I love this post! What a day! What a trip! Although, Iām embarrassed that it seems whenever anyone pushes a Martini cart in front of me, I turn into Rula Lenska! š
When we were in London back in October 2023, we ended up at Duke's twice. The first time, Palazzi had the night off; the young man/quasi-apprentice (I think the entire staff is Italian at Duke's) who served our Duke's martinis (both nights, I followed with a Vesper) said Palazzi liked to take the first few days of the week off these days. We waited over an hour to get in, but they were very gracious. We didn't intend to go back, but had a dinner reservation later in the week in that part of Mayfair, so I thought, We might see Palazzi this time - and I was right. Although we waited again for quite a while, and their three rooms were considerably more packed, for some reason, the place cleared out early, and Palazzi along with his staff took to entertaining just the two of us close to the actual teeny tiny bar at Duke's, and I think made up a cocktail for Becca on the spot. It is a great memory. We went to Donovan, too, but during the day, and the bartender there gave us a bobblehead of Salvatore Calabrese to accompany us with our drinks in lieu of Calabrese. I didn't drink vintage cocktails while there, but our drinks were original and interesting and they made a very serviceable martini. Never got to Connaught. Next time.
I was just trying to find a picture (Becca may have one). It's not really a bobblehead but a small bust of his head, lol. The bartenders put it down with your drink if you ask for Calabrese and he isn't there.
My husband and I visited Duke's in December. I ordered a classic gin martini. I cannot remember what was poured, however, I had to embarrass myself by asking for some ice water to dilute my martini. I tried for about 40 minutes to drink it and I just could not. Before this I hadn't realized the reason I love my martini, very cold, very icy, is because it is very diluted. hahahaha
Good stuff. This Italian bartender in Brookhaven (Atlanta) GA believes the Martini is the āgrandchildā of the Manhattan, which begat the Martinez Cocktail, which begat the Martini. To each his own. Regardless, I enjoy hearing of dedicated mixers who ply their trade without the hackneyed ācraft cocktailā tag , or add ātiniā to libations which do not contain gin, vodka (reluctant), vermouth, and maybe a dash of bitters. Ci sta! š®š¹
He's not wrong. The Manhattan and Martinez bowed (in print at least) a few years before the Martini. They're all in the same genre of drink. Where does this bartender work?
Love the photo at the end, Robert! Looking (not surprisingly) quite debonair and suited (pun intended) to the occasion. I have spent the last hour trying to get my pocket square to come out like yours...
I love this post! What a day! What a trip! Although, Iām embarrassed that it seems whenever anyone pushes a Martini cart in front of me, I turn into Rula Lenska! š
This kind of elaborated Martini service is just way too much for me, but I feel like those gentlemen are holding down an essential corner of the fort.
I was waiting for your take on thisā¦šøšš»
They are indeed. They set a peerless example for a certain kind of cocktail service.
When we were in London back in October 2023, we ended up at Duke's twice. The first time, Palazzi had the night off; the young man/quasi-apprentice (I think the entire staff is Italian at Duke's) who served our Duke's martinis (both nights, I followed with a Vesper) said Palazzi liked to take the first few days of the week off these days. We waited over an hour to get in, but they were very gracious. We didn't intend to go back, but had a dinner reservation later in the week in that part of Mayfair, so I thought, We might see Palazzi this time - and I was right. Although we waited again for quite a while, and their three rooms were considerably more packed, for some reason, the place cleared out early, and Palazzi along with his staff took to entertaining just the two of us close to the actual teeny tiny bar at Duke's, and I think made up a cocktail for Becca on the spot. It is a great memory. We went to Donovan, too, but during the day, and the bartender there gave us a bobblehead of Salvatore Calabrese to accompany us with our drinks in lieu of Calabrese. I didn't drink vintage cocktails while there, but our drinks were original and interesting and they made a very serviceable martini. Never got to Connaught. Next time.
Thereās a Calabrese bobblehead?
I was just trying to find a picture (Becca may have one). It's not really a bobblehead but a small bust of his head, lol. The bartenders put it down with your drink if you ask for Calabrese and he isn't there.
Thatās a witty fix.
Absolute genius.
I also had a breakfast martini - not sure how I forgot that.
Probably my favorite Cocktail College episode was the Breakfast Martini. Iām not sure Tim was ready for the irrepressible Calabrese.
Best evening ever
Without a doubt!
Mirko Pasta and Pizza and Pasta - Brookhaven GA (Atlanta)
My husband and I visited Duke's in December. I ordered a classic gin martini. I cannot remember what was poured, however, I had to embarrass myself by asking for some ice water to dilute my martini. I tried for about 40 minutes to drink it and I just could not. Before this I hadn't realized the reason I love my martini, very cold, very icy, is because it is very diluted. hahahaha
Not embarrassing at all. Those martinis are heavy hitters, and they are not for everyone.
Good stuff. This Italian bartender in Brookhaven (Atlanta) GA believes the Martini is the āgrandchildā of the Manhattan, which begat the Martinez Cocktail, which begat the Martini. To each his own. Regardless, I enjoy hearing of dedicated mixers who ply their trade without the hackneyed ācraft cocktailā tag , or add ātiniā to libations which do not contain gin, vodka (reluctant), vermouth, and maybe a dash of bitters. Ci sta! š®š¹
He's not wrong. The Manhattan and Martinez bowed (in print at least) a few years before the Martini. They're all in the same genre of drink. Where does this bartender work?
Mirko Pizza and Pasta - Brookhaven GA
Thank you. And thanks for the kind words.
What lovely writing. I was instantly transported to London.
Thanks for bringing the martini cart service over to us. Great post.
I agree The Publican at ORD is one of the best airport bars.
Love the photo at the end, Robert! Looking (not surprisingly) quite debonair and suited (pun intended) to the occasion. I have spent the last hour trying to get my pocket square to come out like yours...