The Perfect Mint Julep

The mint julep is almost certainly the most iconic drink of the Kentucky Derby. With the Derby being 2 days away, what better time to explore how to make the iconic drink?

A explanation of the drink and the process can be found here.

The only modification I'd recommend is substituting Old Forester (if you're on a budget) or Basil Hayden (if you're not) as the bourbon.

I'm just not a fan of Angel's Envy "Bourbon" for a few different reasons; although I love their Rye.

So there you have it: the iconic, enigmatic Mint Julep. The drink that noone likes, but everyone drinks; at least this time of year.

Stock and Barrel (Knoxville, TN)

Focusing on burgers, Bourbon, and beer, this Knoxville restaurant is practically a mecca for masculinity. In fact, the only more manly substances on the planet would be Chuck Norris' beard/chest hair or Mike Ditka's mustache. I'm pretty sure my chest hair instantly started growing soon as i walked through the door. You get the idea.

We started with the white cheddar pimiento cheese dip, which also includes tomato jam and goat cheese; served with house made pita chips. Mind blowing. Maybe the best appetizer I've tried; which is quite the endorsement. 

Also heard the opa (flash fried feta, local honey, and a baguette) is incredible; but I was already getting full after practically dumping the whole serving of pimiento cheese directly into my face.

Then came the burger. All beef is locally sourced, which is usually a good sign your burger will be amazing. I ordered a special that came with pimiento cheese (there can never be too much pimiento cheese) and Bentons bacon (which is a treat all its own). Almost too much goodness. ALMOST.

I didn't have a drink, but they sport a nice tap list and Bourbon selection.

Why go?

Better question: why would you NOT? Food and drink are incredible. Atmosphere is great. Like almost every restaurant in Market Square, its extremely busy after dark. You really can't go wrong. Make sure to not miss a pilgrimage to this manly mecca. Just go.

Manny and Merle (Louisville, KY)

A self proclaimed "honky tonk" located in the shadow of the "Yum! Center" in downtown Louisville. Manny and Merle is the Louisville venue for local country music talent. A small tex-mex/southern menu, a bourbon/tequila hybrid focus, and a nice mixture of domestic, foreign, and craft beer options make for an interestingly focused, yet eclectic concept that has a little something for everyone.

Although small, the menu really makes every item count. The hot chicken is good, and one of the only places in Louisville you can find the dish. For $5.50 you get a breast and a wing; basically a steal.

The nachos are one of my favorite appetizers in Louisville. Any of the street tacos are really good. I haven't tried the wings, but the consensus is that they're excellent. The burgers are the only thing a little subpar, but may be because the cheeseburger competition has set the bar so high in Louisville.

Why go?

Great spot for Happy hour. A night out with the guys. Listen to excellent, local country music talent. A low key night out with the wife/girlfriend. A late night bite on non-music nights. This space is full of single ladies on live music nights (Thurs - Sat), making it a prime downtown spot for a single guy. Unfortunately that also means the "bro factor" is a little high during those times for my tastes. For dating, definitely choose a different location; unless the date really, really likes live country music.

Cheer Competition: An Eye Opening Experience

Throngs of intense, wired participants; all out for blood. Events with names like "battlezone". Team names "Full Contact Athletics" and "G Gorce". Training rooms spilling over with injured participants.

Surely I'm describing MMA? Boxing? Wrestling? No. It's cheerleading.

Over the weekend, I attended a cheer event. This is what happened:

8:45 well we've arrived. Theres alot of makeup. Questionable outfit. Age innapropriate behavior. Excitement levels off the charts. Lots of screaming plus yelling. And those are just the cheer moms.

9:20 In the hallway, there's mucho amounts of flipping, pic taking, crying, and worrying by hoards of participants.

9:45 Overheard: "Rachel, your mom's the wildest person here!"

10:00 Cheer mom screaming at her child, "Chloe! Shake your butt this way!" I dared not look.

10:03 Sign says "for everyone's safety,  no folding chairs please". I'm pretty sure this is to prevent a WWE type attack.

10:07 During the break, it's been non stop 80s music, culminating with the song choice of "Paradise City". The crowd of former 80's kids obviously approves.

10:33 For the 50th time, the emcee reminds us all to follow him on Instagram @dizzy5k; and for all the girls to tag him in their pics. Yes this is a grown man and that's his real account. We checked due to boredom.

10:40 The team performs. They do well....I think. I was impressed.

10:57 Emcee screams "Who's having a great time here in Summerville???" Um.....we're actually in Sevierville.

11:31 The first appearance of a selfie stick. I'm completely shocked it's taken this long.

11:38 Still waiting on the trophy presentation. Was scheduled for 11. I'm pretty sure this wait was somewhere in Dante's 3rd level of hell.

11:45 Special needs squad performs. Given standing ovation by the crowd. Very well done everyone.

 

11:56 Phone batteries are dwindling. Tension at a fever pitch. Nerves on end. The 1000s of tweenage girls battle for the few outlets available. Meanwhile all the middle age men are terrified at the thought of enduring the remainder of time without their phone.

12:20 Announced there are "action pictures" available for purchase in the back. Are these pics of the performers walking away from exploding buildings?

12:37 Just announced the trophy presentation will be next; finally.

12:55 Every participant is invited to the stage where emcee dizzy5k joins the tweens in performing the cupid shuffle. Awkward. This followed by the emcee and girls dancing to Taylor Swift. Pandemonium ensues. I had no idea Taylor Swift music could do this.

1:00 With all the teams on stage, trophies are given to the winners. All while the losers look on in full depression mode. Cant imagine why teams get called the stage to find out they lose.

1:10 With the competition over, everyone stampedes out like a herd of cattle. This lets everyone get in their cars, so they can wait in the never ending traffic jam of cars leaving the parking lot.

Quite the experience. Glad the kids excited and the overall positive experience they get out of the cheer competition. I was also shocked by the conduct of most cheer moms. And definitely found the emcee to be more than bizarre.

Sole Mio (Nashville, TN)

My date loves pasta. So, I sought recommendations for Italian in Nashville. A trusted source highly recommended Sole Mio. How'd it go? Well....I'm not sure if it was a cruel joke....or they just had sadistic intentions, or both.

My date order the gnocchi, our favorite pasta.

I ordered the garlic brined pork chop, medium. The gnocchi had the consistency and flavor of rubber bands. My pork chop had the consistency of jerky and the flavor of cardboard. Not to sound cruel; but the food was only edible because we were starving. 

Hopefully this was somehow just the worst night in the history of this kitchen; but I highly doubt it. All for the price of $150....

The good news - The service was excellent. Not that it matters because sadly, the servers don't have much of a product backing them.

Why go? Don't. Just don't. Nashville has too many incredible offerings to waste one moment here. If somehow you feel the indescribable urge to go, just set fire to $150 and save the real pain of dining here.

The Patterson House (Nashville, TN)

Nashville isn't exactly short on watering holes. But none quite like The Patterson House.

The Patterson House is small, dimly lit cocktail bar located in The Gulch; a swanky,  emerging area of Nashville.  A historic, legal themed speakeasy with exceptional ambiance. While only separated by a short ride from the beer flowing, honky tonks on Broadway; they couldn't be further apart.

You enter into a law library with the entrance to the bar hidden behind a curtain. The me

Its truly mixology at its finest. The cocktails are all high end. All exceptionally prepared. There's also a small food menu. Although really good, I doubt anyone goes there for the food.

Everything is incredible. My favorites were The Jennings (not on the menu) which is a house hickory smoked cola and Jack Daniels; and the Penicillin made with smokey/peated scotch.

 

The only disappointment is the lack of focus on Tennessee whiskey. Not my personal preference of libation by any means, but I try to enjoy the local flavor of wherever I happen to be.

Why go:

Perfect for a guys night, date night with a wife/girlfriend, or a drink with a first date. However if you're looking for single ladies, there are better options.