From local brewers to the vineyards of Italy, exotic wines and spirits land on the shelves of our local stores and favorite bars. This site will inform and educate you about what's good and why. I'll share my best cocktail recipes; please send feedback. Together we'll explore what specialties local bartenders are mixing, and mark our calendars for special events. Salut!
I honed my mixology skills at the Oak Room of the Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston. Other experience includes the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago, and the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage, where I facilitated community tasting events while bartending at the Crow's Nest. I am currently working with a team of mixologists at Simon & Seafort's. To date, I have created more than 300 new cocktails. I've lived in Anchorage since 1999.
FRIENDS
An Anchorage bar-hopper's essential guide to the latest nightlife action and coolest hot-spots.
August The Month Of Herbs! - 8/5/2008 2:01 pm
In Need of Summer in Alaska! - 7/22/2008 2:12 pm
Have We Sacrificed The Virgin? - 7/22/2008 1:38 pm
How Unique is Monique at the Glacier Brewhouse? - 7/3/2008 3:07 pm
Fourth of July Wonder! - 7/2/2008 11:29 pm
July Cocktail of the Month. And the Winner Is.... - 7/2/2008 12:54 pm
Simon And Seafort's, Well Worth The Flight! - 6/26/2008 10:49 am
Take Flight To Some Exciting Wine Pairings Near You! - 6/19/2008 2:04 pm
The Classics for Father's Day! - 6/11/2008 3:10 pm
"Dani's Vanilla Sky" - 6/1/2008 3:13 pm
"Peechy-Keen" - 5/21/2008 1:01 pm
"Authentic Italian Limoncello", Summer in a Bottle! - 5/19/2008 12:16 pm
Tuesday May 13th is World Cocktail Day! - 5/12/2008 10:07 am
Mother's Day Cocktail Original! - 5/8/2008 12:44 pm
Mother's Day Specialties! - 5/7/2008 2:18 pm
Cocktail of the Month for May! - 5/1/2008 1:15 pm
The Run for the Roses! - 4/30/2008 1:47 pm
Jeremy's Bourble! - 4/25/2008 4:27 pm
Building your own Home Bar! - 4/18/2008 4:22 pm
Shaking things up for you at Simon and Seafort's! - 4/16/2008 3:13 pm
Hidden Treasures at Platinum Jaxx! - 4/14/2008 12:44 pm
Christoff Jeffries, the Man the Myth the Legend! - 4/4/2008 2:54 pm
AUGUST 5, 2008 - 2:01 PM
Looking for a fun and interesting use for some of those lovely Summer herbs from your garden?
This month you'll find out how.
Throughout August I'll be exploring some new and old cocktail recipes from around town and the rest of the lower 48.
Though we haven't seen much of Summer this year, hopefully it will peak it's head out for you from from the tasty sips you'll be partaking in.
Here's the first one;
Lavender Cosmopolitan (a little twist on an original classic)
1.5 oz. Absolut Mandarin Vodka
.25 oz. Parfait Amour Liquor
1 oz. Lime Sour
1 oz. Cranberry Juice
Lavender sugar-see recipe below
JULY 22, 2008 - 2:12 PM
I'm in need for a little Summer in Alaska.
A tropical Oasis to remind me we can have a little bit of sunshine.
I'll make my own liquid summer.
Blue Lagoon in Alaska
1 1/2 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. Blue Curacao
1 oz. Pineapple juice
1 dash of Angosturo Bitters
Combine all ingredients into a martini shaker filled with ice and shake.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Consume with a devilish grin and a wish for some sunshine!
Salut!
JULY 22, 2008 - 1:38 PM
I've had company this summer. It's a new experience to be surrounded by underage drinkers on a regular basis.
My friends I've found out are in the same boat.
With so many new cocktails flooding our world we have to remember to keep up with the non-alcoholic creatons as well.
Sometimes it's the adult's and parents who want a great drink without the kick.
I once had a friend who was pregnant and didn't want anyone to know she was, so I put a virgin Lemon Drop in her hand and no-one was the wiser.
It's nice for kids to be able to go out with adults and be able to enjoy the whole dining experience with a little refreshing Mocktail to start off dinner.
JULY 3, 2008 - 3:07 PM
What exactly is up Monique's sleeve?
Quite a bit it appears!
Jessica Bowman, of the Anchorage Daily News, and I met with her at the Glacier Brewhouse last week and found out what.
Impeccably coiffed at all times and not a hair out of place even on her worst days, you have a very shrewd and savvy bartender whose not afraid to let it all hang out.
Given the time Monique can usually zero in on what your choice of beverage selection will be.
Guys don't be surprised if it's just coffee if you've had enough.
Hers is the bar to have a good time in. I had the pleasure of working wth Monique for two years and we collaborated on recipes and she is one of the gifted few.
JULY 2, 2008 - 11:29 PM
Here is a way to make the Fourth of July sparkle for you.
Try this recipe out and you may not drink anything else the rest of the Summer.
F.Y.I guys, watermelon also contains an ingredient called citrulline, and when consumed in large quantities it has a similiar effect to Viagra.
Watermelon Basil Margarita's
7 1/2 lb. Seedless Watermelon, with the rind removed, and cut out into one inch pieces
4 teaspoons superfine sugar
6 oz. Patron Silver Tequila
24 Basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
1/4 cup of Triple Sec
6 small ice cubes
Place 24 cubes of watermelon on a baking sheet covered with parchment and freeze one hour before serving.
JULY 2, 2008 - 12:54 PM
I recently received results back from the 2007 Mixie Awards I competed in. Though I didn't win I did receive an honorable mention and kudos for three of my cocktail recipes.
The Mixie Awards Hotel Competition is a cocktail competition for Hotels, Resorts and Casinos nationally sponsored by Hotel F&B Magaine.
Since 2002 I've competed every year as the only representative for the State of Alaska. I've always been in the mix of things and it's been very exciting waiting for the results to come in.
This year I'll be competing for the Sheraton Of Anchorage.
Here is the July cocktail of the month.
JUNE 26, 2008 - 10:49 AM
Who says Simon and Seafort's is only worth their weight in Scratch Margarita's?
Anyone who frequents this landmark establishment know's they have more depth than their Happy Hour and original classic cocktails.
Simon's is loaded with an exceptional wine program that caters to everyone. With 100+Wines by the bottle and 30+Wines by the glass, I've yet to see a wine that does not sell on any given day.
My focus here is Wine Flight's. Specifically Summer Wine Flight's!
With four different Wine Flight's to choose from they corner the market in Anchorage in this area.
The first we'll look at is the Aromatic Flight.
JUNE 19, 2008 - 2:04 PM
For the next few weeks I'll be spending some time finding special spots in town to sit back and enjoy some unique wine pairings.
While wine flights are nothing new, I've found they are rare in town. Considering how many restaurants specialize in many of the best wines available in the country that surprised me.
I myself prefer a sampling of different varietals, it's a great opportunity for the experience to find the right wine for your palate.
There are some jewels in town that can't be passed up.
My first stop was Kinley's Restaurant and Bar.
Right off the bat you're hit with the magnificent display of wines and ports behind the bar.
JUNE 11, 2008 - 3:10 PM
It's that time of the year to honor dear old Dad!
It's also a good time to bring out some of the classics.
Pay a special visit this Sunday with your Father and bring a few things with you to impress the old man.
Classic Manhattan (always a pleaser)
2 oz. Woodforde Reserve Bourbon
1 oz. Sweet Vermouth
a dash of bitters
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all ingredients. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cherry or lemon twist.
Gibson (rarely ordered, it is a sweet way to liven up your gin)
3 oz. Hendrick's Gin
1/4 oz. Pickled onion juice
JUNE 1, 2008 - 3:13 PM
Our feature cocktail of the month is, Dani's Vanilla Sky!
This cocktail is one of the few that I named for someone. At one time it was one of the most popular cocktails I served.
Though it no longer appears on any menus in town, it's popularity is not waning. I've been shaking it up at Simon's to some very positive reviews.
If you can't make it at home, come in and I'll drop this magical elixir into a glass for you.
This wonderful blend of vanilla, lime and orange is a great balance of Summer flavors.
For all my Jersey crowd that was in last week, enjoy the recipe and the photo's.
MAY 21, 2008 - 1:01 PM
How about a sweet juicy delectible peach to bite into?
There hard to come by here in the Last Frontier.
Here's an alternative.
Every week I'm usually working with a new recipe at Simon and Seafort's to feature. This week I finally perfected a drink that put smiles on some lovely faces.
Thanks to a pair of birthday girls I finally have a name for it.
The Peechy-Keen!
It blends together 4 simple ingredients that will put a smile on your face once it comes across your lips.
Here it is;
Peechy-Keen
1 1/2 oz. Bacardi Peach Red Rum
1/2 oz. Cointreau
1 1/2 oz. Sweet and Sour
MAY 19, 2008 - 12:16 PM
Limoncello is a basic sweet lemon liquid nectar made with vodka, fresh lemons, sugar, water.
It's a staple in the Italian diet, usually drank after dinner to help the digestive process. Not only that, it's the second most popular consumed beverage in Italy.
With those huge Italian meals I imagine this beverage is crucial.
Maybe this is why my Italian friends are so happy!
It's basically a high-potent concentrated lemonade.
Who doesn't like lemonade?
Limoncello originated from the Amalfi coast of Italy and has been around since WWI.
Through the years it's crept it's way onto many of our palates.
MAY 12, 2008 - 10:07 AM
Yes, the most important holiday of all for the Cocktail is upon us. Who knew that there would be an official day to celebrate the Cocktail.
Grab your favorite drinking buddy and head out to your bar of choice and hoist a martini glass filled with your favorite beverage to honor this sacred day!
Better yet, since I doubt this will be a paid holiday at work for anyone, the true cocktail purist should take a personal day tommorrow and start this imbibing day at 12:01 a.m tonight.
I myself will be officiating at my bar of choice, Simon and Seafort's.
Pay me a visit and have one of 6 Mojito's on our Specialty list. Each one is better than the next.
MAY 8, 2008 - 12:44 PM
Remember all of the chocolate milk Mom made for you growing-up? Here is a way to give her one with a little boost.
This is one of my recipes that has been popular for years!
Death-by-Chocolate (creamy, delicate and good for the sweet tooth)
1 1/2 oz. Stoli Vanilla Vodka
3/4 oz. Dark Creme de Cacao
1 1/2 oz of Half and Half
4 drops of chocolate malted syrup
Fill a shaker with ice and add all ingredients and shaake. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and add a little chocolate stick in for stirring and munching.
Salut!
MAY 7, 2008 - 2:18 PM
Here's to a Happy Mother's Day for all!
Traditionally Mother's all around the country spend the day with their children opening cards, indulging in a box of chocolates or enjoying the fragrance of a superbly assembled bouquet of flowers.
Sometime during the day why not let the bartender within emerge and do something extra special for Mom this year.
How about a delicious refreshing cocktail for her while she lounges amid the scattered wrapping paper of lovely gifts.
Here are some recipes from Colleen Graham at about.com to shake up and let Mom sip and savor.
Rosy Rum Cosmopolitan (who doesn't love a Cosmo)
MAY 1, 2008 - 1:15 PM
With Cinco de Mayo around the corner it only seems fitting that the drink of the month should be one made with Tequila!
I chose a recipe I've made for two years now. It's base is made with Patron Silver Tequila.
Tequila in it's purest form.
Intimacy
1 1/2 oz. Patron Silver Tequila
1 oz. Sweet and Sour
3/4 oz. Chambord Liquor
Combine all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice and shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass and top off with 1-2oz. of your favorite sparkling or champagne.
This elixir will tickle your nose and warm the soul!
Salut!
APRIL 30, 2008 - 1:47 PM
How exciting, another time honored tradition for parties built around specialty drinks and Bourbon.
Growing-up in Ohio, Kentucky Derby day was a sacred event in our house!
Happy Birthday Dad!
My father is from Kentucky and owned race horses. As far back as I can remember he raced them all over Ohio and parts of the East Coast.
It was an exciting time. One month built around the Triple-Crown, three elite horse races consisting of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
Most fathers and sons bonded over baseball or football, my brothers and I bonded with our father while learning how to read racing forms and handicap races at Northfield or Thistledown Race Tracks.
APRIL 25, 2008 - 4:27 PM
A very good friend of mine is having his Birthday celebration today. In honor of this auspicious day I'm re-naming a cocktail that is his favorite.
The Bourble!
The Bourble is a special concoction that I worked with several years ago and was once popular on my short list of new drinks when I Bartended in the Crow's Nest.
For the weekend it will be officially known as, "Jeremy's Bourble"!
Here's the recipe!
Jeremy's Bourble
1 1/2 oz. Jim Beam Bourbon
1/2 oz. Cointreau
1 oz. Sweet and Sour
Combine all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice and shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass and enjoy!
APRIL 18, 2008 - 4:22 PM
How many times have you sat back and said,"Boy, it would be great to have my own bar." Well let's look into what it would take to impress your friends and family. How much money will I have to invest you ask?
First make sure you have the space to put it in. Second have the proper equipment. Let's say your starting from scratch. Here is what you need for a basic home bar;
Equipment
A Jigger for measuring-$2.50 Measuring Spoons-$1.77
Strainer-$3.34 Small Knife-$1.94
Long Handled Spoon-$2.25 Corkscrew-$2.76
Bottle Opener-$3.50 Whisk-$1.77
APRIL 16, 2008 - 3:13 PM
I'm overjoyed to say I'm shaking-up specialty cocktails at Simon and Seafort's!
I'm working with an incredible team of some of the best mixologist in town. We'll be bringing you some of the latest and greatest that we have to offer this Summer.
This well rounded beverage program is top notch and uses the freshest ingredients, new and up-to-date products and techniques, while balancing everything out with local and Imported Beer, Single Malt Scotches and a vast array of wines.
Don't get me started about the food!
I'm getting an incredible exposure to some tasty delectable eats.
In the future I'll be talking from time to time about each area of this very busy and successful operation.
Important warning about e-mails purporting to be from the adn.com staff.
© Copyright 2008, The Anchorage Daily News, a subsidiary of The McClatchy Company 
Contact Us | Newsroom Contacts | Communication Forms | Subscriptions | Advertising | Terms of Use
Daily News Jobs | RSS Feeds | ADN Store | Newspapers in Education | Privacy Agreement
