Archive for October, 2011

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THEATER REVIEW: THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

Monday, October 31st, 2011

Just in time for Hallowe’en– drag queens are invading our stages! If you pop on over to OBERON (part club, part theater) on the edge of Harvard Square, you’ll be caught between a rocky horror and a hard place (…if you know what I mean.) at THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW!!!! The fabulous Ryan Landry founder of  The Gold Dust Orphan Theater Company– and the wickedest man I ever met in a corset– plays the role he was born to: Dr. Frank N. Furter. You know the story. Rocky Horror Show

One rainy night two innocent newly weds– Janet and Brad– break down in front of an eery gothic mansion where inside dwells the kinky Dr. Frank N.Furter– tranvestite from the Planet Transexual and the galaxy Transylvania! He’s just concluded a Frankensteinian experiment and created the perfect man named: ROCKY HORROR!!! What ensues is all manner of wacky wanton sexual hi-jinks as the bad doctor explodes the boundaries of  everybody’s sexuality!  Innocent Janet and Brad are never the same again!!!

This horror/science fiction pastiche debuted on the fringes of the London Theater scene in the early 70′s, and re-erupted onscreen as a participatory phantasmagoria skewering the inno-sexuality of the beach party 50′s and 60′s. Cult audiences offered themselves up on the alter of altered sexuality, as they danced the time warp and screamed at the screen. The night I saw it, the audience was significantly subdued, infested as it were with (re)press and “invited”guests.

The show is loud, and unrelenting, and everywhere, up and down and all around the upper ramparts and balcony tables (I tried to grab Dr. Frank N. Furter’s rump as he made his mascaraed  way across tabletops and into the arms of the chanting masses.) The show needed better sound (boost Landry’s mike-his smoldering asides are worth the price of admission) and pump up the opening number with better lighting, a few more bodies, crisper choreography and direction–that really fills the space. My problem with the show is my problem with almost every show in that room: I don’t know where to put my eyes. But this show is well cast: Kayla Foster is a bitchin’ Janet, and finds her true love in Gene Dante’s geeky bad Brad! The show’s a trip and will settle in as it finds its audience every Friday night and rocks its way into the offbeat heart of Harvard Square.

Playing at Oberon every Friday night beginning at 10:30 from October 14 – December 2

By Joyce Kulhawik, Re-posted from JoycesChoices.com

 

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Mistress of the dark

Friday, October 28th, 2011

Siobhan Magnus hosts spooktacular ‘Hallowe’en’ party

It’s little wonder that “American Idol” contestant Siobhan Magnus loves this time of year — her famous scream fits in perfectly with Halloween.

That, and the Marston Mills-raised singer’s flair for the macabre form the backdrop for her solo debut at the Wilbur Theatre on Oct. Siobhan Magnus30, when she’ll introduce her album “Moon Baby.” The name of her show? “Hallowe’en Dreams,” of course.

“I never like to do what’s obvious,” Magnus, 21, told the Herald during a visit to Boston. “When I came home and everyone was like, ‘So, when are you moving to L.A.?’ I was like, ‘Why do I have to?’ It’s exciting there for so much time, then it kind of feels like it is robbing you of your soul.”

Now free of “American Idol” obligations, the 2008 Barnstable High School graduate is writing and recording for her own company, Moonbaby LLC.

“I own all my own publishing, which is great because that is really important to me,” Magnus said.

She still performs with friends in their band Lunar Valve and finds time to rock with her uncle, Alan Ware, drummer for the Somerville-based Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra. But for the Wilbur show, Magnus will be backed by musicians from Nashville, Tenn., where she recorded “Moon Baby.”

For now, the Hanson fan splits her time between home on Cape Cod and the studio in Nashville.

“They say a person’s first album is your emotional vomit. It’s your first chance to say these things,” Magnus said.

Two cuts have already been released from the 11-track album: “Black Doll,” inspired by grim Cape artist Edward Gorey, and “Beatrice Dream,” influenced by a character in William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.”

“It had been called ‘Lay Down and Die’ in its working title,” Magnus said of “Beatrice Dream.” “We were like, ‘We’ve got to change that. It’s awfully depressing.’ ”

Magnus will make two costume changes during the 90-minute performance. Her high school drama teacher John Sullivan, who retires this year, is helping Magnus with the decor.

“I’m really excited about the costumes. The band is a little less excited,” Magnus said. “I got a text message from one of the guys. He’s like, ‘So, do you know what we are going to wear yet?’ He’s all worried that we are going to make him dress crazy.”

“We keep telling him he’ll be dressed as a space troll for the concert. I think up to now he’s like, ‘You’re so funny.’ Now I think he’s worried,” Magnus said.

The concert will also feature an audience costume contest. The winner will join Magnus on Halloween for a private party.

Siobhan Magnus’ Hallowe’en Dreams, Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St., Oct. 30, 8 p.m. Tickets: $45; 800-745-3000; ticketmaster.com.

By Tenley Woodman, Re-posted from BostonHerald.com

Photo by Patrick Whittemore

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Killer Halloween Cocktails for Your Party

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

Halloween may be the scariest day of year, but who could resist dressing up, gorging on candy, and watching plenty of bone chilling flicks? It’s one of the most festive holidays to celebrate, especially when you’re throwing a haunted party with plenty of spooky spirits that’ll put any witch or vampire under your spell. Create the top Halloween cocktails of the year, but be warned, these are dangerously delicious.

Vampire Crush Vampire Crush
We know, the vampire hype in Hollywood needs to die already, but if you’re all about celebrating in style, this is one trend you’ll need to take note of for Halloween. Vampire Vineyards is debuting their very own Vampire Crush, a blend of vodka, ripe strawberries, and bubbly club soda. It’s sweet enough to entice the ladies, but be warned, one sip alone won’t satisfy your thirst. Drink, drink, and drink some more!

Vampire Crush Recipe

Ingredients
1.5 oz. Vampyre Vodka, red
4 Ripe strawberries, hulled (leave one for garnish)
1 oz. Lemon juice
1 oz. Simple syrup
Splash of club soda

Preparation
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberries with lemon juice and simple syrup. Add vodka. Add a cup of ice and shake vigorously. Pour contents into a Collins glass or goblet. Top with a splash of club soda and stir. Garnish with additional strawberry and serve.

 

Evil Green EyeEvil Green Eye
Tiki cocktails are all the rage, but for Halloween, give your guests something that’s a scream. The Evil Green Eye, created by Hiram Avila, DonQ Mixologist from Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico, highlights lime-infused rum, a minty mojito mix, and even melon liqueur to keep the tropical theme going. Make sure you have enough to last through the night or prepare to battle the wrath of thirsty patrons moaning for more.

Evil Green Eye Recipe

Ingredients
1 oz. DonQ Limon Rum
1 oz. DonQ Mojito Rum
½ oz. Melon liqueur
1 oz. Sour mix
¼ oz. Club soda
1 Lime wheel
1 Mint leaf

Preparation
In a cocktail shaker, add rums, melon liqueur, sour mix, club soda, and ice. Shake gently and strain into a chilled champagne flute with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint leaf.

 

Green GhoulGreen Ghoul
If you’re looking for something scary instead of cutesy, than the Green Ghoul is a must for your Halloween bash. This year, Miami Beach hot spot SUSHISAMBA is enticing patrons with daring, yet delicious Halloween cocktails, all courtesy of Botran Rum. Their Green Ghoul is certain to make even the most outrageous party planner you know envious, all thanks to its delicious blend of aged Guatemalan rum for a powerful kick, sweet melon liqueur, and even some lip smacking pineapple juice. Friends will want to know your secret behind the Green Ghoul, but they’ll never know…alive.

Green Ghoul Recipe

Ingredients
1 ½ oz. Botran Rum
¾ oz. Midori Melon Liqueur
¾ oz. Lime juice
½ oz. Simple syrup
½ oz. Pineapple juice
Maraschino cherries

Preparation
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass. Add ice and shake for 10 seconds. Strain in highball glass. Garnish with cherries.

 

Witch DoctorWitch Doctor
Beware kids, this seemingly innocent shot is no trick. It’s a treat for social drinkers, but it carries a powerful punch that will easily put you under its irresistible spell (if only Harry Potter could have that same magic over us). Perhaps it’s the sugar water that will have you bouncing off the walls. We believe it has something to do with absinthe, a dangerously alluring elixir that’s blamed for scandalous behavior. For Halloween, it’s exactly what the doctor ordered.

Witch Doctor Recipe

Ingredients
1 part LUCID Absinthe
1 part Sugared water
1 part Grenadine
2-3 dashes of Angostura Bitters

Preparation
In a shot glass, start with absinthe. Add ice cold water that has been shaken with sugar or simple syrup. Now add grenadine, which will sink to the bottom to form the lower layer. Next, float the dashes of bitters on top to form the top layer.

 

 

Bloody GeishaBloody Geisha
Now here’s one killer cocktail from the east. After all the partying that’s certain to take place this weekend, beat that dreaded hangover with a soul lifting Bloody Geisha. Unlike the bland Bloody Mary, this number includes sake, fiery wasabi, and tangy soy sauce. If a Bloody Geisha isn’t able to revive you from the dead…nothing will.

Bloody Geisha Recipe

Ingredients
3 oz. Tomato juice
1. 5 oz. TY KU Sake
Pinch of wasabi
Dash of soy sauce
Squeeze of lime juice
1 celery talk

Preparation
Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Pour drink in a tall glass and garnish with a celery stalk.

 

 

Candy Corn CocktailCandy Corn Cocktail
No Halloween party would be complete without some treats and candy corn is something you should always have plenty of-in alcohol form, of course. This spiked up sherbet delight is like sipping on melting ice cream that’s just for adults-and who wouldn’t appreciate that? While this recipe does require some extra timing to perfect, the result is always worth it. Who says you need candy when there’s vodka around?

Candy Corn Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients
2 oz. SKYY Infusions Pineapple
1.5 oz. Orange sherbet, softened
1 oz. Pineapple juice
1 oz. Milk
1 oz. Simple syrup

Preparation
Combine vodka and pineapple juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain over fresh ice into a clear Collins glass. Combine softened orange sherbet and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Strain and pour over bar spoon to layer in the rocks glass. Combine simple syrup and milk in cocktail shaker and shake. Layer milk mixture on top of sorbet mixture.

By Stephanie Nolasco, Re-posted from ClubPlanet.com

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Hub eateries stay open late

Monday, October 24th, 2011

Restaurateurs see new opportunities

Nocturnal Bostonians craving a late meal after a night out are no longer limited to pizza or Chinese food.

Late-night dining is exploding in the Hub restaurant scene after years of most kitchens closing by 10 p.m., sparking a foodie frenzy.

“We’re trying to grow our late-night business,” said Ky Nguyen, owner of Kingston Station in the Financial District. “People were going to Kingston Station, BostonChinatown for late night, and we thought we’d give it a shot.”

The idea of full-service dining running until last call at the bar is a concept that is very limited outside New York City, but local restaurateurs see the Hub as a growing market for similar offerings. Rather than pass off potential business to 7-Elevens and hole-in-the-wall markets, many restaurant owners have decided to keep the stoves burning until last call.

“Boston is not the same Beantown for dining where we started in 1982,” says BiNA Osteria owner Babak Bina, who has introduced a late-night menu on the weekends. “Whether they’re early or late, we will serve customers with the same hospitality and full-service menu.”

For years, patrons longing for higher-end fare in the wee hours of the morning were limited to a string of restaurants in the South End such as Stella and Franklin Cafe. However, as the late-night trend has emerged, more neighborhood restaurants are giving it a try.

The Back Bay crowd can now devour artisan sandwiches and charcuterie offerings alongside a long beer list well into the night at new hotspot the Salty Pig. In Kenmore Square, people have flocked to Eastern Standard for dining room service until last call. They now have sister restaurant Island Creek Oyster Bar down the block to go to for a full-service slider bar and raw oysters.

“The challenge with late night is that if you commit, you have to bring it,” said Eastern Standard and Island Creek owner Garrett Harker. “I credit management a lot to be able to sustain that level. I’m waiting for my peers to do the same.”

By Cameron Sperance, Re-posted from Boston Herald.com

Photo by Stuart Cahill

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Peter Wolf keeps busy with New England shows

Friday, October 21st, 2011

BMS talks with the hometown hero before his Somerville Theatre gig

Peter Wolf is the kind of guy you want to hang out and have a few drinks with. Just make sure that if you get the chance to have that experience you take him to a bar that pours a good Bourbon with a beer back, that the music isn’t too overpowering and there are no televisions.

“I like to be able to talk at a bar,” Wolf tells Boston Music Spotlight during an interview earlier this week. “[I don't like] when I go into a bar and you have to talk into somebody’s ear. Basically you want to sit at the bar; you want to have a chat. And I don’t want a damn TV staring at me. If I want to watch TV, I’ll stay home.”

Wolf, the smart, unassuming and immensely talented frontman for The J. Geils Band, is currently in the middle of a thirteen city tour across Peter Wolfmuch of New England. Tonight, he’ll hit familiar ground with a homecoming show at the Somervile Theatre. The tour is in support of his latest solo release, 2010′s Midnight Souvenirs. The album, which won over considerable critical acclaim, features duets with the likes of Shelby Lynne, Neko Case and country music legend Merle Haggard.

Fans attending the show can not only expect to hear material from Midnight Souvenirs and Wolf’s other solo releases, but also plenty of the classic J. Geils hits. Of course, Wolf is ever the showman and plans to share plenty of stories from his storied career in between songs, something that he says is a natural thing for him to do.

“[It] came out naturally from our just being on stage, and it just started to develop just from my own natural approach to the stage,” he says of his storytelling. “Being a frontman… I thought I would just start telling stories and it seemed to have a nice reaction and it started to develop naturally, sort of like the “Must Have Got Lost” rap, like a natural thing. It was nothing pre-planned. It was just like, ‘oh well’.”

While his musings on stage may not be pre-planned, his life seems to have a certain serendipitous feeling to it. Wolf is one of those people that always seem to be in the right place at the right time. From painting in Norman Rockwell’s studio as a kid to befriending other music legends like Bob Dylan and Haggard to becoming roommates with film director David Lynch, Wolf has led a storybook life, if you will.

Always an avid supporter of New England’s local music scene, Wolf’s backing band is comprised of many local standouts. “[I have] some new players with me – a very superlative band filled with renowned players from the New England area. It’s really, for me, a treat just to be on stage hearing these guys night after night.”

As for another tour with The J. Geils Band? Well, don’t get your hopes up.

“Really with the Geils Band every time we get together it could be our last time,” says Wolf. “It’s not really planned, it’s not like reunions. Usually they have to do with some benefit or charity. Usually someone calls and we all decide it might be worthwhile getting together and so that sparks something else. It’s pretty spontaneous. There are no set plans. We might never play together again. I just don’t know.”

In the meantime, fans can catch Wolf doing his solo thing, something he especially likes to do in Boston.

“It’s a hometown crowd and a lot of the people there are people that I’ve played for for many years. It has a family reunion feel to it.”

By Seth McCoy, Contributing Writer- Re-posted from BostonMusicSpotlight.com

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A Fenway Comeback

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

A new sign has gone up at El Pelon Taqueria. The owner of Thornton’s Fenway Grille has proudly posted shots of new tabletops on the restaurant’s Facebook page. And down at Rod Dee Thai Cuisine II, a fresh menu is visible through a glass door.

For Fenway residents, these tantalizing signs of life along “Restaurant Row’’ on Peterborough Street signal the end of a long wait for the return of beloved neighborhood hangouts that were destroyed in a devastating January 2009 fire.

Although no official opening dates have been announced, owners say they are very close, and excitement is building along the intimate nook set amid brick apartment buildings. For residents and fans of the restaurants, it will be a chance to rekindle a sense of community distinct from the crowds and lights of nearby Fenway Park.

Matty Stevenson, 28, who worked at Thornton’s in college and even took some shifts after he joined the professional workforce, started a post-fire memorial to Thornton’s on Facebook. He described the block as “a staple of the neighborhood.’’

“The day it opens, if it’s during the week, I’ll take the day off work to go,’’ said Stevenson, who now lives in Medford. “I’m not alone, Fenway restaurant row fireeither.’’ He’ll be ordering the chicken and broccoli.

Thornton’s, along with El Pelon Taqueria and Rod Dee Thai, are all on the verge of reopening, pending city permits, according to property owner Monty Gold. A fourth restaurant, Swish Shabu, a Japanese hot pot-style eatery, isn’t as far along as the others, he said.

Three other original “Row’’ restaurants – Sorento’s Italian Gourmet, Umi Japanese Restaurant, and Greek Isles Restaurant – will not return to their Fenway locations. A former dry cleaner also has no plans to reopen there.

Marty Thornton, the owner of Thornton’s and a 20-year resident of the Fenway, said the restaurant should reopen by early November with an updated menu. Otherwise, it will stick to its tried-and-true approach as a “neighborhood place, a local hangout,’’ he said.

When passersby ask whether their favorite dish is still on the menu, “I say ‘of course,’ ’’ Thornton said. “ ‘If it isn’t, just ask for it.’ ’’

Although John Fitzpatrick just moved to the neighborhood, he’s heard about the beloved restaurants. While his roommate loves Thornton’s, he’s excited about El Pelon, which drew a loyal following from far beyond Fenway and which opened up a new taqueria near Boston College after the fire.

“I’ve heard so much buzz about that one,’’ said Fitzpatrick, a 27-year-old native of Ireland. “I think that’s probably [the restaurant] people are most excited about.’’

Memories of the four-alarm blaze that left the block a charred wreck and caused $5 million in damage remain fresh here.

Stevenson recalled that he was supposed to work a Saturday shift at Thornton’s.

On the Monday before, it burned down. An electrical short circuit has been blamed for sparking the fire.

“Oh, my God. It was awful,’’ he said. “It was just so sad.’’

Some employees and fans of the restaurant gathered amid the ashes the next day. “A lot of people were kind of in shock,’’ Stevenson said.

More than 300 people joined the Facebook tribute page for Thornton’s, which carries the following description: “This place was more than just a bar. It was more than a job. It was your good friend and a place of many good times.’’

Others joined a Facebook group called “Friends of Peterborough St. Fenway Restaurants,’’ sharing their sadness.

Since then, residents have had a lot of time to wait, reminisce, and sometimes wonder about the fate of the restaurants. Many feared they would never reopen, even as new restaurants sprouted on nearby Boylston Street. Others worried the site would become a high-rise apartment building.

At a November 2010 community meeting, Gold announced his intention to rebuild the restaurants, apologizing for the delay.

“I’m sorry it took this length of time,’’ Gold said at the time, citing personal reasons. “It is what it is.’’

Now, he’s excited by the prospect of dropping by Thornton’s for a glass of wine. Despite the delays, he said: “We got it done, and we got it done correctly. That’s what we want; a good, safe building.’’

City Councilor Michael Ross, who represents the Fenway, said it has been a long haul to get to this point.

During the long delay, he said, he heard from residents, whom he said were engaged and “refused to sit back and let it languish.’’

“This is a very important resource for the community,’’ he said. “It’s a great place… . It created life and activity, it created a special and dynamic rhythm to that neighborhood.’’

By Sara Brown, Re-posted from Boston.com

Photo by, George Rizer/Globe Staff/File

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30 Rock Star Judah Friedlander is coming to the 12th Annual Boston Comedy Festival for one show only.

Monday, October 17th, 2011

30 Rock Star Judah Friedlander is coming to the 12th Annual Boston Comedy Festival for one show only. On the comedy stage, Judah Friedlander is The World Champion. He is the best athlete in the world, greatest martial artist, the sexual desire of every woman, and a role model to children. Let’s face it, Judah is the greatest comedian in the world… and the most humble. Judah is an extra-dark blackbelt in karate. Comedian Judah Friedlander

You can watch Judah as “Frank Rossitano” on the Emmy-winning “30 Rock” every night in syndication & on Comedy Central, as well as in new episodes every Thursday night on NBC.

Judah has made multiple hilarious appearances on many late night talk shows including: Letterman, Conan, Fallon & The Daily Show.

Judah was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 2003 Independent Spirit Awards for his role in the Sundance-winning “American Splendor”. Some of his other movies include “Meet the Parents”, “Wet Hot American Summer”, “Feast”, “Zoolander”, and “The Wrestler”.

Judah is doing only one show on Saturday Nov 12 at 10pm at the newly Reopened Davis Square Theater in Somerville MA. For tickets go to BostonComedyFestival.com

Re-posted from Jim McCue.com

Boston Comedy Festival

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Mighty Mighty Bosstones plot 14th Hometown Throwdown

Friday, October 14th, 2011

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones have announced the dates for their 14th annual Hometown Throwdown. The band will rock a three-night homecoming stand at the House of Blues from December 28 through 30. Tickets for each of the shows will go on sale  Mighty Mighty Bosstones Saturday at 10 a.m. though Live Nation for $25 and $35.

At the Hometown Throwdown shows, the band will be support their forthcoming album, The Magic of Youth. Scheduled to hit stores on December 6, the album was produced by Tedd Hutt, who worked on the band’s last release, 2009′s Pinpoints And Gin Joints.

“I think using Ted Hutt as producer helps to keep us younger musically than we probably are,” said frontman Dicky Barrett in a recent interview with Alternative Press. “We really like the way he works, and we like him as a person. Him and his partner Ryan are both a combination of sensitive and thick-skinned, and that’s the combination of personality that it takes to spend the time with the eight/nine of us.”

Formed in 1983, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones are often credited with the creation of the ska-core genre, a form of music that mixes elements of third wave ska and hardcore punk. The band released seven full-length albums, three EPs and a live album while touring continuously before their announcement of a hiatus in December 2003. They reunited in the fall of 2007, and performed together for the first time in four years at the Middle East night club. The band has continued to tour and record since.

Most recently, the band played two sold out shows at historic Fenway Park with Dropkick Murphys and Street Dogs in early September.

Re-posted from BostonMusicSpotlight.com

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Happy hour might return to Mass. as part of gambling bill

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

BOSTON —Could the hour of the happy hour be upon us? Current state regulations prohibit restaurants and bars from giving away drinks for free, or for significantly reduced “happy hour” prices.

But an amendment that was tacked on to the Senate’s casino gambling bill could change all that – if it survives upcoming conference  Happy Hour - Chester Niteowlcommittee negotiations.

The amendment sponsored by Sen. Robert Hedlund, a Republican from Weymouth, would make bars and restaurants subject to the same liquor licensing regulations that casinos are in the future. So if casinos are allowed to serve free drinks, have drink specials that vary by night, or have other alcohol promotions, other bars and restaurants outside of those casinos would as well.

Hedlund, co-owner of the Four Square restaurant in the Weymouth Landing section of Braintree, says the amendment would be a way of leveling the field for establishments that could lose business to casinos.

The amendment was passed in a 25-13 vote Tuesday after a separate amendment that would have barred casinos from serving free drinks was rejected by the Senate by a similar margin.

Sen. Susan Fargo, a Democrat from Lincoln, had argued for the ban on free drinks at casinos, saying that lawmakers were giving special treatment to casinos. Fargo said Connecticut has free drinks at its two casinos – Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun – and has experienced an increase in accidents, including fatal accidents, in areas around the casinos.

Sen. Patricia Jehlen also said giving casinos special treatment would leave restaurants in her district – more than 200 in Somerville and more than 160 in Medford – at an unfair competitive disadvantage.

The Senate is expected to complete its debate on the casino bill, which would allow up to three casinos and one slot machine parlor in the state, on Thursday. The House and the Senate would then need to hash out the differences between the two bills in a conference committee before advancing a bill that will be supported by the Legislature’s leadership.

The state Alcoholic Beverages and Control Commission banned happy hours in the mid-1980s after a woman died in a car accident in the parking lot of a now-shuttered Ground Round restaurant in Braintree.

By Patriot Ledger Staff and news services, Re-posted from PatriotLedger.com

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The Bloody Mary Story

Monday, October 10th, 2011

We’ll bet you a round that the question of how this morning tipple got its eerie name has crossed your mind at least once. Barman Fernand “Pete” Petiot is credited with inventing this cocktail in 1921 at Harry’s American Bar in Paris. Bloody Mary Cocktail

The drink was an exciting blend of two then-new products: vodka, which had recently arrived in France via refugees from Russia, and canned tomato juice, an unsurprisingly American invention fresh off the boats from the States after World War I.

According to one theory, the drink’s haunting name makes reference to Mary Queen of Scots via a lonely regular often found drinking alone at Petiot’s bar. Sipping in solitude for long, lonely hours as she awaited her beloved, she reminded barguests of an imprisoned Queen Mary, who was also known by the sobriquet Bloody Mary.

In 1936 the Astor family coaxed Petiot to move to New York to become head barman at the St Regis Hotel’s King Cole Bar, where his drink evolved further. Vodka was not yet available stateside and the St Regis’s swanky management wanted to lose the gruesome name. The new gin-based version was given the tamer-sounding name Red Snapper and earned a spot on hotel’s cocktail list. The cunning marketers at Smirnoff saw opportunity in the Bloody Mary while trying to penetrate the market with vodka in the 1950s.

They brought the original Bloody Mary back to its roots, making it a lynchpin of their legendary campaign to introduce vodka to the American marketplace. And it worked: Vodka holds forth on drink lists today, with modern brunchers asking for call-brand Bloody Mary’s by name.

But the original Bloody Mary recipe was quite simple. As such, the drink lends itself to delicious invention, and is a great template to play with until you’ve got your preferred recipe just right. As Imbibe! author David Wondrich says, “the small, idiomatic differences … are the mixographer’s delight!” Add celery salt, horseradish, and who knows what else.

By Pink Lady, Re-posted from lupecboston.com

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