Welcome to Drinking the World; my thoughts on fine libations, special spirits, and fabulous cocktails. My name is Jonathan M. Forester and I'm a food & beverage writer / consultant, and formerly partner in a winery and brewery in Maine. Now, my new partner and I are currently in the process of starting an artisanal, farm distillery located on 370 acres in New York State called Dutch's Spirits. We will be specializing in premium, hand-made spirits. These will include bourbon, rye, and malt whiskey, peach and apple brandy, a variety of aged rum, gin, liqueurs, and cocktail bitters.
If the post is dated prior to December 13, 2008, it was previously published at Slashfood.com / AOL.com.
XML FeedsArchives for: October 2009
Manhattan Cocktail Classic - The Gala Event
By Jonathan M. Forester on Oct 26, 2009 | In Cocktail Revolution, Manhattan Cocktail Classic 2009
On Sunday night October 4th, starting at 8pm was the Manhattan Cocktail Classic, Gala Spectacular, held in the Astor Hall at the New York Public Library. To say Gala or Spectacular doesn’t give the evening justice. As you walked up the stairs leading to the libraries entrance, you were guided by the warmly glowing light of candle lit luminaria (a south-west tradition of lining walkways with candles in paper bags), welcoming you the event.
As you passed through the doors into the main chamber, big jazz band, Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks were playing joyfully, setting the theme for the evening. Inside on two floors were a dozen bars staffed by the best of the best in the cocktail world. Spread out among the bars were buffets loaded with a plethora of fine cheese, cold cuts, guinea fowl, pheasant, duck, Berkshire pork, sandwiches, breads, and so much more. There was a also a chocolate buffet, desert tables, and a raw bars with oyster opened to order.
Exploring the Manhattan Cocktail Classic Preview 2009
By Jonathan M. Forester on Oct 26, 2009 | In Cocktail Revolution, Manhattan Cocktail Classic 2009
New York City was afloat in cocktails on the weekend of October 3rd and 4th during the preview of the Manhattan Cocktail Classic (MCC.) The two days were just a taste, No, more like a tease, of an annual, week long event of all things Cocktails that will begin in May 2010. the core events were held at the Astor Center, with the preview consisting of two days of seminars, spirit and cocktail tasting events, networking, and a bar where dozens of the top bartenders and mixologists in the world, tag teamed all day long to serve up their creations. In addition many of the best cocktail bars in the city also opened their doors during the days from 1-3pm for special cocktails and mini-presentations. The key point to make about the MCC is that this is a celebration of cocktails from a New York City point of view. Again and again it became clear that the Big Apple isn’t the best moniker for the City That Never Sleeps.
The Schedule for this weekends first Manhattan Cocktail Classic
By Jonathan M. Forester on Oct 2, 2009 | In Cocktail Revolution, Manhattan Cocktail Classic 2009
Just to tease you, here is the schedule for what looks like it will be the premier New York City Cocktail Event of the Fall. The Manhattan Cocktail Classic, Fall Preview 2009.
Schedule of Events
Saturday Seminars
12:00pm – 6:30pm, Astor Center
Tickets are $50 each. That half-Benjamin (or a Grant, as some might call it) will also get you complimentary admission to the Official Bar of the Manhattan Cocktail Classic (plus one drink ticket) on Saturday. All educational seminars will take place at Astor Center. Note the separate entrances for the Study and Gallery. Rest up on Friday night, and eat a hearty breakfast in the morning.
Have Cocktail Shaker, Will Travel with Charlotte Voisey & Simon Ford
12:00 pm-1:30 pm @ The Gallery
Once the last legal cocktail was served on the eve of Prohibition in New York City, things would never be the same again. ‘Have cocktail shaker, will travel’ was the mindset of many a passionate barkeep in the 1920’s when their craftsmanship turned criminal. Join Charlotte Voisey, Simon Ford and other assorted friends for a jovial discussion on how New York has been influencing cocktail culture around the world for many years. Liquid references will be served.
The Gallery at Astor Center, 399 Lafayette Street at E. 4th Street
Admission includes entry to the Official Bar of the Manhattan Cocktail Classic plus one drink ticket.
Manhattan Cocktail Classic Preview Oct. 3 & 4, 2009
By Jonathan M. Forester on Oct 1, 2009 | In Uncategorized, Cocktail Revolution, Manhattan Cocktail Classic 2009
The Manhattan Cocktail Classic is having a two day preview this weekend at the Astor Center in NYC. Bringing cocktails in force to The Big Apple.
"The Manhattan Cocktail Classic, New York City’s first ever multi-day event celebrating the history, contemporary culture, and artful craft of the cocktail. Part festival, part fête, part conference, part cocktail party, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic brings together the unparalleled talents and opportunities of the bars, bartenders, and restaurants of our great city for two days of activities, both educational and celebratory in nature, championing the common ideals of authenticity, equality, sustainability, service, and pleasure. (There will be some drinking involved, too.)"
The line-up of events and seminars looks great, and the power hitters of the cocktails world have coordinated everything, so you know that this is going to become NYC's premier cocktail event.
