The Flying Cucumber

Last saturday, I was finally driven to buy a bottle of St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and see what could be done with it. It’s actually nice and refreshing on the rocks, not too sweet, with hints of melon and citrus. St-Germain is traditionally mixed with champagne or white wine, but tonight’s cocktail was a gin-based cocktail called the Flying Cucumber.

With a recipe I found on A Dash of Bitters, here’s how it’s made:

Start by muddling 2-3 two cucumber slices in with 1/2 oz. of lemon juice.
Add ice cubes, and then:
2 oz. of gin (I used Hendricks)
1/3 oz. of St-Germain

Shake well, and then strain into a chilled martini glass, with a cucumber garnish.

This was quite refreshing – I’d definitely do it again.

Red O

After driving past it for the past couple months, we finally had a chance to try Red O, Rick Bayless’ new Mexican-inspired restaurant on Melrose, after the lady scored a reservation for four (shouldn’t be too hard, on a Tuesday night). Bayless is mostly known to the commoners (including myself) as having won Top Chef Master in 2009, but has here produced a nice menu that definitely feels rooted in Mexican flavors and tradition, while still producing some new and inspired tastes.

As we arrived at the door, we realized the rumors were true, and a bouncer determines whether or not we’re worthy of making it inside by checking a printed list. We weren’t on it. It seems our reservation got lost (despite having made it 20 days ahead of time: remember to call back and confirm, kids!). That being said, despite the initial setback, it was only a few minutes, and they were very accommodating. We ended up on the outdoor patio, which all things considered was more fun than being in the main room.