Retro Holiday Redux
Photos and commentary from Time Out Chicago's Dining & Libation Society event at Old Town Social, Wednesday, December 2, 2009.
Retro Holiday Redux, the second edition of Time Out Chicago's Dining & Libation Society, took place at Old Town Social last week, and although I couldn't make it myself, I'm told it was a smashing success. That figures, right? The punch bowls were full of delicious updated libations concocted by mixologists Peter Vestinos and John Kinder. Four courses were served from Old Town Social chef Jared van Camp alongside the potent throwback punches—Solstice in Chicago, Punch of Tar & Roses, Fireside Chat Punch and Tom & Jerry. So what did TOC's D&LS insiders think?
David "always incognito" Tamarkin says, "The drinks were really impeccable and had some top-notch ingredients—not just the Death's Door stuff, but also some amazing teas from Rare Tea Cellar. Punch is meant to be convivial, and I think we achieved that spirit. People seemed really into it."
Jason "ready for my close-up" Heidemann says, "I was impressed by the fact that we cultivated a lot of repeat visitors (all who said they couldn't wait until the next event) which leads me to believe that D&LS is quickly gaining a cult following. Death Door Spirits offered a ton of knowledge and storytelling about their brand as did our two mixologists who spoke very impressively about how and why they created each of the three punches that we tasted. Our fourth cocktail, the labor intensive "Tom and Jerry" was a perfect finish to the night. I thought the food that Old Town Social paired with each cocktail (especially the charcuteries) was just terrific. The space reserved for D&LS was private enough to cultivate an intimate feel, but open enough that the buzz of the rest of the restaurant was able to elevate the already convivial D&LS atmosphere."
Okay, so I'm signing up for the next D&LS; how about you?
