A last-minute leaving-work IM from a friend drew me to Roast for their Cocktail Hour yesterday, which never disappoints. It ended up being a bit of a foodie gathering at one corner of the bar, as you will sometimes find with bargain-priced delicious food in Detroit.
After the Cocktail Hour ended there a few of us moved on to Martini Monday at Atlas Global Bistro where the cocktail hour never ends. I grilled Dave Mancini (of Supino Pizzeria fame) about what exactly his talent will be in the show on Friday (it's good); and I got to chatting with Putnam Weekley, a man who is possibly one of the most knowledgeable "wine guys" in town. Specifically we talked vermouth (you know how these things happen.)
I learned that Martini & Rossi vermouths are lame, instead opt for Stock brand vermouth which is less expensive and actually better (to the informed palate). At least if you are going with a basic vermouth. If you really want to wow yourself you have to try Carpano Antica red vermouth. Putnam swears it is the best, like eight times over.
Well, for sharing this information I promised Putnam I would dedicate the following videos to him. Martini & Rossi may not be the best vermouth on the market, but they hands-down had the best ads in the 70s!
Angie in a white mood.
Jaclyn feeling red.
File this post under "raising standards" ... the more you drink the more you know! You can glean some of Putnam's extensive knowledge on his blog (being added to my blogroll as I type this) and in the bar zone at El Barzon, where he is charge of their excellent beverage selection.
And now I will expect that I'll be enjoying a glorious manhattan the next time you have me over for cocktails!
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