Attention: Friends, Romans, fellow alcohol lovers, I have a new signature drink.  The Lychee-tini.  Yes, I’ve typed that word and, amazingly, still have facial hair and testicles.  My first, and we always remember our first, was recently, in Rehoboth Beach – a revelation. Something I have looked at and never taken seriously, like a Zac Efron movie, or my sister.  There’s something about the sweet that, uh, give me one shot and it knocks me out for the rest of the night.  I’m swimming the breaststroke in a lychee-tini pool, infinity and all!

I recently, and by this I mean Sunday, had 3 lychee-tinis at a bar in New York.  This past weekend, I saw Ringo Starr, Angela Lansbury, and chatted up one of the many Billy Elliots -and yet the tini was my highlight.  It was from Lure – at Prince and Mercer.  Fresh lychee juice, gin, lime juice, and fresh cucumber puree.  I drank them like an Amish man cuts corn: smooth, steady, and like I’ve been doing it since I was 13.

Run out and find one in D.C. and when you do, let me know!!!!  I fear my new obsession will keep me locked inside with a collection of ingredients, perfecting my own personal private lychee heaven.  For I know not where they live in the city….

AEK

This past weekend I was car-jacked at gun point outside of my house.  While this was a horrible event, I realize it could have been much worse.  Aside from some sleepless nights and some physical pain, my partner and I have made it out 1) alive, and 2) aware that every day is valuable.  After returning from the police station at about 1 a.m. the question was, what do we drink?

Our neighbor had brought over a cab sav earlier in the night – after he learned of the incident.  And while I do love a hearty red, this event didn’t seem to call for a cheap heavy wine.  Gin and tonic perhaps?  It’s almost an every day drink in my household so I wouldn’t want to taint this standard with such a horrible event.  In the end, I went for my steady Pinot Grigio – it’s my go-to, it’s my Linus blanket.  And it did the trick.  I may not have fallen asleep until the sun came up, but I was commiserating with an old friend.  Is alcohol a crutch?  After a gun’s been pointed to your face, damn straight it is!

And the next night?  I had a beautiful rose champagne – why?  Because I was taking back the night! and celebrating life!

What is your go-to food/drink when you need some comfort?  Mac and cheese (p.s. I love you mac and cheese)? Butterscotch krimpets (p.s. I love you Tastycake!)?  Glenmorangie?  I’d love to know what you do  - after all, no matter how old we are, food is memory, and memories bring us comfort.

- AEK

(I’m sorry there’s no picture, but somehow, visuals seem inappropriate.)