A Rare Pairing

It’s fun going out into the wild, the crisp morning air to take down large game.

Oh who the hell am I kidding, I’m riding around in the hills from liquor store to liquor store hunting for allocated and unicorn bourbons. However, there’s a good chance I have a roadie in a camo koozie!

These past few months have been good to the Fat Man! Procured 5 in the wild, 2 were sent to me from my boy and 1 given to me. Even the cigar shop got something unusual or rare if you would.

Murph had told me about this bottle. It was years before a TV series, movie or Godless Hipsters made bourbon relevant in the world.

I would grab multiple bottles and had a nice stash. And then it happened…it became allocated, one per day.

When your regular sipping whiskey becomes popular and unable to find, you become frustrated and even drown your sorrow with a glass of this brown juice to ease the suffering.

As much as it hurts my soul to do a Deck Therapy Bottle Crack, it’s my duty to do so to provide you with some helpful information while savoring this brown water goodness.

Eagle Rare

Now most will argue that Buffalo Trace is a better product that Eagle Rare and I admit Trace is good but not as good as ER. For the price point, I’d rather have a 10 year aged bourbon compared to a 4 year aged. That being said, it’s time for some Bottle Crackin’ Szn!

As I swirl, the aromatics are very inviting; hints of coca, brown sugar, cinnamon permeate the glass.

The mouth feel is soft on the first sip, shows notes of toasted oak with a touch of honey. The mid-palate has a large presence of oak which is from the 10 year aging process. The finish shows a bit of spice with a hint of white pepper.

This is a must for your shelf and happy hunting for this elusive bottle.

Keeping with the Rare theme, I chose a limited release cigar to pair with my adult beverage:

Arturo Fuente Rare Pink Signature.

The Rare Pink Series was created to raise awareness for breast cancer. A portion of each box sale is donated to the American Cancer Society – Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Great draw fresh hay and earthiness with notes of cocoa and a hint of sweetness. Creamy & smooth on the mid palate with a touch of spice. Available in 6 sizes, I chose the Signature for today.

The full lineup of sizes:

Short Story: 4 X 42/49

Queen of Hearts: 4.125 X 60

Work of Art: 4.875 X 46/60

Happy Ending: 5.5 X 53

Signature: 6 X 53

Sophisticated Hooker: Figurado

This maybe one of my new favorite pairings for deck therapy and if given the opportunity, you must stock your shelf and humidor with these Rare picks.

Until next time Kids, Remember:

Life’s Too Short to Drink Bad Booze and Smoke Bad Cigars!

Cheers Y’all!

Give the Fat Man a follow on Instagram if you will: @crazynvirginia

Deck Therapy Sessions

I’m getting ahead of myself, I’ll give you the highlights of 2020 next time. One of the good things that happened; I started working at a local vineyard. It’s only part time but it’s fun and I’m back in the wine industry. 

Here’s a review of two local wines and what cigars paired well with them. And 2021 starts Deck Therapy Session with the Fat Man. 

D.T.S. 1

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Zweigelt – North Mountain Vineyard & Winery

An Austrian hybrid grape, which is crossed between a St. Laurent & Blaufänkiach grown in the Shenandoah Valley at North Mountain Vineyard & Winery. North Mountain, known for their Chambourcin, Chardonnay and Grunier Vetliner, are the first to grow Zweigelt in the state of Virginia. Along with their red single varietal, they also use the Zweigelt to produce a dry Rosé.

Deep, bold ruby/garnet in color, with medium to low acids. Dark stone fruit with hints of leather and a bit of earthy undertones on the nose. 

Soft mouth feel, bright, balanced, concentrated fruit with a slight touch of Jam and a hint of white pepper on the finish. 

It would pair well with pasta, pizza, and a good steak. 

This wine shouldn’t be reserved for the colder months – it should be enjoyed year round. 

Definitely a cigar wine! And speaking of that. As much as I prefer a Maduro or a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper stogie, I found the perfect stick to compliment this vino:

Hoyo de Monterrey Icon

Shape: Robusto
Origin: Dominican Republic 
Wrapper: Corojo
Filler: Dominican 
Binder: Dominican 

Medium bodied, cedar notes, acidity is subtle and a bit creamy. Draw near perfect with soft leather and mild spices. The burn time is about 35 minutes, perfect for your mid-afternoon deck therapy session. Added bonus, a one light stick. Shortie likes that!

D.T.S. 2

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2017 Vin Rouge – Glen Manor Vineyards 

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Petit Verdot

Deep dark burgundy in color, medium acids. 
Earthy, leather & cigar smoke on the nose. 
Black cherry and currants with soft tannins on the finish. 
A true afternoon sipper for deck therapy.

It would pair well with a burger and pasta. 

I choose the Caldwell Blind Man’s Bluff to enjoy with this Bordeaux Blend. 

Shape: Robusto
Origin: Dominican Republic 
Wrapper: Maduro, Pennsylvania Broadleaf 
Filler: Dominican 
Binder: Sumatra

Smooth is the key word here. Soft mouth feel with earthy notes that linger. The draw is near perfect with little spice and low acids. This was a 2 light cigar which isn’t a bad thing. Both Cigar and wine were low in acids and complemented each other. 

This would be a great cigar for a newcomer to the stogie world. I would also pair this stick with the Willet Pot Still Reserve, Kentucky Bourbon. The mildness of the cigar and the baking spices of this brown water goodness are a perfect combination. 

Both deck therapy sessions were a success and much more to come in 2021. 

I’ll try to get some friends to join me for these sessions throughout the year. 

Y’all be safe ya hear, keep those masks on, social distance when you can and wash those damn hands. 

Slainté Mhath Kids!

Virginia Wine meets The Green Fairy

It was early December when I visited District Winery in Washington D.C. and posted an image from their tasting room. A comment had me a bit perplexed about a possible visit. Then I realized it was that time of year and Greg was coming home for the holidays.

He expressed interest in visiting the D.C. winery but I had other plans. To my “Rookie” mistake I had forgotten about the winter hours at most Virginia vineyards and had to make a late adjustment.

Linden Vineyards wasn’t open that Friday so I opted to take Greg to another vineyard not to far away, Arterra Wines.

Sandy and Jason are the owners and we were lucky enough to have Jason pour our wines. Here was the list and my notes along with Greg’s humorous feedback.

’16 Dry Riesling

Me: Herbaceous, light and bright with low acids. A touch of sweetness on the palette with a subtle dry finish.

Greg: D.U.I made easy (drink with great care).

’15 Chardonnay

Me: Soft golden colors, a touch of minerality on the front of the mouth with buttery textures to round out the finish.

Greg: Not Cali – But still has the fornication.

’15 Cabernet Franc

Me: Dark red fruit on the nose, black currants and stone fruits on the back of the palette with a touch of white pepper on the finish.

Greg: Relax campfire wine to talk to a bunch of woulda been coulda been.

’15 Petit Verdot

Me: My favorite varietal! Bright concentrated fruit with a hint of leather on the nose. Bold rich fruit flavors with a cigar smoke on the finish. This is the perfect deck/porch sitting wine.

Greg: Official seal of Virginia! Seriously run with this one! Thomas Dolby reading Edgar Allen Poe!

’14 Reserve

Me: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. An intense nose with dark fruit flavors. Gorgeous tannins with a bright finish. Another true deck/porch sipping wine.

Greg: The Harold Baines, Coco Crisp and Johnnie Damon All-Star Team wine.

’15 Tannat (bonus pour)

Me: Robust dark fruit essence on the nose. A well rounded mouth flavors of stone fruits – great balance. Bright acid with nice tannins on the finish. Beautiful wine!

Greg: Mystery Wine – Ask Coop! Joan Jett, Rage Against The Machine and Beatles Mash-up.

Blueberry Apple Wine

Me: This wine reminds me of the old field party days drinking fruit wines of my childhood. Bright berry and fruity flavors with a soft acidic finish. Refreshing flavors.

Greg: Not cobbler, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!

Apple Wine

Me: Refreshing fruit flavors from start to finish.

Greg: What really hit Sir Issac Newton on the head and made him giggle. Strong gravitational pull!

Overall wonderful wines and Greg truly enjoyed them.

Lunch at the Hunters Head Tavern followed. French Dip Sandwiches and craft beer were paired with the meals (Greg, Legends Brown Ale Me, Devils Backbone Black Lager). Then I mentioned that Absinthe was being made a few miles down the road and Greg was on board to visit with the Green Fairy.

Off to Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery we went.

To his surprise Virginia is making top notch Absinthe as well, or as he put it:

From the moment I entered this fine establishment I knew… I just knew… on the bar it was there. The fountain of the Green Fairy herself. My inner child of La Belle Époque knew I had a chance for a moment of real Steampunk Van Gogh in the Shenandoah Valley.

The slow drop of this magical fountain set the stage for the suspense and anticipation to build. Indeed… could this magic potion bring me somewhere near Aix-en-Provence?

With the first sip it was indeed the kiss of the Green Fairy… adding a new bit of surrealism to my expanding Absinthe Adventures.

Absinthe began as an all-purpose patent remedy created by Dr. Pierre Ordinaire, a French doctor living in Couvet, Switzerland… to this day I’m not sure what it really cures, but I can say this glass I found under this magic fountain made me quite happy to have the appropriate disease.

Thus far he has not been disappointed with any of the Virginia watering holes I have introduced to him.

His next visit I’ll try to get Greg to the Godfather of Virginia wine, Jim Law at
Linden Vineyards.

Until next time my friend…Cheers! Prost! Slainte! Cin Cin! And my favorite…Bottoms Up!

 

Rosé at RdV

There are significant perks working for a well known restaurant. When the Front Desk’s   elder statesman came out to tell me about a company outing to RdV Vineyards, I wanted to know where I was to sign up!

Getting the opportunity to taste one of Virginia’s premiere vineyards on your employers dime is sweet and makes some members of the family “Jelly” as Shortie says all the time…he thinks he is so damn cool!

When Tish and I visited on New Years Eve 2015, our guide Jarad talked about a Rose in the tanks and would be made available exclusively to visitors of the tasting room. I really wanted to taste this wine but had no idea when I would get the chance…I did, yesterday.

I was one of the first to arrive at the vineyard and no soon than I walked through the door, they handed me a glass of the forbidden nectar.

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and done in stainless steel. Ripe peaches and a touch of hay on the nose. Tart strawberry and apricot on the palette with a slight feel of effervescence on the back palette. The finish had a subtle hint of leather with just a touch of tannins.

Other than Glen Manor and King Family Vineyards Rose this may be my new favorite wine. It is such a shame it isn’t available to everyone. Josh did an amazing job with this wine and I can only hope down the road it becomes a member of the the RdV wine family.

Come on Rutger, lets bottle this jewel and sell it to all. It would make this fat man happy.

Cheers my fellow winos!

A New Gig…With A Twist!

Some of you are aware of my newest venture and others will shake their heads at this news; but know this is a no brainer. Back in early August, I started working in a tasting room for a Northern Virginia vineyard to give me a little extra cash.

The owners are absolutely awesome and pouring wine comes with nice perks. I have also started doing some of their graphic design too. Gotta keep the skills sharp for a full time gig.

Standing behind the tasting table, is a different environment for me. This is just like tending bar without all the mixers and bitters. I have specific verbiage that I’m required to say and push the specials of the day.

Not really hard work but it can be hectic. Summer time when our outdoor patio is open, it can be chaos. I got a rude introduction to the patio on Labor Day Weekend. I don’t remember going thorough my pitch of the wines much that day, as there were two deep in line to sample wine. Most folks just want a glass with wine without the pitch. It goes against what I expect at a vineyard, this is like being at a wine festival and I’m no longer a fan of that environment.

They usually send me to clean dirty wine glasses as the day comes to an end. This is because I opened my big mouth and said: “it was very therapeutic process for me.”

Oh well, Suck It Up Fat Man!

As for the folks who work beside me, they are very unique in their own way. We have the mother figure, the hippies, the ladies man, the hard core party animal and then there is me.

With all that being said, I discovered I could visit my remaining vineyards for free or at a reduced tasting fee. This makes me happy. But along the way, I found that some of the staff at area vineyards are…how do I say this…douche-bags.

Keep in mind, these are folks who work in a tasting room at one of the larger vineyards just off of a major roadway. These kids are barely old enough to even drink legally but they are peddling wine. We are told when someone comments about an area vineyard, especially if it is a negative comment, to just let it roll. We support our local vineyards and encourage our customers to visit them.

This vineyard, when I inquired about a newer vineyard that had opened recently, they bad mouthed their neighbor and when I pressed about one that is listed in a spirits trail guide, but not listed on the states website, I got this response:

“We’ll how do you know about that!” In the most hateful way.

Top of the line customer service at its best!

This guide that I was using is helpful and is user friendly but to those who are in charge of such organizations, here is some advice:

Most of these services run by the state or counties and are not well organized. They don’t have anyone who is knowledgeable enough to lead or guide tourists to our beverage venues. They rely on what information is online or what was provided without thoroughly investigating.

Do a better job or let me do it for you…oh what, I am! 

The vineyard I questioned isn’t even open to the public at this time. This tidbit of information is crucial especially for those traveling long distances to check this off their list.

After finishing the tasting at the uppity vineyard, a couple from Minnesota began talking with me about Virginia wine. Our conversation was about the number and what is available within this area as well as Central and Northern Virginia. I provided them with some information but the young man behind the bar wasn’t amused by my recommendations.

He began to trash a few I mentioned simply because they didn’t allow groups larger than 6 or buses or limos. I refrained from pulling him across the bar and pounding him into the concrete. Regardless how unruly/hateful a person is, if you’re going to work with the public in this manor don’t show your true colors to the customer.

This was the same place in 2015 that was pouring a Chardonnay they had bottled the previous week. When I asked them about bottle shock, her response was:

“You don’t know much about wine.”  

Considering I have helped harvest, bottle, sort and de-stem grapes on occasion and most recently participate in blending trials of one of the states premier Meritage blends. NO! SWEETHEART I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT VINO!

If anything, this helps me improve as a wine educator at our vineyard as to what not to do. I want everyone to enjoy themselves at our vineyard and to be safe. The last thing anyone wants is an A-hole pouring wine. Maybe they were having a bad day or were hungover from the previous nights outing. There’s still no excuse for that kind of poor customer service.

I’m grateful that this vineyard isn’t one that I frequent. Okay, maybe 5 years down the road I will revisit, only if someone invites or they are paying. Otherwise, I would rather set my money on fire than give it to this place of business.

There are 258 vineyards open the public in Virginia and you can find wine to enjoy without rude people pouring. Don’t drink bad wine or tolerate douche-bags! That’s my motto!

Cheers!

And to give you an update, I now work at another vineyard. Or as I like to say: 

“The best in the state of Virginia!”

Not bad for a Wino-Redneck!

A Visit From Greg!

Last December, a familiar face appeared on Facebook. He hadn’t changed much since we last saw each other 30+ years ago. The only significant change was the town he was residing in…Vienna, Austria.

When he made the announcement he was coming state side, I made a point to meet with him. He was interested in reconnecting and told me to make the proper arrangements. I choose Glen Manor Vineyards for our meet and he truly enjoyed his first visit to a Virginia Winery.

A few weeks ago, he gave me the heads up that he would be visiting his mother over the Thanksgiving holiday. He told me to pick the venue and we could talk about the good ole days once again.

Greg was open to either beer or wine and I decided to show him the Vineyards of Frederick County.

We met in town and I proceeded to the Shenandoah valley’s northern most wineries. Our first stop was James Charles Winery. One of Virginia’s newer Vineyards, it is part of the Bogaty Family Wine Group which includes 2 other wineries Veramar Vineyard in Berryville & Bogati Winery in Round Hill.

Since opening last August, James Charles is making some noise with their red wines.

Greg and I did a tastings and decided to get a bottle of Petit Verdot. Rich Garnet in color, dark cherry and smoke on the nose. Complex red berry flavors with a dry spicy, chewy finish. This is your steak, burger wine even fish and chips would go well with this wine.

I believe Greg said: “This wine has the legs of a super model!” We will go with that!

The day was gorgeous and we decided to take advantage of the warm November weather and enjoy their patio. Our next stop will keep us indoors as the sun began to set but this vineyard has evening hours which is a great perk, Valerie Hill Vineyard & Winery.

It was almost 4 years ago that I stumbled upon this vineyard as I was taking back roads home due to heavy traffic on I-81. Tish and I visit often, knowing Greg is partial to Merlot, he will not be disappointed in their Merlot Reserve.

Subtle earthy notes with a touch of leather on the bouquet. Soft, warm flavors of currants and black cherries. Nice concentration and fruit forward that transcends to supple dry/low spice flavors on the finish. This is a true pasta wine that could be enjoyed by itself or with an after dinner cigar.

Greg is very impressed with how enjoyable the wines are in Virginia. I told him that when he comes back for another visit, we will take in some other vineyards in the surrounding area. With more than 30 within a 25 mile radius, we have plenty to choose from. And so do you!

Get out and visit the areas wineries and show your support for Virginia’s wine industry.

Cheers!

Ottmar & Employees Only

We jumped back on the subway and the next stop is the Staten Island Ferry. An hour round trip to get a view of the city. After this trip, we will have to make our way back to the same area as brunch and then part ways again.

The girls have tickets to see Joan Osborne and Susanna Vega at The City Winery. I made last minute plans to see Ottmar Leibert at the Highline Ballroom.

The view of the Statue of Liberty was awesome as well as the New York skyline!

Once we got back on the train, Jess told me where I needed to get off in order to make my concert. It was close to Bathtub Gin and once again Siri guided me to my destination. A very small venue and no room to move.

He was amazing but the crowd was a bit overbearing. If you moved from your spot too damn bad. So I stood my ground and waited until after the show to get some food and beverages.

My show ended at 8:15 and I sent Tish a text letting her know I was on my way to meet them at our last stop. Their show would be another hour or longer. So I made my way toward Employees Only and figured I would find something along to the way to eat and drink.

One steak house quit serving at 8:30…really?  So I was just 4 blocks from our meet up and I smelled that wonderful aroma, cigars.

Hudson Bar & Books was a happy accident  and I had time.

They had everything on the cocktail menu and cigar menu. The eats menu not so much. Very limited but was able to find a snack to munch while I burned one in NYC.

I ordered an Old Cuban and selected the Arturo Fuente Short Story to burn. Several cocktails later and the girls texted me they were leaving soon. Perfect timing and I left this nice nugget of a find.

Being as fat as I am, I took a nice stroll through the city of NYC. Then I rolled up on a small building with a “Psychic” sign in the window. Texted Tish and Jess, they said it would be 15 minutes until they arrived. Okay I can hang.

The crowd control, okay…the days of bouncer is long gone. He was a big ole boy and had an impressive presence. We chatted about things from days gone by. The ole ‘80s and how you dealt with the A-holes at that time period. Many stories were shared and some were quite funny. Within 10 minutes, Tish and Jess arrived. At this point of the night, we were going to be just standing at the bar enjoying craft cocktails.

Little did I know my new friend was about to hook us up with a good evening. He said: “Follow ME!” Okay the fat man was ready to see what could be an epic night.

“Sit them at a good table.” Okay, redneck is down with that!

Menu’s were dropped off and I new what I wanted for a drink. Employee’s Only signature drink…

Mata Hari!

Remy Martin 1738 Cognac shaken with Chai-infused Martini Rosso & Pomegranate Juice. Served straight up.

A wonderful blend of flavors and amazing presentation. And I was very impressed with their wine list. Although this joint is known for its craft cocktails, many of the folks around us were ordering bottles of wine.

I have to say, E.O. & P.D.T. are tied as my favorite speakeasy thus far. Although, the Booze & Boobs at Bathtub Gin was another highlight of my trip.

We head home tomorrow and I’m already planning another visit and tour of the other speakeasies on my list.

I made my last visit to Hot & Crusty for coffee and croissants. The lady who took my order really took control:

Me: “Coffee & Croissant”
Chick: “You take cream?”
Me: “No.”
Chick: “Oh, you take cream today!”

Obviously she mistaken me for a regular. So I got to enjoy coffee with cream. How the hell do people do that to perfectly good coffee.

After Tish had her coffee, we went for a walk at Riverside Park before we packed up the car. A young lady riding a bike looks and smiles and that’s when I stop and turned to Tish. Her expression confirmed what I thought…it was Amy Schumer.

So, I ended my first official trip to the Big Apple with my first celebrity sighting.

It was an amazing time and I can’t wait to return. Thank you Jess for your hospitality and we will see you soon with more speakeasies and watering holes to visit.

Brunch & Burlesque…Yes Please!

Yes, I know I skipped a day. I was working in at a vineyard…imagine that!

At any rate, here is the next to last entry of this series:

Once again, blurred vision and 11 o’clock seems to be the norm for this trip. Showers and then we were out the door heading to Bathtub Gin for…wait for it…

BRUNCH & BURLESQUE!

The subway trip seemed to take forever. This is because I have not had coffee and that’s not a good thing. We get off the train and took a stroll to the stop. This is the address for the place but we are outside of a tiny coffee shop, Stone Street Coffee.  Okay I’m ready to drink rot-gut coffee at this point.

Then a gentleman asks: “Are you here for brunch?”

We give him our name and the wall opens to yet another gorgeous bar with a large copper claw foot tub in the middle of the dining room. Okay, I’m all excited at this point.

The girls decided to have Mimosas and opted for an Irish Coffee. Oh this was going down really good. For my brunch, I went against the norm. Wagyu Burger with Wild Mushrooms and Gruyere, a side of Fries and then a few Allagash White’s were consumed.

Then it was time for the girls to perform. I felt it was necessary to have the girls on the outside so that they could enjoy the girls. Okay I wanted them to feel uncomfortable. I know, Jerk!

Did I mention, this was my first time enjoying Sunday brunch?

Breakfast & boobs, I can get use to this. Kind of like back in the days of closing strip clubs and then going to breakfast with the talent. You know you’ve done that before! Don’t judge!

Another New York watering hole that I’ll return to on my next visit!

Jess had a surprise for us and it involved water.

PDT

It was a short stroll to our last stop of the evening. As you know, most speakeasies are disguised and you need to look for landmarks. As soon as I saw the Crif Dogs sign or the other that says: “Eat Me”, I knew we were there.

The long counter of stools were filled and there was a short line to use the phone booth. Yes, I said phone booth and it was sporting an “out of order” sign.

The routine is simple, dial 1 and wait. The adjacent wall opened to a magnificent dim,  yet sultry lit bar. The young lady asked for my name and said it would be 5 minutes. So we hung out with a very young crowd and when they called my name, we heard grumbles from the peanut gallery.

I was borderline righteous at this point and said:

“Hey Scooter, you should have made reservations…Rookie!”

We took seats at the bar. Gorgeous backlit bar with high-end spirits. Several taxidermy items on the walls made my two vegetarians nervous.

Our bartender presented us with our cocktail menus and I spotted my first drink:

Paddington
Banks 5 Island Rum, Lillet Blanc, Lemon & Grapefruit Juice, Bonne Maman Orange Marmalade, St George Absinthe

An amazing presentation of a craft cocktail with magnificent balance of citrus flavors. If the first one was this good, I can’t wait to try my second choice.

Shark
Butter infused Bacardi Silver Rum, Wray and Nephew Overproof Rum, Frangelico, Blue Curaçao, Lemon & Pineapple juice, Cream, Bitterman’s Elemakule Tiki Bitters

A true Tiki drink, I wanted the bartender to turn on some Buffett tunes at this point. The girls truly enjoying their drinks too.

And was it worth the trouble of getting reservations…

I can honestly say, this is one of my favorite bars of all-time. I will be back and will tell all my friends about this place.

At the end of the night, NYC got the best of me but tomorrow will be another day of go, go, go. This country boy is ready for another day of fun. Music and more cocktails are on the docket.

Did I mention brunch and boobs too!

Stallion!

We made our way over to the East Village to visit and have a few drinks at Cooper’s Craft & Kitchen. We were able to get a table at 5:30 for snacks.  I enjoyed a Lager from Kansas City, sorry I failed to make a note of the brewery. I know…Rookie!

Then it was time to part ways until later in the evening. I had a nice stroll to meet Stallion and the girls were only a few blocks from the theater. I got on my high horse and headed down to Madam X to meet up with my old friend.

Using the GPS on my phone, I rolled up to my destination to discover this place was a basement bar. As I walked in, I first thought it was one of those places…

you know…N.Y. Ballet!

Strip Club folks, Strip Club.

The barmaid was very nice and began to laugh as soon as I spoke.

“You’re not from around here?”

“Yes Mama, I’m from Brooklyn!”

She wasn’t buying it!

I grabbed a brew and began to look at the décor. It was dark, big puffy vinyl seats in the back that just reeked of strip club without the brass pole. Then from the back I heard the voice:

“COOP!”

It was. Stallion! The last time I saw him it was 1997 at Camden Yards. He used to cover the Orioles.

He invited me to join him and a few others on the patio, I like a deck and patio as most of you know!

One beer lead to many, many more. He was wondering where I was heading too next. I told them about PDT and the city folk were impressed that this country boy knew so much about NYC’s night life. I mentioned to them that one friend told me to visit McSorley’s and another said not too. Stallion said; “If you’re this close you are going to visit.”

Once again we were walking, Stallion and I rolled into this vintage bar as the others had to grab a train for home. The beer selection was most interesting, dark or light. Which ever you choose, they brought you two mugs for $5.25. I believe we had 4 rounds of those. So much history that if you’re ever up there, you have to visit.

We settled up with the bartender and went over and met the girls. Stallion and I parted ways and it was so Awesome to see him after all these years. I assured him that I would be back and we would tear NYC up.

Now it was time for some craft cocktails, onward to PDT!