Mapping Out My Cocktails

Posted by Tom Wark on Jan 19, 2011

In SAN FRANCISCO…my right drink is an OLD FASHIONED

In NEW ORLEANS…my drink is the SAZERAC

VEGAS…its all about CHAMPAGNE

PARIS…has always called to me with PASTIS

But NEW YORK…the Center of the Universe…it's all about the greatest cocktail there is: THE MANHATTAN.

I'm looking forward to moderating a panel on Millennials and Social Media at Vino 2011 in New York next week and seeing friends there and trying to understand the complex glory of Italian wines. But in all honesty, what I'm really looking forward too is sinking down into a comfortable cushioned chair with my Kathy next to me in well-appointed, quiet, luxurious New York bar and sipping on a Manhattan.

The epitome of this style of bar I like, where the style is actually made up of substance, the talk hushed, the drinks perfect, the chairs comfortable and the views around the room sumptuous and provocative, is the Campbell Apartment located in Grand Central Station. It's the perfect place for an afternoon cocktail when the place isn't filled. Here I'll take Kathy, we'll sit, have a cocktail, and plan something wonderful, and feel taken care off.

 This trip to New York, however, I need also to finally try the King Cole Bar at the St. Regis. This bar is supposed to be quite plush and it is said to be the location where the Bloody Mary was created. Over the past few years I've started to experiment with this drink, ordering it in a variety of settings. I'm not much of a vodka drinker, but it strikes me that the Bloody Mary isn't so much about the Vodka as it is about the mix. In any case, I'm sure I won't be able to bring myself to order a Bloody Mary here. Here too, we'll sample the Manhattan.