"90 Second Cocktails" - New York Sour

Here's a twist on an old favorite, the whiskey sour. Strangely enough, the "New York Sour" originated in Chicago around the 1880's, but it became popular in New York during prohibition. Bartenders would dress up their sours using wine, lemon and sugar, because they were easy camouflages for the outlawed whiskey and bourbon of the time. Check out the link below for a tutorial on how to make this notorious drink: 

90 Second Cocktails - New York Sour

"90 Second Cocktails" - Hot Toddy

Looking for that perfect winter cocktail to warm up with after hitting the slopes this winter? Or maybe just on a cold night? Listen to this week's Podcast on how to make a Hot Toddy. It's just the right thing for the holiday season.

90 Second Cocktail - Hot Toddy

Burger: A Santa Cruz Beer Destination

Ah ... Santa Cruz. My hometown.

If you ask most people, they'll tell you that Santa Cruz is part of the Bay Area. I argue, no, it's part of the Monterey Bay area.  For me, that drive through mountains puts enough distance between myself and the rat race that is the Bay to make it feel like it's 500 miles away. A distinct feeling washes over me once I pass Las Gatos and find myself driving through redwood forests. Growing up in Santa Cruz County gave me a certain appreciation for my hometown that I have every time I visit. Hiking through Nisene Marks, surfing in Pleasure Point, or just driving along the coast, I feel more at peace there than I feel anywhere else. Home is indeed where the heart is. And when I do make trips back, I make sure to visit some of my favorite establishments, one such being Burger in Aptos.

Burger, has only been around for about 2 years in Aptos, but it's quickly become one of the most popular hangout spots in the south end of the county due to its layout, menu, excellent service, and incredibly wide and large craft beer selection. What used to the building of an abandoned night club years ago, was converted into a comfortable restaurant and beer tasting room where you can always find locals and people you know. Burger features 40 craft beers on tap from microbreweries all over California (NorCal and SoCal, Bear Republic to Ballast Point), 58 in bottles, and 13 in cans. They also update their draft selection to accommodate for the seasonal beers that the microbreweries put out for the different times of the year.

And yes... they do have some pretty good burgers there as well. One funky little part of their charm is that they name their burgers after celebrities or famous characters from movies. For example, a Chuck Norris is a burger with jalepenos and jack cheese, the Dude features guacamole, bacon and jack cheese, and a Hank Williams has onion rings, cheddar, bacon and barbeque sauce. You get the idea. And instead of table markers with numbers, they give you mugshots of celebrities to identify your order. Instead of hearing "52" you'll hear something more along the lines of "Lindsay Lohan"or "Mel Gibson". 

Okay, it's not the thing you may want to see before a mouth-watering cheeseburger, but it's kind of funny.

 Overall, it's a great place to grab a bite during the evening, watch the 49ers play, or just have a great beer inside near the fireplace or outside on the patio. Every time I come here I know I'm home.

Cigar Bar & Grill: Cool Latin Music & Vibes

When it comes to barhopping with a group, part of the challenge in finding a good spot for night life is satisfying the needs of both the introverts and extroverts among it. Some in the group just want to relax and have drink over conversation while others may want to mix it up with being entertained or dancing. However, fortunately for San Francisco, their bar scene is just as diverse as their population. One such place that can accommodate the needs of everyone you may find yourself with is the Cigar Bar and Grill in the Financial District.

The bar itself is located just off of Montgomery Street if you’re heading up the hill towards North Beach in Jackson Square (it’s right by the corner of Montgomery and Pacific). While the Cigar Bar has a traditional indoor bar and dining area, it also features an outside patio and garden, creating a vibe that’s both relaxing and enticing. While you can order just about anything from their bar, it’s their wine selection that guests are especially fond of, including their list of reds from Spain, France, and Argentina. Also, among favorites are their Mojitos and house-made Sangria. And if you’re feeling particularly fancy, nobody’s going to stop you from taking your pick from a comprehensive list of premium single malt scotch, cognac, and rum. If you’re feeling like doing more than just wetting your whistle, Cigar Bar has some solid appetizers for groups like quesadillas or chips and guacamole, or great entrees for someone just looking for a meal.

    And of course, what would a Cigar Bar be without cigars? Now, I’m not a smoker, but like many, on a rare occasion or celebration (or too many drinks) a fine cigar is in order. These guys don’t mess around with quality either, they have a good range for a top to your evening and something that can match your wallet. Just the fact that these guys have Arturo Fuentes and Montecristos is all you need to know. Just grab a cigar from the list, and head out to the courtyard to light up and relax.

    One of the other features of this place which makes it a good spot to go with a group is their live music. Three nights a week you can find a great Salsa or Latin Jazz band playing some serious grooves and asses on the dance floor to match them. In fact many of the acts that come through are leading Bay Area musicians.

    So if you’re looking for a hideaway to come drink, eat, relax, dance … and yes, have a smoke, the Cigar Bar & Grill is a great little nook with a small and vibrant but small easygoing crowd.