Have you ever been in a situation where a buddy tries to fix you up with a date? You don't know who she (or he, for that matter, to be PC) is, what she looks like or anything about her. You ask a few questions - tall, short? nice legs? blond or brunette? Your friend answers something like "...uuuh , but she's got a great personality..." The kiss of death to be sure. It is unfortunate, it is sad, but it is true. We often judge others by what they look like long before we get a feel for who they are and what they are like "inside".
Such was my dilemma walking from the parking lot to "Azul 17", an upscale, trendy restaurant/tequila lounge in.... a strip center. I know, I know - you cant judge a book by its cover and all that. I just really hate going out on my Saturday date night to a place that is next door to a dry cleaner. Call me crazy.
Anyway, on to Azul 17's personality.
The place is essentially divided into two sections. Nice sized restaurant to the right, bar to the left. I went to the left. Shocking, I know.
The bar is very cool - lot of blue lighting, flat screeens with a running video of what I think were agave plants in various stages of growth along with with some shots of the cocktail waitresses with drinks. A little weird, but not particularly offensive. Lots of room, very nice bar - sort of an art deco look to the place. A kind of funked up xydeco sound thumped overhead - again, not my style generally , but I am trying to be more open minded to places that dont serve up some classic rock to its patrons.
As for the tequila, I will tell you without reservation, Azul 17 has the best selection around and one of the best I have seen, with the exception of Cowboy Ciao in Scotsdale, AZ and the legendary Roccos in West Palm Beach. Truly a terrific cross section of platas, reposados and anejos alike. Even a nice list of the Extra Anejos (aged 3 years or more), not that anyone should drop a hundred bucks on two and a half ounces of liquor - - well, maybe...
Knowing I would be there for awhile and have dinner (not that the food was of any interest to me), I budgeted myself three "chilled and ups" for the night.
I opened up with the Partida Anejo. A buttery beauty. Smooth, sweet and de-licioso. Unfortunately, a critical bartender error - some of the crushed ice from the shaker found its way into my glass. Unacceptable, but in a crowd of folks, I took a breath, shook my head, and savored it anyway. Also, the tequilas were all served in a very cool brandy type glass. Almost made up for the bartender's blunder.
I followed the Partida with another anejo - Voodoo Tiki. This is a popular pour in south Florida - having had the reposado before, thought I would give the anejo a shot. My friends, this one gets thunderous applause - it was like drinking the beautiful Julia from a glass - soft, gentle but a little dirty. Very, very nice.
I truly had a difficult time deciding on cocktail number three; did my best to lean toward a reposado, but just could not bring myself to lighten things on my palate. After much soul searching, I went to an old favorite and a TQB "home court" - the Gran Centenario. I raised my glass and quietly toasted JB, my down south TQB brother.
No need to get into the dinner - again, dont really care. Azul's atmosphere was cool, the tequila top shelf. Would I go back? Would you date her again? I dont know, but hey, she has a great personality...
Monday, April 26, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Party Down
No tequila for this TQB over the weekend. However, dinner party for 7 at Casa Baldwin (major props to CB's beef bourguignon!) revealed 8 empty bottles of wine this morning. So that's why I was feeling a bit rough...
So to lick my wounds this morning I turned to On Demand for some lighter fair. Discovered Starz's "Party Down" and proceeded to watch 4 straight episodes. Premise is various Hollywood wannabes working steady catering gigs to pay the bills. Each show features a new gig. It was just what the doctored ordered -- some very funny shit. I found myself laughing out loud on more than a few occasions. Well-written, witty, great main characters, plenty of LA cynicism, excellent acting and MANY great guest appearances (often playing themselves). It might not be for everyone, but it was definitely for me. I think new episodes are Friday nights @ 10, but On Demand is our friend. Give it a shot next time you're looking for some mindless chuckles.
Soon, I need to give my thoughts on my recent Sunday evening past times - HBO's The Pacific and Treme. Sunday night IS HBO.
Can't wait to see the Azul 17 review from Ol' DB. Props to Robin and Bob Ur for the recommendation.
So to lick my wounds this morning I turned to On Demand for some lighter fair. Discovered Starz's "Party Down" and proceeded to watch 4 straight episodes. Premise is various Hollywood wannabes working steady catering gigs to pay the bills. Each show features a new gig. It was just what the doctored ordered -- some very funny shit. I found myself laughing out loud on more than a few occasions. Well-written, witty, great main characters, plenty of LA cynicism, excellent acting and MANY great guest appearances (often playing themselves). It might not be for everyone, but it was definitely for me. I think new episodes are Friday nights @ 10, but On Demand is our friend. Give it a shot next time you're looking for some mindless chuckles.
Soon, I need to give my thoughts on my recent Sunday evening past times - HBO's The Pacific and Treme. Sunday night IS HBO.
Can't wait to see the Azul 17 review from Ol' DB. Props to Robin and Bob Ur for the recommendation.
Monday, April 19, 2010
HAS THERE EVER BEEN A MAN SUCH AS CRIXUS?
Well, has there? I know, this is not a question that dangles from the lips of our fellow TQB populace. Some of you may be ahead of this curve, many others probably asking themselves: "Who the hell is Crixus?" For those of you not in the know, Crixus is a main protagonist in the new Staarz series, "Spartacus, Blood and Sand".
Anyway, a local Olney legend and fellow TV afficionado mentioned to me several weeks ago that "Spartacus" was the latest "cant miss" cable series. By way of background, I still watch the reruns of HBO's "Rome" and will, of course, catch Russell Crowe and "Gladiator" any time, day or night. Friends and I still whisper "Thirteen" and shake each other's forearms in greeting a la Rome's "Titus Pullo".
My interest sparked, I sat down about 10 days ago and began my foray into "Spartacus, Blood and Sand".
From the outset, lets be clear about a few things. This does not look like an expensive production. Unlike "Rome", which had literally thousands of extras and an abundance of sets and scene locations, Spartacus has but maybe four or five basic sets. Thats it. The special effects are a little corny (similar to the film "300")and no one is going to be looking at an Emmy for costume design, trust me. The men essentially are divided into two categories - the slaves/gladiators, who wear only a small leather loin cloth and the Romans who are either in a halloween type soldier costume or a tye dyed sheet that looks like a toga and belt. The women wear almost nothing - and that goes for the slaves and their masters. Note here that Lucy Lawless of "Xena" fame appears regularly with full "boobish" - very impressive, even by super hero standards.
The storylines themselves are not unfamiliar - revenge, jealousy, power, rage, to name a few. What is unique, however, is the consistent complexity of all the main characters, including the aforementioned Lucy Lawless as well as Battiatus, Spartacus, and, of course, my main man, Crixus. Each of the main characters are complicated folks - not one, withthe exception of Asher, the "Battiatus bookie", feels at all similar or cliche like. The acting is nothing short of terrific. With the lack of effects and visual support, the series would fail miserably absent the great cast.
Every episode is flushed with "in your face" sexual scenes. This includes a lot of full frontal male shots (I looked away), graphic sexual encounters and more great looking women than a sunny Saturday in South Beach.
For those of us looking for some testosterone pumping violence, trust me when I tell you that Spartacus serves it up - buffet style. This is blood lust to the nth degree.
All told, it took me about a week to watch the entire 13 episode series. I simply could not rest until seeing it to the end, apologies to my children and dogs. The series begins introducing us to Spartacus and the others; it climbs in rancor, tension and violence from one episode to the other. The season ends with a tidal wave of bone chilling violence, deception, dishonesty that eventually washes you away - literally in a sea of red.
My advice to you is simple. Get the kids to bed. Pluck up a lusty bottle of anejo, saddle up in a favorite chair, sit back and enjoy. By episode 3, I am quite sure that you too will be asking yourself and anyone else who will listen: Has there ever been a man such as Crixus?
Anyway, a local Olney legend and fellow TV afficionado mentioned to me several weeks ago that "Spartacus" was the latest "cant miss" cable series. By way of background, I still watch the reruns of HBO's "Rome" and will, of course, catch Russell Crowe and "Gladiator" any time, day or night. Friends and I still whisper "Thirteen" and shake each other's forearms in greeting a la Rome's "Titus Pullo".
My interest sparked, I sat down about 10 days ago and began my foray into "Spartacus, Blood and Sand".
From the outset, lets be clear about a few things. This does not look like an expensive production. Unlike "Rome", which had literally thousands of extras and an abundance of sets and scene locations, Spartacus has but maybe four or five basic sets. Thats it. The special effects are a little corny (similar to the film "300")and no one is going to be looking at an Emmy for costume design, trust me. The men essentially are divided into two categories - the slaves/gladiators, who wear only a small leather loin cloth and the Romans who are either in a halloween type soldier costume or a tye dyed sheet that looks like a toga and belt. The women wear almost nothing - and that goes for the slaves and their masters. Note here that Lucy Lawless of "Xena" fame appears regularly with full "boobish" - very impressive, even by super hero standards.
The storylines themselves are not unfamiliar - revenge, jealousy, power, rage, to name a few. What is unique, however, is the consistent complexity of all the main characters, including the aforementioned Lucy Lawless as well as Battiatus, Spartacus, and, of course, my main man, Crixus. Each of the main characters are complicated folks - not one, withthe exception of Asher, the "Battiatus bookie", feels at all similar or cliche like. The acting is nothing short of terrific. With the lack of effects and visual support, the series would fail miserably absent the great cast.
Every episode is flushed with "in your face" sexual scenes. This includes a lot of full frontal male shots (I looked away), graphic sexual encounters and more great looking women than a sunny Saturday in South Beach.
For those of us looking for some testosterone pumping violence, trust me when I tell you that Spartacus serves it up - buffet style. This is blood lust to the nth degree.
All told, it took me about a week to watch the entire 13 episode series. I simply could not rest until seeing it to the end, apologies to my children and dogs. The series begins introducing us to Spartacus and the others; it climbs in rancor, tension and violence from one episode to the other. The season ends with a tidal wave of bone chilling violence, deception, dishonesty that eventually washes you away - literally in a sea of red.
My advice to you is simple. Get the kids to bed. Pluck up a lusty bottle of anejo, saddle up in a favorite chair, sit back and enjoy. By episode 3, I am quite sure that you too will be asking yourself and anyone else who will listen: Has there ever been a man such as Crixus?
Friday, April 16, 2010
TQBs normally don't like to gush, but...
When reviewing tequilas, TQB don't often heap too much praise onto a particular bottle. I think the reasons are a couple fold.
1. Unlike sophisticated wine tastings, we don't like to prattle on with lengthy analysis and comparisons of tequilas. We like most of them very much - 'nuff said.
2. Often times the taste of the tequila is simply a distant secondary goal of the evening. On many occasions we just like to throw back the shots and get crazy with some friends. That warm, incredible tequila buzz is our mission and after 4-5 shots who really gives a crap about the taste?
However, sometimes you encounter a tequila that deserves some major props. I did so this evening and I'm going to allow myself to gush...just a bit.
First things first...
I started the evening with a nice shot of Partida Blanco - chilled & up. It was new to the establishment where I was drinking and my bartender wanted my opinion. The Partida Blanco was a nice start. It was crystal clear, crisp with plenty of full-force agave to the taste. It had a citrusy finish with licorice and pepper. If you are a Silver/Blanco fan, I think most of you will really like it.
It would have been a nice find for the evening, if I didn't follow it up with...
...the STAR of the evening, earning my highest praise ...the Dos Lunas Anjeo.
You know those butterscotch hard candies you used to suck on as a kid? Well, this tequila bottles it with a scorpion stinger of well-bodied agave to boot. This is one tasty and silky smooth drink of tequila. If you want a great tequila, that won't break the bank and I think everyone in your party will really enjoy, Dos Lunas Anjeo is your ticket muchachos. I highly encourage you to try some and let us know what you think.
Gush over...
1. Unlike sophisticated wine tastings, we don't like to prattle on with lengthy analysis and comparisons of tequilas. We like most of them very much - 'nuff said.
2. Often times the taste of the tequila is simply a distant secondary goal of the evening. On many occasions we just like to throw back the shots and get crazy with some friends. That warm, incredible tequila buzz is our mission and after 4-5 shots who really gives a crap about the taste?
However, sometimes you encounter a tequila that deserves some major props. I did so this evening and I'm going to allow myself to gush...just a bit.
First things first...
I started the evening with a nice shot of Partida Blanco - chilled & up. It was new to the establishment where I was drinking and my bartender wanted my opinion. The Partida Blanco was a nice start. It was crystal clear, crisp with plenty of full-force agave to the taste. It had a citrusy finish with licorice and pepper. If you are a Silver/Blanco fan, I think most of you will really like it.
It would have been a nice find for the evening, if I didn't follow it up with...
...the STAR of the evening, earning my highest praise ...the Dos Lunas Anjeo.
You know those butterscotch hard candies you used to suck on as a kid? Well, this tequila bottles it with a scorpion stinger of well-bodied agave to boot. This is one tasty and silky smooth drink of tequila. If you want a great tequila, that won't break the bank and I think everyone in your party will really enjoy, Dos Lunas Anjeo is your ticket muchachos. I highly encourage you to try some and let us know what you think.
Gush over...
Sunday, April 11, 2010
LEWNES LICENSE COMMOTION
At long last, for her anyway, the oldest daughter of one of the TQB founding fathers became "of age". Wasn't it just a week ago that the kid was wearing a Bulls jersey and throwing a beating on the neighbor's kid?
Anyway, to celebrate the event, Old DB brought Mandy B home from the world of Gamecock to spend the weekend with her family in Maryland. On Saturday night, we took her to an old favorite, Lewnes Steakhouse in Annapolis, to enjoy a big fat steak and a legal cocktail, or so we thought, anyway.
We have been to Lewnes maybe a dozen times over the years. The only negative i can tell you from all of those visits is the parking situation. Sucks a "donkey dick", so to say. Saturday night was no different. After dropping the gorgeous Julia, Mandy B. and her (boy)friend Josh - more on him later - at the front door, I spent about 15 minutes before finding a slice of on street asphalt within which to wedge the Wrangler. Another five minute walk to the joint, and I was ready for a nice cold beer. Unfortunately, upon reaching the table, Julia was in a major lather, having been told by the Lewnes "powers that be" that Mandy would not be able to get a cocktail because she was in possession of a "vertical license". Julia did what any normal, cool headed patron would do - she instructed management to contact the Anne Arundel County Police and send an officer over in order to verify the legality of the "vertical license". Long story short - cops came, approved the license, cocktails all around...the world was at peace.
Please understand that this TQB does not in any way fancy himself "a foodie". Dont like sushi, not into middle eastern or anything else I cant pronounce. My idea of a great restaurant is anyplace that has PBR on tap and a decent selection of tequila.
Ordered my steak the only way a man is supposed to eat a hunk of another mammal - "pittsburgh style". Amanda's (boy)friend, Josh - a very nice and decent fellow who reminds one of "Man Mountain Dean" from Aesops Fables - he ordered it the same way - washed it down with a couple loaves of bread and bucket or two of potatoes. My kind of guy.
As always - food was great - very different from your chain type steak house (think Mortons, Ruths Chris) - lot of great atmosphere, absolutely no complaints. The tequila selection was thin, but featured the Sauza Tres Generations Anejo. With that at the bar, frankly, you dont need to go much further. A buttery, mellow anejo - "mothers milk" as a buddy of mine says. Just great - served chilled in a mini-carafe awith a chilled martini glass - I had two and turned the keys over to Man Mountain Dean for the 45 minute ride home.
Good food + good tequila = good time for this TQB. Mission accomplished, despite the "vertical license"...
Anyway, to celebrate the event, Old DB brought Mandy B home from the world of Gamecock to spend the weekend with her family in Maryland. On Saturday night, we took her to an old favorite, Lewnes Steakhouse in Annapolis, to enjoy a big fat steak and a legal cocktail, or so we thought, anyway.
We have been to Lewnes maybe a dozen times over the years. The only negative i can tell you from all of those visits is the parking situation. Sucks a "donkey dick", so to say. Saturday night was no different. After dropping the gorgeous Julia, Mandy B. and her (boy)friend Josh - more on him later - at the front door, I spent about 15 minutes before finding a slice of on street asphalt within which to wedge the Wrangler. Another five minute walk to the joint, and I was ready for a nice cold beer. Unfortunately, upon reaching the table, Julia was in a major lather, having been told by the Lewnes "powers that be" that Mandy would not be able to get a cocktail because she was in possession of a "vertical license". Julia did what any normal, cool headed patron would do - she instructed management to contact the Anne Arundel County Police and send an officer over in order to verify the legality of the "vertical license". Long story short - cops came, approved the license, cocktails all around...the world was at peace.
Please understand that this TQB does not in any way fancy himself "a foodie". Dont like sushi, not into middle eastern or anything else I cant pronounce. My idea of a great restaurant is anyplace that has PBR on tap and a decent selection of tequila.
Ordered my steak the only way a man is supposed to eat a hunk of another mammal - "pittsburgh style". Amanda's (boy)friend, Josh - a very nice and decent fellow who reminds one of "Man Mountain Dean" from Aesops Fables - he ordered it the same way - washed it down with a couple loaves of bread and bucket or two of potatoes. My kind of guy.
As always - food was great - very different from your chain type steak house (think Mortons, Ruths Chris) - lot of great atmosphere, absolutely no complaints. The tequila selection was thin, but featured the Sauza Tres Generations Anejo. With that at the bar, frankly, you dont need to go much further. A buttery, mellow anejo - "mothers milk" as a buddy of mine says. Just great - served chilled in a mini-carafe awith a chilled martini glass - I had two and turned the keys over to Man Mountain Dean for the 45 minute ride home.
Good food + good tequila = good time for this TQB. Mission accomplished, despite the "vertical license"...
Saturday, April 10, 2010
TQB NORTH ENJOYS HOME COURT ADVANTAGE
TQB North enjoyed an evening in the comfy surroundings of a perpetual home base, The World Famous Club Boulez. Why? Well, it was Friday, for one. As if we needed added incentive, the TQB North hosted a few locals to join in celebrating Mandy B's 21st birthday. The gorgeous Julia, I-Man and Amy D , Uncle Mick and Sue, along with Philly Walt and his woman joined in with Mandy's (boy)friend, Josh - both in for the weekend from The Palmetto State.
A little Caps hockey on the bar-vision followed by the great Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes on the overhead and all was as it always is at Club Boulez - - -
To mark the event, TQB decided to run through a few anejos with one common thread - supremely excellent looking bottles.
The TQB gathered first around a spanking new bottle of Corazon Anejo. The bottle itself is accentuated by quite a long neck - think Bud 12oz size x 2. The color is, frankly , a little odd for an anejo - pale - much more of a reposado or gold type "hue" - - - I-Man noticed an "apple" taste. Apple? Maybe he's gay, not that there is anything wrong with that. Julia took a sip to chase a couple of glasses of pinot grigio - - - "not the worst thing i ever tasted" - a ringing endorsement to be sure. Ol Db was a fan - not a fovorite, but "supreme drinkability..." And yes, that was my line, not at all stolen from the Bud Light commercials...
Next on the line was the Cielo Anejo - another very cool bottle - the neck wrapped in rope - I Man liked the S & M reference... This is another interesting, tasty ,if not "top of the heap" agave - - filled with lots of cool flavors - a mix of vanilla, licorice and coffee was the general consensus.
The final entry was a gift from a recent traveller having returned from the jalisco region of mejico - - La Fugata Anejo - bottled in a short, stumpy bottle - very dark in color - almost looked like root beer. Uncle Mick loved it - but again, after 3 or 4, he probably could'nt tell the difference beteween tequila and worcestershire sauce. This was undoubtedly the most interesting of the group - lot of spices, very complicated. Cant say I would pick it to sip, but certainly unique -
The bar closed with a live version of SSJ's "Talk to Me" - all in all, pretty, pretty good - - -
A little Caps hockey on the bar-vision followed by the great Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes on the overhead and all was as it always is at Club Boulez - - -
To mark the event, TQB decided to run through a few anejos with one common thread - supremely excellent looking bottles.
The TQB gathered first around a spanking new bottle of Corazon Anejo. The bottle itself is accentuated by quite a long neck - think Bud 12oz size x 2. The color is, frankly , a little odd for an anejo - pale - much more of a reposado or gold type "hue" - - - I-Man noticed an "apple" taste. Apple? Maybe he's gay, not that there is anything wrong with that. Julia took a sip to chase a couple of glasses of pinot grigio - - - "not the worst thing i ever tasted" - a ringing endorsement to be sure. Ol Db was a fan - not a fovorite, but "supreme drinkability..." And yes, that was my line, not at all stolen from the Bud Light commercials...
Next on the line was the Cielo Anejo - another very cool bottle - the neck wrapped in rope - I Man liked the S & M reference... This is another interesting, tasty ,if not "top of the heap" agave - - filled with lots of cool flavors - a mix of vanilla, licorice and coffee was the general consensus.
The final entry was a gift from a recent traveller having returned from the jalisco region of mejico - - La Fugata Anejo - bottled in a short, stumpy bottle - very dark in color - almost looked like root beer. Uncle Mick loved it - but again, after 3 or 4, he probably could'nt tell the difference beteween tequila and worcestershire sauce. This was undoubtedly the most interesting of the group - lot of spices, very complicated. Cant say I would pick it to sip, but certainly unique -
The bar closed with a live version of SSJ's "Talk to Me" - all in all, pretty, pretty good - - -
Monday, April 5, 2010
TQB TRIP TO ANNAPOLIS, MD'S "LEWNES STEAKHOUSE" COMING THIS WEEKEND
The TQB are loooking forward to a Saturday night visit at Lewnes Steakhouse in Annapolis, Maryland. Opened in 1921, it is a real steakhouse and saloon in the old school fashion - - a full report on the menu and , of course, tequila options will soon follow!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Amigos III - Jupiter, FL
I was flying solo today for my weekly Friday trip to Amigos III. Ol' DB was invited to ride shotgun, but was busy readying his family for the trip back North - if only vacations could last forever.
Anyway, Amigos III has been my weekly spot during Lent. Their CHEESE nachos (more on these later) have been a Friday lunch staple for the past month as I avoid meat on Fridays. Yes, mysterious old Catholic rituals remain hard to break. Of course, there are no rules to my knowledge about chasing said cheesy chips with a fine Tequila - even on Good Friday. What Tequila Boy wouldn't?
Just a quick side note on the Nachos @ Amigos III if you are ever here in Jupiter, they soar where few eagles even dare. Whereas most places leave me wanting for more cheese, especially after that first layer of chips is done, our Boys at Amigos III actually put on more cheese than even I can handle. I've actually left beautiful, gooey, melted cheese on the plate even after the last chip has been devoured. Unprecedented, for anyone that knows me.
And the service is always friendly, food good and plenty of quality choices of our favorite spirit available to sample.
Today's selection was the Corralejo Anejo. It was light in color for an Anejo, but very smooth and packed with plenty of flavor. 12 months in charred oak will do that for you - giving it a nice smokey flavor with hints of vanilla. It actually reminiscent of one of my gold standards - The Gran Centenario Anjeo. I would definitely recommend it when sitting around with good friends. Its tall, red (signifies prosperity in Mexico) bottle was pretty cool too.
My bartender Nicolas then tempted me with the Dos Lunas Anejo. He was interested in me giving it a try once he heard about the Tequila Boys blog, but alas I had to resist given it was a working day lunch. He did pull down the bottle and gave me a whiff. Tons of vanilla and caramel to the nose - my mouth watered. It was very tempting, but it will have to stay for the next trip. As you know, Tequila ain't cheap these days. Hell, most shots are more expensive than a blowjob from a Juarez whore (or at least so I've been told).
Did that somehow just cost me 10 Hail Marys?
Anyway, Amigos III has been my weekly spot during Lent. Their CHEESE nachos (more on these later) have been a Friday lunch staple for the past month as I avoid meat on Fridays. Yes, mysterious old Catholic rituals remain hard to break. Of course, there are no rules to my knowledge about chasing said cheesy chips with a fine Tequila - even on Good Friday. What Tequila Boy wouldn't?
Just a quick side note on the Nachos @ Amigos III if you are ever here in Jupiter, they soar where few eagles even dare. Whereas most places leave me wanting for more cheese, especially after that first layer of chips is done, our Boys at Amigos III actually put on more cheese than even I can handle. I've actually left beautiful, gooey, melted cheese on the plate even after the last chip has been devoured. Unprecedented, for anyone that knows me.
And the service is always friendly, food good and plenty of quality choices of our favorite spirit available to sample.
Today's selection was the Corralejo Anejo. It was light in color for an Anejo, but very smooth and packed with plenty of flavor. 12 months in charred oak will do that for you - giving it a nice smokey flavor with hints of vanilla. It actually reminiscent of one of my gold standards - The Gran Centenario Anjeo. I would definitely recommend it when sitting around with good friends. Its tall, red (signifies prosperity in Mexico) bottle was pretty cool too.
My bartender Nicolas then tempted me with the Dos Lunas Anejo. He was interested in me giving it a try once he heard about the Tequila Boys blog, but alas I had to resist given it was a working day lunch. He did pull down the bottle and gave me a whiff. Tons of vanilla and caramel to the nose - my mouth watered. It was very tempting, but it will have to stay for the next trip. As you know, Tequila ain't cheap these days. Hell, most shots are more expensive than a blowjob from a Juarez whore (or at least so I've been told).
Did that somehow just cost me 10 Hail Marys?
Cabo Flats Tequila Bar- Palm Beach Gardens, FL - Part 1
April 1, 2010 -
Our first official tasting after several years of sipping the stuff just for fun so to speak.
Cabo Flats is located in the Downtown area of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. A very cool upscale vibe; bar was booming with plenty of room both inside and out. Best of all for the boys, classic rock from Steve Miller to the Stones, running overhead. Nice start.
Got ourselves a table outside with our two personal assistants, Julio and Big Red. Life was good.
On to the tequila. How to drink it? The only way the boys do it of course, chilled and up.
We opened with the El Mayor Anejo. Off the bat, want to let you know that the size of the cocktail was impressive. Most places serve the tequila in a small shot glass, sometimes a martini sized glass. These glasses a solid 2-2 1/2 shots. Take it from a former bartender. Anyway, JB liked the taste, "very smooth", but "almost too smooth", apparently comparing the El mayor to that ever tanned actor, George Hamilton. Big Red was a big fan. Julio stuck with her pear vodka. Ol DB liked the smooth draw, definitely a nice flavor, but ultimately not one i would remember tomorrow.
Round 2 brought us the El Jimador, another anejo. We decided to make it an anejo night at this point. This was unanimous "best in show" selection for the night - great oaky taste- big hard wood as JB called it. Ol Db not want to go there.
We followed that up with the Partida Anejo. Another smooth operator. Went down easy. Ultimately though, somewhat like a Disney show. We enjoyed it, it was fun, but we didnt take pictures and not much to think about after we leave.
Round 3 brought the El Tesoro Anejo."TOOEY" was DB's response. That Cuervo garbage, but without the burn. Where's the worm? JB, however, was not nearly as offended: "Very forward - I liked the taste..."
Tres Rios Anejo closed us down. We gave it credit for timing, as it arrived during the Stones "sympathy of the Devil". Ol Db was disappointed - "thin and not a lot going on. I love tequila, so enjoyed it, but woudl not buy it again. Not a big fan..." JB agreed -"Hey, if you dont like tequila, its good tequila." We think that about says it all. Of course, it did fall at the tail end of 4 solid rounds when it started to look as if we had 4 waiters... We may give it another chance just to be safe -
As for Cabo Flats itself - we both are unanimous - loved it. Service was good, food excellent and reasonably priced. The Tequila Boys will definitely be back...
Our first official tasting after several years of sipping the stuff just for fun so to speak.
Cabo Flats is located in the Downtown area of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. A very cool upscale vibe; bar was booming with plenty of room both inside and out. Best of all for the boys, classic rock from Steve Miller to the Stones, running overhead. Nice start.
Got ourselves a table outside with our two personal assistants, Julio and Big Red. Life was good.
On to the tequila. How to drink it? The only way the boys do it of course, chilled and up.
We opened with the El Mayor Anejo. Off the bat, want to let you know that the size of the cocktail was impressive. Most places serve the tequila in a small shot glass, sometimes a martini sized glass. These glasses a solid 2-2 1/2 shots. Take it from a former bartender. Anyway, JB liked the taste, "very smooth", but "almost too smooth", apparently comparing the El mayor to that ever tanned actor, George Hamilton. Big Red was a big fan. Julio stuck with her pear vodka. Ol DB liked the smooth draw, definitely a nice flavor, but ultimately not one i would remember tomorrow.
Round 2 brought us the El Jimador, another anejo. We decided to make it an anejo night at this point. This was unanimous "best in show" selection for the night - great oaky taste- big hard wood as JB called it. Ol Db not want to go there.
We followed that up with the Partida Anejo. Another smooth operator. Went down easy. Ultimately though, somewhat like a Disney show. We enjoyed it, it was fun, but we didnt take pictures and not much to think about after we leave.
Round 3 brought the El Tesoro Anejo."TOOEY" was DB's response. That Cuervo garbage, but without the burn. Where's the worm? JB, however, was not nearly as offended: "Very forward - I liked the taste..."
Tres Rios Anejo closed us down. We gave it credit for timing, as it arrived during the Stones "sympathy of the Devil". Ol Db was disappointed - "thin and not a lot going on. I love tequila, so enjoyed it, but woudl not buy it again. Not a big fan..." JB agreed -"Hey, if you dont like tequila, its good tequila." We think that about says it all. Of course, it did fall at the tail end of 4 solid rounds when it started to look as if we had 4 waiters... We may give it another chance just to be safe -
As for Cabo Flats itself - we both are unanimous - loved it. Service was good, food excellent and reasonably priced. The Tequila Boys will definitely be back...
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The Boys - Who are we?
Who are the Tequila Boys? Quite simply, we are good friends with many common interests, including good bars, great wives and, for the purposes of this column, great tequilas. We will bring you along from bar to bar and shot to shot in the way we most enjoybour tequila - chilled and up. Come along for the ride.
Ol DB and JB, your agave guides...
Ol DB and JB, your agave guides...
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