Bootlegger 21 Vodka Presents: Harlem Glamour

Socially Superlative
April 18, 2011

Saturday night’s torrential rain didn’t seem to stop guests from making their way to the Cotton Club-esque of Jazz-Age Harlem event, presented by Bootlegger 21 New York Vodka. The 1920s inspired event was held in Soho at 76 Wooster Street, and each floor of the four level building had a different look and feel. The bottom two floors featured a live jazz band and the upper two were designated for poker playing and piano listening.

Guests sampled 1920s inspired hors d’oeuvres including shrimp & grits, gumbo, sweet potato with marshmallows, and red velvet cake for dessert. It was definitely some good old southern comfort food and made me miss my summer vacations to South Carolina.

In addition, several Bootlegger 21 featured cocktails were available throughout the night. Titled “The Flapper,” this drink was made with Bootlegger 21, Galiano simple syrup, lime juice, prosecco, and lemon twist. The “Bootlegger 21 Southside” was lemon based and also had simple syrup and muddled mint leaves. Other cocktails offered were “Improved Prohibition Cocktail,” “Madden Martini,” and “Lindy Hop.”

The evening starred Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra and featured Queen Esther, the renowned chanteuse with piano-man Jesse Gelber, Gin Minsky the flapper-tapper, and Roddy Caravella as the entertainment for the evening.

Although I knew this event had a 1920s theme before I arrived, I was surprised by how many people showed up in head to toe costumes. I guess we all need a night of escapism once in awhile, and Harlem Glamour certainly did the trick.

-Megan Eileen McDonough

Photo by Daniel Perry.

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2011/04/18/bootlegger-21-vodka-presents-harlem-glamour/

Wines of Portugal: A World of Difference

Socially Superlative
April 6, 2011

Wines of Portugal: A World of Difference took place yesterday afternoon in The David H. Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center. ViniPortugal, a trade association promoting Portuguese wines in targeted international markets since 1997, powered the event.

While I’m personally partial to whites, I made sure to taste a couple of rose and red options. I certainly was impressed with all the selections offered, but there were definitely a few that stood out as exceptional options for any occasion.

My top rose would hands down be Aveleda’s Casal Garcia, best paired with zucchini risotto with sun-dried tomatoes. They also offer a comparably good tasting white wine recommended to drink alongside grilled seafood dishes.

Valle Pradinhos’ full body white wine had the perfect combination of flavors. Made with grapes from the mountain region of Portugal and Alsace, France, this wine was the most memorable and unique tasting in my book. Following close behind are the whites offered from Boas Quintas.

Malhadinha Nova’s Monte da Peceguina is a great option for full-body red wine lovers. I was quite impressed with not only the taste of their wines, but also the designs of their labels. Both the turtle and cow images are drawn by children and compliment the brand well.

-Megan Eileen McDonough

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2011/04/06/wines-of-portugal-a-world-of-difference/