I’m writing this as I bury myself under five blankets, plus a heated one cranked up to the highest setting. According to the weather app, it’s 27 degrees but feels like 11. It’s so cold that your face actually freezes, and once you’re inside it has to thaw for an hour or two before you can even move your cheeks.
Reminds me of that song “Can’t Feel My Face”, by The Weeknd (yes, he misspells weekend), where he crones, “I can’t feel my face when I’m with you…” His song may have been about how he felt on drugs, but I don’t need substances to understand what he’s going through!
Anyway… this isn’t a post about how cold it is outside, but rather how cold your martini needs to be for cocktail hour!
So, let’s get into it!
This week’s Martini Icon:
Cary Grant in 1959 film, North by Northwest
Is anyone classier than Cary Grant? I’ll wait. With his impeccably tailored suits, incredible eyewear, debonair manner, AND a martini?! You got the perfect icon.
Martini Recipe We’re Having…
Let’s get a little dirty.
We’re trying the “Not so Dirty Martini” from The Martini book by Matt Hranek. This is perfect for those who want to dip their toe into the dirty martini, or enjoy the taste of olive brine but not too much.
Recipe:
- Splash of dry vermouth
- 4 ounces of London Dry gin. He recommends putting the bottle in the freezer hours before you’re ready
- 1 bar spoon (1 teaspoon) of olive brine
- 2 martini olives for garnish
Directions;
Pour the vermouth into a frozen or well chilled martini glass. Swirl the glass to coat it with the vermouth, then pour out the excess. Combine the gin and cocktail brine in a shaker or mixing glass filled with ice. Shake or stir, as desired. Strain into the cold glass and garnish with the olives.
What We’re listening to…
“I Love A Love Song” by Rachael & Vilray
This album from 2023 is so sweet that I imagine I’m at on a patio with twinkle lights strung, sipping my martini as they perfectly harmonize on every song.
Restaurant Spotlight:
The Cactus Club, Boston
This Canadian based restaurant has landed its U.S. debut in Boston, and my friends and I were privileged enough to receive an invitation to their soft opening.
To celebrate, they asked for a nominal donation to the Red Sox Foundation. In exchange, we enjoyed two drinks per person, two appetizers, four entrees, and two desserts.. They were very friendly, accommodating, and eager to please.
Unfortunately I didn’t get any photos of the meal, but you know I wouldn’t forget a photo of their martini! I had it with a twist, and it was perfectly acceptable.
It was such a fun experience and a great deal. However, while the food was good, it wasn’t great for the prices they charge on a regular night. But, if you’re in Back Bay and want a place to be seen, this fits the bill.
The Cactus Club Cafe
500 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
Say hello in the comments! We’d love to hear from you! Until then, Happy Martini Friday!
Very Cold, Very Dry 
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