Very Cold, Very Dry

As New Englanders, we complain about the weather. It’s too cold. There’s too much snow. I didn’t bring the right jacket. *Insert complaint here*. These past few days we’ve had a heat wave, so the sweat sticking to our skin, lamenting about how much water we need to drench our bodies so we can feel a little bit cooler. It’s the kind of heat that depletes our energy after fifteen minutes of being outside. It’s like the lyric sung by Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, in “Heat Wave” – “It’s like A Heat Wave, Burning in my heart (It’s like a heat wave)” (Actually, it is!)

We may never be satisfied with the weather, but what always cools us down (or even warms us up) is a very cold, very dry martini (notice how everything is fixed with one?). It’s the cocktail that works for all seasons.

So get your lightest clothing on, turn on that A/C (or fan!), and make sure your martini is very cold! Let’s get into our Martini Friday series!

My favorite martini of the week: To be honest, I think you know by now that I only like certain martinis, which have been posted here, and here and my newest favorite here. So instead of new recipes, I’ll just tell you which one I am drinking and link the recipe. I’m a creature of habit!

My Favorite Vodka of the Week:
Ketel One! I’ve said it before, but it’s a perfect neutral for those who prefer vodka over gin. It’s versatile for a Gibson, a dirty, or with a twist.

Music I’m listening to:
I have realized, after years of trying to be “on trend” and “cool”, especially in college, where we would hang out in our sorority and swap CD’s and burn them to our computers, I have realized that what speaks to my kindred music spirit is 70’s Dad Music. Steely Dan. Bread. Doobie Brothers. Chicago. You might have scoffed at these bands while your Dad belted out the lyrics as he drove you to school, but little did you know that your brain recorded all of those songs, and would come back to haunt you as an adult. Then you realized the music your parents listened to is actually good music.

Here is a compilation of my favorites. My topmost listened to song on streaming is “What a Fool Believes” by the Doobie Brothers. Do NOT ask why. My husband doesn’t know why either. It just speaks to me. I will not take any questions about this obsession.

The best of the best.

My martini icon this week is…

In the spirit of helping us survive this heat, we’re going to highlight a restaurant that has one of my favorite martinis, The Standard Italian in Fenway. They have a beautiful patio, but gorgeous inside for getting some reprieve from the high temperatures. My favorite martini is the Standard Oil. Unique, delicious, and something I can’t make at home.

It’s also the equivalent of two martinis, so drink accordingly! Head here for more info: Standard Italian | Italian Restaurant in Boston, MA

Other musings from the past two weeks:

• I met up with some old coworkers at a cool restaurant, Esmai’s in Brookline, MA. They have an extensive cocktail menu with fun names like Matcha Colada and All Hands On Deck. But of course, I got a very cold, very dry martini with an olive. It was perfectly delightful after a long day of work. They also have a rooftop patio for cooler nights!
• I am literally obsessed with these pajamas. I bought them a few months ago and cannot stop (won’t stop wearing them). The detail on the sleeve and the headband make this a great find. A lot of sizes are sold out, but if you can snag a pair, do it now:
  P.J. Salvage Women’s Cotton Flannel Long-Sleeve Top, Pant and Headband 3-Piece Pajama Set, Black, XL at Amazon Women’s Clothing store
• I keep seeing these ads for what claim to be “The World’s First Zero-Proof Cocktail” that actually tastes like a martini. I do not drink mocktails, but I am very intrigued. Should I try this? Comment below and I just might buy it. For research, of course.

Well, that’s all for this week. I hope you are staying hydrated, cool, and content with your martini! Send me a message, a comment below, question…I’d love to hear from you! Cheers!