Lush Life
An Anchorage bar-hopper's essential guide to the latest nightlife action and coolest hot-spots.
Archive
TNFs Perform Nightlife TKO - 10/10/2008 9:42 am
Classy Events Coming Up - 10/9/2008 7:44 am
Wonderful Wormwood - 10/2/2008 2:08 pm
Hangover Happens - 9/26/2008 11:12 am
I Heart Beer Darts - 9/24/2008 8:11 am
September – A Month for Bourbon - 9/18/2008 12:43 pm
Pre-dinner Options While Discussing Palin - 9/12/2008 10:43 am
National FASDay - 9/9/2008 12:39 pm
Holidays and Spirited Times - 9/2/2008 10:34 am
State Fair Wine Bar the Fairest of Them All - 8/26/2008 2:25 pm
This Just In... - 8/20/2008 12:29 pm
Alaska State Fair Spirit Judging Highlights - 8/18/2008 4:22 pm
A Do-Rum-Rum-Rum, A Do-Rum-Rum - 8/15/2008 4:43 pm
Beer Goggles -- Truth in a New Study? - 8/14/2008 4:03 pm
Rally in the Valley for the Alaska State Fair - 8/14/2008 2:52 pm
Developments at Bernie's Bungalow Lounge - 8/11/2008 2:41 pm
Summer recipes and trendy tastings - 8/7/2008 3:58 pm
Sports Bar Sweetness - 8/1/2008 8:39 am
One tequila, two tequila - 7/30/2008 10:22 am
National Tequila Day and spirit success - 7/23/2008 12:41 pm
Stylish new wine spot - 7/18/2008 10:09 am
I've Got a "Crush" on You, Sweetie "Pi"... - 7/17/2008 10:12 am
TNFs Perform Nightlife TKO
OCTOBER 10, 2008 - 9:42 AM
* NOTE: I wanted to add a quick sentence about the final fight, which I didn't mention in the column -- that fight, of all the fights that night, was the money fight. The one we paid for. I found myself, inexplicably, jumping up and cheering and that, dear readers, is what I meant by the fights being darn good entertainment. When it's a match framed with skill, determination and finesse, it's fascinating to watch. Although, A friend of mine thought I was slightly negative regarding the difficulty of fighting and the skill required -- and, maybe I was. Tell me what you think, Anchorage. And share your night-at-the-fight stories below.
Classy Events Coming Up
OCTOBER 9, 2008 - 7:44 AM
Just a taste
The Anchorage nightlife scene is gearing up with some sweet soirees in the coming weeks to celebrate the season by raising money and glasses at the same time. Here's a quick rundown:
First – Don't forget about Oktoberfest this weekend in Girdwood at the Alyeska Resort. The merrymaking runs 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Tickets are $10 for adults (there will be a kid's tent for the little ones), and can be purchased by calling 754-2275. Whet your appetite for not only brews but brautwurst, weisswurst, spatzle and a whole passle of Bavarian treats galore. For more information, visit www.alyeskaresort.com.
Wonderful Wormwood
OCTOBER 2, 2008 - 2:08 PM
Pernod
Since my previous blog on absinthe after the lifting of the ban last year, several brands have released their own versions into the drink market. Colleen Graham from cocktails.about.com highlighted Pernod Absinthe (the brand from the company that creates Pernod, which is often used as an absinthe substitute) and gave some fun information about absinthe cocktails.
Hangover Happens
SEPTEMBER 26, 2008 - 11:12 AM
It's fall. Termination dust tops the mountains, and even though you don't want to admit it, the morning air is redolent with the oh-so-familiar sting of encroaching winter.
What do you do? You make plans before the snow falls. Your social calendar is suddenly booked with activities that have one thing in common: drinking.
Whether you're a social butterfly, bowling team captain, house-party host or happy-hour aficionado, having a few spirited beverages on the weekends (long or otherwise) can be an easy routine to fall into. And there's nothing wrong with that. But indulgence can sometimes lead to overindulgence, and that can conjure one of the most dreaded words in a nightlifer's lexicon: hangovers.
I Heart Beer Darts
SEPTEMBER 24, 2008 - 8:11 AM
Beer Darts Diagram
Party peeps: Hold the phone, stop the text, put down the Red Bull. I have discovered the best drinking game ever. It's called Beer Darts, and it meets all four criteria for a drinking game: it's fun, challenging, dangerous and especially appropriate at a barbecue or house party.
First, you gather a group of people who aren't afraid to test their beery mettle. Second, you get a bunch of steel-tipped darts. The weenie ones won't puncture a beer can. Trust me. Third, you get a lot of beer – we went with Bud Light, but anything will work -- anything you don't mind drinking a lot of, that is.
September – A Month for Bourbon
SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 - 12:43 PM
The history of bourbon is a little sketchy – just like most people after they've had a few snifters of it. But what's certain is that, for the second year in a row, this month has been chosen to celebrate all things bourbon-tastic about what some call "America's Native Spirit."
Maker's Mark
Bourbon has been around since 1783, when the Samuels family began a tradition involving a secret family recipe that turned into one of the most famous bourbons around even today: Maker's Mark. When you think about it, bourbon's intrinsically American as the brand names Jim Beam, Knob Creek or Wild Turkey.
Pre-dinner Options While Discussing Palin
SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 - 10:43 AM
It's tough to divert one's attention from arguably the most appetizing subject for most Alaskans these days -- governor-slash-vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Yet in the noble quest for notable edibles, I must persevere. So I've set out to discover new starters for nightlifers, and I have two locations to highlight this week.
I may have yet to find the perfect pre-dinner treat, but I may have found the culmination of calamari at Cafe Croissant. The cafe, formerly Crazy Croissant and newly ensconced in a fancy building just off Benson Boulevard on Spenard, doesn't run daily specials but does have an impressive appetizer menu for early-evening enjoyment. The starters run from $9 to $15 and include savory selections such as escargot with French brie, king crab cocktail (to die for) and more. But the calamari -- with a soft, golden crust and a curry-flavored aioli sauce -- is worth the trip. It's worth several, in fact. Plus, wines run an affordable $5 to $9 a glass and beers cost $4 to $5.
National FASDay
SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 - 12:39 PM
Today is National FASD Awareness Day, so let's take a moment to consider the negative aspects of drinking, especially while pregnant. The annual event aims at raising awareness of the dangers of drinking during pregnancy and the plight of individuals and families who struggle with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. The first FASDay was marked on 9/9/99, and the date was chosen so that, on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember that a woman should abstain from alcohol during the nine months of pregnancy. It also kicks off International FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders) Awareness Week, which runs through Sept. 15.
Holidays and Spirited Times
SEPTEMBER 2, 2008 - 10:34 AM
A friend recently posed a theory about my birthday. Because it's in September, he pointed out that my parents -- and at this point I put my fingers in my ears and sang "la-la-la, I'm not listening" -- must have had a rockin' New Year's Eve. (Ick.) And judging by my fondness for all things fermented, he posited that they must have had a lot of champagne.
Annoyed as I was, I paused to wonder: Does a rockin' New Year's Eve -- or any other holiday -- always have to involve lots of drinking?
It's true that alcohol plays a large part in many holidays. New Year's Eve, St. Patrick's Day, Independence Day -- you get the idea. We tend to be extravagant when we have an occasion to celebrate. We sip hard eggnog at Christmas; beer on Memorial Day; smoking dry-ice green punch on Halloween; margaritas on Cinco de Mayo.
State Fair Wine Bar the Fairest of Them All
AUGUST 26, 2008 - 2:25 PM
Fairgoers, here's an update: If you haven't visited this year's new wine bar (in the building next to the main office by the Red Gate entry), do it now. Live acoustic music, wine flights, a soothing atmosphere and visual art. Sounds good, right? Trust me, it's even better as a respite from the pink-hair-sprayed, old-timey photo crowds you just walked through to get to the corn dog hut. The wines are tasty and adequately priced, and the bistro-style tables provide a nice rest between rides or trick-dog shows. Also, the bar offers a few snack options including bread and cheese -- some of them cheaper (and for less hassle) than a seafood pocket.
This Just In...
AUGUST 20, 2008 - 12:29 PM
Here's a new shot recipe for you this weekend. It's called a Crack Baby and involves an equal mix of champagne and vodka. Thank Madonna for this one, which she and others imbibed at her 50th birthday party at London's Volstead club. (It was a surprise. Isn't Guy Ritchie cute, and, no offense Madge, but ... kind of better than you?).
Try it and tell me what you think. Get more deets on the Material Girl's b-day bash on Page Six
Alaska State Fair Spirit Judging Highlights
AUGUST 18, 2008 - 4:22 PM
Hundreds of HomebrewsThis year I volunteered to judge the homemade beer, mead and wine competition for the Alaska State Fair. The impetus was the addition of a new category: "classic" drinks. Organizer Mary Helms told me that the inclusion of a classic drink category highlights the classic cocktails from the 1950s and '60s and honors the 50th anniversary of Alaska's statehood at the same time. The guidelines were that every ingredient in the classic drink had to be made from scratch -- simple syrup, margarita mix, everything. And, the drinks had to follow traditional recipes -- hence, the daiquiris we tasted were neither blended nor involving maraschino cherries.
A Do-Rum-Rum-Rum, A Do-Rum-Rum
AUGUST 15, 2008 - 4:43 PM
Prep your pina colada blenders, dust off your black hat and perfect your swaggering Jack Sparrow impersonation (voluntary or involuntary, though it may be) and get ready to celebrate, because Saturday is officially National Rum Day. No, it's not sponsored by Bacardi. Go figure.
The cocktail blog at about.com attempts to uncover the reasoning behind such a random day to celebrate rum (although, let’s face it, no day in Alaska will ever truly embrace the sun-drenched, tropical essence that embodies so much of the spirit). Some reasons may be that a bar that wanted to sell more mai tais and thus invented it or that it was created as a tribute to rum's early influence on the founding of America. But, it's still a mystery. So think on it, pour yourself a jigger and enjoy the sugarcane and molasses distilled wonder that goes just as well in a poundcake as it does in your belly.
Beer Goggles -- Truth in a New Study?
AUGUST 14, 2008 - 4:03 PM
Check out this Live Science article on a recent "beer goggles" study -- even just that one beer or glass of wine can skew your instincts! Ladies and gentleman, beware...
Rally in the Valley for the Alaska State Fair
AUGUST 14, 2008 - 2:52 PM
State Fair CrowdsIt's that time of year again. The fireweed is blooming, the sunlight is waning and "back to school" sales are present in annoying abundance -- all depressing reminders that summer is on its way out.
The biggest reminder for Alaskans is the impending Alaska State Fair. It's mission? To provide enough entertainment, food and fun to distract us from the chilly breath of September on our necks.
For a nightlife-oriented person, however, the fair can be too much face paint and too little fermentation, if you catch my drift. So to assist those of us who are planning a Valley trip in the next two weeks, I've compiled some party-oriented suggestions.
Developments at Bernie's Bungalow Lounge
AUGUST 11, 2008 - 2:41 PM
A friend called this weekend and said she'd seen a listing in the real estate section of the newspaper for Bernie's Bungalow Lounge. What's that about, she asked?
I hadn't the foggiest idea, so -- with a throat-clutch of anxiety at the thought of one of my favorite watering holes possibly going kaput -- I e-mailed Bernie Souphanavong himself to get the scoop.
Yes, the esteemed SoNo Bungalow is indeed on the market. Souphanavong is looking to sell -- but not close -- his famed bar.
"Basically I've been running a bar/restaurant for 16 years, and so much has changed with this business," Souphanavong said via e-mail. "Bernie's has grown to where it's no longer realistic to run this by myself."
Summer recipes and trendy tastings
AUGUST 7, 2008 - 3:58 PM
Wine and cheese parties are becoming more popular, but a recent blog post at cocktails.about.com asks, why not have a spirit tasting party? It’s a good idea: There are myriad spirit brands and flavors you could easily use for a neat tasting party.
Here are some easy party tips. Find a comprehensive list at cocktails.about.com
First, invite an intimate group -- no more than 10 at the most because you want the focus to be on “tasting,” not a “party.” When you’re using spirits, you know someone’s going to eventually start suggesting body shots if you don’t keep an eye on them.
Sports Bar Sweetness
AUGUST 1, 2008 - 8:39 AM
"Eddie” is the type of name that connotes an easygoing air. It’s informal, a cavalier nickname that resounds with aplomb. Edward is the name of your professor, your doctor, your dad or a really hot vampire (“Twilight” fans, you know what I’m talking about), but Eddie is a name for a comrade-in-arms.
So when a fun-loving guy’s name tops a neon bar sign, you can’t help but think, “Hey, where there’s an Eddie, there are some good times to be had.” And, as most of us already know, there definitely are.
Eddie’s Sports Bar has all the essential ingredients of a sporty neighborhood saloon: TVs broadcasting various sports, neon beer and liquor signs, lots of space, and an extensive menu featuring the kind of fried, meat-heavy and juicy items many of us crave after a few beers or a hard day at work.
One tequila, two tequila
JULY 30, 2008 - 10:22 AM
To follow up on Thursday's National Tequila Day festivities, I thought I’d suggest a few ways to drink tequila without downing a shot or making a margarita.
My first suggestion is to head to the Bear Tooth Grill and talk to Amy Mack. Just the other day we were discussing how hard it is to get people back on tequila once they’ve had a bad experience with either shots or margaritas. However, it’s a diverse alcohol and can be served a lot of ways.
One suggestion is the Paloma cocktail. This is similar to the Grill’s Refresca de la Hacienda, or “house refreshment,” which is basically the way they serve tequila in legitimate establishments in Mexico (thanks, Amy). In Mexico you get tequila in a glass with a shot of squirt and lime.
National Tequila Day and spirit success
JULY 23, 2008 - 12:41 PM
Thursday is National Tequila Day, so get ready to celebrate with fellow patrons of Patron (that never gets old) at your favorite watering hole.
Is it just me, or is July full of days celebrating alcohol? Maybe that’s why so many people I know have birthdays in April. (That’s nine months later, for you slow counters.)
One place you might want to visit is the Bear Tooth Grill (1230 W. 27th Ave.), where the lovely Amy Mack assures me you can get a veritable smorgasbord of all things tequila. This includes tastings, margaritas and other cocktails created around the agave nectar.
Important warning about e-mails purporting to be from the adn.com staff.