Friday, January 25, 2008

The Original Habanero Martini? (Vault Martini Bar)

April and I couldn't  help ourselves. Post-amazing-Ten-01-cheese plate, we just had to turn the corner and slip into Vault Martini Bar. And even though an evening spent at one of their cozy booths usually spells trouble the next morning, I have a very soft spot in my heart for the Vault. I don't know if it's the 44 martinis on the menu, the yummy spreads (mushroom and fontina ragout is my favorite), or the darling manager Kenny, but the Vault has always been one of my happy places. (I know, maybe I shouldn't admit that bars make it onto my list of happy places, but...) 
Anyway, for the first time, at least the first time I can remember, I had the Vault's habanero martini, which is made with house-infused pineapple-habanero vodka and fresh lemon. Divinely spicy-sweet. I could drink them all night. We didn't, of course. Really.
I noticed on Citysearch that Vault claims to be the home of the "original Habanero Martini." So who are the imposters I wonder? It made me think of the best spicy pepper-infused cocktails I've had around town. I love Nuestra Cocina's serrano lime drop, and my friend Sian would hook up an iv drip of Bay 13's serrano peach martini if she could, I reckon. 
Any thoughts on your favorite spiiicy cocktail around town? 

--J

1 comment:

  1. Just spent the evening at The Lotus and sampled their Pineapple Habanero Martini. All I can say is Yum-Me! Is it an impostor? I don't know. But it is a damn terrific drink. I had to pace myself to keep from downing them one right after another.

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