It can be difficult to create a new — and successful — coffee cocktail. Recently, I came across an attempt at San Diego’s Neighborhood in the Gaslamp Quarter. Neighborhood is an appealing, hipsterish pub with dark wood tables, a well-thought-out spirits and tap list, and plenty of classed up American comfort foods. It’s casual enough
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If you’re a longtime reader of the Gourmez, you’re familiar with my tenuous relationship with gin. The verdurous herbs, with that alcoholic kick, often prove too much for my palate. Last spring, on a visit to their Alameda distillery, I discovered St. George’s Terroir gin, only the second gin I’ve ever truly enjoyed (TOPO’s Piedmont
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Last week, I stumbled across this old familiar Christmas friend at the Trader Joe’s checkout line. And it reminded me that I’d made a prize-winning cocktail inspired by the chocolate orange just two holiday seasons ago. That was me enjoying the spoils of my victory. Frankly, I’m sure anyone could have won with this as
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The Orchard Manhattan Bijou, Hayward $11 The Orchard Manhattan is an original twist on the classic manhattan cocktail, though I’d say it’s closer to an old-fashioned, actually. It’s made with bourbon, apricot and walnut liqueurs, and black walnut and autumn-spiced bitters. I can’t tell you what the autumn spices are, but I can tell you
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The Wildfire Firehouse 37, San Ramon $10 This cocktail’s made with Templeton rye, Giffard vanilla liqueur, and bitters, a pretty straightforward combination. Cocktail shaking provides a lovely top layer of icy foam. The vanilla liqueur takes the edge off the rye whiskey, yet the cocktail avoids being overly sweet, which is a good thing. The
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I have a pair of cocktails to share with you today. Each features the trio of pisco, orange, and a Royal Rose simple syrup. As you may recall, Royal Rose sent me a sampler of their organic, small-batch syrups a while back (meaning it was free!). I’ve been slowly sharing new cocktail recipes that feature
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Jasper’s Corner Tap and Kitchen is an appealing Tenderloin escape from the crowds near Union Square in downtown San Francisco, especially if you’re in a drinking mood. The walls are a sleek gray with the occasional geometric patterns and letters embellished on them in shades of blue. Booths and tables are done in dark woods
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I tried this intriguing cocktail during my first show at the Great American Music Hall, which is an intimate space for a concert. Even the back of the venue doesn’t feel far removed from the musicians. Plus, the gorgeous architecture is worth a visit all on its own — if only they allowed SLRs into
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Bottle Cap is whimsical on the outside, full of bright shiny colors that pulled me in right away. Inside it’s just as mod-appealing — crazy art in bold colors adorned the walls, and the blue patterned tables made me smile. My table for 4 with a reservation was seated promptly. The menu is New American
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Poole’s Downtown Diner 426 McDowell Street Downtown Raleigh Website Entrees: $19-22 This highly praised foodie haven from Raleigh celebrity chef Ashley Christiansen was Number #1 on my must list for places to try before leaving the Triangle. And I am super glad I did. It’s a foodie haven for a reason. But I was surprised
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