When I first started to frequent Manhattan, it was indeed the center of cool. The only thing less cool than being from an outer-borough was being from the wilds of New Jersey. Back then we were all lumped together under the category "Bridge and Tunnel People." A funny thing happened to cool. It moved to Brooklyn.
This week's cocktail is gleaned from The Vanderbilt, a swanky cocktail destination in Prospect Heights. Rye, Cherry Heering and Scotch take a swirl around the shaker and wind up over some lovely large ice cubes, garnished with our house-preserved cherries. The combination of Cherry Herring and Scotch is not unprecedented, as it occurs in the famous Blood and Sand cocktail. However, the blend with rye is spicy, hearty and interesting. Without the benefit of the orange juice of a Blood and Sand, it takes on the feeling of a version of a Manhattan (or ironically a Brooklyn) cocktail, yet it is it's own libation. We first made this drink a couple of years back, after my first visit to The Vanderbilt. It was extremely well-received. I have no idea why we have not made it in such a long time.
Tonight in Catherine Lombardi, we'll serve the King Edward for $8. We will pass hors d'oeuvres until 9 PM and the most tasteful cocktail enthusiasts of The Garden State will be in attendance, as is their custom. I hope you will join us.