A recipe for Absinthe (the traditional way)

Absinthe....

It has fascinated folks for many years.  

In America, it was illegal (as are so many great things) until sometime in the mid-2000's.

Anyway, enough of that, here's how you do it....

First you have to obtain a bottle of absinthe.  My favorite is Lucid and can be found at many of your friendly neighborhood liquor stores for around $60.

Second, you have to have the correct spoon.  It should be slotted and able to balance on the lip of the glass.

Third, you get some sugar cubes.

Now that your tools are ready, pour a shot of the absinthe into the glass.

Balance the spoon on the lip of the glass and balance your sugar cubes atop the spoon.  

Many mixes call for one sugar cube, but I put in two.  (I like it sweet.)

Begin a slow drip/pour of ice cold water (I mix mine at a ratio of about 3 parts water to 1 part absinthe) over the sugar and into the glass.

You will notice your drink taking on a hazy greenish color.  This is normal.

Once the sugar cubes dissolve, allow your drink to breathe for a moment.  This will help stir up all the good flavors.

Finish pouring your water in and enjoy!

Movie Night - Black Orpheus

Breno Mello as Orpheus and
Marpessa Dawn as Eurydice

This 1959 film, a retelling of the Greek tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice, is a delight to watch.

Full of vibrant colors, infectious music (by Antonio Carlos Jobim) and enough energy to power a small city, the film tells the tale of Orpheus, a streetcar driver by day and a musician by night.  

On the eve of Carnival, Orpheus, along with Mira, his fiancee, decide to get a marriage license, but, just before they go to get it, Orpheus runs into Eurydice, a beautiful young woman who has run away from her home to escape a mysterious man dressed up as Death.

As the Carnival ramps up and the sambas begin, Orpheus and Eurydice have to run from not only Death, but Mira who now understands that Orpheus has fallen out of love with her and in love with Eurydice.

A winner of the 1959 Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, as well as an Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA winner, Black Orpheus is a wonderful movie with a wide range of emotions.

Check it out!!! (WP)(AMG)(IMDB)

Playlist for March 4th, 2011

Who wants beads?

This March, we are blessed with two bastardized American holidays.

First up, Mardi Gras, (also known as Carnival).

We have taken what is essentially a religious holiday and infused it with an all-out party spirit that everyone can enjoy, regardless of religious affiliation (or lack thereof).

While, here in America, New Orleans and surrounding areas are synonymous with Mardi Gras, celebrations happen all over the country.

Outside of America, the celebration is known as Carnival and, in recognition of that, I have included samba, mambo and calypso music in a list that's heavy on New Orleans and Louisiana tunes by greats such as Professor Longhair, Dr. John, Champion Jack Dupree and Jerry Lee Lewis (among others).



Enjoy with good food, good drink and good company!