NYC Tastes

Monday night the StarChefs Congress turned into an incredible cocktail party with mixologists from all over the country shaking up fabulous drinks.   I kicked off the night with a bit of bubbly from Jacob Tschetter of  Grand Army  in Cobble Hill.  His Strawberry Champagne Mojito was a beautiful and refreshing start to the evening.  Kevin Denton, former bar director of WD-50 and current mixologist for  Pernod Ricard  created a bright green Emerald City with Del Maguey Vida mezcal, Gitana Fino en rama Sherry, apple juice, honey and  the ever popular matcha.    Easily the most creative drink of the night came from A-K Hada of  Please Don't Tell  in the East Village.  Her Peking Duck cocktail managed to bring the savoriness of this classic Chinese dish from dinner plate to shaker glass. Mixologist Jeremy Oertel from Brooklyn favorite  Donna  went tropical with a creamy pineapp...

After Luger's we took a stroll around the neighborhood a bit and stopped into Donna for one of their signature draft cocktails.  I was so full from lunch but somehow managed to fit in the incredible Frozen Brancolada made with Branca Menta, Appleton Rum, Coconut Cream, Pineapple and Orange Juice. Mr. T went for the Dizzy Izzy made with Fino Sherry, Plantation Rum, Pineapple and Thai Chilies. Both were fantastic- one fruity and rich and the other light and spicy.  Donna bills itself as "a mini-vacation you can take any day of the week" and I totally get that vibe inside.  There's just a great airy, laid back feel that makes the outside world seem light years away.  I have to remember return during the depths of winter for one of these tropical pick me ups. Donna 27 Broadway Brooklyn, NY 11249