Joe McCarthy’s Ghost
Sunday, August 24th, 2008
Yes, I’ve been out of touch lately. The Clyde really has me busy these days. The good news is, Tim Davey and I have really made significant progress and I think the beer and cocktail lists have really started to shine.
On to more interesting things. Construction has begun in earnest on Beaker & Flask. I actually have walls! My Dad was in town last week and I didn’t know they had actually started. I took him there, walked in, and had something to show him. It was a pretty nice feeling. Below is a picture I took with my phone. It is kind of bad, but you’ll get the idea.
In the meantime, I realized I had hired Lance Mayhew without ever actually seeing him bartend. This might have been a problem, but Lance has since opened the bar at 50 Plates and I’ve been in multiple times to observe his technique. I must admit it was rocky at first (granted, I was there opening night), but he has since, very obviously, grown accustomed to his surroundings and the bar is a welcome new addition to the Portland scene, putting out some great drinks you will not find elsewhere (at least not yet). I also think the food is really good. Randall has done a real nice job of capturing a little slice of America in his cooking. I think I have had at least the left side of the menu and nothing has disappointed.
I leave you tonight with a drink and a word of advice. Go get the new Fleet Foxes record. The drink is something I’ve been playing with for a few days and I think I’ve got it right. Very simple and something that Kelley Swenson might enjoy: Joe McCarthy’s Ghost.
Joe McCarthy’s Ghost
2 oz. Christian Drouin Calvados
3/4 oz. Creme de Violette
1/4 oz. Lucid Absinthe
stir over ice, strain and garnish with a lemon twist.
