USA 15 - The Monica, Atlanta

This is a love story. Period (period means full stop in Yank speak).

A love story between a barman, Garn, a young Pittsburghian lass, Monica, and a cocktail.

And what better place for a love story than Atlanta - I watched the modern version of Scarlett and Rhett (Gone With the Wind reference again) play out last night at the hotel bar...sigh...so romantic.

He, a talented funny barman, she a wacky wacky lass - and the cocktail?? (pause for effect)...DELICIOUS.

Monica had just finished her dinner, I was just starting mine - we had ordered almost the same thing, and we got to chatting.

As a little aside, the food here at Pacci in the Palomar Hotel was OUTSTANDING - I ate here last night and the night before (to help me get over Hunk of Spunk (HOS) leaving), and it was very very special food.

Anyway, back to the story...

Barman is included in witty repartee exchange - lots of laughter and silliness - and by the end of it all (well by about midnight I think) a new cocktail is born - The Monica. Yes, The Monica. Garn, our trusty and oh-so-lovable Barman had felt his creative juices flowing, spurred on by the lovely Monica, and created something fresh, delicious, and a little on the edge..."she inspired me" were his exact words.

After both Monica and I had a taste of the creation, we deemed it FABULOSO!!! But what did our trusty barman think??? Could he critique his own work?? Would he critique his own work??? We waited with baited breath. He sipped. Looked up, and proclaimed "Not the best cocktail I've ever made - but it's pretty good - I've never done strawberry and basil before". We all cheered. He then baptised it...The Monica.

As you can see from the pics above of the romantic couple...the drink looks seriously yum (and the couple seriously wacky!)- fresh strawberries (muddled), Ketel One Citroen, St Germaine Elderflower (a divine liqueur), lemon juice, basil leaves, and soda...mmmmmmm. Perfect for a romantic summer's eve. At the bar! Sigh.

So, there you have it sportsfans...our first romantic food blog. Must be the air!

I know you haven't heard much from me for a while...we had to get ourselves under control after all that ridiculousness in Memphis! And of course the devastation of HOS leaving hit me harder than expected...thank goodness for this romantic story, it has lifted my spirits (and my blood alcohol level).

A HUGE thank you to the wonderful Monica and Garn, and the small cameo roles of Gino and Aero, for a hoot of a night.

I LOVE SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY!!!!