Quarantine Chronicles: A Classic Affair

My relationship with the Martini is a new love affair. It was just a libation I wasn’t interested in, no matter how good Bond looked drinking one. I am also not a fan of gin. Gin is my kryptonite. So as much as I wanted to put on my kitten heeled slippers and silk robe and sip the night away, I preferred to put on my stilettos and slip dress and drink Cosmos instead. Forgive me. I was young and naive.

I drank my first Martini in New York. It was 2008 at Clinton St. Baking Co., they had the best burgers, and I saw that there was a Lavender Martini available for consumption. Not a classic martini by any means, but it created a pathway that would lead up to evenings with the ladies, leaning on rich Mahogany bars and savoring every single vodka soaked olive with pure delight. I like them filthy and with Vodka, sometimes with a twist and most times with three olives. There is something sophisticated about drinking a martini, sounds ridiculous, but when I’m sipping on a martini I’m transported to me in the 1920s, boa and fringe intact. There’s no other drink besides a Manhattan and a French 75 that makes me swirl in nostalgia this way.

It has made rank in my top five libations of all time. I prefer a lavender one simply because I love the taste and smell of the herb. So to celebrate National Martini Day, here’s a great recipe for an old favorite. Whether it’s shaken or stirred, dry or dirty, there is no denying the martini has an established place in our American cocktail history.

Lavender Martini Recipe
From Food & Wine

Serves : makes 1 drink

Ingredients

• Ice

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka, you can add vanilla vodka for a sweeter taste

• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 ounce Lavender Syrup

• 1 fresh lavender sprig

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, lemon juice and Lavender Syrup and shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with the lavender sprig. BOOM! Refreshingly delicious!

My Top Martini Spots in Town

• The Jasper

• TJ’s at The Jefferson

• Heritage
  

Wine All About It!

My love affair with wine started in the 90s I believe. I decided in my early twenties, that Maddog 20/20 and Strawberry Boon’s Farm was probably not the most sophisticated of indulgences. Once you start working in reputable restaurants, it’s almost a given that learning about wine is better than standing in front of a table, eyes towards the sky wondering if you actually know which wine you carry is the driest. Not a good look.

I fell in love with Cabs initially then I discovered the dark seductions of Tempranillo, Grenache, and Malbec. It’s the one beverage I consistently drink throughout the year and if it’s good enough for Jesus to prefer it to water, then it can’t be so bad! I have had some luscious wines in RVA and it seems only right that I share these experiences with you. Here’s the thing with wine, you have to try different ones to find what’s going to satisfy your palate, any good server or bartender will steer you in the right direction. Celebrate with me on the 18th of February and toast to good times…genuwine times.

These places have some of the most delicious wine choices.

• Secco, wide range and ask about their “secret stash”

• Brenner Pass, I’m a huge fan of discovering Lagrein here and their Nebbiolo is divine, their house wines are also something to sniff at!

• Adarra, if you are a fan of big Spanish reds, this is your spot, love their varieties.

• Heritage, Pignataro Negroamaro and the Raina Grechetto Umbria for you “orange” wine drinkers!

• La Grotta, I mean Italian food and Wine is divine! Seriously, this wine list is impressive.

• Shagbark, Wine Director, Rodney Rosser knows his grapes. They have an excellent bottle selection and there’s something for everyone there.

If you are looking to do some sipping at home, my favorite place to get wine is at Once Upon A Vine in Northside. They know their stuff there and every recommendation I get there is great, not to mention affordable! Here are a few that Pete Gariazzo (Once Upon) recommends:

Rosé

• Atlantique Rosé

• Guilhem Rosé 

• Eulalie Rosé

  
  Sparkling

• Aubert et fils

• Moet Chandon Brut

• Monteliana Prosecco

Reds

• Fableist Cabernet

• Mascarelli Montepulciano 

• Leese Fitch Pinot Noir (one of my faves)

Whites

• Federalist Chardonnay 

• Matua Sauvignon Blanc 

• Ca'lunghetta Pinot Grigio

Enjoy! Don’t forget to drink local and cap off your day today with a nice glass or two. Who needs the glass, it already comes in one!