Saturday, June 28, 2008

A Gift from Havana


A cool refreshing Mojito


Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

It was a typical hot and humid summer Friday night in Manhattan; you know the kind, when your clothing no matter how thin, sticks to you. Where to go and what to drink? My friend, Leah Vail, a gorgeous and vibrant twenty-something entertainment reporter, recommended we head to the rooftop bar at Tonic East on 29th and 3rd. As we entered, the multi-storied establishment's mix of lively music and beautiful people added to the evening's heat.

We climb the three floors and get to the rooftop as the sun sets -- the Empire State Building lights up the dramatic skyscape before our thirsty eyes. A bubbly waitress passes by with a tray of sparkling beverages; as she approached, I asked what it was, and she told me "a Mojito." Both Leah and I agreed we had to have one of these cocktails first created in Havana for Hemingway. When our drinks arrived the condensation beads trickled down the chilled glasses, we toasted in anticipation.

When the liquid touches your lips you'll know this is it, Tonic East has mastered the Mojito presenting it in elegant tall glasses that promise total refreshment. You'll find the mint expertly minced and muddled with simple syrup, fresh squeezed lime juice and a generous helping of rum and just the right amount of ice and soda.

If you are like me, you'll find a single Mojito is just a start. Can I be so bold as to suggest ordering a double Mojito, or as I have asked the folks at Tonic East to name it after me, "The Mojito Joe;" it comes in a pint glass and is a refreshing time saver as truly...one Mojito is not enough.

Cheers!

Joseph Knight
For Postcards from New York


Address to Remember: Tonic East, 411 Third Avenue (corner of 29th Street), New York, NY 10016, 212-683-7090, http://www.toniceast.com/

Directions: From Times Square MTA 7 or S to Grand Central Station and 6 to 28th Street and Park Avenue, walk one block to 29th Street then east two blocks. M42 or M104 to Lexington Avenue then M101, 102 or 103 to 28th Street.


Photo by Joseph Knight


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