Best Birthday Cocktail Ever

OCTOBER 9, 2009 - 11:12 AM

Hi party peeps! I just wanted to say (albeit belatedly) that if anyone feels like heading to the Beartooth Grill this week, they can order me as a cocktail. Well, not me specifically -- but a "Jessytini," this week's special, concocted by my friend and fellow Libra Amy Mack, General Manager and mixtress extraordinaire.

Seriously, I started tearing up when I saw what she had created. And then when I tasted it, the tears began to flow. It's literally like strawberry cheesecake in a glass. Complete with a graham cracker crust rim. But beware -- like me, these babies are potent and can pack a punch when you least expect it! See the ingredients below to make one at home, or head to the Grill to try it yourself. Salud!

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Riedel Tasting Sold Out!

OCTOBER 8, 2009 - 10:51 AM

Sorry folks -- as I attempted to confirm the tasting time, Specialty Imports let me know that the tasting at Bell's tonight is already sold out. :( My apologies for getting you all excited. But be sure to read my blog review where I'll give inside details and also a link to some YouTube videos that are almost like the real thing.

Prost!

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Riedel Update - Blog to Follow

OCTOBER 8, 2009 - 8:26 AM

Hi Nightlifers -- I'm composing a longer blog about my amazing experience with Maximillian Riedel and his fabulous wine glasses, but I wanted to send out a quick note for tonight in case anyone's looking for a fun, possibly life-changing event. Riedel is hosting one more tasting this evening at Bell's Nursery at 7 p.m., and you should be there! Contact Gary Griffeth at Specialty Imports (563-9100) for more details. I'll update when I hear more.

The Riedel Brand

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Amused by Muse

SEPTEMBER 8, 2009 - 10:30 AM

The new Marx Bros. restaurant in the Anchorage Museum expansion - the retro-hip Muse - has obtained its liquor license and ladies and gents, that is a very, very good thing.

I stopped by last Friday for a drink with a friend and to check out the general scenery while perusing the cocktail menu. One of the highlights was that Muse appetizers are all half price from 4:30 to 7 p.m. each weekday, a tasty tidbit our server informed us about -- and one that lasts later than many other Anchorage appetizer haunts.

The cocktail menu was varied and creative -- my friend had a drink involving the British classic summer beverage, Pimms, and I had a Bellini with honest-to-goodness real peach juice. The restaurant makes most of their juice from scratch, and boy does it make a difference.

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Absolut Boston

AUGUST 28, 2009 - 3:59 PM

The clever marketing strategists on the Absolut Vodka team have come up with one more vodka based on the "city" theme, and just in time to commemorate Massachussetts Senator Ted Kennedy's passing away this week. It's called Absolut Boston, and reviews that I've seen say you'll either love it or spit it back into your glass.

The vodka recipe is infused with a strong black tea and elderflower, but it isn't sweetened up, says Colleen Graham on the Cocktail blog at About.com, but has fantastic cocktail mixing possibilities. Proceeds from the sales of the Boston brand, though, go toward environmental causes in the city of Boston, so it may be worth buying to try even if you don't end up liking it.

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Cocktail Updates and a Reason to Celebrate

AUGUST 25, 2009 - 3:10 PM

Cheers, nightlifers — today (August 25) is National Whiskey Sour Day! I know it’s not everyone’s favorite, but it’s a standard and it’s been around since the 1870s. In fact, I know several people who crave the mouth-puckering, throat-burning freshness of a WS when heading out or relaxing at home with friends. I took some tips from Colleen Graham at About.com’s cocktail blog and included some variations on the classic recipe below. But the best part about a WS is that any bartender, at any bar (and I will take on this challenge) knows how to make one.

Whiskey Sour: Classic recipe

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The Last Call has its Last Call in print

AUGUST 7, 2009 - 3:14 PM

To all my fellow lush-lifers who have been wondering why my charming mugshot hasn’t been in the Play section for the past few weeks – the answer is, my Last Call column is now on an online-only track. But never fear! I’m still with you, and continue to haunt local spots, travel out and about for new and exciting appetizer, cocktail and nightlife deals – I’ll simply be doing it all from the Lush Life blog from now on.

It’s been a great run, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed contributing to the Anchorage nightlife scene in print the past two years. As my predecessor said, it’s pretty much the best job in town. And it’s still a great gig – it’s just changing shape a little bit.

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Gaga Over the Gong Show

AUGUST 7, 2009 - 2:49 PM

What do Oingo Boingo, Eva Gabor and David Letterman have in common? They all participated in the infamous '70s TV sensation, "The Gong Show." Airing intermittently from 1976 through 1989, the show set the stage for similarly-themed talent shows like "America's Got Talent" or Britain's "X Factor." Now you can see a reincarnation right here in Anchorage.

Woodshed Lounge (535 W. Third Ave., 276-5193) General Manager Rob Lecrone has brought the Gong Show to the nightlife scene, where local amateurs and wannabes can compete weekly for the judges' favor and to win a grand prize. Lecrone said Vito Ungaro, one of the Shed's owners, has been interested in doing the show for awhile. Lecrone, who has a background in event organization and entertainment, decided to pursue it instead of just another run-of-the-mill karaoke contest.

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Take Me Out to the Ball Game

JULY 23, 2009 - 11:04 AM

Two of my favorite thingsThis summer has already surpassed last year in sunny days. It may take awhile, but soon we'll realize that we can make plans in advance to do things outdoors. Yes we can wear summer clothing and forego our umbrellas (or at least leave them in the car). One of the best activities for warm weather, when the evenings stretch out like a lingering happy hour, is to see a good, old fashioned baseball game. In Anchorage Mulcahy Stadium has one of the best nightlife setups in town.

First, you get to watch sports. This is especially appealing to guys who aren't always in the mood for going out. Plus the stadium is downtown if you feel like more nightlife after the game.

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Gong Show Update

JULY 16, 2009 - 3:51 PM

Rumor has it that the gong show is going strong every Wednesday night, 9 p.m. at The Shed. I stopped by last week and saw some awesome (and some not-so-awesome) local performers, including “20th Century Man,” my pick for the best theater I’ve seen all year. Unfortunately the judges didn’t agree. But now there are new judges – Lola Pistola from VivaVoom Burrrlesque among others – and things are shaking up. Manager Rob Lecrone said this about last night’s fun festivities via Facebook:

The third week of the Shed Gong Show was a hoot… The judges' appreciation of local, original acts over someone simply singing a karaoke song was apparent with the scores, though the gong did ring out for karaoke and original acts equally, banishing two singers, a would-be comedian, and a performance artist. In the end, a guitar, a small amp, and two voices took home the $100 VISA gift card and advanced to the finals on Aug. 12. Additional microphones on desk stands were provided by my good friends at Procrastination Productions, allowing the judges to be more vocal throughout.

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Fourth of July Fun

JULY 2, 2009 - 2:22 PM

Hi nightlifers – I’m sure everyone is gearing up for the weekend ahead, ready for beers, barbecue and bootleg fireworks (just kidding, officer). I found some great ideas for celebrating in style this Independence Day.

First, Natalie from The Liquid Muse blog offers a great recipe to celebrate with friends at home, while honoring one of the nation’s most famous ladies. It’s tasty and simple and looks pretty with blue or colored sugar rimming the glass.

The Betsy Ross

3 ounces Fre Chardonnay (or whatever you’ve got on hand)

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Get Ready for the Gong Show

JUNE 17, 2009 - 2:56 PM

Gong-a-rificThis just in -- Rob Lecrone from the Wood Shed just informed me via Facebook of a new, uber-cool event they're hoping to start up this summer. It's a recreation of the classic Gong Show, which for those of you who are too young to have seen it is sort of akin to "America's Got Talent," only more hilarious because instead of cranky judges the performers literally get gonged off stage. Lecrone writes that the Shed is looking for local talent to sign up to compete for over $2000 worth of cash prizes. Almost any act is welcome, including: "jugglers, magicians, jug bands, tap dancers, strongmen, yodelers, standup comics, contortionists, slam poets, mimes, bird callers, puppeteers, tuba players, hula-hoopers, comedy skits, chanteuses, ventriloquists, clog dancers, celebrity impersonators, vaudeville acts, burlesque dancers, accordionists, air bands" and, of course, karaoke. The more unique, methinks, the better your chances. A caveat to some of you -- no fire-oriented acts are welcome. Sorry, dragon slayers.

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Karaoke (Oh yes, Karaoke)

JUNE 5, 2009 - 11:14 AM

Karaoke timeA friend of mine once said, "Nobody wins at karaoke." The people singing are either so nervous or liquored up they can hardly stay in tune. Or they're regulars and end up overdoing it, American-Idol style and forcing the audience to commend their reeking insecurity.

Or they're just really, really bad. My friend's theory was that and because of this neither the audience nor the performers get any joy from it in the end.

I beg to differ. The point of karaoke isn't skill, getting the words right or even winning a contest. The point of karaoke is that it's free, fun and a chance to face your fears or embarrass your friends.

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Cocktails for the Cure

JUNE 3, 2009 - 10:52 AM

Awareness RibbonThis summer mixologists can compete to create their best concoction for a good cause. The Ultimate Cocktail for a Cure 2009 competition supports the Susan G. Komen for the Cure cause, a leading advocate for breast cancer awareness and research. Cocktail gurus compete in two classes (amateur and professional, so dust off that wet bar if you fancy trying your hand). They must also includ one of the competition's sponsor spirits and (and this is a must) SENCE Rose Nectar, a pinkish European spirit. The nectar spirit embodies the "pink" breast cancer awareness mentality and the bottle is pretty much the cutest thing I've ever seen.

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Jim Beam Pops Its Cherry

MAY 29, 2009 - 1:57 PM

Red StagSlightly misleading title aside, it's true that Jim Beam has come out with a new brand of flavored whiskey. Cocktail gurus say that the flavor of Red Stag is akin to natural bourbon, but with dark black cherry undertones. Anything cherry-flavored may put off the straight whiskey sippers out there, but for those of us looking to spice up our Manhattans or other mixed drinks, this might be the ticket. Check out the new spirit at the Red Stag site (yes, it already has its own site).

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Sunny Places to Down a Cold One

MAY 22, 2009 - 11:25 AM

Cold OneIt's sunny outside and warm enough that -- gasp -- we can actually wear open-toed shoes without becoming apoplectic. Each year I like to list the local watering holes best suited to the celebration of summer, sunshine and cool drinks, and this year is no different. Last time I summed up a few of the more familiar locations, this year I will expound on some you may not have visited and others that may be worth a second glance.

After several Facebook and Twitter suggestions, I collected a listing of good choices for your next "it's Wednesday" excuse for a sunny stop. Cocktail colleague Amy Mack (mixologist and manager at the Bear Tooth Grill) reminded me of a sunlit, social spot that's sort of off the radar, but has amazing fried mozzarella. Piper's Restaurant and Lounge (3450 Aviation Ave.) is a great choice for midtown nightlife fans. It's conveniently near the airport, has a lovely outdoor deck, great prices on beer and well drinks and a more than adequate grub menu. The food may not be comparable to downtown haute cuisine, but at Piper's you'll find faster service, fewer tourists and more room to relax and work on your Alaska tan.

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I Like Beer (Who Doesn't?)

MAY 18, 2009 - 11:26 AM

Attention nightlifers, I've just found a very awesome Web site through a friend's twitter page and had to share it. I Like Beer is basically a TV video show with clips of beer tastings, facts, information and more. Add it to your list of tweet buddies at twitter.com/likebeer. Just in time for summer!

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Horray for National Cocktail Day

MAY 14, 2009 - 1:43 PM

Toast your favorite drink -- with your favorite drink! On this day to honor all things cocktail, check out video clips on the history of cocktails, interesting facts from the Museum of the American Cocktail Website, and classic cocktail recipes from cocktails.about.com. Cheers!

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The Last Frontier

MAY 12, 2009 - 9:27 AM

Usually when I see a bar in a strip mall that not only has no window to peek through, but also has no obvious entrance other than two large, thick steel doors -- the kind that might also be on the front of a serial killer's storage room -- I tend not to think about going inside, no matter how much I've heard about it.

But when my editor suggests I cover a bar I've never been to (the rarest of events), I steel myself, don my best heels and make my way to Muldoon.

Yes it was my first trip to the Last Frontier. I'd heard many a story about its famed nightlife status, and I have friends who live on the east side and refuse to go anywhere else on a weekend. Finally I understand.

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Mekhong, My Love!

MAY 11, 2009 - 11:03 AM

I traveled to Thailand a few years ago and one of the best parts of the trip was the discovery of a spirit so fiery sweet, so subtly potent that it thrilled my burgeoning sense of spirit as almost no other liquor has done since. It was none other than the official spirit of Thailand, Mekhong. And now it’s getting big in the U.S.A. (finally, I might add). If you’ve never had it, you need to try it. It’s akin to a whiskey or bourbon, but it has a deceptively light edge like a vodka or rum. It surpasses simple comparison, really, and needs to be enjoyed on its own or in a cocktail.

Colleen Graham posted some recipe suggestions on her cocktail blog at about.com, which I’ve included for your reference below. My favorite way to enjoy the libation is in shot form with a squirt of lime juice on top. Mmmm, me likes Mekhong.

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