Barry Strum's Profile
Best Gin Martinis?
Thanks for the literary reference. Noilly Pratt is getting harder to find in middle America..Ohio, but it's worth the search.
I've had Martinis served to me with a caper berry as a garnish....nice touch as long as the berry is rinsed. Olives stuffed with anything (including Pimento) leave their indelible mark.
Vodka martini may be an oxymoron...............but the apparent market choice....especially when made with ridiculously over-priced Grey Goose vodka....waste the difference !!
Best Gin Martinis?
Frankly, Sapphire is way too alcoholic tasting for me. From my standpoint, though the gin is important , the delicate mixture between gin & vermouth plus cold temps makes the martini. You can make a terrific martini with Gordon's Gin and the right amount of vermouth, etc. As for top shelf stuff: Tanqueray, Bombay (green label with Queen Victoria), Boodles, etc are all fine. I had a martini made with a Portland, Oreg. boutique gin...Aviator..it was fantastic. Hendricks has a delightful taste, but seems more at home in a Pimm's Cup world...........
Recent Cincinnati picks?
Boca has the top food in town (Madison Rd in Oakley)
Vietnamese: Song Long.....retro Chinese restaurant look in [once vital] Roselawn. Vietnamese menu is fantastic !!
Tanqueria Mercado on Rt 4 in Fairfield......the real article. Menudo soup is truly the hair of the dog for hangovers. Everything is terrific..Tortas and Tacos are wonderful.
Honey: in Northside, Cinc's up and coming edgy neighborhood. Site of original Boca (Hamilton Ave). Nice bistro-type menu /ambiance.
Szechuan Bistro....truly authentic Cnhinese (ask for "other"Chinese menu) in a strip mall way north in the suburbs (Mason-Montgomery Rd)...this is where the ethnics are nowadays.
Dinner in Cincinnati
Boca...Madison Rd in Oakley. The best food in town
2nd choice: Nectar on Mt. Lookout Square...Julie Francis is brilliant chef
