Monday, May 19, 2008

"Great Moments in Bartending"



Imagine my surprise when I was flipping through the current issue of Esquire magazine, the annual "Best Bars in America" issue, and happened across this gem, featuring our dear friend (and wedding guest) Patrick:


GREAT MOMENTS IN BARTENDING
Wollensky Grill, New York City. Packed bar, as always. Packed with men. Patrick, a beautifully intolerant man, stands in front of a new arrival. Guy orders white wine. Patrick says nothing. Patrick slides the wine in front of him, then bides his time until the guy has consumed most of the glass. Patrick stands in front of him again. Loudly enough for everyone in the bar to hear, Patrick says: "Another chardonnay, Alice?" - David Granger

The article goes on to list their entries in the "Greatest Bars in America." Of particular note, the two entries from New Orleans figured prominently in our Jazz Fest revelry: Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop and The Spotted Cat. These two are, indeed, two of the greatest bars in America. And also - in that strange New Orleans way - happen to be the two bars I bought signature hats in this year.

In another "Great Moments in Bartending" part of the article they profile Paul Gustings of Tujague's in New Orleans, who: "could be the crustiest bartender on earth. He's also one of the best." And who Gano & I met this past Mardi Gras as we crossed Tujague's off my Obituary Cocktail list.

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