Knob Creek bourbon Manhattan. $9
Old Overholt rye, Bonal, orange liquer, orange bitters, Angostura bitters, orange peel. $10
The Box Social, Portland OR
I liked this place. They know how to make a decent cocktail and everyone was really friendly. These cocktails were also pretty tasty. Yay!
Calamari, shrimp, fennel, green beans, zucchini, marinara. $14
Pesce, San Francisco CA
Mmm, I love fritto mistos! Who doesn’t love a plate of battered and deep fried seafood and vegetables?! I thought the marinara sauce was a little lame, but I’m not gonna complain too much. 🙂
Fall Smash: George Dickel rye, maple, lemon, mint, fresh cranberry. $10
Sorry for the super dark pic, but it was late and I was several drinks in already, lol! What I love about the hot toddy’s at Hazlewood is that they wrap each one in these cheesey, holiday-looking crocheted glass holders. It just makes you smile!
Hazlewood, Seattle WA
Shilshole Bay.
Hand-cut fries topped with house-made gravy, fresh cheese curds, diced red onion and parsley. Happy hour $4
The Gerald, Seattle WA
Mmm, I love poutine! And The Gerald’s version is pretty darn tasty. The gravy is delicious and the fries are freshly fried, crispy on the outside and hot and fluffy on the inside. The pieces of cheese curds dotting the dish are nice lil’ treats!
Bobby Burns: scotch, vermouth, Benedictine. Happy hour $7
Manhattan. $9
Country Lawyer: Knob Creek bourbon, Zucca amaro, vermouth and bitters. $13
Park Tavern, San Francisco CA
Mmm, the cocktails at Park Tavern are pretty delicious! I have mixed feelings about my overall experience here though. Although the service was friendly and professional, they made some stupid mistakes that really detracted from the overall experience. Namely, they never brought us a dish even after I specifically asked if it was ever coming out. Our server ensured us it was on its way, but it never did and we were charged for it anyway! FAIL!
Alcatraz: Templeton rye, Averna amaro, and port. $13
Bulleit Manhattan: bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters. $10
Rye-min’ and Stealin’: rye, grapefruit, Campari, rose water, Peychaud’s bitters. $9
Quoin, Seattle WA
The cocktails at Quoin are good, some of them a bit overpriced in my opinion. Both drinks I tried were tasty and distinct. I really can’t choose a favorite because they were so different and hard to compare. The Rye-min’ cocktail was definitely easier to drink and was probably the “girlier” drink. I guess what made the Macho Man-hattan so manly was the scotch rinse. You could definitely taste the distinct bite especially if you’re not a regular scotch drinker. I liked it though.
Macho Man-hattan: rye, Antica formula, orange bitters, Islay scotch rinse. $12
Runners, David Govedare 1986.
Monkey Shoulder whiskey, Creme Yvette, PX sherry, smoked plum, sliced lemon garnish. $12
Waiheke Island Yacht Club, San Francisco CA
This pop-up restaurant was really cool, partially because everyone who worked there was Kiwi and their accents rock, lol! Actually the cocktails and food were awesome so they were definitely doing things right. Add to that a relaxed setting on a SF Bay pier and you have a winner!
Fountain in front of the California Palace of the Legion of Honor.
Haze on Howard: Belvedere Vodka, ginger liqueur, vermouth, blackberries, lime. $12
Town Hall, San Francisco CA
Oooo, I was excited to visit Town Hall for the first time since living in SF. I can’t believe I’d never been here before. These cocktails were pretty tasty. The Haze on Howard was refreshing and bright, while the Vieux Carre was on the stronger, harder side. The first time I had a Vieux Carre was at Jardiniere and since I’m totally loving whiskies these days, this is becoming a favorite of mine.
Vieux Carre: Inventeed by Walter Bergeron, The Carousel Bar, 1938. Redemption rye, Henessey, Dolin sweet vermouth, benedictine, peychaud and angostora bitters. $10
The Diane and Alfred Wilsey Court, de Young Museum.
Ukiah 75: Germain-Robin brandy, honey, lemon, Gloria Ferrer sparkling wine. $10
Haiku II: Hibiki whiskey, amaro Montenegro, fresh squeezed lemon juice. $11
Nopa, San Francisco CA
These cocktails were delicious and a wonderful way to begin our lovely brunch at Nopa. This place is POPULAR so be prepared to wait if you don’t have a reservation. We came early to get on the list, and luckily I think someone cancelled so we got seated at the end of the first seating. The bad part was that by that point, the kitchen was slammed with all the orders so it took a long time to actually get food. Thank goodness for cocktails!
Rodin’s The Thinker cast, California Palace of the Legion of Honor.
Rosso di Sera: Bulleit, aperol, grenadine, lemon, egg white emulsion, mint sprig.
Figo, Palo Alto CA
We were killing time before meeting some friends for dinner so we slipped into Figo for a couple cocktails. These were well-made and I loved that they used huge, singular ice cubes. My kinda place!
Manhattan.
Los Gatos Creak Trail sign, Vasona Reservoir.
You know I’m a sucker for the large solitary ice cube in cocktails. I think it’s really classy and it melts more slowly so your drink doesn’t get too watery. Mmm! $9
Padrecito, San Francisco CA
Crimson columbine (Aquilegia formosa, Ranunculaceae), Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.
Black beans, mixed chicories, arbol-strawberry marmalade and dry jack. $12
Padrecito, San Francisco CA
Omg, these tacos were SO delicious! All the ingredients were perfect and it was really pretty to look at. The marmalade and whiskey worked perfectly with the rich duck. I want more – NOMS!
Thimbleberry flower (Rubus parviflorus, Rosaceae), Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.
Vittle Monster 