Signature Drinks, Aruba

Although I like my adult beverages simple, I appreciate the creativity of a good bartender. Hence, while having a few drinks at White Modern Cuisine (one of Aruba’s best restaurants), the bartender provided me with a handsome brochure of some signature drinks he created, each one a play on words and favorite cocktails.

Signature Drinks, Aruba, brochure cover.

Signature Drinks, Aruba, brochure cover.

This glossy foldout provides a photo and recipe for each of the drinks.

Aruba Signature Drink, "Windy Sour."

Aruba Signature Drink, “Windy Sour.”

Of course, you have to have the best ingredients and some equipment to make these drinks.

Signature Drink Aruba, "Conchi Cosmo."

Signature Drink Aruba, “Conchi Cosmo.”

As in the “Conchi Cosmo” above, you’ll be making foam to top it off, which might be just the trick.

Aruba Signature Drink, "Cave Cooler."

Aruba Signature Drink, “Cave Cooler.”

That “Cave Cooler” above does look very refreshing. I had the pleasure of watching Bartender AJ produce several of these drinks. The man is a master craftsman.

Aruba Signature Drink, "Bellini"

Aruba Signature Drink, “Bellini”

AJ also has a great rapport with the clientele, explaining the origin of his drinks as well as the various type of liquor in each one.

Aruba Signature Drink, "Haltorita."

Aruba Signature Drink, “Haltorita.”

As you, my loyal readers know, it’s the people that make the place. Stop in to White Modern Cuisine for a great meal and fantastic drinks. (Don’t forget, we all have our favorite watering holes. Be sure to enjoy yours responsibly.) Bon dia.

Classic Diner (January 2014)

The Classic Diner in Malvern, PA, USA, is a favorite stop of mine. Breakfast and lunch here is a delicious feast at a reasonable price with great service. Make sure you are HUNGRY before you get here because the portions are large. I might also add, they use the best ingredients. So let’s start healthy, with a spinach salad that you see here:

Classic Diner (Malvern, PA) spinach salad.

Classic Diner (Malvern, PA) spinach salad.

That’s a beautiful salad, no doubt about it. And dig the lox on the side with capers, eh? Nice. For those who really need to fill up, try the cheeseburger with a side of onion rings that you see next:

Cheeseburger with a side of onion rings at the Classic Diner, Malvern, PA, USA.

Cheeseburger with a side of onion rings at the Classic Diner, Malvern, PA, USA.

That, my friends, is one good burger. The onion rings… crispy and sweet, the way you like them. Again, service is exceptional here and prices are reasonable. Be advised, the place gets BUSY, so go slightly off peak breakfast and lunch times. Enjoy every meal.

McSorely’s Old Ale House, NYC

McSorely’s Old Ale House has been an New York City institution for more than 150 years. It’s on East 7th Street, and not hard to find. Certainly worth a stop for a glass of ale.

McSorely's Old Ale House, New York City, USA.

McSorely’s Old Ale House, New York City, USA.

The place has quite a history, having been visited by presidents and other dignitaries. Sorry for the shabby photo, but the interior is old-school barroom as you can kind of see here:

Interior corner of McSorley's Old Ale House.

Interior corner of McSorley’s Old Ale House.

Plenty of old photos, newspapers, even record albums hanging on the wall, meaning there is plenty of eye candy to keep you busy. You can order light ale or dark and you get two glasses per round as you see next:

Light ale at McSorley's Old Ale House.

Light ale at McSorley’s Old Ale House.

Two at a time also keeps you busy. Then there’s a short menu of food items chalked on the board:

Menu at McSorely's Old Ale House.

Menu at McSorely’s Old Ale House.

After all that drinking, you may need the toilet, and it’s old school as well. Check out these urinals:

Urinals at McSorely's Old Ale House.

Urinals at McSorely’s Old Ale House.

All in all, quite an establishment. Worth your visit for a drink or to linger with friends and chat. Maybe you’ll meet someone new or find a piece of memorabilia that fills in an historical blank. Enjoy the journey.

American Airlines (meals) December 2013

Took a couple of American Airlines flights recently, my carrier of choice. The airline has instituted a “select your meal” type of plan, which I find very helpful. You get to make a choice between a couple of entrees, which certainly leads to a more satisfied customer. So, on the first leg, I chose the “tortilla soup.” Below you see the whole tray:

American Airlines tortilla soup.

American Airlines tortilla soup.

This was a tasty, lighter selection. A couple of small cheese wedges came with the grapes and crackers. Nice treat! During the second flight, I went with the chicken salad that you see here:

American Airlines chicken salad.

American Airlines chicken salad.

Again, I found this to be tasty, lighter fare when it comes to airlines meals. The salad was packed with pecans, slices of pear, and plenty of greens. In general, I think airline food has been improving recently. At least, I have found the food to be better than it was. Sit back, relax, enjoy the flight, and please follow ALL crew member instructions. They are there to make your trip safe.