Rally Gin

So, The confluence of three events has found me enjoying October a bit more than usual:

1. I recently parted company with the start-up I joined in January this year (a.k.a. - I am unemployed).
2. The Royals are in the post season for the second year in a row.
3. Local distillery J. Rieger & Co. has released Midwestern Dry Gin

Free of the daily pressure of being a productive member of society means I have more time to enjoy 2 & 3 above. As luck would have it I have also found a way to effectively combine them as well.

If You Mix It, They Will Come (and Drink This Corny, Championship Cocktail)

Caitlin Corcoran and her award winning cocktail.

Last weekend Port Fonda's Caitlin Corcoran took first place in the annual Paris of the Plains Bartending Competition. I won't feign surprise that a woman won a competition that is overrepresented by men as I've learned that some of the very best bartenders in this city hail from the fairer sex.

While I wouldn't call myself a regular, I have been hanging out at Caitlin's bar for as long as she's been there and have always been a fan. Creativity, consistency, and respect for the drink. A real charmer too.

The Art of Eating and Drinking at the Prairie Village Art Fair - 2014 Edition

I may not be able to define art, but I know it when I see it. I also know a good time when it's staring me in the face and the Prairie Village Art Fair is just that. This annual event takes place this weekend and as it's practically in my backyard I thought I'd share some eating and drinking information to help make it worth your while.

Foodwise this art fair has come a long way. Not only do you have nationally acclaimed French bistro Cafe Provence (previous review) right in the middle of the action but add to that Story (2013 James Beard semi-finalist chef; Food & Wine magazine's 2013 winner for The People's Best New Chef: Midwest), Tavern in the Village (locals love this place), and STANDEES (bar/restaurant/movie theater).

This year it looks like sangria may actually outnumber baby strollers. I think everyone is selling their version of this wonderful summer drink. If you try a couple think about posting your favorite in the comments section at the bottom of this post.

Information below was provided by the establishments themselves (with a couple of comments added from me). Unless noted below, restaurants will be cash-only for outside, patio, and tent purchases.

Beyond Cocktails: Beertails vs. Winetails

I recently posted about the Paris of the Plains Cocktail Festival held in Kansas City a couple of weeks ago. One of the highlights of this five-day event was a very special dinner held at The American Restaurant. The theme was "Beertails vs. Winetails" and I was pretty intrigued by the invite (see below).

First of all, I had been looking for a good excuse to visit The American and try out new Executive Chef Michael Corvino's craftwork. Corvino is the latest in an impressive list of executive chef's at this storied Kansas City icon that includes James Beard Award winners Debbie Gold, Michael Smith, and Celina Tio. Corvino's menu for this event was a hybrid of items from his new dinner menu as well as a few courses designed specifically for this meal. Seeing items from the standard dinner menu was a nice surprise as it's not unusual for restaurants to simplify menu items when hosting a banquet-style event. A copy of our menu is below. None of the courses disappointed and the Cold Poached Lobster and Slow Roasted Pig were (IMHO) stellar.

Paris of the Plains Cocktail Festival 2013 - Bartending Competition

True story: Back in college and on one of the many occasions I was short on cash I had the bright idea to place a classified ad in the local paper (people, this was pre-internet) offering my bartending services for private parties. My qualifications for this service? Less than zero. Not only was I underage, but I had never mixed anything more complicated than a Screwdriver in my life. The foibles of youth. Anyway, someone actually calls me and I get a gig at some random, newly minted dentist's birthday party. I tried to memorize some cocktail recipes beforehand but ultimately wound up winging it all night long. I learned many things that night. Among them:

Sofa King: Earthy - "Morel Dilemma" Cocktail

Morel Dilemma

A recent business trip to Sacramento found me downtown looking for a place to entertain customers. I landed at Ella Dining Room and Bar. Great food, drinks and service. Highly recommended. If you like a little theater while you eat I recommend a seat at one of the two (large) chef's tables. Good times.

This post is not about my meal, but rather it is about a single cocktail that I ordered at the end of the meal. Pictured here, it's called the "Morel Dilemma" - Candy Cap Mushroom Infused Bourbon, Morel Syrup, Artichoke Amaro, Black Truffle.

I love Bourbon. I love morel mushrooms. I've never tried loving them at the same time however. Here was my chance.

Drink This: Prohibition Presidente at The Drum Room

Wandered into The Drum Room bar (in the President Hotel) after a dinner at nearby Webster House Saturday night. Our group of four needed a spot to have a drink or two and finish an evening of stories and laughs. The ladies ordered wine from a respectable list while the gents opted for cocktails. Like so many bars with handcrafted cocktails the list is populated with riffs on old standards tricked up with fresh ingredients and clever names. Befitting a bar in The President Hotel, many of their drinks have names that nod to former American Presidents. We started with Ford's Bramble Tonic ($8.50)  Billed as "President's Ford's Favorite" this was a mix of Pinckney Gin, Lemon Juice, Tonic, Homemade Tonic Syrup and Fresh Blackberries. Solid drink. No complaints.