007 moment – Vesper Thoughts

The Vesper was first described in Ian Flemings 1953 “Casino Royale” as:  “Three measures of Gordon’s, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it’s ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon … Continue reading

Twitter: @Shkn_Nt_Strrd

Don’t forget to check out @shkn_nt_stirred.   There are many gin and martini related posts there.  Plus a few of my favorite restaurants.  😉  

Thoughts on Stemware, Part Two

A few more rambling thoughts on “cold” stemware……. We know that smaller things warm up quickly and larger object warm up more slowly. Specifically objects with larger thermal masses warm up more slowly. Usually, but not always, thermal mass correlates … Continue reading

Thoughts on Stemware, Part One

Do you have a preference on stemware? Perhaps you haven’t thought too much about it. Many people’s only desire is a clean stem for their drink. That’s clearly a good start. I do have a preference; I want my Martini … Continue reading

Bar Review: Manhattan Steak & Seafood

One of my favorite local places to have a drink is Manhattan Steak and Seafood.  Located in a rather obscure part of the city of Orange, in Orange Co., CA, it is a great hidden gem well off the beaten … Continue reading

Chilled Glass

Frozen or chilled with ice water? As I said before, my perfect martini is ice cold. Anything that warms my martini is evil. OK, that may be a bit of hyperbole, but you get the idea. So when I see … Continue reading

Olives or Twist

This may be the second most discussed question about Martinis. As noted, my preference is a twist; when I drink Bombay. To me the lemon flavors compliment the herbs of Bombay while the saltiness of the olives seems to overpower … Continue reading

Shaken or Stirred, Part Two

A few more thoughts on “Shaken vs. Stirred”….. The most convincing argument I’ve heard in favor of a stirred martini is the silky mouth feel that I mentioned early. The shaken drink tends to be aerated, at least at first, … Continue reading

First Bar Review: Ocean Prime

I have always hoped to add bar and restaurant reviews to this blog.  I didn’t intend to start so soon but a recent martini prompts me to start sooner than I expected. Recently in Philadelphia on business, I stopped in … Continue reading

Shaken or Stirred??

This is probably the most discussed issue about Martinis. The name on this blog clearly shows you where I stand on this subject. Here are two reasons why. The stirred Martini, when properly executed, has a silky smooth luxurious mouth … Continue reading