Wednesday October 08, 2008: Apotheke, etc.

After a martini at one of my fave spots, Gusto, the dapper Nicholas Fahey and I headed to Chinatown to check out Apotheke, a relatively new apothecary inspired artisanal cocktail lounge hidden on Doyers Street, in an old opium den. The decor reminds me of something you might have seen in Shanghai in the 30's, or a villainous Victorian laboratory, with tons of apothecary bottles gracing the back of the bar, as well as assorted intriguing paraphernalia.

3 mixologists, in the truest sense of the word are turning out some of the finest cocktails that I have ever tasted! The techniques they were using were absolutely fascinating, and we were lucky it wasn't super crowded so we were able to watch each one being made. Glasses set aflame, caramelized rims with habanero infusions, the list goes on and on. Jack, who mans what appeared to be most of the dark spirits, even convinced me to try a Mint Julep, his way. I am no fan of dark spirits, but as apprehensive as I was, he didn't fail to deliver! I actually wanted to have another because it was so delicious, but with so many options to experience, how could I not try something new.

Before we tried a new round, we ducked out for a minute to Joe's Shanghai on Pell Street for the most amazing soup dumplings I had ever tasted in my life! Fried dumplings were delicious as well! We became the mayors of our communal table, as Nicholas introduced himself, and us, to each new diner that sat down! Truly a sight! Definitely the best Chinese in New York, in my opinion!



Now back to Apotheke! After I had a little snack (a little? lol!) my palate was recharged, and ready for my next cocktail. I chose James Bond Melon Ball. I have no clue what all was in it, but I did taste some elderflower, cantaloupe, and watermelon. It was a vodka base, but I know it was something more special than just those notes. I'm now officially hooked, and will be back again and again!

I left Apotheke, and headed to meet a friend who apparently fell asleep and was no fun, so I went to meet DJ Lina and Gentleman's League designer/founder, Adam Razak at Kingswood. Cocktail after cocktail, we entertained a rotating roster of guests at our table, as the restaurant died down, the bar scene picked up, and we eventually shut it down with the staff! We all headed to my west side favorite, Employee's Only, to see the best abs in town, Igor, and the effervescent Rachel, who were overjoyed to see us! Well, that lasted for 1 drink, and we were pressured by friends of friends to meet up at the Box. Rather than have 1 more Amalia at EO, we hopped in cabs, and down we went, only to be met at the door by our friend who announced that it was closing and we were too late! Good times=no concept of time apparently!

So, another night in NYC, an amazing time, so chill, so many new places to try, so many old faves needing our attention, and so many people to see. Fall is upon us, and the event season is picking up, so I imagine it will always be hard to do it all, but somehow, the Boulevardier can always make it work!