This web-exclusive article accompanied Hot Ideas by Jennifer Nicole Dienst (M&C, January 2009).
Chefs and mixologists at
the May Fair Bar at the five-star May Fair Hotel in London recently
debuted a line of tapas-and-drink trios inspired by European
destinations (see this month's Hot Ideas). Here are some more artfully
shot photographs of the lavish libations; for more information, visit themayfairhotel.co.uk.
Martini Flight
About $37 each, in Amsterdam, London and Milan versions
The Amsterdam
seeks to invigorate the senses with a Beefeater gin martini mixed with
fennel, licorice and sugar and paired with a fennel salad topped with a
poached quail egg.
The London version combines Stoli
Strasberi with double cream, 21-year-old balsamic vinegar, lemon juice
and sugar. The sweet flavors are carried over with the strawberry
compote atop smoked duck.
A Milan-inspired martini combines
Grey Goose Vodka L'Orange with bright citrus flavors like grapefruit
and blood orange, completed with a touch of olive oil and Campari. A
pink grapefruit macaroon and basil citrus sorbet make for a sweet
landing.
Champagne Flightabout $50 each
The Amarillo: Amaretto,
Grey Goose La Poire, Hennessy XO, maraschino cherry liquor, apple juice
and pear purée topped with champagne accompanies a hot pear tart.
The Opium: A pomegranate and champagne concoction is paired with pomegranate jelly, a golden raisin puree and champagne granite.
The Schiaparelli: A watermelon and champagne cocktail accompanies watermelon with haloumi fritters and fresh black olive powder.