John McClure, chef/owner of Starker’s Restaurant, and Rich Zellich of Pinnacle Imports invited me to lunch the other day, and they brought a few friends. I’ve got to say, I like the company those boys keep. Joining us at the table were four of Del Maguey’s mezcals: San Luis del Rio, Minero, Pechuga and Crema… Continue Reading
I like drinking alone. I know that sounds kind of sad, but when the other option is sitting alone in a hotel room, I’d rather go out to a bar. So that’s what I did last night in Austin, Texas, where I am for the International Association of Culinary Professionals convention. After a longer-than-expected stroll… Continue Reading
Time for the happy dance. My monthly cocktails and spirits column for the Kansas City Star is a finalist for Best Newspaper Food Column in the Association of Food Journalists annual competition. Jill Silva, the Star’s food editor, was tipped for Best Newspaper Special Food Project for her piece on food deserts, “Far Away From… Continue Reading
I have to start by admitting I’ve never ordered a drink at Benton’s Prime Steakhouse, at the top of the Westin Crown Center. But Tony Beyer, the lounge’s regular (and usually only) bartender, is an enthusiastic and generous guy, though, so I stopped by recently for a chat. Beyer’s no stranger to this business. To… Continue Reading
MAY 19 UPDATE: When I spoke with Maybee last week, the trip was on. But he canceled it after Howard Hanna, Maybee’s partner in The Rieger/Manifesto, lost a family member. Our condolences to Hanna and his family, and apologies to readers for an off post. Still, pretty cool that Maybee’s in Gaz’s book. A deserved… Continue Reading