Look Ma! I am on the TV!

This is the most hilarious thing I have ever seen!  Kenny Lopez and I had so much fun doing this.  He is a doll and News with a Twist are my local news heroes!

http://wgno.com/2013/10/03/the-singing-bartender-get-a-dose-of-hit-maker-phil-collins-in-the-french-quarter/#axzz2ghggteB0

Me and my wonderful audience!

And if you are looking for the recipe for that Phil Collins..here it is!

2 oz Barrel Aged Bols Geniever
1 oz Lemon
1/2 oz Cointreau
1/2 oz Simple

Shake and strain into a Collins glass, natch, top with soda and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and a song.

Keeping Up with the Collins

I must be homesick for NYC...more specifically, my home in Red Hook, Fort Defiance.  Lately my former job and co-workers have been showing up in my dreams.  I figured out that when outside forces threaten me, my sub-conscious goes to my "safe place", The Fort, to work out the problems.

Enough with Psychology 101!  Get to some drinks!  

In honor of the Collins section we used to have at Fort Defiance, I have created my own Collins section at SoBou for our Spring Menu.  Entitled "Keeping up with the Collins", it is a list of refreshing twists on the classic Collins (gin and fizzy lemonade).  I also threw in our most popular cocktail, The Faubourg Tall Boy since it is a combination of a Tom Collins and a Kir Royal.  




Michael Collins
1 1/2 oz Powers Irish Whiskey
3/4 oz Lemon
3/4 oz Lavender syrup

Shake, stop with soda in a collins glass, garnish with fresh lavender



Cumberbatch Collins
1 1/2 oz Gin
3/4 oz lemon
1/2 oz Benedictine
dash of simple
2 slices of cucumber

Shake, stop with soda in a collins glass, garnish with Cucumber



Joan Collins
1 1/2 oz Square One Basil Vodka
3/4 oz lemon
1/2 oz simple
muddled strawberry

Shake, stop with soda in a collins glass, garnish with basil



Phil Collins
1 1/2 oz Barrel aged Bols Gevever
3/4 oz Cointreau/simple
3/4 oz lemon

Shake, stop with soda in a collins glass, garnish with fresh thyme

Punch in the Mouth!

The Dizzy Fizz and RyeGirl Duke it Out!
Photo: Lush Life Productions

Last night Katie Darling and Bols Genever had a Punch Party at Fort Defiance in Red Hook. Fort Defiance has always felt like a home away from home, with its comfortable setting, friendly staff and amazing food and drinks. The main force behind all of this is proprietor/barkeep St. John Frizell. His warm spirit and cool drinks keep the vibe mellow. The fact that his adorable infant son makes a frequent appearance at the restaurant just adds to the friendly family feel. And with Southern boy (love them) expert in the kitchen, Bobby Duncan, makes some tasty bites. And I am not alone in this feeling. Time Out Magazine awarded Fort Defiance at 2010 Eat Out critics choice award!

I saddled up to the bar after a very unproductive brunch shift but a much more productive 20 mile bike ride (Bike Butt!) and was greeted immediately with a tall cool glass of tasty punch. It was zesty and fresh, made with lemon, orange, lots of spices and Bols Genever, natch. It was like a Tom Collins punch, and perfect after my three bridge ride; Williamsburg (2x), Manhattan and Brooklyn. It was also perfect for washing down my green papaya salad, shrimp and grits, and pecan pie. Yes, I feasted. Did I mention I biked 20 miles? Besides, it is all good home cooked food and the perfect Sunday meal with my cocktail family at my home away from home.