Inauguration Drinks, Anyone?
by Tiffany Maleshefski
There's no better way to usher in a new era, one filled with hope and change, than to get totally wasted. Why? Because no matter how much time passes, and despite watching our lovely, God-save-us-NOW, brand new President be sworn into office for a glorious four years, there are a lot of sorrows that need to be drowned. (And a glass needs to be raised in honor of Senator Edward Kennedy.)
Here's where you can do just that tonight:
Bar 888 at the InterContinental San Francisco is honoring all U.S. Presidents with its Electoral Favorites menu. Highlights include the John Adams "Bitter Sling Cocktail" made with a mix of rum and brandy, two of New England's finest distilled products; the John F. Kennedy "Beefeater Martini" up with olives served regally in the White House to those in the good graces of America's "Camelot"; the Barak Obama "Americano" made with Campari, Sweet Vermouth and club soda .
Poleng Lounge kicked off its all-day bonanza at 11 a.m. and doesn't plan on stopping the party until 10 p.m. Nothing says freedom like a $5 bar menu, tea munchies, and a new cocktail, the "Black Man's Dream." Pimp your cute self out with an Obama or McCain tee or campaign paraphernalia and win a special Poleng box of herbs. We have no idea what that means, but our hopes are leaning in a direction we're sure most of you can guess. Dress as your favorite president and win a Poleng gift card!
Foreign Cinema / Bar Laszlo in San Francisco's Mission District is offering the Hope & Glory cocktail with fresh pineapple, Asian Chili, Bluecoat Gin (from Philadelphia) and sparkling wine. Bar Manager Bryan Ranere thought it brought together a bit of Americana and flavors from Obama's background. The cocktail is $10.
1300 Fillmore, located at, you guessed it, 1300 Fillmore Street is for one night, and one night only (until further notice) serving up its Obama-Tini, featuring Bombay Sapphire, jalapeño, sage and Meyer lemon. Anyone who hasn't checked out this bar definitely should because not only is it a totally sweet restaurant with an even sweeter lounge, the Fillmore isn't going to make it on its own people. Give it the kind of hope and change we can believe in. (We've always wished that was Change In Which We Can Believe, btw. Stupid hanging prepositions.)