My friend Parvin was home in Ann Arbor, visiting from Venice, CA. We met up for an evening out after I had an exceptionally draining day - we had a lot to catch up on. I decided on the modified vodka martini on the menu, as it was the only cocktail they offered that wasn't sugary sweet, a trend I don't particularly care for.
We fell into an ages old routine of flipping back and forth between analyzing our personal stuff in the conversation and critiquing everything we consumed; what makes the sauce good, how the sandwich could be better, what was missing from the salad... It was inherent to our relationship. Friendship and food. We have always shared everything. From our personal dilemmas to the food we ate because we always wanted to order the same thing.
The next time we went out was to a red Wings game the night before she left to go back to California. We went to Tom's Oyster Bar, my favorite seafood joint in Detroit and usual stop before the game. After some discussion, I came up with our own version and the name "Chick Fuel"...
I just got back from a visit to Parvin's place in Venice, as she is about to move back here for some most excellent opportunities. We ate our way through so many unbelievably good meals and talked about our favorite simple dishes and how easy it is to throw a great party together, provided you keep the right items on hand. We discussed the role of the hostess, the importance of treating yourself to something enjoyable everyday and appreciating the things and people around you and living life to its fullest. Here we will share with you our versions of simple, yet unusual and enticing appetizers, buffet meals, cocktails (always followed by a companion "mocktail"), entertaining tips and general musings. Expect to see a few of our creative amazing friends/experts to put their two cents in as well, as guests in our blog giving a well rounded perspective.
And the Chick Fuel blog was born...
Chick Fuel Cocktail
-3 jiggers Stoli vodka
-Dry Vermouth
-Generous splash of fresh grapefruit juice
-Dash of Angnostura Bitters
-Meyer lemon slice for garnish - Meyer lemons are typically only available in the winter. Use a traditional lemon in summer.
Fill a shaker with ice and pour in one capful of dry vermouth, shake and pour off excess.
Add Vodka, grapefruit and bitters, shake until frothy. Strain into a martini glass and serve with lemon slice on side
Makes 2 drinks.
Chick Fuel Mocktail (pictured above)
-Fresh grapefruit juice
-Tonic water
-Dash of Angostura Bitters
-Meyer lemon slice for garnish
Fill a tall glass with ice and shake a dash of bitters on to the ice. Fill the glass 1/3 with grapefruit juice and fill the rest of the way up with tonic water. Serve with lemon on side
Makes 1 drink.
