Drinking The World

On Sunday night October 4th, starting at 8pm was the Manhattan Cocktail Classic, Gala Spectacular, held in the Astor Hall at the New York Public Library. To say Gala or Spectacular doesn’t give the evening justice. As you walked up the stairs leading to the libraries entrance, you were guided by the warmly glowing light of candle lit luminaria (a south-west tradition of lining walkways with candles in paper bags), welcoming you the event.

As you passed through the doors into the main chamber, big jazz band, Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks were playing joyfully, setting the theme for the evening. Inside on two floors were a dozen bars staffed by the best of the best in the cocktail world. Spread out among the bars were buffets loaded with a plethora of fine cheese, cold cuts, guinea fowl, pheasant, duck, Berkshire pork, sandwiches, breads, and so much more. There was a also a chocolate buffet, desert tables, and a raw bars with oyster opened to order.

Follow up:

The approximately 1,000 attendees were fancily dressed to the nines ranging from modern cocktail dresses and suits, to gowns, tuxedos, and vintage dress, even women in sari’s and men in fez’s and turbans. As for myself, I thought I was quite dapper in a dark charcoal suit, with an elegant light purple shirt, and matching light purple and silver tie. From the amount of compliments I received others thought so as well.
As people mingled and chatted the music played, eventually drawing a large crowd out onto the dance floor. Looking down from above I felt transported back in the past as the jazz spilled into the air and cocktails flowed. I found myself mesmerized on more than one occasion as I took a step back to watch the whole affair unfold around me.

Three hours just didn’t seem enough time to fully explore and enjoy the Gala. There were so many friends to say hi to and so many new people to meet. So many great foods to nibble on and cocktails to enjoy. I have been to extravagant events all over the world, but I can honestly say that this was one of the best. As I said about the seminars, how can you beat this? May 14-18, 2010, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic. I can’t wait.