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Friday, December 9, 2011

Spot-Light: Lantern’s Keep

When the Light’s on…
Lanterns Keep Room View ShoesNBooze
The rushing crowds and frenetic energy of Midtown Manhattan can be electrifying for newcomers and tourists, but if you’re among the horde of area worker bees, it’s actually more frazzling than anything. For a respite from the madness, duck into the Iroquois Hotel on West 44th Street and head straight back to Lantern’s Keep. You’ll step into an intimate (seats 30 people) turn of the century Parisian salon with a beautiful working fireplace, dim lights and romantic settees.
Lantern's Keep Theo Lieberman
If the calm ambiance doesn’t help you breathe a sigh of relief, the retro-inspired cocktails- many crafted by head bartender, Theo Lieberman- will definitely do the trick. They’re all decidedly simple in construction because Theo (who’s like the Doogie Howser of mixology) likes the idea of someone enjoying a drink at the bar and then being able to go and make it at home. If your drink happens to require a straw, look forward to sipping from a stainless steel spoon straw, and don’t be surprised if you order the same drink twice, but the glasses aren’t identical. Lantern’s Keep uses a rotation of vintage glassware, some of which comes from Theo’s personal collection and all of which is stored in a chiller until it’s time to come out and play.
Lantern's Keep Regal Rum Rickey
Those who enjoy a refreshing tropical tipple will delight in a Regal Rum Rickey. It’s tart, tangy and quite tasty.
Recipe:
2 oz Flor de Cana 7 year
.75 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar & water)
.85 oz lime juice
Mix ingredients in a shaker and serve in a Collins glass.

Lantern's Keep Theo in Action
My personal favorite was the Stay Up Late (from the Stork Club, 1946). Unfortunately I managed to drink the ENTIRE glass of complex, citrusy goodness without snapping one photo. However, Here’s the recipe:
1.5 oz Beefeater Gin (Their well gin for shaking)
.5 oz cognac
.75 oz lemon juice
.75 oz simple syrup
Shake, pour into a Collins glass, top with soda and garnish with an orange wedge and a cherry.
I recently attended a press event at Lantern’s Keep and joked to a table mate that it seems like the kind of place a man might bring his mistress. She replied, “I’d bring my husband here.” I upped the ante and suggested that she have him meet her and then pretend to be a mistress. Though the vibe is calm and chic, for some reason, there’s a slight air of mischievous sensuality in the air. Maybe it’s the lingering scent of grapefruit zest (ask Theo about his love for the fruit).

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Blogger Labels: Bar Reviews,New York Bars,Stylescrybe,Iroquois Hotel,Lantern's Keep,Theo Lieberman,Cocktail Recipe,Flor de Cana Rum,Beefeater Gin,cocktails

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Almost There Thursday- World AIDS Day- (Belvedere) RED

Red Means STOP


Sometimes it’s mind boggling how quickly a week goes by. It’s like one minute, you’re fighting Monday blues, and the next minute it’s Thursday already. Add to that the fact that it’s December 1, and you have simultaneous “where did the week go?!” and “how is it already the end of the year?!” moments. It’s also World AIDS Day, which deserves a at least a pause in consideration of not only those we’ve lost to the disease, but moreso those who are surviving- no- living with it. I hope it’s also inspired you find out your status and take full responsibility of your sexual safety. There’s no shame in having an STD talk prior to getting between the sheets. If you’re uncomfortable talking about sex and its consequences, then you probably shouldn’t be having it. (OK off the soapbox and onto shoes.) As a visual observance of the day, consider wearing red pumps, like Tibi’s Firebird Pump (available at Amazon.com, where I’m an affiliate). The embroidered detailing makes it perfect for the holiday season, and the 3 1/5 inch heel makes it practical enough for the office. (You may also want to look into The Red Pump Project, which aims to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/ AIDS on women and Girls)



Earlier this year, Belvedere Vodka announced a partnership with (RED)™ to release the special edition bottle, (BELVEDERE) RED. In support of the fight against AIDS in Africa, Belvedere Vodka will donate 50% of profits from the sale of (BELVEDERE) RED to the Global Fund. They also enlisted Usher as their celebrity ambassador for the partnership in hopes that his notoriety and their contributions will get us all closer to an AIDS free generation in 2015. Do your part and sip a (BELVEDERE) RED Pom Pom today at happy hour. It’ll be a sweet, effervescent reminder that while we’re close to the end of another week and another year, we’re that much closer to accomplishing goals and new beginnings. That definitely deserves a CHEERS!
Recipe:
1.5 oz (BELVEDERE) RED
Splash lime juice
Top with Fever Tree Ginger Beer
Float grenadine on top
Build in highball and garnish with raspberry

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Blogger Labels: World AIDS Day,BELVEDERE RED,Tibi,Amazon,Red Pump Project,Belvedere Vodka,Global Fund,Usher,Cocktail Recipe