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Cocktail of the Week: Guinness + Tequila=The Black Opal

8 Mar

By Christabelle…@CBellesCloset

Who says that beer must be the only drink served on St. Patrick’s Day? Those who are looking to celebrate the Irish festivities with a sophisticated twist…Guinness plus Tequila = one happy leprechaun! On March 17th, dip your Irish self into a pot of gold called the “Black Opal”.

IMG_3128

The Black Opal
Partida Tequila and Guinness Draft

BLACK OPAL
by Tequila Partida’s Bartender Ambassador Jacques Bezuidenhout
1 1/2 oz Partida ReposadoTequila
1 1/2 oz Guinness Draft
1/2 oz Tawny Port
1/4 oz Agave Nectar
Dash of Angostura Bitters

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled wine glass or small pint glass without ice. Garnish with some grated or ground cinnamon powder.

Guinness note: Take a pint of Guinness before hand and use a bar spoon to stir it up for about 30 secs. This removes some of the Co2.

(21+ – please drink responsibly)

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Cocktail of the Week: The Wizard

22 Feb christina Carathanassis, christabelle's closet

By Christabelle…@CBellesCloset

Did you know vodka is the most consumed liquor in the United States? I did, because it is all being consumed by my circle of friends. Joking, of course (or am I?)…now critically acclaimed cocktail guru Tony Abou-Ganim (Author of Vodka Distilled: The Modern Mixologist on Vodka and Vodka Cocktails - and soon to be my new BFF) has turned our attention towards renewing our appreciation for this oft-maligned spirit.

My taste buds have found the yellow brick road to happiness with this delectable recipe, The Wizard.

Reprinted with permission from Vodka Distilled: The Modern Mixologist on Vodka and VodkaCocktails, by Tony Abou-Ganim with Mary Elizabeth Faulkner, Agate Surrey, February 2013.

Reprinted with permission from Vodka Distilled: The Modern Mixologist on Vodka and Vodka
Cocktails, by Tony Abou-Ganim with Mary Elizabeth Faulkner, Agate Surrey, February 2013.

Recipe: The Wizard
The Wizard benefits from a robust vodka with lots of character. I look to the old-world
vodkas of Eastern Europe, those made from rye or potato.

Ingredients:

2 oz (60 ml) vodka
1 oz (30 ml) Cinzano Bianco
B/c oz (15 ml) Yellow Chartreuse
2 dashes orange bitters

Directions:

In an ice-filled mixing glass add vodka, Cinzano Bianco, Yellow Chartreuse, and orange
bitters; stir until well chilled. Strain into a chilled, small (Nick & Nora–sized) cocktail
glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon.

(21+ – please drink responsibly)

ABOUT TONY: Tony Abou-Ganim grew up in the bar business, learning the craft from his cousin
Helen David at the Brass Rail Bar in Port Huron, Michigan, before going on to develop cocktail programs for numerous restaurants in San Francisco (working with Harry Denton) and  New York (working with Mario Batali) and at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. He operates his own beverage consulting firm and also serves as the national ambassador of the U.S. Bartenders Guild. Mary Elizabeth Faulkner is a writer living in the San Francisco Bay area.

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Cocktail of the “Snowy” Week: Foxy Night Blackberry Martini

8 Feb christina Carathanassis, christabelle's closet

By Christabelle… @CBellesCloset

Foxy Night Blackberry Martini

Foxy Night Blackberry Martini

Oh the weather outside is frightful…but inside it is sinfully sexy tonight.  Open the curtains and watch the blizzard barrel down upon us while sipping this divinely chic and oh, so yum-yum cocktail.  NYFW might be “postponed” with the snow, but you can still be fashionably fierce and foxy when you get THIS martini ON thanks to Chantelle Fraser of Flawless NYC .

Foxy Night Blackberry Martini
1 oz. P.I.N.K. Vodka

1 1/2 oz. cranberry juice

1 oz. blackberry brandy

1/2 oz. Cointreau

Splash of sour mix

Fresh blackberries

P.I.N.K Vodka

Directions:

*Combine ingredients over ice and shake well.

*Strain into a well-chilled martini glass.

*Pour 1 1/2 scoops of mulled blackberries through the center.

*Stir slightly.

*Garnish with a blackberry on the edge of the glass.

(21+ – please drink responsibly)

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Cocktail of the Week: The Broken Flower

18 Jan christina Carathanassis, christabelle's closet

By Christabelle…@CBellesCloset
New Zealand is a world away, where seasons are flipped (the Kiwis are currently experiencing a gorgeous summer), time is separated by a minimum of 18 hours and February 6th marks Waitangi (pronounced y-tangy) Day, or Independence Day. This important date celebrates the signing of New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, a holiday New Zealanders celebrates with music, dance, naval salutes and more. As the official end to summer, Waitangi Day is full of outdoor activities, festivals and concerts amid the vibrant blooming flowers (like the native Rata flower).

Fresh out of New Zealand is Broken Shed Vodka,  is one of the few vodkas on the market that is additive free (and GLUTEN FREE), making it extremely pure (just like me…I hear you snickering peanut gallery). Bottoms up…!

The Broken Flower
1 part Broken Shed
1 part Soda Water
Healthy drop of Elderflower liqueur
Pour over ice and garnish with sliced cucumber

(21+ – please drink responsibly)

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Cocktail of the Week: Rosemary Infused Champagne

11 Jan christina Carathanassis, christabelle's closet

By Christabelle…@CBellesCloset

If you have ever been to my house for dinner, you might have experienced my famous Roasted Rosemary Potatoes with a little fabulous sprinkled on top. The sensual smell of Rosemary in home warms the soul and kind of makes me a little frisky (perhaps 2013′s newest aphrodisiac?).

I never thought to add Rosemary to a cocktail so I am thankful to our friends at SheKnows.com for this amazing cocktail recipe!

Rosemary-scented Champagne cocktail recipe

Rosemary adds a subtle hint of aromatic herbs to this delightful sparkler.

Makes 1

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Combine rum and rosemary simple syrup in a Champagne flute. Fill glass to the top with Champagne. Squeeze lemon into cocktail.

Rosemary simple syrup recipe

Makes about 1/2 cup

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 sprig rosemary (about 5 inches)

Directions:

  1. Pull leaves off rosemary sprig and add to a small saucepan with sugar and water.
  2. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce to a low boil for about 5 minutes until mixture is thickened.
  3. Remove from heat and strain. Let cool completely. Store in refrigerator.

(21+ – please drink responsibly)

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Cocktail of the Week: The Ultimate Cuban-Greek-Italian Hot Irish Toddy

4 Jan christina Carathanassis, christabelle's closet

By Christabelle…@CBellesCloset

christina carathanassis

My neighbor (and Cuban bestie) Kim and I are NOT big drinkers. The mere sound of a cork being pulled from a resistant wine bottle is enough to give us both a good buzz.  But many a night after work, we are looking to relax after along day – before our boys come home from the gym. And now that the cold weather has hit us all hard, Kim and I concocted what we like to think is the ULTIMATE Hot Toddy – created by two hot toddies (of the Cuban and Greek/Italian decent – so you know this drink has ‘tude and passion;  with a splash of Irish  – so you know you will have a smile on your face as you sip).

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons Michael Collins Irish Whiskey   (this can be tweaked given how bad a day you have had – lol)
  • 1.5 Tbsp Manuka Honey (I like 2 Tbsp – Kim likes 1, so we compromised on the recipe)
  • 1/4  Meyer Lemon (we have also tried this with 2 tsp lemon juice from the grocery store and it is just as delicious)
  • 1 Tazo Calm Tea Bag
  • 1 tsp McCormick Apple Pie Spice  (this is a delightful combination of cinnamon, all spice and nutmeg)
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 1 cup hot water

Christina Carathanassis

Preparation:

  1. Pour hot water into mug and add tea bag
  2. Add lemon, honey and whiskey,  stir
  3. Add Apple Pie Spice, stir
  4. Let steep for 5 minutes
  5. Add a full Cinnamon Stick for extra flavor and decor
  6. Sip and enjoy…ahhhhhhhhh

Kimmy and I like to drink our Hot Toddies in our matching monogrammed mugs from Anthropologie…what are you drinking yours in?

(21+ – please drink responsibly)

christina carathanassis

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Ring in 2013 like a Champ-ion…

30 Dec christina Carathanassis, christabelle's closet

By Christabelle…@CBellesCloset

Another year has gone by…I can hardly believe it.  Let us all raise a glass to toast another year behind us and the amazing adventures on the roads ahead of us.

I toast my wonderful friends – new and old and the loss of friends who proved unfaithful. I toast the love, the tears and the laughter. I raise my glass high to the ones that are now dearly departed (RIP).

I hold my flute above my heart to the blank canvas ahead of us all. I wish us all health and happiness for the next 365 and beyond.  If there is one thing 2012 has proven to us as a nation, it is that life is sacred and precious and should never be taken for granted. As I said in a post from May 2011:

Let the people in your life know how you feel about them. Don’t assume anything. They could be gone tomorrow, so let them know today.

Don’t be ashamed that you are scared. We all have fears in our lives. Sometimes the only thing separating us from hovering afraid in a pitch dark room is someone to come flip the light-switch on. And it is usually someone you don’t expect.

And lastly…when you find that person…and you know which person I am talking about…hold on tight. When you find the person that changes your world and lets you shine like the brightest star in the sky…when you find the person that makes you want to be a better man/woman…the person that makes you like who YOU are around them…when you find the person who you want to share the world with…take a moment to appreciate and then hold onto them without fear, without hesitation and without suffocation.

And now…drink up (responsibly of course) and try one of these top rated champers to ring in YOUR new year:

Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé 2002

TOP 10 Champagnes for 2012 :
(Credit: FINE Champagne magazine)

  1. Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2000
  2. Taittinger Vintage 2004
  3. Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé 2002
  4. Dom Pérignon Rosé 2000
  5. Dom Pérignon 2002
  6. Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé 2002
  7. Laurent-Perrier Alexandra Rosé 1998
  8. Piper-Heidsieck Rare 2002
  9. Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV
  10. Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 1995(21+ – please drink responsibly)

From our family at Christabelle’s Closet – to yours -
a VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY, SAFE AND PROSPEROUS 2013 xo

 

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Cocktails of the Week: Star Spangled Drinks with Pucker™ Vodka

13 Jul

By Christabelle…@CBellesCloset

On July 27th, the world will watch in excitement as Team USA heads across the pond to participate in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. As our nation’s finest athletes compete for the gold, there is no better reason to gather with friends and cheer on our home team. Get your patriotic spirit ON with these American themed cocktails that they can enjoy while celebrating every Team USA victory with Pucker Vodka @PuckerVodka

London Cooler

  • 1⁄2 parts Pucker™ Lemonade Lust Vodka
  • 2 parts Fresh Lemon Sour
  • 4 parts Iced Tea

How to Make the London Lemon Cooler

Build in order over ice in a tall highball glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Gold Medal Spritzer

  • 1 ½ parts Pucker™ Citrus Squeeze Vodka
  • ½ part Triple Sec
  • 1 part Sweet & Sour Mix
  • 1 part Orange Juice
  • Dash of Lemon-Lime Soda

How to Make the Gold Medal Spritzer

Combine ingredients in a mixing tin (except soda) and shake vigorously with NO ice. Pour over ice in a glass. Garnish with lemon wedge.

(21+ – please drink responsibly)


Cocktails of the Week: NUVO Sparkling Liqueur and Lemon Sorbet

25 May

By Christabelle…@CBellesCloset

To welcome the summer months, here are two mouth-watering recipes to glam up your Memorial Day weekend extravaganza. Make your summer kick-off bash a chic affair with The Highball, made with NUVO Lemon Sorbet and the Sparkling Sunset, made with NUVO Sparkling Liqueur and pineapple juice. Enjoy and have one for me (I am still sadly CARB FREE…boooooo!):

 

Nuvo Classic Sparkling Liquer

The Highball

4 oz. NUVO Lemon Sorbet

1 ½ oz. pomegranate juice

1 ½ oz. gin

Serve over ice in a tall glass and garnish with fresh fruit

Sparkling Sunset

3 oz. NUVO Sparkling Liqueur

3 oz. pineapple juice

Serve over ice in a tall glass and garnish with fresh fruit

(21+ – please drink responsibly)


27 East – Straight to Paradise…

23 May

By Christabelle…@CBellesCloset

MONTACO’S – the signature dish of 668 The Gig Shack:
House made tortilla, crisp red slaw, blackend local catch of the day and sweet mango salsa.

The time has come…summer Friday’s have officially begun…and the air is starting to smell beachy (or in the case of NYC, sometimes like rotting garbage in the sun…) but nonetheless all signs that summer has arrived.  If you know me well (and since I have been blogging here for 100 years, YOU SHOULD)…I wait with bated breath every year for this weekend to arrive – for the summer season to “officially begin” and I can make my way to 27E which drops me off in my little slice of heaven…Montauk.

First stop when I get into town…where else? 668 The Gig Shack. I am going to swing by and say hello to the always amazing and never less than fabulous Gardell family (I heart you all!). Have me a Blue Moon Beer with a slice of orange, a Montaco (if you haven’t had one, you have yet to live life), and let my summer unfold in front of me.

Navy Beach at Fort Pond Bay in Montauk
(Photo Rights: Navy Beach Restaurant)

Next stop…catch another cocktail and watch the sun set into Fort Pond Bay (just steps away from my own place) – Navy Beach. With cushy outdoor white couches, ocean blue umbrellas and yachts pulling up close to shore, this place feels more like Santorini than Montauk.  And if the wonderful food, drink and atmosphere at Navy Beach just isn’t enough for you, wait for the mind-blowing sunset into the water – and that is FREE of charge.

Dinner, you ask? I have been waiting for almost a year to chow down on The Harvest’s famed Calamari Salad with Red Pepper Vinaigrette with some Garlic Mashed Potatoes on the side. Ok, ok…I know that doesn’t sound like the classiest of “pairings” but I don’t care. I salivate all year waiting to eat both…so deal. If you come to the Harvest on Fort Pond – come hungry! The portions are family style and they are deliciously generous!

Meet me out, won’t you? Bon Appetit, Montauk!

The famous Montauk sunset – taken from my deck (lucky me!)

668 The Gigshack
782 Main Street
Montauk, NY 11954

http://www.668TheGigShack.com
(631)668-2727

Navy Beach Restaurant
16 Navy Road
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-6868

Harvest On Fort Pond
11 S. Emery Street
Montauk, NY 11954
631.668.5574

Be Your Own Bartender at The James Hotels…

13 May

By Christabelle…

The James Hotel In Room Cocktail Experience

The James Hotel In Room Cocktail Experience

Traditionally, hotels have taken pride in offering services that let travelers sit back, relax, and enjoy. However, recently an increasing number of guests are seeking experiences where they can call the shots and create memories and skills that last long after their trip has ended. The James offers a new in-room mixology experience that goes far beyond the mini-bar and lets guests become expert mixologists in the privacy of their own suite. This is DIY, with a twist – literally!

Every room at The James is now equipped with all the supplies needed to create bespoke cocktails, including a pint glass printed with recipes crafted specifically for In-Room Mixology. Guests can order the In-Room Cocktail Experience as part of The James In-Room Dining menu and a perfectly proportioned set of liquors and ingredients will be delivered. In addition to the cost of liquor consumed from the Pantry, the tray of accoutrements is $28. Customization is what the experience is all about, and guests can choose whether they would like to prepare the drinks or watch and learn from an expert bartender for a private mixology lesson.

Guests can enjoy the following selection of drinks as part of the In-Room Experience:

  • Corpse Reviver 2 (Gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, Lemon)
  • The Marguerita (Tequila, Cointreau, Lime, Simple Syrup)
  • Old Havana (Rum, Simple Syrup, Lime, Bitters)
  • Blood & Sand (Bourbon, Cherry Heering, Sweet Vermouth, Orange)
  • Moscow Mule (Vodka, Lime, Ginger Ale, Bitters)

As part of the experience, guests can refer to a provided book, “American Bar,” with recipes for over 200 contemporary cocktail recipes, which is also available for purchase at the hotel for $35. Additionally for those who want to “mix outside the box,” the in-room bottles let guests bring their own imaginative cocktail creations to life.

The James takes the inspired mixed drinks of New York and Chicago’s nightlife scenes and brings them exclusively for guests to savor in the warmly modern rooms at the hotel. (The James Royal Palm also is set to open later this year in Miami, and this program will be offered there as well). Guests may not be able to take the bright lights of these cities home with them, but they can savor some of their after-hours specialties again and again once they’ve enjoyed the In-Room Cocktail Experience.

Get Your Drink ON at W Los Angeles…

22 Sep

By Christabelle…

Now that the Fall season is officially here, it’s time to put down those summer cocktails and look forward to the new fall/winter cocktail menu at the W Los Angeles – Westwood hotel.  www.wlosangeles.com

Stephanie Sanders  – corporate mixologist for the hotel’s NINETHIRTY and The Backyard restaurants — has created some delicious new cocktails for fall, including  the “Warm & Fuzzy”, “Sugar & Spice”, “Berry Caliente” and “Caprese Diamante”.  These will be offered on THE ICE BAR menu as part of the hotel’s signature ice rink experience, “CHILL” which opens mid-November.  Even though W Los Angeles – Westwood is located in sunny Southern California, hotel guests and LA locals alike can still enjoy the seasonal Holiday spirit with these delicious cold-weather cocktails!

The Ice Bar Cocktails:

Sugar & Spice + Everything Nice
Apple & Cinnamon infused bourbon combined with a touch of sweet vermouth

Backyard Secret Nog
Stephanie’s secret recipe…believe us, it’s wonderful!

Warm & Fuzzy
Warmed Milk with a touch of Disaronna Amaretto and Cinnamon

Berry Caliente
Combine Hanger One chipotle vodka, Hanger One raspberry vodka, and a little lemon with a chili-sugar rim for new way to stay warm!

Caprese Diamante
Elmer T Lee, honey, basil, blood orange and black pepper

Happy Cocktail-ing :)

The Greeks in Chi-Town…

27 Apr

By Christabelle the Greek…

For wine-lovers, escaping to Greece is now as easy as a trip to Chicago and Avli Estiatorio.  The contemporary Greek restaurant features the most extensive Greek wine list of any restaurant in the Midwest.  Avli lets you tour all the regions of Greece with an impressive list of over 115 authentic Greek wines. With bottles ranging from $20 to $100, everyone has a chance to accent their meal with a savory wine. A more expensive specialty reserve wine list is also available upon request for wine connoisseurs and those who are looking to further enhance their dining experience. This list boasts wines from my dad’s island of Samos (as in where he grew up – not as in my own private island…)

“We carry a number of wines that you won’t be able to find anywhere else in America,” says owner, Loui Alexakis.  “In addition to the roditis and retsinas that most people think of when it comes to Greek wine, our wine list features bottles from Paros, Cephalonia, Santorini and more.” Starting in May, Monday’s will feature wine flights for $10 with either 3 half glasses of white wines from the island of Santorini or 3 half glasses of red wines from the Nemea region.

The North Shore restaurant is the only Greek restaurant in the state of Illinois to be honored with a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.  This prestigious national award recognizes restaurants whose wine lists appeal to a wide range of wine lovers, offer interesting selections and are appropriate to their cuisine.

Heading to Chicago? Stop by Avli Estiatorio and tell them Christabelle says “Yiasou!”

About Avli Estiatorio

Located in Winnetka on Chicago’s beautiful North Shore, Avli Estiatorio prides itself on serving both authentic and innovative Greek cuisine in a fresh, relaxing atmosphere. The beautifully secluded outdoor patio space lends itself perfectly to enjoying a glass or two of vino – Avli’s extensive Greek-only wine list received a 2010 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence – paired with their incredible Mediterranean menu options. Avli was named one of the Best New Restaurants in 2009 by Northshore Magazine and has received a 4.5 star review from Make it Better Magazine. Whether it’s a large family gathering or a quiet dinner for two, a meal at Avli Estiatorio is as close to Greece in Chicago as you’ll get without a plane ticket. Avli is located at 566 Chestnut in Winnetka, Illinois, and can be reached at 847.446.9300 or online at http://www.avli.us.

Get your caffeine fix ON in NYC…

13 Apr

By Christabelle…

Krups USA announced today the winners of the “KRUPS Cup O’ Joe Awards.” Discovering the locals’ favorite coffee shops in each of NYC’s five boroughs and beyond, Krups USA polled 250 coffee-toting New Yorkers on the streets of each borough to discover their picks for the city’s best sips. Additionally, Krups surveyed coffee fans in the biggest cities across the country, discovering local favorites from Boston to Chicago to Miami to Los Angeles.

“New York is a coffee-lovers paradise, but with every other bodega boasting the ‘Best Coffee in NYC,’ caffeine-craving visitors and locals alike could be missing out on the best brews right inside their borough!” said Meagan Bradley, Marketing Director at KRUPS. “We’re so thrilled to have unearthed some lesser known local establishments across the country, showing that even the little guys can brew up some big flavors.”

And the winners are…

Manhattan’s MUDTruck – This bright orange East Village landmark was the city’s first gourmet coffee truck, and has been pumping out explosively strong coffee since 2001. Their three proprietary blends are Rainforest Alliance Certified, and fans that can’t chase down the truck can stop by their brick and mortar MUDSpot at 307 East 9th Street.

Brooklyn’s Gimme! Coffee – Opened in 2003, this extension of a young coffee chain from Ithaca, NY brought the talents of Master Roaster John Gant to Brooklyn, and now features a wide variety of triple ristretto espresso shots and daily blends from beans roasted at Gimme’s upstate facility for maximum freshness. (495 Lorimer St, Williamsburg)

The Bronx’s Beans and Berries – You’ll have to bypass the big box coffee chains to get to Beans and Berries, one of the only local coffee shops in the Bronx. Here, eye-opening French press coffee is served up cheap, and has been a respite for java-deprived locals. (2038 Eastchester Rd, Bronx)

Staten Island’s Java Den – Serving up piping hot coffees and espresso drinks made by the husband and wife team, stop by for the local favorite hot White Mocha, and swap out some old reads for new ones at their “Take One Leave One” bookshelf. (3135 Victory Blvd, Staten Island)

Queens’ Sweetleaf – The only purveyor in Queens of Stumptown beans, the independent Portland roasters that “revolutionized the coffee business,” Queen’s Sweetleaf churns out robust fair-trade coffee and espresso drinks, even imprinting foamy selections with a signature leaf design. (10-93 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, Queens)

In addition to scouring the streets of New York, KRUPS representatives polled coffee aficionados from across the country through customer mailers, street teams and social media pages, picking the top spots for your cross country caffeine fix below:

  • Los Angeles, CA – Groundwork Coffee Co. (numerous locations in Southern CA)
  • Seattle, WA – Monorail Espresso (520 Pike St)
  • Miami, FL – News Café (800 Ocean Dr.)
  • Chicago, IL – Metropolis Coffee Co. (1039 West Granville Avenue)
  • Boston – Barismo (169 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington)
  • Philadelphia – Spruce Street Espresso (1101 Spruce St)
  • Dallas – White Rock Coffee (10105 E Northwest Hwy)
  • San Francisco – Blue Bottle Coffee Co. (locations throughout SF and Oakland)
  • Atlanta – Dancing Goats Café (419 W. Ponce De Leon, Decatur)
  • Washington, D.C. – M.E. Swing Co. (1702 G Street N.W.)
  • Noteworthy National Retailer – Peet’s Coffee & Tea – Known for its strong, dark roasted coffee, Peet’s has been expanding rapidly since opening their original Berkeley, CA outpost in 1966.

About Krups USA

Precision and unwavering performance uniquely define the philosophy of KRUPS, established in 1847 in Germany by Robert Krups. The company first introduced high-grade rotary and spring scales; then with the introduction of electricity, the brand shifted focus and a century later established itself as a world leader in coffee machines, espresso machines, and a wide range of other appliances. The KRUPS heritage of German engineering combines functional, yet rigorous design with technical perfection. Built for those who continuously seek new experiences and take pleasure in understanding how things are done, KRUPS’ passion for perfection is apparent. Its range of products provides the tools necessary to deliver the highest taste results every time. KRUPS is inspired by experts and demanding consumers with uncompromising standards of genuine performance and quality. For more information, visit http://www.krupsusa.com/ or www.facebook.com/krupsusa

Cocktail of the Week: Its just EFFEN good…

8 Apr

By Christabelle…

I try to be lady like as often as I can…keeping the truck driver, potty mouth for my  road rage infused trips out to the Hamptons on the L.I.E (if you have ever done this…you know exactly what I am talking about). But I had to drop an “F” bomb with this one…because it was just THAT EFFEN GOOD (yes, folks,  that is a play on words).

EFFEN® Cucumber Vodka

EFFEN Vodka is a super-premium vodka whose name means smooth, even and balanced in Dutch.  It is made from a modified, century-old Dutch recipe featuring premium wheat.  Most vodkas are produced from grapes, potatoes or corn, however it’s the wheat used to make EFFEN which creates it’s smooth taste on the palette.

Makes these super-licious cocktails, and sip generously at sunset with a hottie by your side.

EFFEN® Cucumber Coconut Palm
1½ parts EFFEN® Cucumber Vodka
1½ parts Coconut Water
1 Small Kiwi or Half of a Large Kiwi, peeled
¾ parts Lemon Juice
¾ parts Simple Syrup

Method: Combine ingredients, squeezing or muddling the kiwi, into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. Strain and pour into a tall glass with ice.

EFFEN® Cucumber Basil Temptress
1 ½ parts EFFEN® Cucumber Vodka
¾ parts simple syrup
3 leaves of Basil
1 ½ parts club soda

Method: Combine all ingredients, except club soda, to a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain it into a tall glass with ice. Add club soda and garnish with cucumber and basil leaf.

(21+ – please drink responsibly)

A New Juice Bar is Born in Brooklyn!

2 Apr

By Christabelle…

Get your juice on with Healthy Blendz on Glenwood Road in Brooklyn (between Nostrand and Flatbush Avenues).

All of the juice blends are not only delicious and nutritious – they are  made from fresh organic fruits and veggies.  Organic Coffee, teas and also Bubble Tea will be on the menu…everything and anything to quench your thirst.

For a light take out lunch, or even dinner, steamed vegatables and seafood (ie Shrimps, Fish, Mussles, King Crab Legs etc.) will be added very soon.  So stop by often and tell them Christabelle sent you!

The nearest subway line is the 2 and 5 to Flatbush avenue (Brooklyn College), the last stop.

 

COCKTAIL OF THE WEEK: Kahlúa Espresso Martini

1 Apr

By Christabelle…

With spring here , it’s time to stow away the mulled spices and the hot chocolate and converse with friends and loved ones over a springtime drink! Invite your friends over for Sunday brunch and treat the whole gang to yummy afternoon cocktails with Kahlúa that are sure to bring a smiles to the entire room.

Originating in Veracruz, Mexico in 1936, Kahlúa has become the number one selling coffee liqueur in the world. Relying on two of the region’s finest ingredients—sugarcane and 100% Arabica coffee—the resulting flavor is as rich and distinct as the vibrant, multicultural region from which it comes.

It is 5PM SOMEWHERE!

Kahlúa Espresso Martini

Ingredients:

1.5 parts Kahlúa
1 part ABSOLUT VODKA
1 fresh brewed espresso

How to mix it: Fill a shaker with ice, add Kahlúa, ABSOLUT VODKA and a fresh brewed espresso. Shake vigorously, and strain into a chilled martini glass.

(21+ – please drink responsibly)

COCKTAIL OF THE WEEK: Mai Kind of Tai with Leblon

25 Mar

By Christabelle…

The first day of Spring just passed us, our days are warmer and longer, our thirst is, well…thirstier. Time to get prepared for sunset drinks and rooftop cocktails and what better to start off the sunny weather season with a bang? Leblon Caipirinha…but of course!

The Caipirinha is the national cocktail from Brazil. Made from fresh lime, muddled with natural sugar, and mixed with Cachaça and ice, the Caipirinha is a cultural classic. The classic Caipirinha is made with fresh lime. Or, make a Fresh Fruit Caipirinha with your favorite in-season fresh fruit, such as pineapple, raspberries, watermelon, or tangerines. Add herbs such as mint, cilantro, or basil for a unique twist. Or a dash of red pepper…

Caipirinha of the Month

Mai Kind of Tai

  • 8 oz Leblon
  • 4 oz pineapple juice
  • 4 oz orange juice
  • 2 oz Triple Sec
  • splash of grenadine
  • 10 chunks of fresh pineapple
    Muddle fresh pineapple in a carafe. Add ice, Leblon, triple sec, pineapple juice, orange juice and splash of grenadine. Stir very well, pour into a Leblon Carafe and serve on the rocks. Garnish with some fresh pineapples inside
    Simply delicious and refreshing! Perfect for a long day at the Rooftop pool.

(21+ – please drink responsibly).

A Cool Factor in Midtown NYC…Andaz 5th Avenue Bar

22 Mar

By Christabelle…

When I think of 5th Avenue in midtown, I think of shopping, the diamond district, Rockefeller Center and tourists. I don’t think – killer location to hang out and have drinks and dinner. Let me stand corrected. For I stumbled across a cellar bar that not only has the “cool” factor of a downtown lounge with amazing cuisine, but an attentive staff and a crowd that is more than pleasing to the eye.

The Bar at Andaz 5th Avenue

Upon entering the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel, I felt a tiny bit like I was on a secret mission. The doors looked as though they were quite supposed to open and the long staircase down to “the bar” didn’t openly cry out HERE I AM. I like that.  I thought for a moment I was going to need a secret knock, password and handshake to enter the premises.  Not the case and for as posh as it looks, “the bar” is actually has classy, laid back ambiance.

The Andaz 5th Avenue bar serves small-batch liquors and a carefully curated selection of wines by the glass. Bar staff is comprised of individuals with a natural ability to play the bon vivant host as well as appreciate the shape of a single rough-hewn, hand cut ice cube in traditional whisky service. Two oversized, 14-foot Claro Walnut wood slabs serve as the stations helmed by the expert bartenders serving beer, wine, and delicious handcrafted cocktails.

An open kitchen serves small sharing plates and allows guests to be part of the action as they engage and socialize with the bar’s chefs. Featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms such as Bo-Bo’s Farms Organic Chicken, Meili Farms, Niman Ranch and Steve Connelly’s Dayboat; the bar gives guests a unique culinary experience. Signature dishes created by Executive Chef Roberto Alicea include Stuffed Peppers with Chicken, Olive Oil and Cilantro; Shrimp a la Plancha with Garlic, Lemon Peel, Peppers and Herbs; and Roasted Pork Shoulder with Black Kale, Raisins and Orange Peel.  An assortment of locally sourced cheeses and homemade ice creams are also available.

Convivial, social spaces for cocktails and conversations come in many forms at the Andaz cellar bar. Guests can choose to gather on the warm, comfortable, pin-tucked, amber couch near the candle-lit mock fire.  Alternatively, two 120-year old gigantic cuts of Claro wood act as a sturdy bar where cocktail connoisseurs can be close to the culinary and cocktail action. In addition to the genial space located near the bar and kitchen, guests can find plenty of nooks for quiet conversation in banquette seating that lines the bar.  The most unique space to enjoy the bar’s cocktails and cuisine is at one of the six centrally located communal dark wood tables.  An evening that starts with just two can turn into a memorable night with many new friends.

A “no reservations” policy underscores the unfussy philosophy, allowing a quick handcrafted cocktail to turn into a full tête-à-tête over a shared late-night dinner.  To provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and enjoyable for all who visit the bar, hosts will accommodate only the number of seats available at the time. I cannot recommend the ANDAZ CELLAR BAR ENOUGH!

A PLUS: The empanadas ROCK (but gives  you garlic breath for days and WELL WORTH IT, might add).

A MINUS: Your drinks (water and wine) come in what I can only describe as a shot glass. One swig of a beverage and your drink is gone. Staff, however, is excellent at re-filling (if you don’t beat them to it).

The bar in the cellar is open daily from 5 pm until late.  For more information, check out www.andaz5thavenue.com or call 212.601.1234.

Cocktail of the Week: Pink Palace Featuring Chambord

18 Mar

By Christabelle…

So perhaps I just really love Chambord because it is pink, but with distinct qualities and a taste that dances on my tongue – who wouldn’t love it?  Chambord Flavored Vodka is the result of fine ingredients and a delicate process that forms a perfect balance of premium quality French vodka and extraordinary black raspberry flavor captured in the unforgettable orbshaped bottle.
Taste: Hints of vanilla, white chocolate, honey and floral notes provide a sense
of depth and complexity.
Finish: Creamy with a subtle sweet raspberry that is almost liqueur-like.
ABV: 16.5% -23 %
Suggested Retail: $24.99

Now you can create our cocktail of the week in your very own home…Introducing Pink Palace:

Pink Palace
3/4 oz CHAMBORD® Flavored Vodka
3/4 oz CHAMBORD Liqueur
2 oz lemonade
1 oz cranberry juice
Squeeze of lemon

Method: Combine ingredients over ice, shake and pour into a tall glass.  Garnish with a black raspberry. SMILE BIG (21+ – please drink responsibly).

 

christina carathanassisLike this post below...

 

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