Warning.. picture intensive, but you already knew that.
My first foodie event! Well…sort of. No one knows who I am, but I think after tonight they will..thanks to my loud and drunk friends.
Anyways. Here’s the blurb that was on Urbandiner, so you can get some background information on what this is about.
MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE HOSTS ABSINTH TASTING ON MARCH 27
VANCOUVER, BC – On Friday, March 27 at 6:00 p.m. Morton’s The Steakhouse in Vancouver is hosting “Absinth, The Green Hour.” The event gives guests a chance to experience the mystique, allure and ritual of tasting Hill’s Absinth, a high proof distilled spirit made from grande wormwood and a blend of aromatic herb extracts. Priced at $40 per person including hors d’oeurves, tax and gratuity, the event in Morton’s private boardroom will feature three Hill’s Absinth cocktails and Hill’s Absinth served in the traditional ritual.
Morton’s guests will also enjoy Oysters Rockefeller made with Absinth, Crab-stuffed mushrooms, Sliced Tenderloin on Crostini and Morton’s famed Miniature Prime Cheeseburgers. A Hill’s Absinth expert will guide guests through this unique tasting event and each guest will receive a complementary gift.
For more information on Hills Absinth, visit www.hillsabsinth.com.
Absinth gained notoriety in the 19th century as great artists, poets and writers and patrons of Paris cafes popularized the pleasures of Absinth. Controversy about the effects of Absinth led to it being banned in France, the United States and other countries in the early 1900’s. In 2007, the U.S. followed other nations by easing restrictions on distilling and selling Absinth, which was often called the “Green Fairy” at the height of its popularity due in part to its characteristic green color.
I’ve always wondered about absinth ever since I watched two specific movies, Moulin Rouge and EuroTrip. I gathered some friends and made the reservations at the start of this month.
Pretty excited to be trying this controversial and infamous drink, we met up together and bussed downtown. Safety first, don’t drink and drive.
Made it to Morton’s just after 6pm, and we were only the second party in the room. I could already smell that there was a slight licorice or minty smell in the room. This is because the drinks were already prepared.
“It’s green, just like in the movies!” was the first thought that came to my mind.
This is the first drink of the night. Just a simple Hill’s Absinth served in the traditional ritual.
This involves dripping ice water very slowly over a sugar cube that is placed on a slotted spoon over a glass of Absinth. The water then passes through the spoon slots into the drink resulting in a green and flavorful drink. This results in the Absinth becoming cloudy, or louche. Also, one can control how strong the drink is by adding more or less water. Keep in mind that Absinth has an alcohol content of 70%, so you really would be quite brave to drink it with no dilution. Justin likened it to drinking rubbing alcohol.
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