Pimm's Cup, First Floor

The First Floor is located in the Notting Hill neighborhood of London. It's on the street where  Portabello Market takes place. On this crowded and dreary Saturday morning, the First Floor was a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of Portabello Market. It was literally jammed with wall to wall people trying to walk in both directions in no orderly fashion. It took me 20 minutes to walk 2 blocks just to get to the restaurant. First Floor's website perfectly depicts the walk up to the restaurant. Per their website, "Walk up to the top floor and you enter an unexpected fairy tale world where gothic meets baroque."

The Pimm's is a bountiful gift from a garden cocktail with Pimm's. It satiate's your thirst and calms your nerves after a harrowing escape from the Portabello Market crowd. Just when the Pimm's arrived, the sun came out. I was so fortunate to capture this photo in that moment. No trip to the United Kingdom is complete without having some Pimm's! It's fruit salad in a glass.

For those stateside, the first floor in the UK is actually the 2nd floor to us. The Ground Floor (aka first floor for Americans) has a wonderful bar which per their website has "a kicking cocktail list, specialty tequilas and bourbons". I wanted to grab a drink their post-lunch, but I had a tourist schedule to adhere to. When I return to London for another visit, I will definitely be going to the Ground Floor to quench my thirst.

Brit Week 2012 continues!

The Skinny
lunch, dinner,
http://www.firstfloorportobello.co.uk/
Pimm's,  £4.75 ($7.67)

A big thank you to my British born interior designer friend who suggested that I go to the First Floor. Check out her blog and website for some British inspiration.

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El Diablo, Churchill

Churchill is located in the Castro/Market neighborhood of San Francisco. I've been wanting to try the cocktails at this bar since it first opened. But, I just haven't had the chance. I am so glad I finally did! The El Diablo is a colorful cocktail made with tequila, creme de cassis, lime juice and ginger. My research companion loved how the cocktail was served in a mason jar. Beware, it's easy to guzzle this refreshing cocktail quickly.

On a side note, I love how their website has pictures of their seasonal cocktails to tempt you to come and try them. Yet another place with so many cocktails to try. Which one next?

The Skinny
Bar, open daily 4pm-2am. Happy hour daily until 7pm.
http://churchillsf.com/
El Diablo, $9

Other Churchill drinks

Farewell to Arms
Jalapeno Business
Homefront

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Aromatic Randez Vous, Artesian

The Artesian Bar is located in the Langham Hotel just off of Oxford and Regent Streets in Central London, United Kingdom. I lived, worked and played in London for five years, ages ago. It was my first time back to the UK since I left. This time I went for more play than work. I was told by friends that the Artesian Bar serves the best cocktails in London. I absolutely agree. Every single drink I ordered was carefully crafted for taste and presentation. They make sure all the garnishes are edible too. If you have read my previous gin entries, you should know that I'm not a gin drinker. That's why I found it strange that I decided to order the Aromatic Randez Vous since it's a gin based drink. I ordered this multi-layered cocktail for all the herbs in the drink.  Simply AMAZING! I admit, I am now a converted gin lover.

From their cocktail menu:"Aromatic Randez Vouz - Hand selected aromatic and fresh botanicals such as coriander, tarragon; oregano and rosemary are muddled with fresh lime and shaken with G'vine, refined and sexy French gin. Served over ice and lengthened with Artesian sparkling water and garnished with apple blossom and jasmine flower. On the nose fresh jasmine blossom, on the palate sweet and spicy cardamom, rosemary and coriander with long floral finish. Simply delicious!"

I now know why the bar was awarded World's Best Cocktail Menu 2011 by Tales of the Cocktail.  The best thing about the cocktail menu for me, is how they map out the cocktails based on a flavor. It allowed me to automatically ignore the fruity and refreshing cocktails and focus more on the rich and vibrant cocktails.

Since it's currently Brit Week 2012 (April 24th to May 7th 2012), Happy Brit Week All! More London adventures soon.

The Skinny
Full bar with food
http://www.artesian-bar.co.uk/artesian.html
Aromatic Randez Vous, £14 converts to $22.57 (at 1.6124 usd/gbp of 4/24/2012). Yikes! Luckily, tax is already included in the drink price!

Other Artesian Drinks
Aromatic Randez Vous 
Summer in Paris 
Berry Foolies 
Cask My Thai
Silk Route
Oye Mi Canto
Artesian Punch

 

The leftover smooth spherical ball of ice which perfectly chilled my cocktail.

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International Mistress, Maven

Maven is located in the Lower Haight neighborhood of San Francisco. The menu at Maven is broken down into Distilled (cocktails), Plated (food) and Fermented (Wine). From the Distilled section, The International Mistress is mysterious cocktail with  amaro (Italian liqueur, means bitter), mezcal (Mexican oven cooked agave), lemon, orgeat(syrup made from almonds, sugar, and orange flower or rose water), and grapefruit. At first you notice a subtle smokiness from the mezcal. Then you wonder, what's the bubbly from?  I had to ask.  It's soda water. It's an intriguing cocktail that mesmerizes you.

The Skinny
Dinner 7 days a week, Full Bar
http://www.maven-sf.com/
International Mistress, $11

Other Maven drinks
5 Spot

By the way, if you like decor, I found the red pendants stunning in the dark lit room.

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El Verdad Amaro, Hotsy Totsy Cub

Hotsy Totsy Club is located in the city of Albany which is across the bay from San Francisco. El Verdad Amaro is an exquisite and spirited libation of Revolucion 100 proof tequila, Campari, Gran Classico and aztec bitters. I wanted to order another one because it was so delicious. But with a drink with truth (verdad translation from Spanish) in it's name, the serum worked and made me realize that it wouldn't be a wise idea given the need to get back across the bay.

Camper English just wrote an article for the San Francisco Chronicle East Bay sees cocktail bar rennaisance, including Hotsy Totsy Club.  I absolutely agree and can't wait to return to Hotsy Totsy!

The Skinny

Food available from Taco truck in the parking lot
http://www.hotsytotsyclub.com/

Other Hotsy Totsy Club drinks:
Mexican Velvet

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Divya, DOSA

Dosa has two locations (Fillmore and Mission districts) in San Francisco. Both locations serve South Indian cuisine and have delicious "Spice Route Cocktails". Whenever I go to either location, I always have a difficult time choosing a cocktail because every single one intrigues you. The Divya is a tempting tropical libation with Ciroc coconut Vodka, spiced pineapple nectar, and applejack brandy served over ice. The pineapple garnish completes the vision of sipping a cocktail on a beach.

Divya is a Hindu first name(divine) but also has Urban Dictionary definitions as angelic, heavenly, and coolest of the cool.  Whichever definition is used, this drink is "coolest of the cool divine".

The Skinny
Lunch (Wed-Fri), Dinner 7 nights, happy hour (Mon-Thu), full bar
http://dosasf.com/fillmore_home.htm
Divya, $11

Other Dosa drinks
Peony

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Diablito, Zero Zero

Zero Zero is located in the South of Market(SOMA) neighborhood of San Francisco. It is equally hard to figure out what cocktail to drink as it is what food to eat because everything sounds so good! The Diablito is a potion made with blood lime infused tequila, Aperol, pineapple, chili and ginger beer. The well chosen name, Diablito, in Spanish, translates to Little Devil. It's a little sweet and a little spicy. The ginger beer gives the right amount of spicy kick and bubbles. When the drink arrived, it reminded one of my companions of a devil foaming at the mouth.

The Skinny
Lunch and dinner 7 days a week
http://www.zerozerosf.com/
Diablito, $12

Other Zero Zero drinks
Torosian Heat

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Amargo Brulee, Reed and Greenough

Reed and Greenough is located in the Marina district of San Francisco. The Amargo Brulee is a delicious concoction of Campari, Fortaleza Anejo, lime juice, blood orange, and egg white. They ran out of blood orange and had to substitute with tangerines on the day I went. The finishing touch for this drink is the torch just like Reed and Greenough's Pisco Brulee (see the Pisco page for a picture of the brulee process). I initially thought the drink would be sweeter with the tangerine, but it wasn't. I would love to see how the color of this drink changes with blood orange. I'll just have to wait for my next visit, which I hope is soon.

I went during happy hour with a wine loving friend who took advantage of the $5 happy hour Sauvignon Blanc. 

The Skinny
Daily 5pm to midnight, happy hour
Reed and Greenough
Amargo Brulee, $11

Pics from other visits:
Pisco Brulee

Other pics from this visit:

Cheese Plate

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Venetian Coast, Locanda

Locanda is an Italian restaurant located in the Mission District of San Francisco.  While the cuisine is inspired by the region of Rome, the cocktails are inspired by the Italian culture or other regions with drink names like Nonna del Diavolo (Grandmother of the Devil), Ciociaria (unbordered region in Central Italy) and Bellezza Rossa (Red Beauty). I chose the the Venetian Coast cocktail which is a colorful combination of tequila, luxardo bitters, agave, cucumber and lemon. With a beautiful salmon hue and the agave, you'd think it's sweet. The lemon and the bitters make sure it's not. It's simply delicious and refreshing! I will plan better for my next visit so I can try either the Negroni Flight or the Old Fashioned Flight for $20 each.

The Skinny
Dinner daily
http://www.locandasf.com/
Venetian Coast, $10

Other pictures from the visit:

Foccacia

Fried Olives, $6

 Cuscini with gulf shrimp and burrata, $18

 Bucatini all' Amatriciana, $16

 Rigatoni alla Carbonara, $15

Piedmonte Punch, $10

 Affogato (without the amaro), $11

Warm Chocolate Cake, $9

 Repurposed tealight holder

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Promissory Note, Alembic

The Alembic is located in the Haight Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco. The two sections of the cocktail menu, The Canon and New School, are such an entertaining read. Since tequila has lately been my spirit of choice for cocktails, I quickly skimmed through the menu. I first ordered the Love in Vain cocktail from the New School section. But I was quickly disappointed when the bartender said that they are no longer serving that drink and another one (the Poop Deck). So my eyes wandered up to the Promissory Note which I saw had tequila. Since I had only glanced at the menu, I was surprised when I took my first sip.  In my quick read, I didn't notice the other ingredients of dry vermouth, canton ginger, honey and absinthe. Wow, simply amazing.

The fun description for the Promissory Note in the Alembic menu, "In these economic hard times, everyone needs a little bailout. we’ve concocted a little stimulus package to help you throw caution to the wind. reposado tequila, dry vermouth, canton ginger liqueur with a touch of honey and a dash of absinthe ought to do the trick. go ahead, put it on your card. but remember, payback is a,well, you know."
If you like tequila and aren't afraid of absinthe, this drink will intrigue you.
Sure hope no one needs a real Promissory Note on Tax Day!

The Skinny
Lunch and dinner
http://www.alembicbar.com/
Promissory Note, $11


Other Alembic Drinks
Last Caress
Southern Exposure
Mint Julep

Other pics from the visit:

Side view of the Promissory Note (love the glass)

Sumac potato chips with lemon-garlic yogurt and zataar, $5

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Lt. Col. Marcos Pontes, Coco500

Coco500 is located in the SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco.  Their cocktail menu is split into the "Originals", the "Classics" and the "Sober" sections.  I chose The Lt. Col. Marcos Pontes from the "Originals" section which is a delicious concoction of cachaca, kumquat, lemon and orange.  If you are as fortunate as I was to have my cocktails for the evening made by Miss Elaine, you get to know a little bit more about the drink.  It's Coco500's spin on the caipirinha. I applauded Miss Elaine for the outstanding twist on the classic cocktail.  She advised me to beware of the cocktail, even with the citrus tones and tartness, it's a strong drink.  Strong and delicious, my kind of drink.  It packs a punch and worthy of launching one into space!

The Skinny
Lunch (Mon-Fri) and dinner(Monday to Saturday), full bar and happy hour
http://www.coco500.com/
Lt. Col Marcos Pontes, $10

Other drink pictures from Coco500
Hot Lips

Other pictures from this visit:

The Whole Fish (Dorade), A.Q.

The Catch (scallops and butter beans), A.Q.

Spaghetti, manila clams, chorizo, white wine, garlic, $18

Nojito (non-alcoholic)

Non-commital dessert, peanut butter cups, $3

Non-commital dessert, frozen chocolate dipped banana, $3

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Shiso Bomb, Alexander's Steakhouse

Alexander's Steakhouse in the SOMA district of San Francisco is an Asian inspired steakhouse which also has some cocktails that are Asian influenced.  Per the cocktail menu, the The Shiso Bomb is a mixture of "Hanger One Kaffir Lime - Fresh Lime - Brown Sugar Ginger - Shiso".  Shiso leaves are rich in calcium and iron. It's used in Japanese cooking to spice dishes and add color.  There are different varieties of Shiso: Green, Red and Korean. It's an Asian herb that's part of the mint family. The herb has hints of cinnamon (green) or anise(red). After reading all about shiso tonight, I will definitely order this well balanced "healthy" drink again.

Another plus to dinner at Alexanders are the amuse-bouche and palate cleansers. Before they serve dessert, Alexander's also brings freshly spun upscale cotton candy for the table to remind you of your inner kid.  All nice little touches for an exquisite meal.

Restaurant Specifics
Dinner 7 nights a week, Full Bar
http://www.alexanderssteakhouse.com/san_francisco.html
Shiso Bomb, $12

Other Alexander's Steakhouse Drinks

Other pictures from the visit

Le Village Blood Orange Soda, $6 per bottle (love the color)

Amuse Bouche with Ginger Beer foam and trout roe

Hamachi Shot, $12

Palate Cleanser Blood orange and cranberry

Early Spring Salad with asaparagus and fennel

Early Spring Salad after the pipette was used (so much fun!)

Dry Aged Ribeye

Wasabi butter, veal demi glace served on the side for the ribeye

10 oz Filet Mignon with Foie Gras Bordelaise

Side of Red Quinoa and Side of Asparagus with Hollandaise

Side of Truffle Fries

Rise and Shine 

Close up of the macaroons

Strawberry cotton candy

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Margaritas, Centrico

Centrico is located in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York City. Food Network's Aaron Sanchez is the chef at Centrico, a Mexican restaurant. The only cocktail to order at a Mexican restaurant is a margarita, but do I frozen, up or on the rocks? My dining companion and I decided on one frozen and one on the rocks. Both margaritas were delicious. The frozen Mango Margarita is made with fresh mango juice and tequila.  The Centrico Margarita is made with Sauza Hornitos Silver, agave nectar, and lime juice. Both drinks were on the tart side and strong. At first we were a bit surprised by the flavor...not sweet like a lot of places tend to make frozen drinks...but with the second sip I really started to like it!

Next visit, perhaps the Frozen Strawberry Caipirinka for $12, the Jala-Pina for $14, the Smokin' Rita with a float of mezcal for $19 or the Big Papi with the frida kahlo anejo and 100 year grand marnier for $27.  I just love when there are so many choices.  Perhaps with the next visit, I'll get a chance to meet Aaron and add him to my Meeting Celebrity Chefs album!

The Skinny
Monday-Sunday Dinner, Sunday brunch, full bar
http://www.myriadrestaurantgroup.com/centrico/
Frozen Mango Margarita, $12
Centrico Margarita, $13

Written in collaboration with a Drinks in the City New York correspondent.

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Deep South, Pican

Pican is located in downtown Oakland.  Per their website, they serve "California infused Southern Cuisine".  Besides an extensive bourbon list, the cocktail menu includes sections for Pican Signature Cocktails, Southern Twists and Classics.  I fancied a drink from the Southern Twist cocktail, the Deep South.  With Zappoan tequila, honey syrup, lemon juice and bitters, I felt like a kid at the county fair all over again.  This was definitely a gourmet lemonade spiked with top shelf tequila. I needed to squeeze the lemon garnish in the cocktail because it was a bit to sweet for my taste. This thirst quenching cocktail is a perfect medicine for a hot and humid southern day!

I can't wait to return to try more of their delicious Southern cuisine and to end the meal with one of the Specialty Hot Drinks like the Espresso Cocktail, Cafe Brulot, Coffee Nudge, Blue Blazer or the Black Ink.

Restaurant Specifics

Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week, Full bar

http://www.picanrestaurant.com/

Deep South, $10

Other drinks from Pican:

Stone Rye

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Peach Margarita, Ago

Ago, an Italian restaurant specializing in Tuscan cuisine, is located in the West Hollywood neighborhood in Los Angeles. The restaurant is a partnernship between Chef Agostino Sciandri and the actor Robert Deniro. Given my weakness for tequila, I ordered the Peach Margarita. With premium tequila, fresh peach puree, and lime, this drink is simply refreshing. I must admit, I asked for an additional lime just in case the peach was too sweet. With the squeeze of the lime, the cocktail was perfect.

The Skinny
Weekday lunch and dinner 7 nights a week, full bar
http://agorestaurant.com/
Peach Margarita, $12

More pictures from dinner:

Piccola Parmagiana (eggplant)

Cherry

Creme Brulee

Cannoli 

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