Chicagoist: Fixed Price Dinner of the Day

bongo

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:38:01 -0600

I'm sure it's not completely without thought. And I am glad there are offerings like this in Chicago. If you happen to be in NYC and want a really special treat with regards to spirits, I highly recommend the brandy library. They do a "spirits school" which is basically a tasting plus the history and information behind what you are tasting. If just stopping by, ask for Ethan at the bar and take his recommendation.. this guy is a real treasure trove of knowledge about spirits. http://www.brandylibrary.com/sections2007/spirit-school.htm

Chuck Sudo

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:15:42 -0600

bongo: I took no offense. Even though the dinner is largely to promote Diageo brands, it isn't as though Duffy and the folks at Mrs. Murphy's are pairing them with reckless abandon. There's a lot of thought to why each selection is paired with its specific dish. It's also easier for casual diners and spirits novices to warm up to whisky than, say, wine.

Spook

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:02:21 -0600

I felt the same way Fed Up, straight up, excuse the pun. But on my most recently passed Bon anniversaire ,after risking my life from Shark attack by night diving into the Caribbean Sea. I stired into the abyss of the warm black bottomless sea and was reminded of the grave and my inmortality. At that point I said to my self “Self do I really wanna die with out having acquired a taste for all the finest booze known to peoplekind?. Well for me the answer was clear and on the way back three dollars was spent in the duty free store! Salute!

bongo

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:56:07 -0600

Sorry Chuck, don't take offense to my comments, I didn't mean to come off gruff (teach me to post before morning coffee) but still, none of these are very special or unique. I guess it didn't click that this was an advertisement rather than choices made to pair with the menu.

Chuck Sudo

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:29:13 -0600

Duffy works for Diageo, which markets Johnnie Walker and Bushmills. All of the featured whiskies at this dinner are part of the Diageo portfolio, so the dinner also works as a marketing tool for the featured brands. Still, for "pedestrian" brands, they're mighty tasty, and Martin knows his proverbial shit. If you plan on attending, it's wise to just stuff your mouth with food, let him school you, and nod accordingly.

fed up

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:03:37 -0600

I love the bombay gin, but have never been able to get into the scotch,whiskey . Acouple of bad nights in college with cheap booze left a mark.

Olive

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:58:15 -0600

I am glad there's a posting about this. Oh, yeah, it's Mrs. Murphy and Sons Irish Bistro. I am on their mailing list so I am a fan.

Spook

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:09:14 -0600

Thanks bro. You should write a post on this The internet is too high falutin on topics about the hard stuff

bongo

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:32:05 -0600

Black label is a very solid and drinkable blended scotch. It's not exactly special, or something I would serve to highlight scotch whiskey, but great to have around the house to have over an icecube or two. I can't say I know a ton about Irish whiskey, but Jameson's isn't generally considered to be unique or interesting, probably best with some soda for a light cocktail. Hendrick's is a really fun Gin, great over ice with a slice of cucumber.

Spook

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:24:36 -0600

How does Johnny Walker Black label rate? I got bottle of that from the Duty Free shop a month ago And how does Jameson's whisky rate? I got a bottle of that as well. See I'm all about expanding my views on things :-) I generally stick with the Hendrick's or Spahhire Gin & Tonics, but I'm all about personal growth

bongo

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:11:21 -0600

That's a pretty pedestrian list of Scotch... especially from a "master of whiskey". I think I could put together a better set of pairings with what Scotch I have sitting in the closet and leftovers. Starting with red label? really?