The Perfect Martini “How To”s Collected

Over the course of the almost two years that I’ve been writing this blog I’ve posted many random martini quotes, several reviews of restaurant and bars, made opinionated comments about stemware, and expounded on my pet peeves.  And, of course, … Continue reading

World Cocktail Day; May 13, 2016 is Coming

World Cocktail Day; May 13, 2016 is Coming in just 90 days.  Are you ready? … Continue reading

Do All Hotel Bars Suck??

OK, maybe I should ask ‘do all business hotel’s bars suck?’ I’m sure there are divine resorts out there somewhere on a moonlit beach that serve awesome never-to-be-forgotten martinis.    And exquisite penthouse bars topping luxury hotels in the cosmopolitan … Continue reading

Shaken vs. Stirred Revisited: Temperature

I’m baaaaack.  (Think Schwarzenegger!)  After the recent consecutive holidays (World Gin Day & National Martini Day) I took a couple of days off.  But I’m back with more thoughts and, of course, more martini reviews. Since I’ve had this blog … Continue reading

Happy Father’s Day – June 21, the Summer Solstice

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there.  I hope you enjoy it with your Perfect Martini, whatever that may be, or another favorite Cocktail. For all the non-fathers out there looking for a good excuse to celebrate, June … Continue reading

Bar Review: The Grill on the Alley, Westlake Village, CA

The Grill on the Alley is located hidden in the back of a shopping complex.  You have to drive past several other beckoning restaurants.  But don’t be distracted, the Grill is where you want to be. I’ve been here a … Continue reading

Bar Review Suggestions?

Do you have a favorite Restaurant or Bar for which you would like a Martini review?  Something elegant or a ‘hole in the wall’?   Oceanfront view or a dive bar?  Let me know and I’ll make every effort possible to … Continue reading

May 20: 30 Days to National Martini Day

The countdown continues unabated, only 30 days until National Martini Day.   Time to start planning your festivities. Check out our associated twitter feed for fun martini and ‘good life’ related posts: @Shk_Nt_Strrd

May 13: Happy World Cocktail Day

Toady is World Cocktail Day! Why today?  Accepted lore?   Almost: the date coincides with the earliest use of the term “cocktail” in the May 13, 1806 edition of the The Balance and Columbian Repository.  Therein the article defined a cocktail … Continue reading

Shaker Thoughts

Glass shakers vs. Metal shakers?  Which is better?  I think part of the answer depends on whether you store the shaker in the freezer (or fridge). If you store it in the freezer then the greater thermal mass of the … Continue reading