Hot Toddy’s
The cold days this winter started me thinking about Hot Toddy’s. There are a ton of recipes out there, but I’ve never found one that felt quite right; the flavor was never “round” enough. After weeks of experimentation, I’ve found a combination that works for me. I’m posting it here, mostly for my friends that have been badgering me.
2 shots Whiskey, such as Maker’s Mark
1 (+) teaspoon honey
3 cloves
1/2 cinnamon stick
1 fairly small lemon wedge
2 dashes angostura bitters (this is what rounds out the flavors)
Top with boiling water
Sometimes I’ll use a ginger simple syrup instead of the honey, especially if I’m not feeling well. Good stuff.
More 2006 Portland restaurant poll results:
Best Restaurant For Those On a Budget:
1. Pok Pok
2. Nicholas
3. Tabla
Food Dude’s Vote: Pok Pok or Aladdin
If I Won the Lottery, I’d Eat Here
1. Paley’s Place (landslide)
2. Carlyle
3. Genoa
Food Dude’s Vote: Paley’s Place
Food Trend in Desperate Need of Retirement
1. Small Plates / Tapas
2. Foams
3. Charging for Bread
Thought I’d Like this Place, But I Didn’t
1. Nostrana (landslide)
2. Tie between clarklewis and Ten 01
3. Tie between Alberta Street Oyster Bar and Grill, and Fenouil
Food Dude’s Vote: Carlyle
Most Likely to Close in 2007
1. clarklewis (huge landslide – over 50% of the vote)
2. 23 Hoyt. Hmm
3. Olea
I Could Eat Here at Least Twice a Week
1. Pok Pok/Whiskey Soda Lounge
2. Park Kitchen
Nothing else close enough to be statistically significant.
Food Dude’s vote: Another tough one. It would be a 3 way tie between WSL, Park Kitchen, and Podnah’s
My Best Meal in 2006 was at
1. Carlyle
2. Paley’s Place
3. Le Pigeon
The voting spread in the top 4 were pretty darn close. Interestingly enough, Park Kitchen and Alberta Oyster Bar and Grill tied for 4th place. I mention this because AOBG also was high in the disappointment’s category. Shows how tastes can diverge.
Food Dude’s vote: This is a tough one. I think I’ll have to go with Le Pigeon
Next week, Best New Restaurant of 2006, and my pick for Restaurant of The Year.
“Hmm”?
I’m writing the 23 Hoyt review right now.
Few categories without your vote FD.
I’ve had two incredible experiences at 23Hoyt…the food, wine and service were all great on both occasions. The menu had changed from the first time I ate there and the last time, which was about two weeks ago…seems to be a seasonal change. The spaetzle with rabbit and chantrelles was fantastic, and I had to keep myself from ordering it the second time I went in…I had the short ribs the second time and they were amazing. Both of the servers who waited on us were knowledgeable and professional and there when I needed them, but not aggressive, pushy or snobby. Very refreshing for Portland. The sommelier helped us with our wine the second visit…the wine list changed a lot between our two visits and is full of affordable and interesting wines that aren’t on every restaurant wine list, at least as far as I can tell. She, too, was very professional and knowledgeable, and friendly. And to top it all off, the space is warm and welcoming. It’s a big, big improvement from the last interior. I don’t know…when I add all of these things up, it’s a great dining experience. I can’t see how this would be a contender for “most likely to close in ’07″.
Anybody ever tried dinner at the Daily Cafe? I’ve done brunch and lunch there, and really enjoyed it. Anyone have any thoughts/comments about their dinner? What are the prices like?
Hunter: If I didn’t have a strong or valid opinion, I didn’t vote.
I could easily eat at Taqueria Nueve two times per week. We go weekly. Great margaritas and tacos. Very fresh ingredients and great staff!
So anything on beer here? Likesay best beer list, best brewpub, something? Or even best beer?
Jeff: Here’s my two cents on beer in this city:
Best Beer List: Higgins
Best Brewpub: Rogue
Best Pub: Tie between Concordia and Horse Brass
Best Beer: My favorite beer on any given day is Fred
Anyone want to add their opinions?
Higgins has by far the most superior beer list in town. The beer list is treated like most treat a wine list. Also ( Higgins has and serves all appropriate beers in the correct glass ) Andy Zalman is the wine geek, cork dork at Higgins, but the “Brewvalier” ( I know, no such word ) is a great guy named Warren Steenson……why do you think the bar area rocks at Higgins? Decent food, good beer & great wine….but then what do I know? Fancy beer for me is Amstel Lite…..now bubbles and Pinot, thats a different conversation…….Also Higgins went to a smoke free bar in late 1995 or 1996? I cant remember…..Always ahead of the curve that Gregg Higgins ( Cant believe he is a Buffalo Bills fan – Yeah I know he’s from upstate New York, but still ) ………..
Most Likely to Close in 2007:
I voted for graze.
I win!
Amoureuse: I do love the bar at Higgins and you’ll find me there very often. But I can’t get no respect from Warren Steenson.
I am not the type of person that cozies up to chefs or owners or bartenders, I quite prefer to remain anonymous. But Warren Steenson is someone who I would like to talk to. There are some really adventurous choices on the list at Higgins. I would like to talk to him about what sells, why he chose certain beers, what options are available to him, and the kind of pairings that he suggests to diners. But he does not deign to say more than two words to me.
To tell the truth it kind of annoys me. I have lived in the town for over a decade and have been going to Higgins since I first moved here. I order very good (and expensive) beer, and a lot of it. Moroever, I am there often.
I guess I don’t look like your average beer geek, maybe that’s it. Anyway, Warren, if you are reading this, it’s okay to talk to girls!
Suds Sister,
Warren is a really nice guy, who loves to share his knowledge and wit. He is believe it or not really shy. My suggestion is go up and start a conversation with him. He really is a kick in the pants. Once he realizes you too are a beer lover, you will never get him to shut up. But he really is a sweet guy. FYI just done try to bend his ear during really crazy service hours I I am sure you know that, but just in case.
Lady Concierge, are you saying that graze has closed?
bigmamma:
I read that it will close soon if it’s not already over at PortlandFood.org:
I’m not sure if graze has closed yet, but we reported that it was going to about a month ago.
Graze was dark at 10:30 last Saturday night. Wasn’t last night the first dinner for the rogue chefs? Any reports?