Mighty Bob

I just discovered the El Mont Liquors and Tap, at the corner of Elston and Montrose, which has three qualities that I have always found compelling in an establishment:

1. It’s an Intersectionym, named after the intersection of Elston and Montrose.

2. It’s an acute “flatiron” retail space built right up to the vertex and out to the sidewalk .  You don’t see much of that.

3.  It’s a classic Chicago liquor store/tap room.  You see fewer of these every year.  You walk in, it’s a liquor store; in the back of the joint is a bar – an air conditioned bar.  I’m not sure if it’s the same as having the “Packaged Goods” license, which I think applies only to bars who are allowed to sell you booze to go; I think it’s more likely a special license or a combination of two others.

Bonus Awesome: Did you see the phone number?  Do you know what that is?  Oh yes it is!  It’s an old telephone exchange name.

As we welcome 2009, my greatest HOPE is that America, the nation I love, will find the political will to turn itself around and become again the nation that recognizes, opposes, and prosecutes the practice of torture, instead of the one that systematically uses torture as a matter of foreign policy.

Okay, not to brag, but on the Zombie Bike Ride last 10/30, it was pretty decisively proven that I’m the best fixed-gear Thriller dancer in Chicago.  This I think puts me in contention with much of the Western world.  Srsly, I was Thriller dancing for miles on that ride, with only occasional competition.  I’m probably not ready for the Indonesian champion, but I’d like to see what Europe has to throw my way.

This is the recipe I’ll be sticking to for a long time.  (My variation uses just about 2 oz. less milk.)

A picture I took in July during a trip through northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula with my mom for her birthday has been selected for inclusion on The “Blog” of “Unnecessary” Quotation Marks.  Thanks, Bethany!

Influencers and Thought Leaders?, originally uploaded by bobobobob.

Those are pretty big words for a pee plaque over the urinals at The Mutiny.

Most Amazing Wallpaper, originally uploaded by bobobobob.

As seen in the basement rec room of my 1st cousin twice removed in St. Ignace, MI.

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Most Amazing Wallpaper – detail 2, originally uploaded by bobobobob.

The French ’75 was a house drink at my New Years’ Eve Party, thanks to Karen L.  I’ve also enjoyed the Manhattan, Martini, Scotch Sour (aka Whiskey Sour), and Brandy Alexander.  I will be whipping up Banana Cows and Ann Sheridans by the end of the week for the cocktail hour celebrating my sofa’s debut.

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Most Amazing Wallpaper – detail 1, originally uploaded by bobobobob.

Needless to say I’ve had the Manhattan, Martini, “Marguerita,” and Bloody Mary.  (I have especially fond memories of the Bloody Marys at The Green Mill and at The Twisted Spoke.)  I know I’ve had a Bronx and a Sidecar though I can’t remember them.  Of course Fish House Punch has become the designated poison at my Groundhog’s Day parties.  The rest I will have to give a whirl.  Give me a call if you’re in for a spin.

P.S.  Too bad the Sazerac did not make the cut on this wallpaper.  A fine drink if ever there was one.  And a nifty thing to do with rye if you don’t otherwise care for rye.