by Steven Doyle
Most of the best cocktails have a rumor surrounding Ernest Hemingway, and that is a legend we would like to believe and it is the premise today with our look at the Bloody Mary and her delicious origins.
Fernand Petiot claimed to have invented the Bloody Mary in 1921, well before any of the later claims such as Life Magazine in 1942. He was working at the New York Bar in Paris at the time, which later became Harry’s New York Bar, a frequent Paris hangout for Ernest Hemingway and other American expatriates. Harry’s Bar also claims to have created numerous other classic cocktails, including the White Lady and the Side Car.
The recipe graduated with time to include a shaker with four large dashes of salt, two dashes of black pepper, two dashes of cayenne pepper, and a layer of Worcestershire sauce; he then added a dash of lemon juice and some cracked ice, put in two ounces of vodka and two ounces of thick tomato juice, gave it a shake, strained, and poured. Sounds good to us.
The variations grew to as many bartenders who cared enough not to use a mix.
Today we look at some of our favorite Mary’s and hope you will be able to play along at home.
The Anvil Pub in Deep Ellum lists on their menu several versions of the Bloody Mary all with the added benefit of bites to repel you from actually taking part in brunch. On their imaginative F*ck Brunch menu you may choose from a mimosa, sangria, a screwdriver or the Bloody Mary. All come with a forage of fun bites including a cheeseburger, shrimp fajitas, a cinnamon roll, a breakfast sandwich, and so much more. Oh, they still serve brunch for those offended by the F*ck Brunch menu.
The muskiest and most eye-opening Bloody Mary hails from Smoke (two locations in Dallas) and has this rich tomatoey mix that they blend themselves for a splendid way to fend off a day full of hangover and aggravation.
The Burnt End Bloody Mary can be ordered at Lockhart Smokehouse (two locations in the Dallas area) and is laden heavy with plenty of meat as a side car.
One of our favorite spots for a brunch – and a Bloody Mary – resides on a little oasis off Oak Lawn at Parigi. A favorite of those who wish to be seen dining on delicious lobster sandwiches, Banana’s Foster French Toast, a Deconstructed Cali Roll (lawdy) and a delicious Bloody Mary. Brunch perfection.
We love the two-steppin’ spicy Mary at Bread Winners. We also love theJalapeno Bacon and Cheddar Waffles and the Crab Cake Benedict!
Oddfellows brings you this not-so-odd Bloody Mary that may be ordered by the glass or carafe for those who are in dire need of repair. The best part about Oddfellows? Brunch is served daily and this Mary goes oh so well with their delicious chicken and waffles, fried green tomato BLT, or the pancake of the day.
Lark in the Park makes a pretty substantial no-frills Bloody Mary that is an escape from reality. Not too heavy as many Bloody Mary’s can be, so very drinkable. So drinkable you may order way more than you remembered. This pairs well with their Grilled Asparagus and Eggs and Goat Cheese.
A lingering breakfast at the Four Seasons must always start with the requisite Bloody Mary. From their you may graduate to the mimosa, or for those with panache – a bottle of Veuve.
We love what Fat Rabbit has escalated to in recent months, and that fat slab of non-rabbit bacon is to die for. The Mary is strong as their coffee.
For the Chef Point Cafe Bloody Mary you will need several items. First, a strong desire for a killer Bloody Mary. Second, a car and driver (you are hungover, right)? Third, a huge appetite for what we believe to be the best Bloody Mary in DFW. Sure, it is topped with every item they can grasp in the kitchen including chicken and waffles, a slider, a boat of shrimp and vegetation to please any vitamin starved friend, but this is also based with a delicious and spicy concoction that would make Hemingway smile (and a bit embarrassed).
If you haven’t been to this funky restaurant that serves crazy upscale food in the gas station you may not be a Texan.
Be sure to list your favorites in comments below!
