THE WHALING POST

A gentleman's guide to cocktails, culture, and fine living

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PLAN CHECK

I arrived in Los Angeles yesterday. From the airport, Marie and I went right to Plan Check Kitchen + Bar. Just off the 405 on the Westside, this hip, new gastro-pub, with food from the ex-corporate executive chef of Umami Burger, is full of small plates featuring pickles, cheeses, cured meats, sandwiches, burgers, and more. 

We started with oysters. The yuzukosho cocktail sauce is awesome. We followed that with pickles (cucumber with kombu and dill, spicy cumber with sriracha and sesame, and chorizo with green garlic). Then we split the baked crab dip and the "Chef's Favorite Burger: cheese two ways, bacon two ways, ketchup leather, sunny fried egg, hot sauce." The burger is great, and the Plan Check Burger, Bleuprint Burger, and the special burger of the day featuring Funyon Straws all give enough reason to go back. The cocktail list seems promising, but I stuck with Strand Brewery's 24th St. Pale Ale on draft. 

Go in the afternoon and sit at the bar to watch the line cooks flip burgers. 

PLAN CHECK KITCHEN + BAR

1800 Sawtelle Blvd. 

Los Angeles, CA 

[phone]

www.plancheckbar.com

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KITCHEN SPICE

Released this past fall, Kitchen Spice is one of the newest fragrances from Yankee Candle. They claim the scent is a modern blend of sweet orange, clove, ginger, and cinnamon, but I think it smells like that final sip of an Old Fashioned.  

Kitchen Spice by Yankee Candle $25.99 

www.yankeecandle.com

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It has arrived (Taken with Instagram at Starbucks Coffee - 31st St)

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BITTERS by BRAD THOMAS PARSONS

Much to my surprise, I received a package from amazon.com today. Inside I found a copy of the recently published book, Bitters: A Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas by Brad Thomas Parsons, as well as a note from my girlfriend's parents saying, "Thought you might find this interesting." I've had an eye on this book for quite some time and even more than interesting, I find this book essential.

"Gone are the days when a lonely bottle of Angostura bitters held court behind the bar."

- Brad Thomas Parsons

The 200+ page book is packed full of bitters history as well as cocktail recipes and techniques for making bitters. The information is accurate and the book is well thought out. Traditionally, bitters are an extremely concentrated formula of high proof spirits that have been infused with herbs and botanicals. While they were once used as medicinal cure-alls, they soon found their way into cocktails. Many of the original brands are no longer produced, but we are left with a few turn of the century favorites including Angostura Aromatic Bitters and Peychaud's Bitters.

Parsons clearly supports the new craft bitters movement but does address the never ending discussion regarding an over-saturation of craft cocktail ingredients presented by many of his colleagues. I say make your root beer bitters, your thyme syrups and your chili infused bourbons. Only the truly great will survive the test of time. Until then, we'll sip some pretty delicious drinks.

Start off with a Pink Gin.

Pink Gin

3 oz Plymouth Gin

4-6 dashes of Angostura Bitters

Notes: Stirred up

Glass: Coupe glass

Garnish: none

Bitters: A Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas by Brad Thomas Parsons

For more information visit www.btparsons.com

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Roothless Rye IPA

With promises of "grapefruity hops" and "peppery rye spice," I'm incredibly excited to try this new brew from Sierra Nevada. It rolls out this week! 

www.sierranevada.com

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MAISON PREMIERE

Located in the heart of Williamsburg lies the oyster bar and self-proclaimed "cocktail den," Maison Premiere. Designed to reflect staples of New York, Paris, and New Orleans, the menu focuses on oysters and absinthe. The room is both elegant and rustic and offers a round bar and bistro style seating. The oysters are fresh, the cocktails are fantastic, and the absinthe list is extensive (the largest in NYC).

*Absinthe Fountain - The worlds most accurate replica of the absinthe fountain that once flowed in the Absinthe House in New Orleans.

The oyster list is ever changing, but Maison Premiere usually offers around 30 oyster choices as well as various other raw bar options. Upon entering the bar you will be presented with a oyster list and a golf pencil. Mark the type and quantity of oysters you'd like to try. Because there are no minimums, I'd recommend getting 2 of each so and your date can compare and contrast. Or just cover then in cocktail sauce and dive in. There's really no wrong way to eat an oyster.

Dollar oysters from 4 - 7 on Monday - Friday. Do this. 

Maison Premiere

298 Bedford Ave. Brooklyn, NY

P. [phone]

E. [email protected]

Monday - Friday: 4:00 PM - 4:00 AM

Saturday - Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 AM

www.maisonpremiere.com

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BLOODY MARY

What better way to start the new year than with a Bloody Mary! The Bloody Mary's history is vague and several bartenders in the 1920s and 30s claim to have invented the drink, but whoever first mixed this spicy tomato and vodka sipper stumbled upon the ultimate "hangover cure."

The list of ingredients found in a Bloody Mary can be endless, and every bar seems to put their own spin on the drink, but vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire, Tabasco, lemon juice, salt and pepper will traditionally make a pretty fine Bloody Mary. Everything from A1 Steak Sauce to Old Bay Seasoning can be found in Bloody Marys across the country, and the garnishes are often times equally exciting, ranging from olives, pickles, shrimp, bacon, and other salty snacks.

A note on bloody mary mixes: Don't buy them. Instead, make yourself a "bloody mud" by pre-batching all of the ingredients except vodka and tomato juice. While your tomato juice will spoil within the week, your mud will last for months. Below is our traditional style house recipe. 

TWP's Bloody Mud 

5 parts Worcestershire Sauce

2 parts grated horseradish

1 part lemon juice

1 part celery salt

1 part pepper

1/2 part Tabasco sauce

1/2 part Sriracha sauce

*combine all ingredients and chill

Bloody Mary 

1.5 oz vodka 

4 oz canned tomato juice

1 oz TWP's bloody mud

Notes: tumble all ingredients 1 - 2 times

Glass: collins glass

Garnish: Celery stalk

Enjoy and have a Happy New Year!

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SIXPOINT CRAFT ALES

Well known throughout New York City for their "Sweet Action" is the local Brooklyn brewery, Sixpoint Craft Ales. By fermenting locally grown malted barley, hops, and yeast, with NYC tap water, Sixpoint delivers an incredibly fresh beer. With names like "The Crisp," a sharp, clean lager, "Bengal Tiger," their signature IPA, and of course "Sweet Action," which has been described as a bitter cream ale, amongst other things, Sixpoint Craft Ales has made quite an impression on the city of New York. Their Sweet Action can be found in almost every bar in NYC and many of their brews have found their way into 16 oz. cans, which seems to be a signature move for brewery. 

Sixpoint also appears to be brewing super-small custom batches for individual restaurants and bars with either enough credibility or enough money to back the Sixpoint name. Beers like "The Wheatball Ale" at the LES's Meatball Shop and "The Brass Ale" at EMM Group's new midtown brasserie, Lexington Brass, are a few worth trying. 

Sixpoint, which opened in 2004, now distributes beer locally from Brooklyn to Philadelphia. But, don't get your hopes up about the beer heading west. According to a recent NPR discussion, they have plans to keep things local. So stop into a pub and order a Sweet Action on draft and grab a 4 pack of The Crisp on your way home.

Sixpoint Craft Ales

40 Van Dyke St. Brooklyn, NY

P. [phone]

www.sixpoint.com

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TOMCATS BARBERSHOP

Rockabilly, pompadours, and hot rods are what you'll find at this Greenpoint, Brooklyn based barbershop. Located just off of Manhattan Ave., Tomcats offers classic cuts and hot shaves.

The shop does accept walk-ins, but you're better off making an appointment. Your clipper cut will take 30 minutes and will only cost you 20 dollars. Your barber will probably offer to put some serious pomade in your hair. Let him, and buy a jar while you're there, because although the brand it's probably older than your grandfather, you won't be able to find it at Duane Reade.

Also, go early to enjoy your complimentary PBR. 

Tomcats Barbershop 

135 India St. Brooklyn, NY 11222

Mon. - Sat. 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM

P. [phone]

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THE QUEENS KICKSHAW

The Queens Kickshaw is home to some of the best craft beers, specialty coffees, and grilled cheese sandwiches you'll find in New York City. A labor of love for husband and wife Ben Sandler and Jennifer Lim, the team opened "the kickshaw" in early 2011. While the menu does focus on coffee, beer, and grilled cheese, they do offer wine, tea, house-made sodas, and various other treats. The miso mustard pickles are a personal favorite of mine.

The design, provided by Ecosystems, is both rustically simple and environmentally friendly. The atmosphere, provided by a small band of tattooed baristas, is casual, comfortable, and never overbearing. Get a coffee and grilled cheese for lunch and stay as long as you'd like doing work on your macbook pro. Then go back for beer after dinner. Try a few because I doubt you'll have heard of anything off the list!

The Queens Kickshaw

40-17 Broadway Astoria, NY 11103

Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 1:00 AM

Saturday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 1:00 AM

www.thequeenskickshaw.com

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WAR HORSE

Known for maintaining the highest standards of excellence in theater, Lincoln Center does it again with its newest installation, War Horse. Adapted from a book by the same name, War Horse was originally staged in London's West End. After an incredibly successful run, the show transferred to Broadway with the same British creative team and an all-American cast. 

In Devon at the outbreak of WWI, Joey, young Albert Narracott's beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. Joey serves in the British and German armies, befriends Topthorn (another army horse), and gets caught up in enemy fire. Death, disease and fate take him on an extraordinary odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in a no man's land. But Albert cannot forget Joey, and, still not old enough to enlist in the army, he embarks on a dangerous mission to find and bring him back to Devon. 

The story is incredibly compelling. After all it was just adapted once again as a blockbuster hopeful directed by Stephen Spielberg and set to release on Christmas day. But, the "horse puppetry" done by Toby Sedgwick truly sets this apart as one of the most artistic pieces done in a very long time. This is a must see play and will probably run for quite some time, but get your tickets now and support live theater at Lincoln Center. 

War Horse

At the Vivian Beaumont Theater

Lincoln Center 150 West 65th St. 

www.warhorseonbroadway.com

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ROBERTA'S

This, now world famous, Bushwick pizzeria became an over night success after several rave reviews and hundreds of perfectly cooked wood fire pizzas. Chris Parachini, a local musician and artist, had the idea to open a pizza joint in his restaurant starved neighborhood. The build out, done by Parachini and co., took over a year and with little money to spare, the truly D.I.Y. pizzaria opened in 2008 with just a wood burning oven (imported from Italy) and a few pots and pans. 

While pizza is definitely the main focus of the ever changing menu, salumis, pastas, salads, and a strong Italian wine list perfectly compliment the assortment of specialty pies (which run between $9 and $16). Locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as house-made breads also appear on almost every dish and or pizza.

Go in the summer, sit in the garden, and order family style all night. 

ROBERTA'S

261 Moore St. Brooklyn, NY

Open daily 11:00 AM - Midnight

Call for take out and delivery

718-417-1118

www.robertaspizza.com

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BURGER JOINT

Hidden away amongst hundreds of fancy midtown hotels, chain restaurants, and tourist traps sits a humble little burger joint. You won't find it on the street, you'll have to enter Le Parker Meridian Hotel. The hotel is known for its luxury, midtown-style accommodations, but for the select few who stumble upon the burger joint tucked behind the concierge desk, they'll instantly be transported to a cash-only, no apologies, old fashioned dive. The limited menu offers burgers, fries, pickles, milk shakes, and Sam Adams on tap. And you better know what you want before you order (according to the card board sign written in sharpie above the register). The burgers are all made with quality ingredients so don't shy away from a med-rare cheeseburger with "the works." 

Also, don't be fooled by its appearance or rumors that the joint landed there after a leasing dispute, because the folks at Le Parker Meridian knew what they were up to when opening "Burger Joint." They also have a hip old-fashioned style barbershop called Sharps. Though a trim and a shave will run you 80 dollars, a burger and fries will only cost you 10. And don't go during lunch - everyone else will be there too, exposing Burger Joint's cover by snaking a line though the hotel lobby. 

The Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridian Hotel 

119 W. 56th St. (between 6th and 7th Ave)

S - T 11:00 AM - 11:30 PM

F - S 11:00 AM - MIDNIGHT

Burger and Fries with "the works" $11.00

www.parkermeridien.com

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NEGRONI

Although the drink's origins are unknown, it is widely spread that the Negroni was first stirred in 1919 in Florence, Italy. Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to stregthen his favorite drink, The Americano, with gin instead of soda water. The drink was in instant success and named the Negroni.

The Negroni is simple in procedure but complex in flavor with a crisp, bitter profile. Ask any bar/bartender how they make their Negroni and their spec. will be slightly different. Some stir it up, some on the rocks. Some garnish with an orange twist and some with a wedge. 

To make a Negroni use 1 part gin, 1 part Campari, and 1 part sweet vermouth. A Note on the sweet vermouth: This stuff is fortified wine and will go bad. Keep it in the 'fridge and only for a few months. Carpano Antica Formula is a great vermouth and does wonders to a Negroni. I had a bartender make one with Noilly pratt once. I seem to recall it being exceptional in the drink. 

The Negroni is really more than a safe bet to order at almost any fully stocked bar. It's simple, timeless, and your bartender will always know how to make one. I would suggest drinking one, or two, on the rocks with an orange twist. 

   Negroni

1 oz gin

1 oz Campari

1 oz sweet vermouth

Prep: stirred down, strained over fresh ice

Glass: rocks

Garnish: orange twist

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J. EDGAR

J. Edgar Hoover was director of the F.B.I. from May 1924 until his death in 1972, establishing their current operating fundamentals and surviving impassive under the management of up to seven different presidents. Despite being an unpopular character and displaying a more than dubious double standard, he built a formidable network of informants who gave the power to know life and true grit. In a place in which almost anyone could be someone, there are those who believe Hoover was the most powerful man in America. 

             Leonardo DiCaprio delivers once again with honesty and conviction and has already received plenty of Oscar buzz. This gentleman's tale is full of historical accuracy (and fabrication) and spans seven decades through the pubic and private life of one of the most powerful men in America. The six hours of prosthetic latex DiCaprio applied to portray a rapidly aging Hoover paid off, as most of the film is narrated from this perspective with a series of flash back sequences throughout the course of his life. A notable performance was also given by Armie Hammer as the loyal and frustrated Clyde Tolson. Directed wonderfully by Clint Eastwood,  J. Edgar is a must-see film. 

J. Edgar

Directed by Clint Eastwood

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Armie Hammer, Judi Dench, and Naomi Watts. 

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CLARKS DESERT BOOTS

This classic boot from Clarks Originals was first released in 1950 and has become timeless in its simple, authentic design. I recently purchased my first pair of desert boots in beeswax leather (shown below), and although they do come in various shades of suede, stick with the beeswax. It's durable and will age incredibly well. 

       Clarks Desert Boots in Beeswax Leather $109.00 www.clarksusa.com