Sunday, August 18, 2013

Review: Hot & Spicy Pickles

GODDAMN! These are hot.

Here's an idea - next time, just set your mouth and asshole on fire

Most times, especially in the summer, we want to explore a little bit of the hot & spicy. Pickles are now no exception. Saw these in the grocery store and thought they were a logical next step for my pickle journey.

The First Bite

Those of you familiar with Claussen know about that freshness. Their regular pickles are great - found in the refrigerator case - cool and crisp and just enough tang. These fireball pickles begin the same way. First taste is classic Claussen.

One second later...

HOLY SHIT, MY MOUTH IS ON FIRE! They might have overachieved a bit on the spicy, these are pretty intense. Finish the pickle, then finish your beer and then another beer to hose-down this fucking inferno.

Would I recommend these pickles?

Yes. For two reasons.
  1. Spicy heat releases endorphins, which make you feel good. Put-down a few of these pickles, and you'll feel great (mostly because, when you stop eating them, the end-of-pain will be welcome relief)
  2. For that jerk-off who claims that nothing is too hot. Sure, a masochist who eats raw chiles is prepared for some heat, but these will come from left field. No one expects a harmless pickle to be the devil - dripping in vinegar, no less...
Do yourself a favor, and dedicate some space in your icebox for these fiery pickles. Misery loves company, and I need some now...

Friday, August 16, 2013

Review: Chicago Manhattans

I've been known to enjoy a Manhattan, or three. On a recent week-long work trip to downtown Chicago, I had the opportunity to taste a few. Let's rate them and see how they stacked-up - it will be fun!

Monday night: The Bedford
Drinks in the bank vault? Sounds good to me.

The Manhattans and the service were great. The dark cherry was a welcome change from a typical maraschino.

Monday night #2: Bub City
Howdy, pardner!

After great drinks and a nice dinner, live country music and forgettable Manhattans. What more would you expect?

Monday night #3: Snickers
Looks can be deceiving, but not this time. It's a dive.

Ok, Bub City just closed, but we still need some drinks. "Snicker's" across the street? Yes. I believe I may have had a Manhattan and it was marginal at best, but my memory is clouded. Go figure.

Tuesday night: ugh, no Manhattans tonight. Even a badass needs to sleep sometimes.

Wednesday night: Epic
 
Not so comfortable rooftop. $13 Manhattan in a plastic glass?

The Manhattan was lame and overpriced. The bartender certainly wasn't hired for her mixology. One Manhattan and done. Also, Guinness from a can? Let's get out of here.

Wednesday night #2: Rockit
Upscale sports bar? Kind of. Good food.

Had a Manhattan upon arrival, and it was good, but I'm just not feelin' it tonight. Have a Farmhouse burger and a few beers.

Wednesday night #3: Blue Frog
Privacy shower curtains in the men's room are part of the charm of this place. Then hit the stage to redeem myself as the karaoke king of Chicago

Want a drink at this karaoke dive? Stick to PBR in a can - it's the local favorite.

Wednesday night #4: The Hangge Uppe
Try not to touch anything.

Blue Frog closes at 2 (last call ~1:15); Hangge Uppe is open until 4:00. Why not? Definitely did not order a Manhattan - not really sure what I would get. I did; however, stick to the floor for a few hours.

Thursday night: The Benchmark
Decent place in Oldtown. Pretentious ladies and bros who've grown-up.

I had one Manhattan - it was fine, but again, not feeling it. Maybe this is a bad week to judge Manhattans...

And, the winner...

Tall Pinkie with a Splash

At the company picnic Thursday, I drank a raft of these...

INGREDIENTS
  • Pre-made vodka & pink lemonade (no clue on the ratios)
  • Extra vodka
  • Lime wedge
  • Ice
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Walk-up to the bartender, and using your existing plastic cup as a guide, motion 3/4 of the glass for "pinkie," ask for an extra splash of vodka, and a lime
  2. Bartender looks at you sideways and then obeys - they are getting paid for this after all
  3. Return to friends and associates and their pink drink mockery. Whatever.