Drinking can lead to feelings of regret and guilt. However, after tying one on at Elixir, at least the demise of the planet is not one of the pangs you will feel the next day. In addition to the usual fare, Elixir serves a variety of certified organic liquors, wines and beers, some of which are produced locally.
I like to drink vodka on the rocks, and anyone who has ever tried to drink, say, Kamchatka all on it's lonesome, knows that the better the quality of vodka the less mixers you feel compelled to throw in it. Elixir offers Square One organic vodka, both the regular kind and a cucumber variety that is great on it's own.
The drink that had both myself and my friend repeating on a loop "This is so good- sip, sip- this is so good", however, was a cocktail called the Country Thyme.
Who knew? It turns out you don't necessarily need to drive to wine country for close-to-the-source quaffing. There are at least a handful of winemakers producing right here in San Francisco, several of whom will be more than happy to pour you a taste at the first ever San Francisco Winemakers Tasting, happening this Sunday, July 27, at Arlequin Wine Merchant (384 Hayes at Gough). Along with gourmet edibles by Arlequin Café Chef Carina Lampkin and live music in Arlequin's garden, over 20 different wines will be a-sloshin' from the likes of Harrington Wine, Broc Cellars, Sutton Cellars, August West, and A.P. Vin. It's happening from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Advance tickets are a steal at $25 a pop -- get those here. They'll also be available at the door for $35. Call 863-1104 for more info.
-- Brian Bernbaum
