February 2008
"Local" Drinks across the World
This month from Italy...

Grappa is a fragrant grape-based pomace brandy of between 38% and 80% alcohol by volume (75 to 160 proof), of Italian origin. Literally translated to "grape stalk", grappa is made by distilling pomace, grape residue (mainly the skins, but also stems and seeds) left over from winemaking after pressing. It was originally made to prevent waste by using leftovers at the end of the wine season. It quickly became commercialised, mass-produced, and sold worldwide.

In Italy, grappa is primarily served as a "digestivo" or after-dinner drink. Its main purpose was to aid in the digestion of heavy meals. Grappa may also be added to espresso coffee to create a caffè corretto meaning corrected coffee. Another variation of this is the "ammazza caffè" (literally, "coffee-killer"): the espresso is drunk first, followed by a few ounces of grappa served in its own glass. In the Veneto, there is rasentin: after finishing a cup of espresso with sugar, a few drops of grappa are poured into the nearly empty cup and swirled, and drunk down in one sip.

Among the most well-known producers of grappa are Nonino, Berta, Sibona, Nardini, Jacopo Poli, Brotto, Domenis and Bepi Tosolini. While these grappas are produced in significant quantities and exported, there are many thousands of smaller local and regional grappas, all with distinct character.

Most grappa is clear, indicating that it is an un-aged distillate, though some may retain very faint pigments from their original fruit pomace. Lately, aged grappas have become more common, and these take on a yellow, or red-brown hue from the barrels in which they are stored.

         
     In the News...
 
CHEERS TO THAT

Gurgaon residents may party all night at pubs and bars

T
imes News Network,
February 21, 2008

Click here
 
 
 

Buzzing Nightlife

Red Light Lounge Bar
145, Khyber, Mahatma Gandhi Road,
Near Rhythm House,
Fort, Mumbai-400 001
Tel: 6634 6246 / 47 / 48 / 49
7:30 pm to 1:30 am

Packed at weekends, Red Light in Fort, (a.ka. Kala Ghoda) plays Hip-Hop, Retro, House and Lounge. music. Red and black leather interiors with grey mirrors, special candle-lit VIP tables, rocking sound and techno lights all make a heady combination!

There is no allocated dance floor, so expect dancing on the bar. Mini pizzas and kebabs satisfy the munchies and the cocktails are popular. The food served is a selection of Asian tapas and the usual bric-a-brac. Go for the Tossed Prawns, Thai Chicken Satay, Spicy Jalapeno and Chili Garlic. Bartenders are UK-trained, pretty smart and know what they’re doing.

   
  Most of the crowd in Mumbai heads to this party lounge when they need to have a good time with friends. One is likely to find some film, television and sports personalities dancing the night away.
 
     
 
Cocktail Recipes

VALENTINE COCKTAIL: TURKISH CHOCOLATE
  • 1 3/4 oz vodka
    1/2 oz white (clear) créme de cacao
    2 dashes of rose water
    Cocoa powder for the glass

Add all the ingredients to a shaker filled with ice, shake and strain into a frosted martini glass rimmed with cocoa powder.

 
     
 


Dining Destinations

Garden Court
Andheri & Malad,
Mumbai.


Lunch: Until 3pm
Dinner: Until 2am

www.gardencourt.in

The Garden Court restaurants and bars located in Mumbai are great places to dine when you want to get a feel for ‘nature’ in the heart of the city. The courtyard is surrounded by lovely gardens allowing customers to enjoy the outside while tucking into a scrumptious meal. While the exterior offers a serene view of gardens, the interiors of the restaurant are a perfect blend of rich materials and warm colors. The menu consists of a wide selection of Indian and Chinese food. The fish and Tandoori dishes are hot favorites and the Lasooni prawns are finger-licking good! And the Garden Court hospitality is top-notch!

All-in-all, the restaurants offer you a combination of a pleasant experience, good meal and lovely ambience.

Garden Court Restaurant
Veera Desai Road,
Opp Andheri Sports Complex,
Andheri (W)
Mumbai 400 058
Tel : 26770318, 26770253
Garden Court Restaurant
167 Marve Road,
Near Orlem Church,
Malad (West),
Mumbai - 400064
Tel : 28078342, 28072973
 
     
 
Drunken Humor

This guy staggers into a bar and shouts, 'A large whiskey please barman, and a drink for everyone here… and while you're at it, have one yourself.'

'Well thank you sir,' says the barman and proceeds to pour everyone their drinks.

Moments later the guy shouts, 'Another whiskey for me, and the same again for everyone else.'

The bartender looks a little worried now and says, 'Excuse me sir, but don't you think you should pay me for that last round first?'

The guy slurs, 'I can't. I don't have any money.' With this the bartender flies into a rage and literally throws the guy out of the bar.

About twenty minutes later though the guy staggers back in and shouts out, 'A large whiskey for me, and a drink for all my friends.'

'I suppose you'll be offering me a drink too?' the barman asks sarcastically, marveling at the guy's nerve.

'Not likely,' slurs the guy, 'you get nasty when you've had a drink!'

     
 
Trivia

New York state of mind: The Dutch ingratiate themselves to the natives

In 1609, the Dutch sent English explorer Henry Hudson westward for a third attempt at finding the fabled Northeast Passage. A near mutiny forced him southward, and upon reaching land, he encountered members of the Delaware Indian tribe.

To foster good relations, Hudson shared his brandy with the tribal chief, who soon passed out. But upon waking up the next day, he asked Hudson to pour some more for the rest of his tribe. From then on, the Indians referred to the island as Manahachtanienk -- literally, "The High Island."

And not "high" as in "tall"; high as in "the place where we got blotto." Most people would agree that Manhattan has stayed true to the spirit of its name ever since.

 
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