Just like every year, Christmas has snuck up on us all. A few weeks ago we had our first Christmas party, which was dinner with the admin girls and the IT boys. Altogether there were eight of us, including our colleague who went on maternity leave in July. It was great to see her again, and I think she was just as glad to get away from the house!

On a Friday evening after work we went into the city to a place call Gaylord, an Indian restaurant in Chinatown. I’ve been there a few times and it’s been great, so I suggested it for our small group dinner and it was welcomed by most – and those that didn’t, didn’t say anything until it was too late! So that we could try different things, we each ordered a curry and shared, with rice, roti and garlic naan. The lamb saag, butter chicken and a prawn curry were the favourites of the evening. It was very enjoyable, mostly because it’s a relaxed atmosphere where you can be noisy and have a good time.

After dinner, my manager suggested we go to a cocktail bar she likes, called 1806. I’m not a big cocktail drinker – I enjoy a martini and a margarita sometimes, but mostly, they’re too sickly and too expensive! This place had a good atmosphere, pleasant and knowledgeable wait-staff and was quite quiet. We stayed for a few drinks (I enjoyed the martinis) before we both called it a night and headed out into the rain.

The next Christmas party was a lunch organised by the heads of the department. A larger group, of about 20 people, fit into the large and stylish Hu Tong Dumpling House in Market Lane. I hadn’t been there, but a colleague recommended it, and I was happy to try real dumplings as opposed to those as Shanghai Dumpling House! Sharing a banquet meal and some wine (for those that weren’t lab staff), we were able to try a variety of dumplings and meat dishes – including a Sichuan style chicken dish with plenty of chilli. All in all, it was an enjoyable meal, and because it was reasonably priced, I’ll probably be returning.

The last Christmas party was last night, and that was for the whole of the department. Altogether about 60 people has RSVP’d in the positive, but only about 50 went. It was held in the Fad Gallery in Corrs Lane, also in Chinatown (sense a theme here?)

As I know that just two doors down there is a delicious Sichuan restaurant, I tried to round up some people to come to dinner with me beforehand. Due to forgotten lunch parties and family illness, only one person actually came, but it was no less enjoyable. We shared the potato threads and tofu with leek (he is vegetarian, and those dishes are delicious), which filled us up nicely before we headed back to the party venue.

The Fad Gallery is an interesting place, with a variety of artwork throughout upstairs and downstairs. We had the upstairs are to ourselves (after last year where we shared a room with another group) and a bar too.

The music was supplied by ourselves, and games were played, with prizes, and then was the time to dance the night away. I headed off early, not feeling so great (the dizziness isn’t help by noise, alcohol and dark rooms), but I must say it was a good night. I managed to take a couple of hundred photos, as requested by the manager, which might be ready to go on the network on Monday. I decided to keep it simple with digital, and try out my new lens, the 28mm f/1.8. It’s fantastic, wide enough for confined spaces, without distorting. The speed was very useful in the dark bar too.

In the week coming up, we have our work Kris Kringle party, and then that’s about it until New Year. I’m looking forward to a quiet Christmas and a short break until the New Year.

Everyone remember the article on Pizza East? At the end black book revealed there would be a cocktail bar in the basement, given time. This has now come to fruition and we have Concrete. Another exclusive from the team. 

The building in which Pizza East is located, the old Tea Building in Shoreditch is a massive venue. In the upstairs restaurant there is room for 180 diners and they have now opened up the basement, incarnated as Concrete Bar. This is just opened and has been serving for a few weeks. Only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday it is a fledgling bar on Shoreditch high st. 

Anthony Bado is the Head Barman and has devised a menu true to Pizza East’s italian theme. A selection of Italian wines is accompanied by Prosecco, Champagne Peroni. Highlights of the wine menu  include Cline Viognier at under £30 a bottle. But what people come for is the cocktails, 7 on the menu ranging from Italian classics such as Bellini and Negroni and 5 house original devised by Anthony. The East Side Fizz made of Gin, Maraschino, Mint, lemon sugar and soda is the best for me. For something a little shorter there is Arrancha Mechanica (Clockwork Orange) consisting of White Rum, Aperol, lime and sugar and served in a Martini glass. 

An Adriatic consists of Gin, Amaro Montenegro (if you haven’t tried it, DO) and Maraschino served with a twist of lemon. Experienced bar staff will make most classics you ask of them and if you ask for Head Barman Anthony Bado to make it, just mention londonblackbook said you make a great Aviation, then you will be in for a real treat. A list of 3 inventive shots on the menu (Chalk, Concrete and Bones) can be ordered individually or in any multitude of combinations in 6, 12 and 24 ’sticks’ at £24, £42 and £80 respectively. All the shots are dangerously drinkable and you can get through a few sticks before you know what’s hit you.  

The drinks are excellent. The in-house originals are the perfect balance of refreshment, bite and flavor. The decor is odd……all concrete (alluding to the name) and exposed plywood/chipboard seating. Minimalism is the theme and think industrial, bare, harsh and a working bar. A live DJ is in attendance every night but you get the feeling there needs to be some softening of the space for the bar to really take off. 

It is big and with the minimalist design it feels big, even when busy it is cold. A great space for a private party for 100-180 and Concrete is available for private hire. Just contact Pizza East on 0207 729 1888 or reception@pizzaeast.com. 

For the quality of the drinks definitely worth a trip, all the more so if you are in the restaurant and fancy a cocktail after. The decor is not quite there yet but we are banking on this to change, looking for good drinks in Shoreditch on Thursday/Friday/Saturday then give Concrete a taste. 6-1 on a Thursday, 6-2 Friday and Saturday. Another bar to sample offering something slightly different on an East night out.

Holland & Holland, makers of “the world’s finest sporting guns” and Overfinch, makers of tuner Range Rovers, have joined forces to create the ultimate luxury off-roader for drunk hunters. The Holland & Holland Range Rover is “a quintessentially English take on motoring luxury,” with interior fittings to store wine bottles and hunting rifles.

The mean machine features a raft of “enhancements” including a full body kit and 20 inch wheels to dress up the chic exterior. But on the inside, that the designers have gone extravagant boasting eight of Europe’s finest hides, of a grade so fine it is only normally used in private jets. The upholstery has been dyed in seven exclusive tones and a unique trim style covers the seats, doors, upper and lower dash board, centre and rear consoles and even the cubby box lid.

A thirty-one piece wood veneer kit blends into the design of the rest of the car, including that of the gun cabinet and rear console.

Only one hundred Holland & Holland Overfinches will be produced each year, and every one will be fitted with a special “shotgun-grade” steel plaque. All vehicles will be strict four-seaters as the cars feature a unique centre console and have an integrated refrigerator large enough for a couple of full size bottles. It also has a storage compartment, which could contain controls for the rear entertainment, a power inverter for a laptop or crystal tumblers and champagne flutes.

In the boot is a bespoke gun cabinet although it is itself removable for when more luggage carrying capacity is required, it is locked to the boot floor for security and safety. It has three drawers, fitted to carry eight further matching Holland & Holland crystal tumblers and flutes, customers’ own shotguns, a cleaning kit for them as well as cartridges and the bag in which to carry them.

Contained within both the gun cabinet and the refrigerator in the centre console is room for six bottles and it is for these that the car will feature the world’s first self-replenishing cocktail cabinet. All cars sold in Europe will arrive from the factory full of Pol Roger Champagne, The Balvenie single malt whisky, Hendrick’s single batch gin, Ivan the Terrible luxury vodka and Willow Spring Water from the Lake District. During the first year regular refills will be dispatched to the owners of the car to make sure that its passengers don’t go thirsty or sober.

While the wine-and-guns Overfinch won’t make it to the UAE, since both are thankfully restricted here, the regular 2010 Range Rover will hit GCC showrooms this winter.

Good morning!

Its Friday and I am about to run of to work. Spent all of last night visiting my mom, my BFF and then when I finally got home with my cat. Went to bed after 12AM and now I am sooooo tired. I need a loooong sleep, that I can tell you.

Tonight I will be helping my friend F out who owns a Cocktail bar in Hintertupfing. He needs a hand behind the bar and I love doing that. There is nothing better then serving drinks to happy people and (after 1AM usually) dance with the boyfriend behind the bar. We did this Halloween Party a few weeks ago and it was just fantastic! F and boyfriend had decorated the place so well! Everyone came, including my boss and we had such a good time. The next morning when boyfriend and I went to go for breakfast at the local Cafe, we found a 3 liter glass filled up with Cuba Libre by the side of the road. That was when I knew that my friend D had not actually fallen asleep on one of the sofas in the bar, but made it home. The glass must have become to heavy eventually though.

I love the fact that people come to the bar, joke with me, dance and enjoy themselves. Sometimes, when the first wave of drinks has gone out, I just stand there and watch them. It is the most interessting thing to see bankers, insurance sales men and dental nurses rock their backsides off to STs carefully selected beats.

The DJ for tonight will indeed be my friend ST who plays house and electro mostly. Really good though! So excited to see how it turns out tonight!

First of all though, I am going to go to work now, then off to the Gym with my little brother and then out for a drink with him and his friends.

I will speak to you lovely people later on, no doubt.

Keep smiling!

Kiss,

Me x

This is the Halloweenly decorated bar!

It’s the end of the first week of the Compass Interdisciplinary Virtual Conference – many thanks to all of you who have attended. We look forward to presenting the rest of the program next week for your discussion.

This is a quick post to encourage you to join us on Monday 29th for our ‘Meet the Speaker’ session at the Second Life cocktail bar:

Keynote speaker:
Peter Ludlow (Northwestern University)
Virtual Communities, Virtual Cultures, Virtual Governance

Time: 1pm EDT / 5pm GMT

We’ve found this week that talking with each other in there with your avatars really does make a difference, especially if you have a microphone and speakers. It’s an odd experience at first but the sense of virtual reality, to go back to that old term, is quite compelling.

How to ‘Second Life’ in 10 minutes –

Step 1 – Go to http://secondlife.com and click on ‘Join Now’ top right
Step 2 – Choose a username, password and one of the template ‘looks’ for your avatar
Step 3 – Download and install the Second Life software
Step 4 – Login and go to this ‘Slurl’ -
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Abracadabra/201/90/31.

We hope to meet some of you in there on Monday!

You’d think that being surrounded by banana plantations the nearest bar to us would be a quaint little rustic place where the plantation workers swapped their machetes for a glass of vino tinto but no, this is Tenerife where expectations are often confounded.

A short -ish stroll to the end of the banana road and up the hill opposite takes us to Puerto’s, and possibly even Tenerife’s poshest bar, Abaco, a grand 18th century mansion which is a cocktail bar and live music venue at night and a museum and folklore centre during the day. Of course to get there we have to pass a restaurant which must be in the running for one of the nicest restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz, Ganania, but that’s used more for weddings and celebrations.

Despite living so close to this wonderful sounding place, we’d never actually been to the bar at night even though it sounded incredible – don’t ask me why.

Abaco - A Classy Bar in an Old Mansion

On Friday night we decided to rectify this, mainly because I’d read a tweet on twitter from jazz singer, Anna Rodriguez that she was performing there. A quick check of Abaco’s website showed that it was free concert (always a bonus) so at around 22.00 we set off along the banana road to the bar where we’d heard fruit and vegetables littered the floor.

The first sight of Abaco is impressive. The mansion could rival any of the Casas de Balcones in La Orotava, but I’m willing to bet that there are any number of visitors to Puerto de la Cruz who don’t know it exists. The front door opens directly onto the main road (it’s quiet so no real danger of doing a Sam Tyler as you step outside) and sure enough the vestibule was decorated in rich hues and with tastefully arranged piles of fruit everywhere. Like many of these mansions, stepping inside was like entering the Tardis; the vestibule led to a sprawling courtyard and gardens with tables tucked away in secret romantic corners. It was stunning; the only problem is that apart from another couple at a table it was empty and we felt a bit like intruders as we explored.

Inside Abaco's Courtyard - This is the toilets!!

The concert was being held in the cocktail bar where at least there were a few other people, but it hadn’t started yet, so we grabbed a table outside to admire the beautiful old building and grounds from the inside. Within seconds a waitress turned up and handed us a drinks menu – it became apparent why such an incredible bar wasn’t packed to the gunwales. The average price of cocktails was €8; the cheapest bottle of wine €20 and if you wanted to go for it, a bottle of gin or vodka would set you back €65.

When the waitress returned I meekly asked for two glasses of vino tinto and then Andy and I discussed how much we thought it would cost, settling on €5 per glass based on the prices in the menu. To be fair, although the price of a bottle sounded high, when you work out how many drinks you would get out of it, it isn’t that excessive.

At around 22.30 Anna Rodriguez started her set and we moved inside. Anna’s got an excellent voice and she sang some numbers which varied from Bebel Gilberto songs to jazz classics to a slowed down to a crawl version of The Police’s ‘Message in a Bottle’. It was laid back stuff, a bit too laid back for us, but the bar cat liked it and settled down for a snooze in one of the more comfortable bar chairs.

I can’t say that we’ll become regulars at Abaco – it is immaculately decorated and quite unique and definitely worth a visit, but it’s a bit too quiet and tasteful for us (not that the staff were fussy or pretentious – the service was excellent and very friendly). That’s probably because we’re not refined and are used to the almost manic chatter in the Canarian bars in town. Personally I think it’s better suited to a more mature clientele (hark at Peter Pan here) who enjoy a bit of style in sumptuously serene surroundings, but I could be being unfair here. We left at about midnight and the younger Canarians don’t get going till then, so it might have livened up a bit later.

Price wise, although €8 might seem a lot for a cocktail, they turned out to be more works of art than drinks and were served in huge goblets and looked two to three times the size of your average cocktail. And as for our wine, it was €3 a glass which, considering the uniqueness of the venue, live music and a complimentary goblet of mixed nuts which was refilled as soon as it was emptied, wasn’t bad value at all.

Aha, so this is where they get the fruit for the cocktails.

Located in one of Manhattan’s hot spots, 75 Orchard Street in the Lower East Side is available for lease. With a 250 square foot upstairs and a 300 SF basement, this property is neighbored by chic shops like Still Life (a hat store), Wendy Mink Jewelry, H Optics, and Robert James. Also situated on the block is the popular coffee shop, The Roasting Plant.

Looking for a globally conscious neighborhood? Mooshoes, a cruelty-free, animal-approved shoe store sits just across the street, and Kaight, a seller of Tom’s shoes is right next door. By purchasing a pair of Tom’s Shoes, they vow to give a pair to a child in need.

When visiting the space today, we noticed another traffic-bringer, The Tenement Museum, which focuses on America’s urban immigrant history. The museum overflowed with people, and it was only a Wednesday afternoon. A sweeter nearby attraction is the vegan bakery, Babycakes, which has been featured in publications and television programs such as Vanity Fair, Nylon, Oprah, Time Out, and Lola Berry’s Australian health show.

On the left side of the space is a unique concept, The Dressing Room. Not only is this boutique selling items from up-and-coming designers, but it is also a cocktail bar and a clothing exchange. Voted “Best Lower East Side Shop” in 2007, it hosts live DJ events, offers free internet, and even shows movies on a large screen projector.

The dimensions of the shop for lease are 10 ft by 25 ft, and will be available for a lucky tenant to move in within the next couple months. For leasing information, please call 646-472-8742.

-Caitlin

If you want to go to a great cocktail bar in Melbourne, try some of the places recommended by everyone I talked to on Episode 6.

• Black Pearl Bar, map
• Madame Brussels, map
• Cookie, map
• 1806, map
• Seamstress, map
• Rust, map
• Lily Blacks, map
• Match Bar, map
• Bar Nothing, map
• Robbie Stein, map
• Blue Diamond, map
• Carlton Yacht Club, map

By Dennis Mojado from Wikimedia Commons

Warsaw’s newest restobar is called EsSence and it’s fabulous! The essence of EsSence is cocktails, prepared by Danny Undhammer, a cocktail God whose school report includes creating the drinks list in Porto Praga. The location is right in the eye of the storm bullseye in expat world, with Sense and the Sheraton on one side, Bar Below and Tortilla Factory on the other. Long termers will remember this as Cafe Brama, and one detail that’s been retained are the swing open, floor-to-ceiling windows; yes, that means ringside views of the Lois Lanes making their way to the surrounding offices. But all eyes are on the bar, a gorgeous back-lit effort with a confounding collection of alcoholic infusions.

For more on Warsaw’s key bars, pubs and clubs go to Warsaw In Your Pocket

INDIRIZZO: Via feltre 30

TELEFONO: 0221597593

WEB: www.amicidellabirra.it

TIPOLOGIA: Pub/steak-house

Nonostante il nome più che una birreria mi sembra una steak house , ma andiamo con ordine : l’ambiente non è nulla di particolare , infatti non è altro che un capannone arredato in maniera rustica che cerca disperatamente d’imitare l’ambientazione di un cantina messicana. Da bere abbiamo una buona scelta di birre e dei cocktail fatti maluccio , i prezzi sono nella media (5 la pinta , 7 il cocktail) ma vista la qualità mi sembrano un pò esagerati . Il servizio non è scortese ma un pò distratto ,stateci attenti che sennò vi portano una cosa per un’altra… Insomma come cocktail bar-birreria lo boccio , prima o poi lo proverò come stack house per vedere se merita…

Due note positive però ci sono: il cd tamarrissimo che pompavano in sottofondo e il parcheggio facile da trovare…

AMBIENTE: 6

COCKTAILS: 5

SERVIZIO: 5 e mezzo

TOTALE: 5 e mezzo  

Sotto la cornice della sede del nuovo comune davanti a una parete dove continua a scendere ininterrottamente acqua, è nato il ristorante cocktail bar Krisstal.

Si erge su due piani, di inverno rimane aperta la parte sopra, livello della strada, tramutandosi in un ristorante molto minimal, tutte le volte che passo di sera l’ho sempre visto vuoto, ma non ho mai avuto occasione di entrarci.

Io sono stato di sotto nella parte aperta d’estate, indubbiamente lo scenario è affascinante sotto questa innovativa struttura del nuovo comune, e un po’ di aria passa a rinfrescare che fa solo bene con l’afa che di solito invade questa città. Una serie di appuntamenti nel cartellone di questo locale, ogni sera con dj set e video dj set (cosa che va di moda adesso, si mixano i video).

Io sono stato un sabato ho fatto l’aperitivo, ma è stato davvero disgustoso, la pasta con rimasugli di vari primi (una pasta con pesto e pomodorini e olive), classiche foccaccione che ti intoppano lo stomaco, e ciccioli secchi e quadrati di ciccioli insaccati: erano gommosi! Li ho lasciati lì.

Per fortuna i cocktail sono belli da vedere, spero anche buoni visto che ho bevuto vino.

Spero vivamente di trovarmi un buffett completamente diverso e non solo per gente affamata senza gusto, visto che il posto già stringe l’occhiolino a un locale speciale, ma così lo rovinate. Ho visto 2 persone cenare e anche se è un po’ caruccio forse conviene di più, almeno i piatti ispiravano di più.

Pro: cocktail e location.

Contro: buffet per aperitivo orrendo.

www.krisstal.bo.it

Krisstal

Piazza Liber Paradisus, 1

051353692 Bologna

Carino e minimal questo Videor Cafè, vuol essere un cocktail wine bar, ma anche solo per le classiche colazioni la mattina, si trova in via lame a metà altezza.

I suoi interni tendono al colore bianco e arancio, qualche tavolino alto e qualcuno basso, bancone e bancone del dolce e del salato. Totalmente rinnovato e nuovo.

Le paste non sono male, belle grandi e ben ripiene, il cappuccino non un granchè. Comunque ben curato anche nell’esposizione.

Non penso sia aperto la sera, magari per un aperitivo nella zona è l’ideale.

Nel sito è presente un video per vedere gli interni, il resto del sito è totalmente inutile, c’è una galleria di foto di paesaggi che abbiamo tutti in windows/immagini.

http://videorcafe.com

Pro: totalmente rinnovato, molto pulito.

Contro: rischia di essere preso per un classico bar solo da colazione.

Videor Cafè

Via Lame, 58

3387566321 Bologna

Proprio dentro il Mambo, o meglio difianco l’entrata principale, troverete il cocktail bar Ex Forno.

Che dire gran bel bancone un tavolo e un divano con due poltrone da una parte più un’altra sala con più tavoli e sedie.

Aperto solo nel pomeriggio fino a sera è diventato uno degli aperitivi più belli e nuovi di Bologna. Il buffet è davvero ricco, vario e molto molto buono. Dal pinzimonio a minestre a tartine, varie salse da scegliere per unire i crostini di pane, patate al forno. E molte volte cambiano il buffet. L’aperitivo comincia dalle 19.

La gente è tranquilla, non è di quella che si deve fare vedere e tranquillamente si può sostare anche all’aperto sotto il portico. D’estate mettono sia il buffet che altri tavoli all’aperto e si sta davvero bene.

Ma la vera gioia di questo posto, secondo me, è la bravura dei barman, molto molto preparati, sanno amabilmente mischiare cocktail e unire sapori strani tra di loro unendo a volte spezie o modificando i classici, e conoscono davvero anche molti cocktail nuovi. Il reparto alcolici alle loro spalle è davvero rifornito di ogni tipo di liquore per venire incontro a ogni esigenza e se non ve ne intendete fate fare a loro dandogli una dritta sul gusto. Vedere poi il barman che prende una cannuccia assaggia e (per fortuna) butta la cannuccia per vedere se la sua creazione prende una forma giusta, è segno che non vi vuole dare il solito mischione per farvi del male e basta.

I cocktail vanno dai 7 agli 8 euro.

Pro: cocktail buonissimi, buffet vario e molto grande.

Contro: mi sono trovato sempre bene finora.

Ex Forno

Via Don Minzoni, 14

0516493896 Bologna

INDIRIZZO: Via Porpora 61 – Milano

TELEFONO: 02 36562934

WEB: http://www.motociclivelocicafe.it

Fino a qualche anno fa era un’officina per moto ora invece è un locale con un’ambientazione davvero originale: moto d’epoca ovunque, tute da centauro appese qua è la, tavolini che sono porta-attrezzi oppure sollevatori idraulici, insomma qui l’eccentricità è di casa! I cocktails sono davvero buoni e costano poco (6 euro) inoltre il servizio è  cortese e alla mano e cigliegina sulla torta il parcheggio si trova con una semplicità disarmante, insomma se cercate un locale tranquillo dove bere qualcosa in un’atmosfera insolita è  il posto che fa per voi! La gestione propone anche cene,brunch ed happy hour, magari prima o poi ci ritorno a provare una queste cose e vi dico…

AMBIENTE: 8

COCKTAILS : 8

VOTO TOTALE: 8

Independence Night, Genova 22 maggio

Il 22 maggio a Genova tornano in discoteca gli psicologi che prendono parte al progetto “Gli psicologi contro le stragi del sabato sera”.

Ospitati nel locale La Terrazza, gli ideatori dell’iniziativa – Lino Missio, psicologo e filosofo genovese e Luigi Augusto, titolare del portale www.informatutto.info – insieme ad alcuni personaggi politici e dello spettacolo, presenteranno il progetto alle telecamere dell’emittente La7, per la trasmissione Omnibus.

Il progetto “Gli psicologi contro le stragi del sabato sera” vuole creare un aiuto diverso per i ragazzi del weekend, offrirgli un punto di riferimento nel luogo dove ne hanno più bisogno, mettendo a loro disposizione un team di professionisti nei principali locali notturni e discoteche di Genova e della Liguria.

In uno spazio ad hoc quindi, un gruppo di psicologi, rapportato alla capacità del locale, offrirà gratuitamente il suo intervento. Accanto alle piste e ai vari punti bar, si crea cosi un’area riservata dove i ragazzi potranno trovare aiuto, sfogarsi, chiedere consiglio, parlare delle loro dipendenze da alcool e droghe.
Una sorta di breakpoint che, come nel campo dell’informatica, propone un punto di interruzione, inteso in questo caso, come un’alternativa ai bicchieri di troppo e/o all’abuso di stupefacenti vari, che fanno parte ormai del programma del sabato sera.

La scelta di chiamare le serate Independence Night, Drink your addicition – La notte dell’indipendenza, Bevi la tua dipendenza – vuole essere un messaggio paradossale, come spiegano gli organizzatori, che conserva in sé tutti i presupposti insiti del progetto.
Naturalmente il servizio antidipendenze non può eliminare il problema ma è un punto di partenza, un invito a fare piccole cose che possono aiutare i figli, un segnale da parte anche dei gestori dei locali che dimostrano una grande sensibilità verso i problemi dei giovani.
L’iniziativa è una risposta realizzabile per fare prevenzione alla causa principale degli incidenti stradali. L’occhio attento di un team presente in un locale, può vedere dove intervenire immediatamente, per esempio identificando un gruppo di amici troppo allegri, capire se tra loro c’è qualcuno in grado di guidare o meno.

Il progetto “Gli psicologi contro le stragi del sabato sera”, che può essere sviluppato a livello nazionale, al momento è autofinanziato dai locali aderenti ma conta sul coinvolgimento della Regione Liguria e dei singoli comuni che ne fanno parte.

Our friends are immigrating to London in a weeks time.  They had a farewell party at this really cool cocktail bar called Relish.  They have great drinks and for a function you can book the top floor.  Here are some pics of our evening. 

Kelly, me, Wendylynne

Cat, Kelly, Me

This was our fav cocktail

kelly and her White Chocolate Espresso Martini

me and my Mixed Berry Daiquiri

wendylynne and her Apple and White Chocolate Collins

They had these devine platters for us to nibble on Yummy

Cocktail bar/restaurante que se encuentra en el corazón del West End londinense. Podemos encontrar un carrusel, gigantescas jaulas, paredes con estampado de Fibonacci, espejos de Las Vegas…

Los cocktailes rondan las 8 libras, aunque si te quieres tomar un café sólo tendrás que desembolsar 2′50. Viendo las fotos, merece la pena el sitio

via | fabulon

Subito all’inizio di via San felice venendo dalla porta sulla sinistra dopo 70 metri vi troverete il Bononia Cafè, completamente rinnovato da quel che era semplice bar tabacchi.

Gusto elegante, vuole proporsi come cocktail bar, i due baristi sono molto professionali, e c’è molta cura nella preparazione dei panini e degli stuzzichini per l’aperitivo.

La mattina il cappuccino è molto buono e anche le paste si distinguono per varietà (ottima ricotta e goccie di cioccolato) e misure (è possibile anche una mignon).

Il cafè si divide in zona tavoli (attenzione vi chiedono un servizio) e zona bancone più qualche tavolino fuori sotto il portico se il tempo lo permette.

E’ possibile pranzare con piatti leggeri della tradizione mediterranea, per stare leggeri e ricominciare a lavorare. Buon assortimento di vini.

Pro: molto elegante, stuzzichini molto gradevoli alla vista.

Contro: servizio al tavolo a pagamento.

Bononia Cafè

Via San Felice 113/a

0516492930 Bologna

Postingan kali ini sebenarnya tidak ada hubungannya dengan St. Patrict day yang dirayakan kemarin Selasa, 17 Maret 2009 .  Memang ada hubungannya dengan cocktail tetapi yang sebenarnya membuat saya tertarik untuk menulis postingan ini adalah lokasi dimana Martini bar ini berada.

Alley dimana 15C berada menuju Tejon street

Martini bar  ini sangat terkenal di Colorado Springs, bahkan boleh dibilang termasuk tempat hang outnya orang-orang yang mempunyai wealthy life.  Hal ini bisa dilihat dari semua harga yang mereka charge untuk sebuah minuman dan cerutu yang mereka jual.  Untuk ukuran Colorado Springs martini seharga $ 12 per gelas dan $ 20 per cerutu sudah termasuk mahal, mengingat Colorado Springs bukan kota besar. 

15C Martini Bar nampak dari Depan

Yang menjadi high light saya malam itu adalah, pertama:  Lokasi martini bar ini berada di sebuang alley atau gang yang sangat kecil.  Bahkan penerangan di gang kecil ini tidak terlalu terang, tidak ada yang istimewa hanya sebuah bola lampu kecil sekitar 25 watt berwarna biru.  Dari luar anda tidak akan mengenali tempat ini, karena tidak ada papan nama. Yang ada hanya nomer gedung yaitu 15C.   Nomer dari gedung cocktail bar inilah yang akhirnya menjadi nama cocktail bar tersebut yaitu 15C.

Voodoo princess, disajikan dg appi diatasnya

Kedua:  15C tidak terlalu besar akan tetapi very cozy, dan uptown like atmosphere.  Tempat duduknya sangat nyaman, homey ,  martini yang mereka sediakan selalu perfect, sangat cocok untuk relax dan hang out with friends atau kekasih. Setiap hari, terutama di akhir pekan tempat ini penuh sesak oleh pengunjung.  Jika anda sampai disana setealah pukul 8 malam, sudah pasti anda tidak akan mendapatkan tempat duduk yang nyaman.  Hampir semua tempat duduk sudah terisi penuh.  Jadi jika anda merencanakan untuk berkunjung ketempat tersebut maka sebaiknya anda datang sebelum jam 8 malam, sehingga bisa duduk ditempat yang sangat nyaman dan juga parkir ditempat yang sangat strategis, dekat dengan gedung cocktail bar.

Kilatan Blitz membuat api diatas Voodoo princess tdk terlihat

Karena suasananya yang sangat menyenangkan, tanpa terasa kami sudah berada disana selama 3 jam.  Lemon drop dan Voodoo princess martini menjadi favorite saya malam itu.  Jika anda penggemar margarita maka sudah pasti anda akan menyukai Lemon drop.  Dan jika anda penggemar pina colada maka jangan ragu untuk memesan Voodoo princess.  Dua gelas dirty martini sudah diminum oleh Marvin dan walaupun dia bukan seorang perokok, tatapi malam itu dia ingin memanjakan diri sendiri setelah bekerja keras selama seminggu dengan menikmati cerutu.  Tempat ini juga menjual segala jenis cerutu yang terkenal dari segala penjuru dunia.

Marvin menikmati cerutunya

15C sangat terkenal dan selalu penuh sesak dengan para pengunjung bukan karena lokasinya ditempat yang sangat strategis.  Tetapi mereka terkenal karena qualitas dari martini dan cerutu atau  cigar yang mereka hidangkan.  Menu Martini yang mereka miliki, menurut pendapat saya pribadi tiada  duanya  di Colorado Springs.  Untuk Cigar….     saya tidak tahu karena tidak pernah mencobanya dan juga tidak tahu cara menghisap cigar.  Selain dua hal yang utama dari 15C tersebut, pelayanan dan juga appetiser yang mereka sediakan rasanya tidak kalah nikmatnya.  Hot chicken wing yang sempat saya coba juga amat sangat tasety.  Thanks

Il locale con l’arredamento più costoso di Bologna, il più fashion degli ultimi anni a questa parte, penso sicuramente sia il Boavista nella vecchissima via Cesare Battisti traversa di Ugo Bassi proprio di fronte la statua.

La gente non manca mai sia per l’aperitivo che per un dopocena, colori black and dark violet, sui muri grandi quadri e specchi e lampadari barocchi, per sedersi suntuose poltrone si alternano a divanetti di moderno design.

La cosa più bella è il menù: ogni pagina prende a tema un classico del cinema e vi sono tutti i cocktail a base di tutti i possibili liquori classici e non….la scelta è notevole per esempio vi è una pagina intera di mohito, ma anche di daiquiri e frozen! I prezzi variano dagli 8 ai 10 euro. Sono molto buoni.

Nel weekend il locale è stracolmo, quindi vi conviene prenotare se avete deciso di andarci.

Non mancano al tavolo le patatine nei ciotolini simil giapponesi dell’Ikea per farti venire ancora più sete. Mentre durante l’aperitivo vi servono cose classiche sfiziose come pizzette e altre stuzzicherie.

Colonna sonora ambient e lounge music.

Pro: locale molto bello, cocktail buonissimi, menù bellissimo.

Contro: non certamente economico, nel weekend stracolmo.

Boavista Cocktail Bar

Via Cesare Battisti 9/B

051272333 Bologna

  Hey all you Omaha fans.  Myth in the Old Market has new digs on Facebook where cocktail lovers around Omaha can keep up with specials and events.    Events such as one of my local favorites, Tim Wildsmith, performing live March 12 from 9:00 – 12:00.  Of course, don’t miss Chris Saub, March 5, same time and place. 

Click over to the main Myth website to find the updated Menu which is fantastic.  I took a peek a few weeks ago and Brian has hit a home run with this completely interactive listing.  There may even be a revisionist Intoxicologist cocktail on there with the “Spring Blossom.”  It looks a little similar to my very own St-Germain Limon Blossom with Brian’s special Myth twist.

Myth never deceives with its promise of “something for everyone.”  This is not your ordinary martini bar.  Myth welcomes a diverse crowd of all ages with a spirit of camaraderie.  Whether you are looking for a cozy table for two, open seating for six or a seat at the bar, Myth fits the niche you have in mind. 

Liquid Brunch starts Sunday, March 1st! Bloody Mary Bar, Fresh Juice Cocktails and Champagne Drinks. Liquid Brunch will run every Sunday, 12-5pm!

www.mytholdmarket.com

Myth on Facebook

Our all suite property is located in the heart of the village of Palm Springs.  Walking distance to shopping, restaurants, night clubs, art galleries, entertainment and museums.  Have a breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Palm Court Café or your favorite cocktail at Bar Blue or poolside.  Enjoy over 40 Area Golf Courses, shopping on Palm Canyon Drive, jogging paths and bicycle tails. (888) 96-HYATT (49288)  www.palmsprings.hyatt.com

Photo courtesy:  resortvacationstogo