We love our friends and we really enjoy throwing parties. For those of you who were able to join us for our New Year’s Eve affair you know what I mean : ) It was pretty sweet! Thanks for joining us and thanks to all those who helped us put it on. A lot of people have asked how we throw such nice affairs. Well, that is a big question and it is going to take more than one post to answer. So let’s start off with drinks.
Champagne: Now, who doesn’t love bubbles? Always a party draw and oh so much fun. As many of you know we had quite the selection on New Years thanks to our very own sommelier, Nivi. And before that we had Jim’s Champs party co-hosted by Patti and Rob. At this point I think we have tried everything from the driest dry to the sweetest sweet and the whitest white to the pinkest pink. Bottom line, there is the good stuff and there is everything else, and price is not the best indicator of what is good. Check out K&L liquors, ask for Scott and tell him we sent you. Tell him the flavors you like and I bet you will get something pretty darn good for around $30. Or stop by BiRite in the Mission, they always have something interesting for about $15 or so. One of our personal favorites, Henriot, pronounced On-ri-oh, is at K&L for a steal of $32… you will love its crisp fresh flavor.
Gin: It sits and looks boring… for some reason people love gin and tonics at bars but at house parties it never flows… you can do without it. But if you gotta have it, try Anchor Steam Junipero Gin, made in SF by Anchor Brewing.
Vodka: Goes like water at parties so get lots of it. If you are mixing, Smirnoff is fine. On the rocks, you will want Ketel or better. Our personal favorite is Hanger One, made here in the Bay Area. It is a little pricey, but o so smooth… drink it on the rocks or with a splash of soda or tonic. You will see what we mean. You may want to keep it out of sight for it has been known to sprout legs.
Whiskey: It is always good to have a bottle of Makers or Bullet on the bar… fills it out nicely. Forget about putting out the really good stuff, few people really appreciate it and Bullet really drinks quite well. If you want to try something a few steps up try Michter’s Rye… so tasty… so sweet… you may not want to leave this one on the bar, it just screams, “I am special. I am different, drink me”.
Rum: Ok, it goes with Coke and a few juices. Definitely a distant second or third – nothing special, but a must-have for your tropical drink friends. Although, you can have some fun with it, try making The Pineapple Express.
Tequila: There is such thing as tasty tequila and it’s not Patron. Patrons isn’t bad, but try Partida or Don Julio Anejo neat. People love Margaritas, and that is what Jose Cuervo is for… it should always be mixed and never done as a shot. But if you really want to know what tequila is good for ask Joe Nichols.
Wine: We really enjoy good wine from all over the world – Pinots, Cabs, Malbecs. But the problem with wine at parties is everyone and their mother is always bringing it, and usually it is just some random bottle. Know why? Re-gifting. You know, the act of taking something someone gave you and giving it to someone else. Wine might very well be the #1 re-gifted thing in the world. If you want to have good wine at a party ,don’t put it on the bar. Carry it around, pour it for your friends, and let them know what they are drinking. They will appreciate it more and you look like quite the consummate host.
Glassware: One more thing, we like to have real stemware and highball glasses to drink out of. Nowhere is better for this than Ikea. They have champagne flutes for $0.75 a glass, you can’t even buy plastic ones for that. If we have to do plastic, the clear small plastic ones are ok. No big red cups! Just forget them. People drink too much and trash your house; trust me, I know from experience.
That should cover things for you alcoholics. Weotta get a drink 
Next up, cheese and after that all the other tasty bites.
