3 Olive Martini

Auction This....

2011-05-05T22:47:00.007-04:00

Another new find for Felagi and myself... after entertaining ourselves at the auction house, stomachs grumbling, whistlers dry... oh dry did I say?, yes, it was time to seek where the next martini find will be... so after commensurating , where, which way, how close, (as we wanted to get back to the auction, so I could bid on three bronze monkeys, no not the typical, hear no, see no, say no.. .One was holding an acorn, another a crab, and the other I didn't make out what it was...) So we found a place right on Broadway in Red Hook, Flatiron. So we ventured in...

It was crowded, tables outside on the sidewalk nice size bar , fully occupied, a counter looking out onto the street w/stools, which we decided to seat ourselves and look upon a gasoline station on the corner. So we said hmmn, must be good, lots of people and a wait to get a table.

So the place with sparse decor was less to be desired, plain, tables very simple/bare w/ plain, dull chairs to accompany. I think it could have use a bit more in the decor dept ,very little,to no ambiance, making it appear as though they just pieced it together in a day. So absorbing the decor, the waitress, also the bartender, took Felagi's order of martinis and left us the menus to ponder over. As I pondered, looking down over the table of four on the sidewalk in front of us, I was intrigued with the steak they brought the gentleman. His slicing , was just so inviting.. I said to Felagi, I want the steak. So our martinis arrived and wow...
The glass was so chilled and frosty. Probably the most chilled glass I have ever been served a martini in. Gets thumbs up for chilled glass. Felagi, disappointed with olives,.. "one olive"... only one?... I was like how are my woes going to get better with only one olive...? oh well,
Felagi tastes first... oh, oh , face! Felagi never makes face... oh, oh ,so I taste, I make face, and ...
too heavy on the vermouth...Though thirsty we were, we just suffered thru the tasting until our taste buds adjusted to the vermouth. Now, the one olive just was not going to make it with me, and you really had to wait until you drank the last drop to tongue the olive out of the glass. But happy to report, mine was tarty and firm... Felagi's was mushy... Oh dear... we thought this might be a premonition to the food... But we were watching the canovorious gent... and it looked quite good... so... we order...
Felagi suggested we have the oysters and the meat/sausage platter for appetizers and share a rib eye steak. I know he wanted the pork chop... but he too was eyeing the man's steak.
So out came the oysters... six on a plate and not very appetizing to look at. Actually, mostly because the shell wasn't cleaned. So one had to eat them w/an utensil and since they gave us a cocktail fork, not easy to ingest whole, and w/sauce, not as chilled as our martini glass either. The sausage appetizer next, pate was very tasty,duck sausage great, and goat stew, bread was moist and great, but could have liked to seen a bit larger of a portion,.. It was smidgeonable.
Steak arrives with two of our chosen sauces, one being a jalapeno sauce and it was saucy hot! The steak was ordered med rare, came out a bit more med. well, but, palatable, tasty, tender and w/ the sauce made it absolutely great! So to sum it up, the steak outdid the ambiance, the martinis, and the appetizers.
As the Auctioneer yelled at the sale of the monkeys, going, going, gone! ... and off we went, monkeyless, and if they were the ones that "see no", "hear no" , "say no" to the "Flatiron".

Rating - half an olive

Naturally,
Karen

Who's Felagi?

2011-04-13T09:28:00.001-04:00

Felagi ' s Review is Back !!!!

2011-03-20T20:40:00.006-04:00

MOUNTAIN WONDER! What a find, Felagi, a great martini and a superb restaurant! There is nothing like a ride in the mountains to find the best treasures! A call from the past, Felagi, asked me to join him to dine at a new restaurant he read about. Hung up the skis and off we went! As we drove out west, the sun so brightly setting, Felagi , was telling me about the owners, their experience and the ambiance. Interesting, I've been dining more on the northern end of the mountains this past winter. The Peekamoose Restaurant and Tap Room reminds me of the country road my dad used to take me fishing on . I'd lay on the hot flat rocks and just watch the sun move from one side of the mountain to the other as the day moved on and the rocks cooled down. The Peekamoose Restaurant & Tap Room decorated very Catskill Mtn style, with natural woods and reminiscences of good hunting days and just a nice warm and cozy feel...One can be very casual or dressed and the setting would camouflage their way to the finest prepared meals.. The bar itself was a warm, casual atmosphere with the warmest-smiling bartendress(name?). Felagi had ask what beverage I was seeking, and what else? yes, Vodka Martini....Hmmnn... Felagi, suggested we rate our beverages as we had in the past... She brought the wide-brimmed chilled glasses and filled them with separate shakers...Felagi started with his first sip noticing his glass frosty from the mountain chilled cubes, just leaving a very brite chilled taste, so natural, so mouth watering refreshing, so cold like ice was melting on our tongues, a martini we never experienced. Something about being in the mountains, the taste of the martini, the cold chilled stream side setting, just made one feel that mountain wonder. Yes, three olives were served, tart, a wee bit soft around the edges, but large and pimento stuffed! The blend of Vermouth and vodka tasted so mellow to the noticeable chill . Bravo, they were the most refreshing martinis we ever experienced. Yum! The appetizers , frog legs were so tender and not overpowered by the herbs and spices.. I didn't try the blooming onion, but it smelled so sweet. But like the martinis, the main meal was as succulent as the martinis! The pork chops were of mountainous size, and so tender, and the trout as fresh as the creek! To top it off, a nice cordial by the outside fire, a smile and off we went with our tastebuds satisfied and our tummies full of mountain wonder! rate - Three O O O! Naturally, Karen

Valentine quotes

2011-02-13T20:59:00.004-05:00

Some Valentines Quotes;
A Valentini!
There is no better way to share this Valentine's day
But with olives of three
vodka, vermouth in a chilled glass martini
But to sip my love with thee
My special Valentini!

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
You hid your love
But your eyes are true!

If you thought of me this Valentine's Day
Look in the mirror to see
That smile you have for me!

Happy Valentine's Day!
Naturally,
Karen

February Culinary Graduates

2010-02-01T13:41:00.005-05:00

...I had the pleasure of dining at the Culinary's Roaring 20's Muscular Dystrophy fund raiser event . What a wonderful presentation by a stream of talented chefs, servers and staff. It truly exemplified the schools' talent from professors to the imaginations of the students. The event was well-presented from the costumes and presentations of all servings. A wonderful bar display of "moxies", using the more selected brands of alcohol, ranging from, Shirley Temples to my favorite, vodka martinis. As my "Sheik" handed me a martini, I notice an interesting size to the glass, and I will name these my "bebe-martinis." Quite a smaller martini glass and perhaps a good choice, since the evening flowed w/ an array of alcoholic beverages. So examining the martini, it was chilled quite nicely w/ an even blend of grey goose and vermouth. Yes, it even had a "one" olive(remember it was a "bebe"), and it was firm and tasteful w/ a nice bite. Though, it did have the pit, a bit awkward. Such a wonderful moxie, my" Sheik" gentleman caller went for another round of bebe's m's.
Offered by flappers w/ their cigarette trays, were the most imaginative prohibition style appetizers. One in particular was served in tall, thin, shot glasses, combined chopped shrimp w/ cocktail sauce topped frayed-curled celery toppers, which resembled a bloody Mary shot. Very clever , but for my taste it could have been spicier!
The host escorted us to the main dining hall and soon seated at a very feathery roaring 20's table setting/. The wines were very complimentary with the entrees , not overpowering the flavors. The appetizer was so very sprite w/ baby spinach toppings w/ pecan crusted herbed goat cheese w/ a raspberry/vinegerette sauce. The braised short ribs were superbed, in their moist and tender texture , and the sherry concoction that they were simmered was extraordinaire! The mashed potatoes were as creamy and smooth as my bebe martini!
Hats off to the dessert! I thought the delicate lady puff style cake w/ dried/baked lime w/ the grapefruit flavored citrus sauce was the best! I would love to have that for breakfast every morning. Very refreshing and light! The meal left you very satisfied , yet not full or a heavy feeling. It made it easy to dance to the music of the 20 piece orchestra .
Well done and my hats off to all the near-future graduates! This event also raised the most money in it's silent auction in the history of the Culinary ! Students you were the bees-knees and so was your event!

Rating - 3 Olives!!!
Naturally,
Karen

Another choice....

2010-02-01T13:09:00.004-05:00

.... For all my "grey goose" martini drinkers... there's another vodka perhaps you might want to try... "ZYR".
This russian vodka, has a wonderful smooth, velvet texture as it glides across your tongue and down your throat. It is very smooth and you will notice the difference. This vodka makes a great martini and find it to be smoother than "grey goose". It is less expensive as well. This vodka has been distilled five times and filtered 9 times. It doesn't leave you w/ a headache and easy for the human body to consume and digest.

Try Zyr and give me your feedback.

A "Rocksteady" Martini

2009-11-13T07:47:00.006-05:00

Yes, I think it has been chosen a winner. Thank-you for all those wonderful recipes but, I've chosen the "RockSteady" Martini! Simple to make and very refreshing. One thing that I found to be so pleasant is that this martini can be drank by all, especially for all those alcoholic consumers that tend to lean towards the fru-fru sweeter beverages. It's a great way to aggrandize your palates.

The following recipe as follows;
Grey Goose Vodka
Extra Dry Vermouth
Pear Nectar

For one,
2.5 shots of Grey Goose
3/4 shot of Vermouth
1 shot of pear nectar
Mix all w/ crushed ice, strain into a well-chilled martini glass
garnish of course, 3 jumbo-hearty sized olives or for the holidays
2 olives and top it with a cherry

Enjoy, and I expect to see it on all your special drink lists!

"RockSteady"

Naturally,
Karen

movie making martini ......

2009-09-26T21:25:00.003-04:00

Movie making... WOW... what a learning experience, education, and all... How and why, well, if it can be had, why not? If you haven't notice as of yet all the movie hoopla in Ulster County... well , start paying attention...!

What a wonderful industry to bring into our community and how lucky we are to live in a beautiful area. One may be inconvenienced for a day or two, but the money that is deposited in a community is a welcomed site. Everything from rentals, room and board, to hiring local talent, to restaurant and local dining, to gassing up vehicles , rental equipment , catering, costumes, artwork and plenty more... How blessed we are. So everyone welcome our guests whole heartily, they are your present paycheck...

So, with this new venture I stumbled across, I begin to thinks we should name a "martini" after this new movie and I want to call it "Rock Steady" and I think it should have an entree to compliment it as well, say using rock shrimp, rock lobster... etc...

My quest is to see what local establishments and chefs will volunteer to create such a martini and entree and see if it lives up to the name
"Rock Steady".
Send me your invite to bring the crew and try your delights!!!

"ROCK STEADY" EVERYONE!!!!

Naturally,
Karen

..and we're off....

2009-09-01T23:11:00.003-04:00

Hi,

It's been since May and so much has taken place, that I actually was wondering who was running my show....

So my newest venture was to Saratoga. What a wonderful city and I always make it mandatory to attend the racing and social events at least once during the track season. And Traver's week has always been my favorite and once again found myself in the front row of the clubhouse again.

Nothing seemed to change but the crowd was smaller than usual and my betting was off again. Though I did try those ten cent superfectas! Such
a bet , a box cost me $2.40. But the social atmosphere is what I aspire for and yes , once again it was inspiring. It never ceases to amaze me the crowd at Ciros, year after year. Just a sea of men. I suppose there are other ladies there, I just happen not to notice them as much. So an adventure and many an invitation was offered.

One of my dining favorites is Wheatfields, downtown Saratoga. So a martini had to be experienced. Lucky me, to have a Philadelphia gentleman to buy us dirty martinis. So lets judge;

The glass - was well chilled and frosty appearance, a nice wide brim and I can always tell because the stretch of my fingers make it unsteadily for me.

The temperature - Yes nicely chilled , yet perhaps it was due to the olive juice, a bit warmer than I preferred. Perhaps the olive juice was not chilled.. hmmn...

The taste - Maybe a bit too salty from the olive juice, though not tangy and actually the blend of vermouth and grey goose was evenly blended.

Olives - Well being from Philadelphia, Mr. Dave was not aware a New Yorker drinks their martini w/ three olives and we all know why..right?
So when he ordered the martinis, I did have to remind him of my customly served martini with three olives. Yes, they were large, and a nice crunch to them. Oh, it was lovely!

When one visits Saratoga, remember Wheatfield's, the bartender was wonderful with his cocktails and his idealism on winning horses. And he was humorous and on his game. An enjoyable evening !

2 1/2 Olives
Naturally, Karen

Graduation

2009-05-24T08:30:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Marist and Bard College graduating students!!! As it was so evident in Rhinebeck's village last night. A truly lovely and enchanting evening for such a celebration.
My newest quest has been taking me across the Hudson River, which is allowing me to try some new dining experiences. It is always a pleasure to visit the village, all lit up with many new dining cafes . It is quaint and lively and very romantic as well.
So my new venture took me to an old establishment, well known for the area, an impressive inn with attentive staff, treating one and all as VIP's.
The Bar, is in the rear of the Inn, and it always makes me feel that those who imbibe in Alcoholic Beverages, are escorted to the back of the bus, (which might not be a bad idea).Though I find it to be lovely, old, historic, and an alluring atmosphere for light dining , drinking and wonderful socializing. I must say, it would be a great place to have an affair. Hmnn...
The order of a grey goose martini was placed .
*The perfect sized martini glass for me, not too wide, not too small, deep enough to hold a delightful amount to give one just enough.
*The temperature was superb. The glass seemed to be pre-chilled, nice and icy yet not too frosty.
*The taste was nicely blended, well shaken and just enough time to let
the ice melt to infuse with the vermouth and vodka. No overbearing of vodka or vermouth. A wonderful blend and pleasing to my tongue.
*The Olives were the best part of this drink , I never asked for three olives, but wonderfully surprised, on the pick, was three jumbo, tarty, firm olives with a nice crunch bite. Excellent!!!
I must say the Bartendress, named Lauren, knows how to make a great martini, and is naturally pretty and very pleasant. It was a pleasure to get some insight on her personal life as well, as her dad was dining at the bar and her beau came in to meet him, a handsome threesome. Lauren congratulations to you finishing up your college year as well!!!

As it was later than usual for me to dine, I only experienced the lobster roll appetizer. I must say it was very tasty , large, and served on a sweet
shredded veggie salad. The lobster meat was mixed w/ small baby shrimp, with a nice spicy flavor. A wonderful treat on a late Saturday night.
I advise if one is in need of being treated special, the Beekman Arms will
accommodate and leave you feeling very special!

*** Rating - 3 OLIVES

Beekman Arms
Route 9
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
845 876-7077

Naturally,
Karen