man vs. dog

Buffalo Trace
White Dog
I had the distinct pleasure a few months ago to visit the Woodford Reserve distillery in Woodford County, Kentucky. Amidst horse farms and grass that isn't quite blue, but was certainly very green, me and a group of friends were treated to a private tour of the distillery to see how one of the best tasting spirits is produced. Aside from it being very informative and proud that my home state produces such a fine product, it was also a chance to catch a buzz in the early afternoon. Our lovely tour guide, MollyAnn, allowed us to taste the clear beast that is know as White Dog. It's the bourbon fresh from the still before it's barreled, aged, and allowed to mellow out. It's 125 proof. Yes, 125 proof. It has a slight citrus taste and it's definitely warm going down. The strength of its punch will linger on your palette for a bit, but it's worth the sting. Buffalo Trace bottles it and I'd be curious to try it again, but definitely at my own risk.

giada can no wrong

This was my first Thanksgiving away from my family. Don't fret readers, I spent it with a gaggle of friends, a roommate, and perfect strangers. Each guest at the dinner was asked to bring something. You can't count on me for a casserole, but I will provide a drink everyone will enjoy. Once again, I've stolen from the culinary resources of Giada DeLaurentiis. The cocktail I made was light and refreshing, seasonal, and was consumed rather quickly (I assume it was a hit). It's a twist on a Bellini, and will give spiked eggnog a run for its money throughout the holiday season (at least for me).

Cranberry Lime Bellini
1 Cup Cranberry Juice
1 Bottle of Champagne or Prosecco
1 Lime

In a large pitcher pour the cranberry juice and top with the champagne. Halve the lime and squeeze the juice into pitcher. Stir and garnish with a lime wheel or twist.

punch

A party is not a party without an official drink and to properly toast the last weekend in my apartment before I moved in with my dad to save and prepare for NYC, we gorged on wine slushies. Yes, wine slushies. Wine snobs we are not, we concocted a cool, refreshing drink appropriate for any summertime soiree. It's best enjoyed in the sweltering heat and amongst the highest quality of friends and neighbors.

Wine Slushie
1 12oz. frozen can of cranberry juice
1 cup of water
1 bottle of blackberry wine
1 cup of blueberry pomegranate juice

Pour all of the ingredients in a pitcher and freeze. Allow freeze for at least four hours. Ingredients can be adjust to one's own taste. Enjoy.

happy hour

Myth: Guys can't drink Cosmos.
Fact: Guys can drink White Cosmos.

After a fantastic dinner at El Mundo the other night, post-dinner cocktails at Proof hit the spot in more ways than one. It's difficult to justify $10 cocktails, but when it's this good, you pay exactly for what you get.

White Cosmo
1 ounce Pepe Lopez Tequila
1/2 ounce Triple sec
1 ounce white cranberry juice
1/2 slice lime for garnish

In a shaker with cracked ice, combine the tequila, triple sec, and cranberry juice. Shake well. Strain into a martini glass, garnish with the lime, and serve at once.

These are best appreciated on a late spring night at the Proof bar where your eyes is pulled in every direction to take in the mid-century pop art, black and white boobie photos, and apple-toting bronzed nymph that sits atop the bar.

cubano

esquire magazine would have you believe that louisville has a "staid restaurant scene", but i beg to differ. granted, it's not a niche oriented market like every major metropolis in the country or a smorgasbord of chain restaurants like most small towns. i have evangelically referred everyone i know to the simple but scrumptious delights of toast (i more or less inhaled their meatball sandwich the otehr day at lunch), but i have discovered yet another mouth watering restaurant worthy of praise and repeated bites.

havana rumba is a cuban restaurant with a sultry but inviting ambiance and food that justifies its bustling crowds. you can expect white rice and black beans, fried plantains, and vegetables and meats seasoned and roasted to perfection. i started at the bar with a caipirinha, which is my new favorite drink that i cannot pronounce. it's was a potent blend of brazilian cachaca with lime and sugar. at dinner, i tried their equally strong and tart ultimate lime margarita (i know, i go to a cuban restaurant and don't get a mojito. sue me.). the margarita complimented my dinner, the vaca frita. white rice, black beans, grilled vegetables, plantains, shredded beef and a touch of lime juice was an appropriate introduction to their menu as this was my first time. the bill wasn't hefty in the least bit (around $20) and i enjoyed every bit of my meal. the service was friendly and not slow even though they were busy. places such as these a great find in what seems like an expanding palette in louisville. it's food without pretense and doesn't hurt the pocket.

trust me, havana rumba is not to be missed.

check out their menu and tell your belly to be quiet.