The Beet Up Gibson Martini
This is a very simple variation on the classic Gibson martini. I always found Gibsons to be very visually striking. They are garnished with a small pickled onion or two, and perhaps a teaspoon of the pickle vinegar, instead of the classic olive or lemon twist. They are bold and simple, with a slightly astringent taste from the vinegar. The Beet Up Gibson uses pickled … Continue reading The Beet Up Gibson Martini
French meets Japan supper club at Mirey’s Restaurant
My friends Gerry and Ko have set up a popup restaurant in south London, showcasing their creative talent and delicious food. The event took place in the London Cooking Project, a community-run culinary initiative in Battersea aimed at fostering budding catering talent in the area. We signed up and were provided with this tantalising menu. During a fairly manic pre-Christmas week it was lovely to … Continue reading French meets Japan supper club at Mirey’s Restaurant
Even more Izakaya food
If you’re wondering about what snacks to serve with a martini, you will find endless inspiration in the world of Izakaya. Izakaya can be roughly described as relaxed and usually low-cost Japanese gastro-pubs. I have written about them quite a bit before, mainly because of their warm atmosphere and inspiring array of tasty menu items that go very well with a martini. Quite a lot … Continue reading Even more Izakaya food
How cold should a martini be?
How do you know if your gin is cold enough for a martini? The simple answer is this: it has to be freezing. If, as per previous instructions, you have kept your gin and glasses in the freezer for several hours before martini time, you should easily pass this test. I recommend that martinis are made with freezer-stored gin and stirred briefly with the vermouth … Continue reading How cold should a martini be?
Our Second Pop Up Martini Bar
Thank you to everyone who came to our martini pop up bar at the end of October. We held it in ‘the Gallery’ on the Main Street of Tobermory, Isle of Mull. At the end of the tourist season I hoped that it was a chance for locals to relax and try something different. It was also a bit of a send off for us … Continue reading Our Second Pop Up Martini Bar
The Lydia Martini
When someone orders a Gibson Martini, I instantly hold them in high regard. It’s such a stylish-looking version of the classic martini. The single white cocktail onion floating solemnly in the glass almost makes it look like a religious offering. The sharp flavour is also very distinctive. Furthermore, to know about a Gibson indicates a sophisticated and experienced familiarity with martinis in general, which can … Continue reading The Lydia Martini
Chilled scallop canapés with smoked paprika, seaweed-butter and lime
These sound fancy but they were quite easy to put together and can be made in advance, so they’re easy to serve if you’re having a party. Get about one scallop per guest (or two if you want to make it a more substantial dish than just a canapé). I love scallops. My dad was a scallop diver so they’ve never been far away from … Continue reading Chilled scallop canapés with smoked paprika, seaweed-butter and lime
Some more martinis
Just another selection of recent martinis… A dirty one. A clean one. Both dirty and clean – photograph courtesy of Dr. Kirsty. Watching the sun set. Seeing the moon rise. Feeling the summer fade. Watching seasons come and go in general. I guess one thing about a martini is taking the time to pause and enjoy things. They are the most ‘zen’ of drinks and I … Continue reading Some more martinis
Fusion Food: Seaweed Butter for Martini Canapés
I recently enjoyed a discovery taster menu at the beautiful Michelin-starred Greenhouse restaurant in London’s Mayfair area. I didn’t have any martinis as I didn’t want to spoil my palette before the dining extravaganza but the setting was beautiful, the food utterly inspiring and the service convivial and professional; in-depth but relaxed. What a treat! It certainly set my martini-obsessed brain into overload thinking of … Continue reading Fusion Food: Seaweed Butter for Martini Canapés
The Mermaid Inn, NYC 4.5/5
This is one of my favourite places in the world. Oyster happy hour is a must! I’ve previously mentioned how well seafood goes with a martini, especially the simplistically delicate oyster, so a bar/restaurant that specialises in briny goodness was always going to get me excited. However, I’ve got to focus on the martini and not get too ahead of myself. Using my martini rating … Continue reading The Mermaid Inn, NYC 4.5/5
The Martini Socialist 