Comments on: Cocktail Hour: Redux

By: Errant Aesthete

Errant Aesthete — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:05:56 +0000

Jim,

What a wonderful arrangement. I feel sure you are not going to be outmatched. And thank you so much for showcasing this magnificent set up. It’s clear your guests are more than aptly entertained. I would think there’s not a cocktail you couldn’t make and as you say “my bar is ready to service most special requests my friends may have.” indeed! I would suspect you have a lot of drop-ins, no?

By: Jim Mathews

Jim Mathews — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:15:58 +0000

I was overwhelmed by all of the beautiful photos illustrating the more relaxed side of the life of a cocktail swilling savant. I am forced to admit that my little bar is not nearly as portable as most of the bar carts pictured in your two captivating posts, even though it is fairly compact when closed. On the other hand, an impulsive fit of foresight motivated me to install gliders on the bottom before I began loading it with essential cocktail necessities, so while it is not as permanently fixed as it might appear at first glance (and does slide freely across the tile floor), I am still unable to move it everywhere in my home. A drinks tray and strategically placed cocktail tables offset that failing, however. Although it might be lacking in elegance, my bar compensates through its ease-of-use and in the quality of the cocktails it can produce with only minor assistance.

Here’s a link to some photos of my bar: http://picasaweb.google.com/jim.mathews.futurist/UtahMixologistSBar?authkey=Gv1sRgCKWbmZPMwbP0EA#5405112766983184194

[Photo 1]
My bar at rest, compact and unobtrusive, a welcome addition to almost any room.

[Photo 2]
On those days when a few friends drop by (or if it’s just cocktail time, so perhaps every day), all that is required to access the extremely appealing (and potentially delicious) contents is to open wide the front. If our guests are in another room, a tray is a convenient way to move glasses and a pitcher of Martinis to wherever the guests may be.

[Photo 3]
When a large gathering is planned, it’s time to swing open the top of my bar to its full extension and break out more bar gear. A signature, seasonal or theme cocktail that about three out of four guests will select and enjoy is de rigeur for any gathering, but my bar is ready to service most special requests my friends may have.

[Photo 4]
Here’s a nice shot of my bar topped with a serving tray outfitted with a pitcher of Vesper Martinis (stirred, not shaken), four (slightly fogged) cocktail glasses fresh from the freezer, and a small bowl of lemon twists. A pleasant evening is in store for all.

By: Jim Mathews

Jim Mathews — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:15:17 +0000

<<>>
The next comment is my actual comment. I couldn’t find a way to upload photos, so I put them into a Picassa web album. Feel free to leave the following (my real) comment “as is” or you can enhance it by copying and inserting the photos from the web album. Feel free to use any of these photos in future posts on your blog.
–Jim

By: littleaugury

littleaugury — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:52:16 +0000

& now I know, it does have a lovely ring to it- just like the crow of the cock. glowing post. la

By: Errant Aesthete

Errant Aesthete — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:06:42 +0000

Liath, Ravenmanor and Le Style et la matiére,

Do you remember when altars were all the rage? It was little more than a special place to assemble your cherished memorabilia, the vestiges of your life and memories. i feel your designated space for spirits and such should, above all, be a reflection of you. It is after all,in your home, not in a restaurant or hotel, which is why it should include treasured pieces that speak to your love of friends, gatherings and shared toasts.

I especially loved the wooden sideboard table perfectly positioned in the fore of the paned glass windows. It’s ample and roomy so guests can step up to it and day or night you’re invited to share in the view. And notice how they cleverly made use of floor space for over-sized bottles of wine and other decorative pieces like the rattan holder that is perfect for napkins, coasters, etc.

Yet, like my friend E of Easy and Elegant, who is a great admirer of Gerald Murphy’s legendary bar tray, there is something to be said for the mobility of a cart that can be whisked from room to room dispensing good cheer and refreshment.

Le style – I loved the idea of a special sound heralding your cocktail ritual. An imaginative addition.

By: Liath

Liath — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:23:07 +0000

Ah yes, the napkins, glass/crystal and silver-ware…. glad to say I’ve got that covered to a T! I’m an antique/flea market and Ebay regular plus the inheritor of many pretty things via grandparents with excellent taste.
It’s really the matter of the alcohol that needed addressing, which you have done with flair, Thank you!

By: ravenmanor

ravenmanor — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:26:53 +0000

A great article. I’m a fan of a well-mixed martini myself. Too bad that, in England, at least, if you ask for a martini, more often than not you are given a glass of Martini Vermouth… Nice to see the Aalto drinks trolley, too.

By: le style et la matière

le style et la matière — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:36:39 +0000

I do love that chrome cart. Everything is wood, wood, wood around me, but that is my vision of The cocktail cart. I admit to having a stock of bottles clustered together in my liquer shop, the bottom shelf of an armoire. The appropriate glasses, olives, and apéritifs are found on the shelf above. There is a nice little tinkle when the door is opened and I’m sure everone would just love to hop on a proud sleek cart that would pull up in front. Will let you know when that day comes.