I went out for dinner last week with a girlfriend of mine. It was at a new restaurant on a popular strip that has been the talk of the town as of late. I wasn't particularly impressed with the food. Perhaps I am picky but if I am paying someone money to cook me food I expect it to be good, or at least better than I can cook at home. I want to be wowed. I want to be clueless as to how that person concocted the dish. Those things didn't happen at this restaurant. What I was impressed with was the excellent service, drinks menu, and the scene. I am always amazed that there is this whole world that goes on out there after 7:30 pm. Call me egocentric, but doesn't everyone get into their jammies after the kids go to bed. By "kids" I mean my young ones not those out raving all night. Am I dating myself by assuming that kids still go to raves? Man, I am so nineties. Maybe I need to get out more.
Nevertheless, there was certainly a scene. I wasn't really part of it but I did witness it. We sat at the bar, and we were well taken care of by the bartender. After he found out my girlfriend was a sommelier, he just had to have us sample all the wines they had on offer. I faked my way through it all. I know what I like and don't like but don't ask me to break it down. I gushed in all the right places, but secretly I was just pleased we were getting free drinks at a fancy hangout.
What I was most impressed with was the cocktail menu. I'm not much of a cocktail drinker. I usually like to have wine with my meal. This menu wasn't run of the mill and everything sounded interesting. Most of the drinks I had never heard of before. I started the evening off with a Lavender Fizz, and when I am on my deathbed this will be my last request. I may have a few in the interim as well.
Now I know this is a food blog, not a drink blog but bear with me. You may forgive my deviation after your first sip.
Lavender Fizz
1 1/2 oz of gin
3/4 cup of soda water
juice of 1-2 limes
lavender syrup to taste
garnish with a sprig of mint and wedge of lime
Lavender Syrup
2 cups of water
2 cups of granulated sugar
2 tbsp of fresh or dried lavender blossoms
For syrup, boil all ingredients in a stainless steel pot. Remove from heat and let steep 30 minutes. Strain, and refrigerate in a tightly covered container. You can also buy ready made Lavender Syrup online and at specialty stores, in case your lavender blossom cupboard is empty at home.
For Lavender Fizz, combine all ingredients and serve over ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint, and wedge of lime.
