AlWaYs oN

ALGONQUIN Charles Schumann's Version, Eps 7

Today, we are making smoked Negroni with Cherry Wood Chips, using a closed chamber.  Hope you like it and try it at home! 1oz Martini & Rossi Reserva Speciale Rubino 1oz Campari 1oz Kinobi Gin from Kyoto, Japan Stirred, smoked and served over rocks with an Orange Peel.

My submission to Art of Italicus Aperitivo Challenge 2023: “Italian Baroque” 1.5oz Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto 0.5oz Lemon Blossom Infused Gin 0.25oz Meyer Lemon Juice 1.5oz Meyer Lemon Leaf Bitter Tea Garnished with Edible Black Paint infused with Meyer Lemon Blossoms, Dried Meyer Lemon Leaf, Meyer Lemon & Honey leather Chip and Castelvetrano Olive The drink was inspired by Italian Baroque, Caravaggio and Lemon trees I saw in Italy. My intention was to incorporate Lemon/Lemon tree as much as possible and in as many different purpose as I can apply without making it dominant flavor. I still wanted to focus Italicus as a main shining component. I also wanted to make the drink subtle yet as dramatic and elegant as possible visually, because that’s one of the aspects I love about Italian Baroque. Not to mention the colors of the drink, it subtly shouts classical Baroque palette. I also wanted to introduce a gestural movements in the drink as your eyes will follow from figures to figures or drapes to drapes in Caravaggio’s paintings. I believe I accomplished that with a stroke of edible paint, the shape of garnish and the glassware. This Aperitivo definitely has citrus as main backbone but also has a combination of bitterness from the Lemon Leaf Tea and floral notes from Meyer Lemon Blossoms. It’s almost like very feminine and inviting but at the same time quietly dramatic and elegant if I may say so myself. #italicus #rosoliodibergamotto #artofitalicus #aoi23 https://www.instagram.com/p/CpbSinrvbmw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

“Italian Baroque” My Aperitivo cocktail is inspired by Italian Baroque Art for its elegant yet dynamic and powerful impressions in awe inspiring beauty and attention to details. As I am also a working fine artist, Italian Baroque is my favorite art. I wanted to create an Aperitivo cocktail with a cohesive structure derived from the use of Meyer Lemon tree I have at home. I remember fondly from my visit to Italy that many gardens and restaurants with lemon trees in a clay pots. Therefore, Lemon tree has a significant meanings to me personally and my association with my love of Italy. The Beefeater Gin I included in the drink was infused with the blossoms from the same tree. Meyer Lemon Tree Leaf Tea was steeped from just the leaves from the tree to create a bitter element for my cocktail. So is Meyer Lemon Juice from the same tree. Edible Black Paint (black edible paint as a reference to Caravaggio's paintings) on the rim of the glass has the infused gin to give the scent of blossom. A Dried leaf for the garnish is one of the leaves to make the bitter tea. Lemon Zest/Honey Leather Chip was created from the remains of lemon shells after squeezing the juice by pureeing the shells with honey and baked at low heat. Not only staying true to the cohesive structure (the source of Lemon), I tried truthful in terms of being sustainable by finding a new usage and repurpose of the resources in a few different ways. At the end, I have here an Aperitivo cocktail that not only has a cohesive theme/intention and sustainable creation but also satisfies me for its resemblance of Italian Baroque Art by means of ornamental shapes and over-all color scheme and not to mention its floral yet with subtle citrus notes and aroma with distinctive bitterness coming from Lemon Tree Leaf Tea to make it as an unique Aperitivo Cocktail. #italucus #rosoliodibergamotto #artofitalicus #aoi23 https://www.instagram.com/p/CpUXlxpuurA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

This is such a gorgeous looking picture and I had to post this one again. Those who follow me on my personal account have already seen this drink, but here it is an official posting of this amazing cognac cocktail, coming soon to Grant Grill at the US Grant Hotel. “1818 Paradis Imperial” Hennessy Paradis Imperial Benedectine Carapano Antica Sweet Vermouth Peychaud’s Bitter w/ Candied-herb imbedded- dehydrated sliced pear #henessey #hennesseyparadisimperial #benedectine #carapanoantica #peychaudsbitters #mixologist #bartender #craftcocktails #decadent #luxury https://www.instagram.com/p/CotiOjpLSJm/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Sneak Preview! Here is a very decadent cocktail. The purists may disagree with this concoction; however, I feel very fortunate for this opportunity to create something utilizing such an unique and premium cognac. My intent here is to create something not only to compliment the cognac but also hopefully enhance the base spirit and all at the same time making it approachable to many people. 😘😉 “1818 imperial Paradis” Hennessy Paradis Imperial Benedectine Sweet Vermouth Garnished with a candied & dehydrated herb imbedded pear slice. #hennessyparadisimperial #benedectine #mixology #craftcocktails #theusgrant #grantgrill #sandiego #gaslampsandiego https://www.instagram.com/p/Coi8O1-LucZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Yes, I know, I know,,, you have seen enough of it, but I was so stoked to have a couple of perfect days skiing. It was snowing in the day we were leaving and temperatures even dropped. I realized how much I miss skiing and how much I enjoy skiing. And I just loved Heavenly Ski Resort ❤️ @skiheavenly #southlaketahoe (at Observation Deck at Heavenly Lake Tahoe) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoGLFOhywtx/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

It’s breath taking how beautiful it is up here @skiheavenly ❤️ (at Top of Sky Express Heavenly Valley) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn7yS12S_lL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Making of Special Garnish, Part 1 This is a variation of agar agar based candy, called “Kohakuto 琥珀糖” (Amber Rock Sugar), but this has also lime juice with lime zest to replace lime wheels for the drink. It took quite many of try and error as acid and enzymes effect the setting of agar agar. And it still needs about a week of drying to fully complete it, but it’s basically done. I like how transparent it is and find it beautiful. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn0VFfEPJjm/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

A couple more past dishes I made the other nights: Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino & Bucatini con le Sarde Arabiata They were delicious. 😋 #italian #pasta #aglioolioepeperoncino #bucatini #sarde #arabiata https://www.instagram.com/p/CndLITzvaOX/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

An elegant and classic cocktail, Last Word has gotten a new twist and will be launched this Friday, the 12th at Grant Grill and the Lounge. “The Last Dragones” It is a tequila, Casa Dragones Blanco, based Last Word, but not only that it is 60 day barrel rested with Green Chartreuse and Maraschino. It is aged in the same oak cask that was used for our ever-so popular Fannie’s Old Fashioned with Malahat Rye whiskey. The aging makes it a very unique yet gentle adaptation of the original Last Word. However, the aroma is even accentuated with a special aromatic that will be sprayed before serving. #theusgrant #grantgrill #lastword #casadragones #greenchartreuse #maraschinoliqueur #craftcocktails #sandiego #gaslampquarter (at THE US GRANT Hotel) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnVQj1FvGAJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

From a dinner the other night: Roman Carbonara with Guanciale, Pecorimno Romano, Egg Yolk and Black Pepper #carbonara #roman #italian #pasta https://www.instagram.com/p/CnIQXR_yzAK/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Some last minute Holiday Drink Selections “Aurora” High Proof whiskey 117 proof Martini & Rosi Reserva Ruby Herbal tea infused cranberry juice 2:1 Honey Syrup with LED blinking ice and dried Cabernet Grapes “Winter Celebration” Clove infused Bol’s Genever Agavero Tequila Liqueur Blue Spirulina Lemon Juice Simple Syrup w/ Lemon wedge and mint crown #theusgrant #grantgrill #nye #gaslampquarter #sandiegofood (at THE US GRANT Hotel) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm1_CaHJz2y/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

It looks like I’m ready to go skiing soon. For those who don’t know, during my jr high school time in Japan, I joined my school’s alpine ski team and competed. The best I did was in senior year and crowned a jr slalom champion in the western Tokyo division and a second in the giant slalom. After my jr high, I ended up coaching the team during my high school. So, needless to say, I still think skiing is my best skill I poses, perhaps even better than painting,,, or cocktail making. I still have ski poles from my existing equipments but ski has evolved so much. So, I now have my first in a long years, a pair of non competition model and significantly wider and shorter ski. I can’t wait hit the slopes in January at Lake Tahoe!! Salomon QST98, Salomon STH2 16, Salomon S/Pro ALPHA 130 EL, 100% The Norg, Giro Jackson MIPS and Volcom Jacket, Bibs and Gloves #salomon #volcom #giro #skiing https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl25T6cua0H/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

New themed cocktail menu was launched at the Grant Grill and the Lounge. “Color of San Diego” Blue Sky Pine Tree Terracotta Sunset Fresh Air Lunar Eclipse #sandiego #theusgrant #gaslampquarter #cocktails (at Grant Grill and Lounge) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClHhXFESsLW/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

This is my dark navy suit. There are many like it, but this one is my new favorite. This new suit is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I’m a master of my life. Without me, my suit is useless. Without my favorite suit, I’m useless…. 😁 Do I really think that? Nah….., but this is my new favorite, London Cut suit with peak lapel in dark navy. 👍🏻 #mensauits #londoncut #peaklapel #datknavy #dsquared2 (at Mirror Check) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkjnwQrvUsy/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Commission piece completed “C.Tondo ML 2”, 36 inches round Acrylic and Oil on Canvas It’s going to New Jersey,,,,, #abstarctpainting (at DIOSCURI studio) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkRq2VcPDrC/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=