Spirit Dinner

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MadMen Cocktails

With the recent premier of its fourth season, the nation is once again enchanted by Mad Men, by the pouring of cocktails in the office, the lighting of cigarettes, and the carousing of elegantly dressed advertising executives. We, naturally, are especially into the cocktails!

We love a good cocktail. Perfectly mixed, the properly balanced combination of alcohol and complementary ingredients will transcend the workday and transport you to far-off places.

The origin of the word “cocktail” is shrouded in mystery. Dozens of possibilities are out there, like so many variations on a martini. Wall Street Journal columnist Eric Feltonnotes in How’s Your Drink that “according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word ‘cocktail’ first appeared in 1803 in a publication called the Farmer’s Cabinet, but there was no explanation of what sort of drink this cocktail was—other than it was ‘excellent for the head.’”

Cocktails are coming back after decades of decline. Aided by shows like Mad Men and a resurging interest in exploring everything we eat and imbibe, it’s getting easier and easier to find a great drink made with the best ingredients and attention to detail.

So what do you get when you take the classics and give them the tiniest tweak? Why, another fabulous dinner at Grovewood-classic cocktails with a twist!

We’ll be sampling a number of yummy drinks, paired with a fantastic menu from Grovewood’s award-winning kitchen. A complimentary recipe book of the cocktails (both the “originals” and our updates) and of the dishes served (but adapted for the home kitchen) will be presented. We’ll share with you our favorite MadMen trivia, sites and information. This event is going to be fun and quite popular—make your reservations soon!

Spirit	Course
Bloody Mary “For all late night roamers and early risers. The celery stalk lends an air of healthy respectability to this potent breakfast drink.” We’re making ours with 360 Vodka—the world’s first eco-friendly vodka-chunky gazpacho style with fresh Ohio tomatoes!	Ohio Tomato Gazpacho Bloody Mary.
Greyhound “A tangier take on the screwdriver, grapefruit, not orange juice, gives it the extra kick.” We’re using Belvedere pink grapefruit vodka with ruby grapefruit juice!	*Seared Scallop, citrus beurre blanc, on basil-infused polenta.*
Moscow Mule “Invented to popularize vodka in the U.S., ginger beer and lime evoke the flavors of the tropics rather than the tsars.” We’re applying a great “pearing” with this one—fresh, organic Ohio pears!	Grilled Brie Salad, with fresh Ohio pears and pear vinaigrette on mesclun greens.
Old Fashioned “Sadly neglected these days, the Old-Fashioned is the ur-cocktail. Originally -- in 1806, at least, which is good enough for us -- a “cock tail” was a morning drink (ah, America!) made up of a little water, a little sugar, a lot of liquor, and a couple splashes of bitters. Freeze the water, make it with whiskey, and you have an Old-Fashioned. And a mighty fine drink it is: strong, square-jawed, with just enough civilization to keep you from hollerin' like a mountain-jack.” (esquire.com) “This mix of citrus, bitters and rye remains potently modern to this day.” We’re making ours with Four Roses Bourbon and a rosemary garnish!	Rosemary & Garlic Roasted Chicken, with orange compote, artisanal orange-infused olive oil and asparagus. meat-free option available
Manhattan “Don't be fooled by the playful cherry; this potent potable demands to be taken seriously.” Our take on the whiskey martini included bacon-infused Bulleit bourbon and Richards maple syrup from Chardon!	Bacon-Wrapped Filet, potatoes Anna, and Bourbon glaze. meat-free option available
Brandy Alexander “A creamy concoction with a nutty flavor for fans of White Russians and Panamas.” A few drops of Navan takes this quintessential dessert drink to the next level!	Housemade Chocolate Truffles

Wednesday, August 18, 2010
6:30 p.m.
$44 per person
(Don't be held back! Bring your
non-cocktail pals for only $30.)
(tax and gratuity will be added to final bill)

By Reservation Only
(216) 531-4900

Fellow food tourists, shaken or stirred, we are going in the “Way Back” machine for some Classic Cocktails of Mad Men (and Women) and putting an extra-delicious twist on them! I hope you can join us.