Monday 16 September 2019

Drink Well: #inceptionnegroni #empressstrikesback #bartendingathomewithjohnandkim

INCEPTION NEGRONI - The Empress Strikes Back!

Bartending At Home With John and Kim


Finally got around to filming this video!  It has been long over due friends.  The ones in the video did not turn out as good as we would have liked.  The first time, when we experimented turned out way better, but we decided to film before we delayed it again.  

Here is the link for the Star Wars Death Star Ice Sphere Molds
Here's what you need:
  • 2 molds
  • straws
  • tape
  • water
Cut your straws till there is about 4-5cm sticking out the top.  Wrap it with tape so that you can plug the hole.

Fill the spheres 3/4 full and stick the straw in.  Freeze for approximately 5 hours.  Depends on your freezer!  You may have to experiment a few times.

At the 5 hour mark, take out the molds and take out the straw, dumping the water out.  Return back into the freezer at least 30 minutes before making the cocktail.  




INCEPTION NEGRONI (EMPRESS STRIKES BACK)
1oz Empress Gin
1oz Lillet Blanc
1oz Cocchi Americano

Mix everything into a glass pitcher, add ice, stir and strain into a glass.  Set in the fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes.

INCEPTION NEGRONI (REGULAR)
1oz Gin (we used Roku)
1oz Campari
1oz Sweet Vermouth (we used Punt e Mes)

Mix everything into a glass pitcher, add ice, stir and strain into a glass.  Set in the fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes.

FOR BOTH
1oz Gin
1oz Lillet Blanc
1oz Cocchi Americano

Made the same way as above.  Set aside.

Fill the sphere with the Empress or regular Negroni concoction.  Cover the top with crushed ice (optional).  Pour the White Negroni carefully around the sphere.  Garnish with lemon peel for the Empress and orange peel for the regular (optional).


Here is a photo of the first time we experimented!  It held up so nicely.  In the video, my sphere had a hole in it and John accidentally tilted his sphere to the side so that the two mixed right away.  

I'm really glad we figured how to make this cocktail because it was definitely one of my favorites at Prohibition in Vancouver.  Looking forward to making more unique cocktails with John once we compete in our fights coming up soon!

Check out our bartending page @bartendingathome on instagram for past drinks we have made with the recipes as well!

Enjoy!



Thursday 12 September 2019

Eat Well: #yycfood #yardarm #12yearanniversary

YYC FOOD

Yardarm
107-535 8 Ave SE


Oh hello beautiful people!  It has been YEARS since our last blog post on my other site that no longer exists.  A little bittersweet because I chose not to transfer the many posts I had on there to this OG site.  I actually did not plan on blogging this, but it was such a memorable meal, I had to share with you guys.

Forgive me guys, because I was not planning on blogging, some of the drinks that were part of our meal, I forgot what they were (sorry @mayabartha).

We decided to go to Yardarm, a cocktail bar located in East Village, for our 12 year anniversary!  A couple months back we made our reservation and decided to go with their God Package.

I really like how they have different tiers of tasting menus.  

Mortal which is $50 per person, you get 2 cocktails an 4-5 bites of food per person.

Demi-God is $70 per person, you get 3 cocktails, 4-5 bites per person and a charcuterie board to share.

Lastly the God Tier which is what we purchased is completely custom to what we wanted!  John and I were talking to Anthony Fiorentino, their maitre'd (@aint.aint.a.word), about what we liked.  We came to talk about Japanese cuisine which is something the chef Alejandro Buzzalino specializes in.  We were sold and so excited! 

GOD TIER
  

Second Drink- Dassai 50 Nigori Junmai Dai Ginjo

For our first drink we started with a refreshing glass of rose.  Clearly I was too excited to snap a photo.

I was actually surprised at first because I was expecting one of Maya's amazing cocktails!  Side note, the reason we went to Yardarm in the first place was because we were following our favorite bartender in the city.  She helped open Shelter YYC and has now moved on to Yardarm.  This sake was so refreshing.  Thank you to my friend Judith of Sukiyaki House for educating me on Sakes!  I have definitely learned to appreciate them more.



Lobster Carpaccio- with sesame oil, ginger and chives

So simple, yet so delicate and delicious!  I can't even describe guys. It was so enjoyable; if you know me, you know I inhale my food!  I was trying to savor this dish as slowly as possible because I was sad to empty my plate!  The lobster melts in your mouth and all the flavors complement each other and with the pairing of the sake, so harmonious.


Lobster Miso Soup- served with noodles

Forgive the lack of descriptions guys, I'm just going by memory now.  This was so delicious and aromatic and flavorful!  I was worried it would be too salty, but was seasoned perfectly.  The saltiness of the broth with the sweetness of the lobster and the noodles were an excellent addition.



"White Boy Sushi"- not my words!  The chef's! 

These bites of omakase were so delicious!  The cones if I recall correctly had salmon and also Korean inspired flavors of Gochujang and Siracha which created the "roe", the middle was beef tartare that they usually serve on their regular menu with house made chili sauce.  Lastly of course, how could you go wrong with those strips of beef tataki with chimichurri!


I can't remember this one- even though I can't quite remember what were in these cocktails, they were all so good, well made and balanced and paired perfectly with our courses!  There were two more cocktails that went with the meal, but because it got dark, the pictures were unacceptable =).


I actually remember this one! - Calvados, Apple Cider Vinegar and Sherry


Foie Gras Spring Roll- need I say more?

This was so rich, delicious and melted in your mouth!  So much flavor and the duck was so good.


Cheese Course- added on top of the God Tier


The Best Carrot Cake

I must agree.  Both John and I dislike desserts and this was not sweet at all and the texture was so great.  Crisp on the outside and oh so moist and soft in the center!  A great end to our meal!


A Sweet Surprise

Not only is the food and drinks amazing at Yardarm, but the staff are exceptional that go above and beyond to make your experience the best.  They surprised us at the end with their honorary VIP Salty Dog key chains, which we appreciate so much and can't wait to attend their future VIP events!

MORTAL PACKAGE



Here are some more photos from our previous visits.  For their Happy Hour (5-7pm), they have 50% off their Old Fashioneds, Manhattans and Martinis!


Mortal Package

This was such a lovely course.  It was SO refreshing!  A fresh oyster with a beet shooter.  I can't quite remember the full details of the cocktail, but it contained a hibiscus gin and sage.  It was so tasty, herbacious and refreshing!



Duck Breast with Barley Risotto

This was so tasty!  We did not know what to expect with a barley risotto, but the texture was so good and pleasant and the duck was cooked perfectly!




Coffey and Cigarettes- Mezcal, Butter washed Nikka Coffey Whiskey, Coffee Vodka, Fernet, PX Sherry, Lapsant Tea, Salt, Smoke

Definitely one of my favorite cocktails on their menu!  Think a delicious smoked coffee.  I won't ruin the surprise of how they present their cocktail, can't reveal all of their secrets.  You'll just have to experience it yourself!

Thank you Yardarm for making our anniversary dinner so memorable and special!  Can't wait for our future visits.  Keep an eye out friends for their special events.  I believe they have something for Halloween and New Year's Eve coming up!

Enjoy!