Last night I attended a sneak peak called #cocktailcorner for Michael Mina's new Indian restaurant opening in San Francisco this summer called The Company Bar and Kitchen. Sommelier extraordinaire Rajat Parr and cocktail master Carlos Splendorino were there to share the concept and inspiration for the new gathering space opening on Steuart Street late summer. The team teased the guests with four cocktails and three bites. We were all excited about each of the cocktails and each bite.
Cocktail #1 - Summer Punch with gin, grapefruit and basil. We were handed the drink as we walked into the back room at RN74 where #cocktailcorner took place. My date for the evening doesn't like gin or grapefruit. However, they were surprised how good the summer punch was. I wish I had taken a picture of the cocktail. I guess I will have to wait until the opening to enjoy this again. In the meantime, I may try to make it at home.
Cocktail #2 - "So Shiva, a Witch Doctor and a Monk Walk into a Bar..." with Cilantro-Infused Green Chartreuse, Rangpur Juice, Falernum, Kaffir Lime. I usually chose cocktails with fun and interesting names. It's a great way to start a conversation whether you know all the people at your table or meeting people for the first time. The team encouraged everyone to share their experience on social media. Instantly everyone started taking pics of each drink and bite. Next we were all excited about the citrus aroma of the drink we are all wondering what rangpur juice was. Next thing, several people were on their smartphone looking it up. Rangpur is a citrus similar to a mandarin and lime. I couldn't get enough of this cocktail.
Bite #1 - Fire and Ice, 'Papdi' Chaat, Tandoori Paneer
The spoonful of Fire and Ice was paired with Cocktail #2 above. I wish I could have had another few spoonfuls.
After the first bite, the seating changed. Based on playing card under the menu, you had to go to a designated table. I had spades so luckily got to stay put.
Cocktail #3 - The Company Fashioned with Anrut Whiskey, Tamarind Syrup, Plum Bitter. Wow, I love The Company's twist on an Old Fashion. One of my new neighbors said they usually not a whiskey drinker but this cocktail is delicious. I appreciate well made whiskey cocktails. This was not only beautiful but was well balanced and had a smooth finish. I wish I could have another!
Bite #2 - Oysters and Spice with Crispy Poha-Crusted Oysters, Arugula-Pistachio Pesto. Another wow for me. Another tablemate mentioned they usually don't like oysters, but the tiny morsel was amazing.
Cocktail #4 - The Genius with Neutral Gran Spirit, Coconut Orgeat, Strawberry and Lime. Carlos Splendorino shows his cocktail genius with this cocktail shot. This is a great dessert in a glass cocktail.
Bite #3 Tadoor and Raj with Mustard Shrimp, Beans 'Poriyal'
This last bite left me wanting more. When the server came around, all at the table were wondering how to eat it. One guy said, just pop it in all at once. My pappadam bite was a little too big, so I bit around it carefully. It didn't work out too well, but at least I wasn't the only one that made a mess at the table.
So how did I find out about the event? Twitter through a retweet by
@MichaelMinaSF. It was nice to hear different neighbors at my table say they don't typically eat or drink different ingredients. All of us got outside of our comfort zone during the evening. Every single offering in the evening were unique. Thank you The Company Bar and Kitchen for a wonderful evening of drinks, food and The Company!
Like them on
Facebook TheCompanyBarandKitchen or on
Twitter @TheCompanySF so perhaps you will be as lucky as I was to sip and taste their offerings before they open.
I am looking forward to The Company Bar and Kitchen to open this summer. I specifically can't wait to see the live bar with neutral grain spirits in action this summer.
Well made artisan cocktails paired with Indian food, how can you not look forward to this?
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