Last week, my boss treated us to the swanky Shangri-La Hotel for cocktail hour to thank us for a successful quarter end. The hotel 'bar' was more like a salon for the rich and fabulous with its decadent gold crown molding, crystal chandeliers and plush quilted couches. The clientele consisted of the upper crust of Paris elite who were casually nibbling on seasoned olives served on three prong toothpicks and fois gras tapas. You know, the norm.
Moving forward to my true reality of a futon and folding chairs; last night, I had some friends over for cocktail hour(s) to try to echo some of the creations I had shamelessly stolen from the hotel's menu. My friends Amid, Michelle and Phil were more than happy to come over and test my cocktail copying skills. For snacks, I put out warm blinis, creme fraiche and oeufs de truite (poor man's caviar) as an attempt to be fancy.
The cocktails didn't come out quite as polished and clean as they did when made by the professional elixir specialist at the hotel so I compensated presentation with adding more booze. It worked.
Here's what is giving me a Sunday morning hangover:
Le Suez
1 oz. Whiskey
1/2 oz. Fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoon honey
Garnish with Rosemary stalk
Le Marco Polo:
10 Leaves Basil
1 oz. Vodka
2 oz. Strawberry Juice
1/2 oz Lime juice
Muddle basil first, then add vodka and juices. Shake well and pour.
Here's what is curing said Sunday morning hangover:
L'Asian Bloody Mary: (I actually don't think this is the name...L'Asian? Doubtful.)
2 oz Vodka
3 oz Tomato Juice
2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
Sprinkle fresh ground pepper on top
Garnish with Celery stick
If it weren't for my break-up I wouldn't have had to find an apartment where I had to pay rent. If it weren't for my slightly over priced rent, I wouldn't have had to find a job to pay for it. If it weren't for a stressful financial quarter, I wouldn't have had to work so hard to get everything done under the wire. If I hadn't worked so hard, I wouldn't been rewarded with a trip to The Shangri-La Hotel and if it weren't for the Shangri-La I wouldn't have discovered these amazing drinks. Do I see a silver lining here? I think I do.
Cheers!
