vacation and the mixologist

Greetings. Sorry no news for a while, but as before, no news is good news. This in-between time feels like a vacation, and that's good because this is probably as much of a vacation as we will get for a long time. There just won't be much going away his year.

But no worries. Our friends continue to pick up the slack. In perhaps the largest stretch of the term ever, Megan "popped over" from Rochester NY with Becca-boo and Charlie-barley in tow for a quick Thursday-night to Friday-night visit. Rachel and Sammy rejoiced.

And then last night we celebrated Michelle's birthday with the Berglands and Lloyds at the awesome Sweet Basil in Needham. Many thanks to Emily and Brian for the late-night sitting.

I also have to tell you about the bartender at Masala Art we visited for drinks before dinner. Some of you who occasionally have a drink like me will identify with the feeling you sometimes get when ordering a drink that, given the plethora of options in a well-stocked bar, there is surely something you are missing. It's not fun to take a chance on a drink you may not like, because you have to pay for it either way. So you're stuck with what you know. Maybe you've found something standard you like, but the fact remains that there is much unexplored territory back there.

Enter Jason the bartender. Sorry. Jason the mixologist. Jason starts with an interview. What base would you like? Rum, vodka, tequila, etc? Rate your preferred amount of sweetness, 1 to 10. Rate amount of sourness 1 to 10. Any allergies? Rate the fruits you like. Red? Black? Hawaiian? Finally are there any spices you enjoy? (at this point I said he should decide).

So anyway he then goes away for a bit and comes back with a small sample of The. Best. Drink. You've. Ever. Tasted. And the individuality of every drink he makes is borne out when you get a taste of your friend's/wife's drink, which she loves and you think is absolutely disgusting.

So yes, this has turned into an alcoholic blog. Better these cocktails than the other ones we talk about though. Alas, we'll be back to that Wednesday.