want: tequila sunrise

Corzo Tequila, $48
Yes, a nice,warm adult beverage can get you through the cold doldrums of a long, dreary winter, but I've found that tequila still has that warm sting when you drink it any time of the year. I wish I was more of a tequila connoisseur (a New Year's resolution for 2010, perhaps?) and knew more about the complexities of the spirit, but it was Corzo's simple, yet bold bottle design that struck me enough to be worthy of a try (Fabien Baron designed it, 'nuff said). And the best part is you can have your name engraved on the bottle, a big proud red flag that this elegant bottle is all yours. Consider this my ideal stocking stuffer.

god bless america

10 things I love about America:

• Hilary Rhoda
• The collaborative works of Steve McQueen and Sam Peckinpah
• Bacon Cheeseburgers (on a sesame seedless bun, of course)
  
• Converse All Stars
• Bulleit Bourbon
• J. Crew Button Downs
• 70's era Stevie Wonder
• Whit Stillman
• Mid-Century Modern Art
• New York City

Happy 4th!
W.

down home

How does one soothe one's soul while working a ton and thus neglecting ye old blog? Bourbon. I've resisted for a long time, but due to a New Years Resolution, I've been indulging as of late in the beverage that was born in my home state. Consensus: really damn good. I want to try as many as I can (That sounded like a lush thing to say, but there are several nuances to discover in varying bourbons, so why not try them all so I'm an informed drinker?), but for now I've settled on Bulleit. I drink it with ginger ale and a lime, I used it in some caramelized apples over ice cream on Oscar night, and I used it for a bacon wrapped chicken breast I made for dinner tonight. It has a vanilla flavor that I love, but it has a strong, smooth punch. Any recommendations of where to go from here?

endorsement: samuel adams winter lager

Samuel Adams Winter Lager
I had crab cake sandwiches for dinner tonight and this seasonal beer could not have complemented it better. I know I've been posting quite a bit about food and beverage recently, but it's cold outside and it only seems appropriate to indulge as I become friendlier with my space heater.

crema de vie

I am a glutton when it comes to holiday foods and beverages. One of my favorites is eggnog. I'm having a holiday party this Friday and I was considering having some sort of eggnog, but I'm sure copious amounts of a thick, creamy, and punchy beverage is not a good idea. However, I think I will attempt this recipe some other time from the guy who has styled the hair of just about every major model and actress, Orlando Pita. Snaps on the gray on gray combination as well.


1 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups water
1 cup rum
2 cinnamon sticks
6 egg yolks
1 14 oz. can Carnation condensed milk
1 tablespoon vanilla

Bring water, sugar, and cinnamon to a boil. Boil for 6 minutes. Cool (you can place pan in ice water to speed the process up). Whip egg yolks in separate bowl. Mix in condensed milk. Mix in sugar mixture (Note: Pour sugar mixture into condensed milk can to get all the good stuff off the sides of the can.). Add vanilla. Add rum. Strain into a bottle. Refrigerate. Enjoy.

courtesy of style.com

young folks

I try to keep this blog as focused as possible but from time to time it does stray a little bit and tiny morsels about me are revealed along the way. I try not to be so intentionally elusive and mysterious, but I think pontificating about Bunuel or Hilary Rhoda's eyebrows is far more interesting than updates about my little life. However, I have been relatively absent for a while due to intense planning for what was an event beyond belief. I have officially lived in my new apartment for a little over a month and what better way to celebrate than by throwing a late night soiree? Friends, co-workers, and the assorted beautiful people made their way through my new place and noshed on everything from stuffed portabella mushrooms, sushi, fresh pico de gallo, brie, bruschetta, and of course, cupcakes. Naturally dancing ensued and I think a good time was had by all, but the party was a true success when two silly ideas were well executed. One: "La Dolce Vita", "Marie Antoinette", and "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" screening on mute as music (Daft Punk, Isaac Hayes, Serge Gainsbourg, and Prince just to name a few) played in the background, inspiring us to party a little harder along the way. Two: A lovely wall of lights framing the partygoers, bathing them in a sexy glow. Highlights:



Even though they're all a little blurry and off, that in a way perfectly describes the evening. I can't say it enough but I thank everyone who came and contributed to an evening of good food, good drinks, and good times. What more can you ask for?

brazilica

brazil's official drink is my new official drink. it's rare to find a bartender who can make it but if such an informed person exists, i urge you to order it and savor every last tart and sweet drop.


1 lime quartered
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 shot of cachaca
1/2 cup of ice cubes with water

place the lime and sugar in the bottom of a glass. using the handle of a wooden spoon, crush and mash the limes. pour the liqueur and ice. stir well.

cachaca is comparable to rum, but rum is typically distilled from molasses juice and cachaca is distiled from sugar cane juice. it's perfect for warm weather and happy hours with brazilian supermodels.