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Others are played to subtler comic effect, such as the server-shattered ice balloon that spills the contents of an old-fashioned into a rocks glass, or a Dark and Stormy in a bagged, capped beer bottle. These are among the most theatrical of the drinks, turning heads whenever they’re marched into the room. Or at the hot gin-based Rooibos, a riot of spices percolating in a vacuum coffeepot, and stirred with a smoldering cinnamon stick. Often the flavor and balance are subordinate to some redefining characteristic or story or eye-popping trick, and often you’re just left to wonder at things such as the fruits and botanicals infusing the 12 ounces of rye-based liquid in the porthole-shaped Blueberry, citrus peel, strawberries, and flower petals sweetening and deepening as it steeps. That’s the sort of person who’s more impressed by the tools and technique of the cool kitchen scientist than the brushstrokes of pleasure the Artist is known for.īut that’s not why you came. But-unlike Next next door-it’s probably more in the comfort zone of the Achatz fan who was alarmed the chef would try cooking like someone as retro as Escoffier. In execution it’s much closer to Alinea than it is to the Violet Hour, the Drawing Room, Sable, or the Whistler. And with cocktails between $12 to $28 (amuse and mignardise included), it’s unlikely the Aviary will ever be sort of place you hang out in so much that you’re invited to join the softball team. But you’ll never know it from visiting, because they’re making your drinks behind a theatrically lit birdcage at the back of the room. The bartenders-or are they chefs?-at this highly anticipated cocktail lounge cum restaurant could be perfectly personable chaps and lasses behind the stick (I know from personal experience at another bar that at least one of them is). A mixologist can create spellbinding spirituous alchemy, but if he isn’t a natural in the art of personal engagement, he’s not going to form the companionly bonds that turn drinkers into regulars. Head on over to Kickstarter to learn more.Most people drink in cocktail lounges for reasons totally separate from those that drive them to eat in world-class restaurants. You will work the bar during service, learn recipes and techniques, and enjoy cocktails at the Aviary with the chefs." It's not quite like skydiving with Anthony Bourdain, but it'll do. A limited offer of $250 will get you a signed white Porthole with edition numbers.įor people looking for the whole experience, however, $5,000 will get you two signed black Portholes, "plus the opportunity to spend the day with chef Grant Achatz and Charles Joly at the Aviary. To get in on the fundraising action, $95 will get you a black Porthole with a seasonal cocktail recipe from the Aviary (lower pledges are sold out).
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The Porthole will be available for $100 as a dishwasher safe product that holds 13 ounces of fluid. Kastner needed $ 28,500 to invest in molds, manufacturing, and other costs with 27 days left of fundraising, the campaign has raised $72,861. Designer Martin Kastner of Crucial Detail has launched a Kickstarter campaign, noting that "many Aviary guests have requested to purchase the vessel, including some who, when told they couldn't buy one, have taken it upon themselves to ‘liberate’ them from the lounge." Well, this centerpiece is apparently getting mass-produced. If you've been lucky enough to visit Grant Achatz's Aviary, you might have noticed a large, circular vessel they call the Porthole, where cocktails are infused with herbs and fruits.