two! We sampled the pimento cheese with bacon jam with house-made saltines…wow! We would have licked the bowl if our mamas hadn’t taught us right…(besides it was too crowded to get away with it!). And had we not filled up on the snack (mama lost the battle here…we ruined our dinner!), we would have sampled the heavenly burger the waiters so bravely brandished about! They need to watch their step…we might just decide to grab one and run next time!

On a follow-up visit, the belle with the son who’s pretty much all about bacon discovered that we are quite partial to the Bacon Caramel Popcorn…IMG_2728Lord, have mercy!
It’s a real winner…a must-try!

As far as what to expect of this fine establishment if you haven’t ventured over there just yet, Bacon Brothers is a relaxed, casual kind of place…so anything goes. The décor is rough-hewn with cozy lighting, exuding warmth and comfort…like your favorite pair of jeans. And the food is as creative and authentic as the cocktails!

So, belles…we suggest you make your reservations now! When (not if) you go, plan to step out of your box and experiment with options you won’t have just anywhere. Save the Pinot and suds orders for less creative establishments. Let these guys show you what they can do. You won’t regret it!

a&a