Bailiwick

There's a new place in town, and I'm absolutely smitten! 

Bailiwick is the definition of charming and is the perfect place for your next cocktail party. 

The location couldn't get better - nestled smack in the center of 5th Avenue,

the space is actually larger than it seems from the outside. 

Follow the soft glow inside, where you can get cozy in a shabby-chic booth, 

or better yet,

grab a seat at the bar and witness as the mixology masters whip up drink after drink, each one more original than the next. 

Let me tell you, I put those bartenders to the test - 

after trying out a few selections from the menu (Moscow Mule, Fritz Fernal and the Nolet's Nectar were all delish),

we decided to take it to the next level, and try something off the menu. 

"I usually drink dirty martinis, but why don't you surprise me?", was my request,

and thank goodness, they didn't disappoint!

We were brought out drink after drink, filled with tongue titillating ingredients (white fennel bitters stands out the most), 

and if it wasn't for the amazing appetizers we were treated to throughout the night, 

I'm not quite sure how we would have made it home that evening. 

Speaking of the food... there are currently only four items on the nightly menu,

however I cannot wait for the selection to grow! 

The two options that we got to indulge in, 

the cheese + meat board and the grilled oysters,

were executed to perfection. 

A giant thank you to the chef, who came out to check on us and describe the menu more than once. 

Such a great experience, and I cannot wait to come back!

Meat + Cheese

Grilled Oysters - thyme sake & jalapeno brown butter + prosciutto chips

And guess what?

It only gets better. 

Bailiwick now officially serves brunch with, 

wait for it,

$15 bottomless mimosas! 

I know, you just died and went to heaven. 

And there's more.. 

you heard it here first - 

the establishment is toying with the idea of offering up a fresh oyster bar in the very near future. 

Sign me up!

Kappa Pisco

Summer officially began this week,

and although the weather in San Diego is pretty awesome all year-round,

the kick-off to the season seemed like a great reason to have a few cocktails on our patio.

A few weeks ago I received a bottle of KAPPA Pisco,

a luxury white spirit,

made from double distillation of wine.

KAPPA is the newest member of the Marnier Lapostolle family,

joining the ranks of its famous siblings, the Grand Marnier liqueurs and other famous spirits.

My first impression when I opened up the package?

The sleek and eye-catching midnight blue bottle is a stunner!

And no wonder -

after reading through the attached information,

I found out that the bottle was specially created by international renowned designer Ora-Ito.

I'm personally planning to stock up on a few bottles myself,

so I can give them out as hostess gifts in the future.

I'm not going to lie,

prior to being contacted by Truth Be Told PR regarding this product,

I've never heard of pisco before.

So what does this stuff actually taste like?

I suppose the best way to describe it would be as a white brandy...

KAPPA's orange blossom floral aromatics and delicate notes of fruit, make it an ideal choice for the summer,

especially with the variety of easy, fancy cocktails that you can pull together from very few ingredients. 

Last night,

the hubby and I decided to stay in and have a nice date night at home.

While he barbecued some delicious pork chops outside,

I made some fresh appetizers and cocktails.

The result was a perfect summer combo that was beautiful to look at, 

(gotta remember to save these recipes next time we host some friends over),

and scrumptious to consume.

It was a great way to wind down from the day, and watch the sunset.

KAPPA Grapefruit Fizz

1 1/2 oz KAPPA

3 oz grapefruit juice

1 oz bottle soda water (I used tonic water for an extra citrus punch)

Pour KAPPA and grapefruit juice into an ice filled glass. Top with soda water and garnish with mint. 

Watermelon Cubes with Feta & Mint

16 1-inch cubes seedless watermelon, chilled

2 oz feta cheese, crumbled

2 tablespoons finely chopped mint

2 teaspoons finely chopped shallots

Pepper

Using a small melon baller, scoop out a small well in each watermelon cube, keeping the walls of the cube intact. In a small bowl, mash together the feta, mint and shallots; season with pepper. Stuff the wells of the watermelon cubes with feta mixture.