Mojitos have always perplexed us, gentle reader. Why make the poor bartender muddle when a delicious martini is but a few shakes away?
On a recent 90 degree day, we found ourselves strolling around (i.e. sweating while looking for a drink) and were suddenly struck by an urge for rum/lime/sugar (not to mention air conditioning). We considered ducking into the nearest corner bar, but the sound of music pouring from a nearby restaurant beckoned us to step out of our element.
Maybe it was the heat, but Guantanamera briefly made us question our long-held allegiance to vermouth and gin. Their signature drinks are served with heaps of freshly muddled mint and lime. When the greenish cocktail was first placed on the bar, we still felt vaguely out of place. Then we saw it: a single stick of sugar-cane lay in our drink. It might not be olives, but it was sweetly comforting. After a few rounds - we were certainly cool.
When the live Latin music and drinks started to mix – we started to ponder. How could we have missed this place? Yes, there was a cigar-roller stationed at the door, but we don’t think that the current U.S. Embargo affected restaurants on 8th Avenue.
Maybe we never noticed it because it was never hot enough. They say that life in Latin America is enjoyed, taken slow. The summer nights roll in, the lights go down, the music starts, and the drinks are poured. Everyone comes to life after a long day under the sun.
A certain section of New Yorkers may head to the Hamptons to beat the summer heat, but the designer bathing suits and expensive homes are too sweaty for us. The next time it’s hot out, we plan on taking it easy – a few mojitos, a little music, maybe even a cigar.
Review – Guantanamera – 939 8th Avenue (between 55th and 56th)
Live music – 4 olives -Set’s the mood, instead of ruining our appetite like other live “music” that we’ve encountered. Yes, jazz may be all the rage in some circles, but trumpet + plunger does not make us want to try the calamari.
Freshly rolled cigars - 4 olives – A much better desert option than the health-conscious nonsense being served these days. Some may prefer hummus flavored Pink-berry or Tasti-delight (the delight is in the sand-like texture). We’ll stick to our stogie any day.
Newly ignited passion for the mojito – 5 olives – We worry that our darling martini will be jealous, but we will do our best to divide our attention equally. There is plenty of Barfly to go around.
Delicious, and kinda like a mint julep...
Would like to try one in Havana...and, like many of my Canuck countrymen who frequent the place, contribute to propping up their oppressive government...or something
Posted by: thesharkguys | July 17, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Delicious. the shame to me, - I live not far and never been there. I'm apologaize.
Posted by: IT News | October 06, 2009 at 08:21 PM