Thursday Three - Bartender, I'll have another...

Hope you had a fun and safe July 4th! Now, it’s back to work. Here are three things I’m obsessed about this week…

1 – Manhattan Cocktail

This is my cocktail of choice this summer. Bourbon offers the warmth of a scotch without the bite, and the complexity of flavors that come from an amber-colored spirit with a tinge of sweetness. I think the only bourbon cocktail I’ve ever had before this year was a mint julep. This year I had my first Manhattan (ever) at the Brandy Library in Tribeca. It was the perfect concoction in a proper glass, unlike those tub-sized martini glasses that are home to Cosmopolitans and the like. However, the other night I did have a perfectly chilled and perfectly smooth Manhattan in one of these said glasses. I figured I’d let this one slide.

Here’s the recipe for a Manhattan. My preference these days is Maker’s 46 or Woodford Reserve. Cheers!

2 – Pencil Sculptures by Dalton Ghetti

Ghetti redefines the act of sharpening a pencil. I can’t stop looking at these mini pieces of artwork sculpted from the lead of a pencil. Yes, the lead! He can really work an X-acto blade like nobody’s business. You can see a few of his pieces here and here.

3 – Menu Design in America

An impressive collection of about 500 American menus dating back from the mid-1800’s through the 1970’s. There are A LOT of racy (and racist) menus, but each one reflective of its era. This timeless beauty is one of my favorites…