We’re going to tackle three different types of cocktails to make to impress – a super simple classic cocktail, a unique drink everyone will be talking about, and a showstopper. Let’s start with our easy peasy classic, the Aperol Spritz.
This simple drink has grown in popularity. Before traveling to Italy, we did some research on the food and drinks to see what are the must haves while visiting. An Aperol Spritz was top of the list to try when arriving. Leading up to the trip we started to notice Aperol Spritz on every menu in America. We clearly were late in the game on this trend but patiently waited to have our first spritz in Italy then compared it to an American version. They’re exactly the same but you know a spritz will always be better on vacation overlooking the Amalfi Coast.
So here’s the easy peasy recipe. No tools required besides a glass. It’s vibrant orange color will make it instagramable and everyone will think you were a professional bartender in your past life.
Bagatelle NYC hosts the ultimate brunch so why not head to Bagatelle Beach in Ibiza to.
Bagatelle is more than a restaurant – it is a lifestyle. They have transformed regular brunching into a party scene where the fabulous go to sip champagne and dance on top of tables. With several locations around the world, each restaurant is slightly different. Ibiza is the largest location and the only one to have its own private beach and pool.
Enjoy a gourmet meal with specialty crafted drinks overlooking their private beach or lay by the pool with bottle service and a DJ.
TIPS:
Make a reservation during peak season.
If renting a lounge chair at the pool is too pricey, head to their private beach for free.
Bring your own towel to lay on the beach to save some money from renting a towel and chair.
Exploring the historical rules of tea etiquette and the traditional afternoon tea decorum that is quintessentially British.
Etiquette certainly is a part of the tea’s tradition, but rules have changed centuries since and have become more relaxed especially in America. Dunking the biscuit and extending the pinkie finger are some old customs surrounding tea but this afternoon delight has has developed to become more popular in the states and a more relaxed social event.
Lets start with the Napkin – When seated for tea, the truly formal way is to place your napkin on your lap with the fold towards you. Under no circumstances should a napkin be left on a chair, if excusing yourself from the table, then the napkin should be set back to the left of the plate. Did you know that at the end of dining, by neatly folding the napkin with a crease and placing it back on the left of the plate, that’s an indicator to the host that you wish to be invited back.
Now the tea – This endeavor is called afternoon tea — a pleasurable afternoon affair of small savory and sweet bites accompanied by tea — not high tea, which is considered an early evening supper. When preparing your tea there are many ways in which you can tailor the drink to your own personal tastes, whether that be the addition of lemon, sugar or milk, but one thing stands, you must remember to stir correctly. You do not stir in a circular motion, clinking your spoon against the china. Place your spoon in a 6 o’clock position in the cup and fold the tea towards the 12 o’clock position, back and forth. Whilst making sure not to ‘clink’ the spoon against the sides of the cup. You must also remember to not leave the spoon in the cup, instead placing it on the saucer to the side of the cup.
Let’s dive into the food – a 3 tiered tray of goodies that consist of scones, finger sandwhiches and petit fours. There is some debate on which item to start with – scones or finger sandwiches. Some places serve scones on the bottom tier and others serve the finger sandwiches. Just remember to eat from the bottom tier up — all foods should be eaten with your fingers.
“SC-ON” OR “S-CONE”, however you may pronounce it, there is a specific order to eating it. Split the biscuit in half with your hands, not your knife. Start with the bottom half, spreading the jam and preserves first then the clotted cream on top. It is jam first then clotted cream but if served a warm scone it is ok to put the clotted cream on first so it may seep into the scone.
Table manners – It’s customary for the person doing the hosting to pour the tea and for the teapot to be left on the table with the spout facing the person who poured. If sat at a table, the proper manner to drink tea is to raise the tea cup, leaving the saucer on the table, and to place the cup back on the saucer between sips. The risen pinkie finger, once considered a sign of class and elegance is now one of the most common faux pas of afternoon tea.
Tea is a personal favorite so this week our posts will focus on the history, etiquette, types of tea and general information about this drink that is so much more – its’s a lifestyle.
Let’s delve into the difference between Afternoon tea and High tea – they are completely different types of meals which are used interchangeably as many mistakenly believe that there is no difference. Both of these tea traditions are steeped in British history and are a direct result of their origins.
Afternoon tea is a light meal composed of three courses – tea sandwiches and savories, scones with clotted cream and jam, and sweet pastries. These bite-sized treats are eaten with your fingers. Afternoon tea time occurs around 4pm, between lunch and dinner. The light meal is not meant to replace dinner but instead to hold you over until dinner which was usually at 8pm for the upper class. The concept of afternoon tea started in England in the 1840s when The Duchess of Bedford wanted a small bite between lunch and dinner. It started out as just tea and a small snack. but the popularity grew once she started inviting her friends over and it became a social gathering for the wealthy social class. Afternoon tea is also called ‘low tea’ since they were enjoyed on low tables with comfortable chairs and sofas in the drawing room.
High tea on the other hand was a working class family evening meal or supper. Traditionally, it consisted of hearty dishes between 5-7pm which was after the working class came home from work. Instead of small crustless finger sandwiches, a high tea menu consisted of meat dishes, potatoes, baked beans and other heavy dishes. It was not a luxurious event but meant to nourish after a long day at work. High tea was named for the high dining table where supper was eaten.
So why do people still call it high tea? Because they think it sounds fancier and establishments that serve afternoon tea sometimes call it high tea to market to people. Even in England where afternoon tea originated, you may see luxury hotels offering high tea to attract tourists.
What are the Different Types of Afternoon Tea?
Afternoon tea is made up of three courses of food with a pot of tea – tea sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and jam, and sweet pastries.
Cream tea is a pared down version of afternoon tea with just one course — the scones.
Royal tea is a pricier version of afternoon tea due to the addition of Champagne.
Sgroppino is an alcoholic mixed drink originating in Venice, Italy based on lemon sorbet and vodka, topped up with Italian sparkling Prosecco. Sgroppino can be served as a palate-cleansing aperitif or as a dessert drink after your meal.
The Sgroppino was served in aristocratic Venetian homes back in the 16th century. The Sgropin, as it’s called in the Venetian dialect, means to ‘untie’ such as to untie a little knot in ones stomach following a rather filling meal. It is also to cleanse the palate between the first and second courses.
Even though the drink originates in Italy, as you travel throughout the country you may have some difficulty finding the drink and even local restaurants knowing what it is. This is because further away from La Serenissima it is not a Sgroppino anymore, it is simply Sorbetto.
That tradition continues today, with a few minor tweaks to the centuries-old recipe. As the classic Sgroppino is made with lemon sorbetto, vodka and Prosecco sparkling wine, variations include strawberry, grapefruit or lavender, and sometimes the addition of limoncello.
Sweet and citrusy, this creamy lemon Prosecco cocktail is hands down the best dessert drink ever! Simple ingredients and no special skills required to make.
Having been to a few different Eataly’s, Las Vegas Eataly at Park MGM is the greatest thing that has happened to my tastebuds. The comparison to an amusement park for foodies is spot on. They have mastered fast food and quick bites for on the go with high quality ingredients or you can sit down for a leisurely meal and immerse yourself in the experience Eataly provides.
Their philosophy of “eat, shop, learn” is something the strip has not scene before and they do it right. Their fresh pizza dough and pasta are some of the best things to exist. They hand pull their own mozzarella right in front of you and its our favorite show in Vegas as well as the best edible souvenirs.
It is every food snobs dream come true. Infact, this place will appeal to any person. Pizza, pasta, drinks, sweets – they have a food station for any craving. Enjoy an Aperol Spritz sitting under the sunshine like an Italian or take it to go in a plastic cup Vegas style.
FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS:
Tradizionale Pizza – your traditional Neapolitan pizza
Charcuterie Board with pickled veggies
Nutella Crêpe
Espresso
Aperol Spritz and Limoncello Spritz
Items to be informed about…
The cannoli is Sicilian style with whipped ricotta so it may not be something you’re used to. It’s not as sweet of a filling you find in Italian bakeries in the US.
The Presseco and gelato drink at the Il Gelato station is essentially just a scoop in your drink. (Can be spotted in the picture below)
Could it be? Sgroppino in Las Vegas? And if so, will it be a true Sgroppino like the one found in Italy?
When scoping out the MGM Park we stumbled across a sign saying “Sgroppino.” Our minds were blown. Sgroppino has reached the strip. We found ourselves infront of Primrose, a charming, French inspired bistro. In our excitement, we read on to see if it could possibly be a true Italian Sgroppino… Lemon sorbet – yes! Prosecco – yes! Vodka – yassss! Sounds legit.
Even with all the purple and lavender added, it still sounded like a true Sgroppino just with a fancy remix. We’re in Vegas after all.
We went inside Primrose and ordered our Sgroppino. We saw the bartender immediately grab the cocktail shaker and we cringed. We then knew this would be another Affogato style version of a Sgroppino. Maybe in the states it’s just a scoop of sorbet in alcohol but you guys are really missing out on a true Sgroppino.
Those of you unfamiliar, a Sgroppino is Prosecco, vodka and lemon sorbet whisked together to created a creamy aperitif. It may sound like the texture would be that of a slushy but it is just like a milkshake. It is so creamy you won’t believe it’s not ice cream.
I am starting the petition now to make Sgroppino the new basic bitch drink for brunch. Please start signatures below in the comment section.
Aperol with a twist: Get a Frozen Aperol Spritz atMaritime Hotelin NYC or a Fluffy Garibaldi at Uncle Nicky’s in Austin, made with frozen Campari and fluffy orange juice.
We love brunch so much, we’ve started a series of our favorite places. Starting with the most over the top brunch spot….
Sorry, Austin but you’ve got nothing on the NYC Brunch scene. NYC Brunch at Bagatelle is an experience like no other.
What is it? Simply put – Brunch meets club. Emulating the champagne brunch parties famous in the South of France, you’ll be popping bottles served by superman, dancing on tables, go-go dancers on the bar, and barely able to hold a conversation over the DJ blasting music. Oh yea, and delicious food.
Brunch in NYC is a lifestyle. Our brunches made Rosé famous. It’s what created the Frosé. Brunch has come a long way and developed into a party scene meets mini vacation vibes. The NYC mentality is work hard, party hard(er).
After a night out at the club in the meatpacking district, why not just carry on the partying with some food in the same area. And that’s just what Bagatelle did. It’s basically a daytime club. It’s over the top. It’s fancy. It’s fun. It’s where everyone wants to be seen.
It’s not cheap though. Spend $2,500 on a jeroboam of Veuve Clicquot and some magnums of Dom Pérignon, and the lights dim, the D.J. cues up the theme from “Superman,” and a waiter is hoisted onto the shoulders of the servers. His arms outstretched as he carries one of the blazing bottles to your table.
Tips:
Must make a reservation a month in advance.
Only available on Saturday and Sunday.
Formal attire only. You will be turned away if not dressed to their liking. Even if you have a reservation!
Expect to drop a lot of money.
2 hour max at each table and then you’re kicked out from your table and move to the bar to finish. (Isn’t NYC so kind?)
Going with a large group? Order a cocktail in the giant bowl for the table to share and enjoy the fun presentation. (Although, Austinites will not appreciate the box of straws used in the drink.)
Food is made to share. They have large portions so order a bunch of items for the table.
The holiday season is over, the festive lights have come down, no more tinsel and ornaments. Mid January becomes such a depressing time of year when all the decorations are taken down. The next holiday being Valentines day doesn’t seem to help things especially for the singles out there. A vacation is always a solution but we have another idea. Summer bars in the winter! There are plenty of heated patios or enclosed rooftops but we know a place in NYC and Austin that gives you beach vibes even in this cold weather.
New York City
Head over to this post-modern Polynesian inspired tiki restaurant and acclaimed cocktail bar, Mother of Pearl. This chic tiki bar serves wild drinks – a bloody shark cocktail, pineapple cider garnished with tropical flowers, and even a drink that’s on fire! Those are just to name a few. They have the ultimate fried guac and chips platter which you can find on the menu under “Tropical Guacamole.” Mother of Pearl is the best vegan restaurant to take a non vegan. As meat eaters, we didn’t even realize it was a vegan restaurant until we were told. Point proven. This East Village bar takes you miles away from the cold city and transports you to vacation mode.
Tip: Here’s our helpful tip when visiting – If you can’t get a reservation or find a seat at the bar, sit at the communal table. There will always be a seat for walk-ins.
Austin
Our Austin recommendation is Kitty Cohen’s. No, you’re not on the set of Golden Girls or visiting Palm Springs in your DeLorean. We double checked our location and what year it is and this bar is located in East Austin present day. This sun-drenched sip of nostalgia gives 70’s Cali vibes as you sit on the patio bar enjoying the wading pool. They serve spritzers and beachy cocktails with fun names to go with them. This bar is the coolest of cool with pink flamingos, palm tree wall paper and Burt Reynolds. It’s endless summer vibe feels like you’re on vacation no matter the weather.
Tip: Make sure to check upcoming events as they host a pop up kitchen at the bar by the wading pool. Also, visit their website to become a Room 101 club member to get the exclusive (and a keychain).
The Pineapple Life 