SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

Billy Grant’s new BRICCO TRATTORIA….Simply Amazing!!!

// July 21st, 2010 // 1 Comment » // General

As all of us in Connecticut know, renowned chef Billy Grant is the owner and creative genius behind two of the Hartford areas most successful and delightful dining destinations, Grants and Bricco in West Hartford Center.   Now everyone east of the Connecticut River can rejoice as Billy has flawlessly transplanted his culinary magic to downtown Glastonbury with the opening of BRICCO TRATTORIA. 

Billy has created Trattoria for the lover of Italian food crafted in America.  From the sleek and stylish ambiance to the sumptuous food and cocktails and the friendly and knowledgeable staff, Bricco Trattoria is simply amazing.  Joined by two friends, I had the pleasure of dining at the bar last night.  Here’s a sampling of what we enjoyed…

The Fried Calamari with lemon aioli and arrabbiata sauce was perfectly dusted,  crisp and delicious.

The Grilled Octopus with lemon, fingerling potatoes and red chili was wonderfully enhanced with flavors only a wood grill can impart.

The Spaghetti with shrimp , escarole, prosciutto , pine nuts, chili oil and garlic crumbs was cooked to perfection and the portion size was ample for sharing.

The Margherita Pizza with tomato, mozzarella and basil was a thin crust delight especially when Prosciutto was added to the order.  A staple at the original Bricco, it has lost absolutely nothing in crossing the river to the new digs.

For dessert, we shared a decadent slice of Tiaramisu Cake that was over the top and the perfect ending to a unforgettable meal and evening. 

I want to give special thanks to our bartenders Joe and Tyler who not only served up fantastic cocktails, but took the time to walk us through the menu and make recommendations on dishes that we should try.  I will definitely be heading back to Bricco Trattoria soon and with more friends in tow.  The Grilled American Leg of Lamb and the Diver Sea Scallops look too tempting to pass up and there’s still the wonderful wine list to tackle!

BRICCO TRATTORIA is located at 124 Hebron Avenue in Glastonbury.  For reservations and more information call 860.659.0220 or visit them on-line at www.billygrant.com.

Cheers!  David

Signature David Loves SOLTORO TEQUILA GRILL!

// July 13th, 2010 // No Comments » // Events, Food and Drink, General, News

If you’re heading to Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut’s Mystic Country, there’s one dining destination that is a sure bet…SOLTORO TEQUILA GRILL.  SOLTORO is a tequila lovers dream with approximately 200 different brands stocking their beautifully designed and comfortable bar.  You want it, SolToro has it!!!    I dined at SolToro last night and it was a phenomenal.  From the fast, friendly, unparalled service to the mouth-watering food choices on their extensive menu blending traditional flavor and authenticity with a modern approach, SolToro serves up a dining experience that radiates energy and fun. 

My recommendations for an amazing dinner….you have to start with the Guacamole for two (or four if you so desire…trust me, you’ll want more) freshly prepared for you tableside.  It is OFF THE CHARTS.  I am a big “Guac” fan, and SolToro’s “Guac” rocks!  Next we tried the Crispy Duck Tacos and the Grilled Filet Mignon Tacos.  These aren’t your everyday tacos!  They are perfectly prepared and dripping in nuanced flavor.  YUM!   We topped everything off by sharing the SolToro Flan.  It was so delicious we were scaping the plate to ensure that we got every last morsel. 

Oh, and did Imention SolToro’s atmosphere?  Rich, hip and sexy!   And it’s the perfect place to have a party with plenty of private dining space.   For a dining experience that will leave y0u breathless and making reservations to come back again, it’s SolToro Tequila Grill. 

SOLTORO TEQUILA GRILL is located on the casino floor of Mohegan Sun’s Casino of the Sky (adjacent to the convention center entrance).   For more information and to make reservations, you can visit them on-line at www.soltororestaurant.com or call 860-862-4800.

Cheers Amigos!  David

MANGOLICIOUS! The Perfect Refreshing Summer Cocktail!

// July 12th, 2010 // No Comments » // Events, Food and Drink, General, Recipes, Seasonal/Holiday

It’s MANGOLICIOUS!  For the perfect mid-summer cocktail, whether you’re  on the beach, your deck  or at your favorite bar or restaurant, you’ve got to try my lastest concoction.  It combines all all the wonderful tropical fruits we all love in the summer time with the smoothness of Captain Morgan’s Parrot Bay Mango Rum and it’s topped off with a bit of bubbly!  You’re going to feel like you’ve just dived into a cool refreshing pool!

Here’s how you make it:   Combine 1 1/2 oz of Captain Morgan’s Parrot Bay Mango Rum with 1/2 oz Cointreau, 1 oz of Cranberry Juice, 1 oz  Pinapple Juice in a shaker filled with ice.  Shake vigorously and strain into a well chilled martini glass. Top with a splash of your favorite bubbly (you can use champagne or club soda) and then garnish with a slice of pineapple.  YUMMMMMY!

Now, go find some friends and pour whip up a big pitcher of this concoction and throw yourself a big party!

Cheers!   David

Shake Up Your Memorial Day Weekend with My Thirst Quenching Strawberry/Rhubarb Martini!

// May 25th, 2010 // No Comments » // Events, Food and Drink, News, Recipes, Seasonal/Holiday

Memorial Day is here and that means a long hot summer is just around the corner!  What better way to kick off the season than with thirst quenching, sweat busting and sinfully sumptuous Strawberry/Rhubarb Martini!   This is one cocktail that you’ll find yourself making over and over again and will have your guests shouting for MORE! 

Here’s how you make it….

Combine 2 oz of vodka, 1/2 oz of Cointreau or triple sec, 4 to 6 large ripe strawberries, 3/4 oz of rhubarb juice (direction on making it below), a drizzle of fresh lime juice and a cup of ice in a blender.  Blend until frothy.  Pour into a well chilled martini glass and top with (or without…depening on your tastes) a dollop of fresh whipped cream and top with a fresh blueberry. 

Warning:  There will always be a little left over for refills!!

Here’s how you make the rhubarb juice…Combine 3 cups of sliced fresh rhubarb stalks and 1 cup of water in a covered saucepan.  Boil for about 1 hour, or until mushy and ugly.  Drain off the liquid through a fine strainer or cheese cloth.  Pray for at least 6 ounces of juice.  Add sugar to sweeten to your taste.  I recommend about 3 tablespoons, which will still leave the juice surprisingly tart.  Cool completely.

Kick back and enjoy this cool and refreshing splash into summer…..AHHHHH!

Cheers!  David

Choose Your Poison! Cocktails Crafted with PISCO…The Spirit of the Peruvian Gods!

// March 24th, 2010 // No Comments » // Food and Drink, General, News, Recipes

My good friends, Michael and Sabina, recently asked me to create the perfect “Pisco Sour” to help celebrate Sabina’s big birthday bash.  Hmmmm, I knew I had my work cut out for me when my immediate response was “what is a Pisco Sour?”  I did my research and discovered that Pisco is a clear spirit distilled from quebranta grapes in copper stills called alambiques and that the Pisco Sour is the national drink of Peru.  It combines 5 simple ingredients (Pisco, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, egg whites and Angostura Bitters) into one unbelievably potent, delicious and irresistible cocktail.   So, emboldened by a bottle of Pisco, I began the work of crafting the perfect concoction. 

Here’s how you make it…

The Pisco Sour… Combine 2 oz Pisco, 1 oz simple Syrup, 1 oz fresh lime juice and 1 egg white in a shaker filled with ice.  Shake vigorously (to froth the egg white) and pour into a rocks glass.  Garnish with a dash or two of Angostura Bitters on the top of the egg foam.  You can also add a slice or wheel of lime to the edge of the glass. 

This cocktail is absolutely scrumptuous and is the perfect spring and summer cocktail.  For a great food pairing, try it with Grilled Chilean Sea Bass.  YUM!

Here’s another great Pisco recipe…

The Poison Apple… Combine 1 oz Pisco, 2 oz Dekuyper’s Sour Apple Pucker, a splash fresh lime juice and a splash of Honey Syrup in a shaker filled with ice.  Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass.  Garnish with a wedge of apple.

Cheers!  David

The Temperature is Heating Up! Try My Two Latest Creations to Cool You Down!

// March 21st, 2010 // No Comments » // Food and Drink, General, News, Recipes, Seasonal/Holiday

Spring is in the air,  the temperature is starting to soar and it’s time to think about cocktails that will quench your thirst and cool you down.  I have an entire line of cocktails coming for Spring and Summer 2010 and here are the first two, appropriately named “Spring Awakening” and “Summer Solstice”!  

Here’s how you make them..

“Spring Awakening” …Freeze six to ten small cantaloupe and honeydew melon balls until completely frozen. Place the frozen melon balls in the bottom of a tall glass.  Combine 1 3/4 oz Vodka, 1/2 oz Melon Liqueur and a splash of Triple Sec or Cointreau into a shaker full of ice and shake vigorously.  Strain into the glass over the frozen melon balls.  Top with Proseco or Champagne.
 
“Summer Solstice” …Combine 1 1/2 oz Vanilla Vodka, 1 oz White Cranberry juice and 1 oz Hypnotiq Liqueur in a shaker full of ice and shake well.   Strain into a tall glass.  Drop a splash of Grenadine into the cocktail until it rests on the bottom creating a second layer.  Garnish with a cherry at the bottom of the glass.

Enjoy them both and come back in the coming weeks for more exciting warm weather cocktails!

Cheers!  David

HOTEL CALIFORNIA…My Favorite Tequila!!!

// March 15th, 2010 // No Comments » // California Dreaming, Food and Drink, General, News, Recipes

If you LOVE great tequila, then you simply must try HOTEL CALIFORNIA TEQUILA.  This is an ultra premium tequila made with 100 percent Blue Weber Agave and is available in Blanco, Reposado and Anejo expressions. 

 The winner of Double Gold in the 2009 International Spirits Competition in San Francisco, Hotel California is the perfect tequila for mixing in your favorite cocktail or for sipping if you are a tequila purist.  I love mixing the Blanco with fresh orange and lime juice over rocks.  You can also be a bit more daring and mix it with a hefty splash of root beer and a cherry garnish.   I call it the “Tequila Float” and it is absolutely delicioius!!!   The possibilities are endless with Hotel California Tequila.

Hotel California is currently available in the Northeast and, of course, in California, but it will soon be coming your way.  I know you will certainly see me making lots more cocktails with Hotel California, so please check back here in the coming weeks.  I’ve got some great surprises planned for you!

To learn more about Hotel California Tequila, please visit their website at www.hotelcaliforniatequila.com.

Cheers!  David

Just in time for St. Patty’s Day! My “MINT CONDITION” Martini and the “DIRTY IRISHMAN” Cocktail!

// March 15th, 2010 // No Comments » // Events, Food and Drink, General, Recipes, Seasonal/Holiday

Top of the mornin’ to you all!  It’s almost time for my favorite holiday of the year…that’s right, St. Patty’s Day.  So, break out your green shamrock t-shirt and get your Irish brogue in high gear and let’s tip a few back in honor of St. Patrick, our Irish ancestors and leprechauns the world over.  And, what better way to kick off the celebration than with two of my signature cocktails, the “MINT CONDITION” martini and my latest creation, the “DIRTY IRISHMAN” cocktail!

Here’s how you make the “Mint Condition” …1 1/2 oz of vodka,  1/2 oz green creme de menthe, 1 oz Irish Cream.  Swirl chocolate sauce inside a dry martini glass. Combine ingredients in a shake full of ice and shake well. Strain into the martini glass.

And the “Dirty Irishman”…Fill a tall glass full of ice.  Combine 1 3/4 oz vanilla vodka and 1/2 oz Frangelica (hazelnut liquor) in a shake full of ice and shake well.  Strain into glass.  Combine 1 oz  Guinness beer and 1 oz of Irish Cream into a second shaker of ice and shake until frothy.  Strain slowly onto the top of the drink.  To add a touch of  green, add three small drops Green Creme de Menthe onto the top of the cocktail and it will float to the bottom of the drink.

Enjoy the spirit of the day and may you find a pot of gold at the end of your rainbow!  Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  Cheers!  David

What NOT to Drink on Your First Date!!!

// February 21st, 2010 // No Comments » // Events, General, News

Spring is on the way and romance is in the air. You are on your first date with the man of your dreams and it’s time to order your first cocktail together.   Here are some simple tips on what not to order to drink on your first date!

 A Dirty Martini - The ultimate classic martini especially when made with a great top shelf vodka!  But, a horrible choice for your first date!  It screams “I’m easy and I’m a lush!”  Let him order it and just sneak a sip while he’s not looking!

A Slippery Nipple - Need I say more?  Even JWOWW from the “Jersey Shore” has more class!

 A Sex on the Beach – Otherwise known as “Sex in my Bed!”  it will have him thinking you’re a “Red Headed Slut“, which, by the way, is another drink you want to avoid!

 A Bloody Mary - Not even for brunch….it’s just such an unfriendly looking cocktail…and the name is disgusting.   YUK!

 Now, here are my recommendations on cocktails you might want to order that just may result in him ordering up a second date!

 A White Champagne Cosmopolitan - Basically, it’s a Cosmo but made with white cranberry juice and topped off with champagne.  It’s chic and elegant and will have him thinking he’s on a date with Carrie Bradshaw.  It takes the Cosmo and your dating life to a whole new level.

A Bella Bellini- Fresh peach puree, a touch of Cointreau topped off with Champagne and a fresh slice of white peach.  So Yummy and nothing looks sexier in a woman’s hand than a champagne flute!

A Pure Passion Martini– A sumptuous combination of orange vodka, passion fruit sorbet, fresh lime juice and mint. 

These are just a few winning suggestions that will have him saying yes to another date!   These three cocktails are also part of my new Signature David 2010 Spring and Summer line of “must have” cocktails!   I’ll be debuting them soon, so stay tuned. 

Let the dating and the romance begin!

Cheers!   David

Signature David and Dating Diva Daily….the Perfect Partnership for Your Relationship!

// February 14th, 2010 // No Comments » // Events, News

My good friend Kimberly Dawn Neumann, author of two fabulous relationship books, TV personality and Broadway phenom, has just launched the ultimate cyber site on relationships and dating…DatingDivaDaily.com.  I think it’s an amazing site and I’m proud to be partnering with Kimberly Dawn on this new venture. 

Here’s the scoop on DatingDivaDaily.com…

Dating can be an exhausting adventure for many single women. To quote Charlotte from Sex and the City “I’ve been dating since I was 15. I’m exhausted. Where is he?” With that in mind, Dating Diva Daily came into being. The goal? To put the “fun” and “feminine” factor back into dating via a lifestyle interactive blog-zine where women can not only commiserate about their foibles in searching for Mr. Right in a supportive cyber community but where they can also get quality advice on everything that makes a woman feel like she deserves a quality relationship.

With a Valentine’s Day 2010 launch date, DatingDivaDaily.com is poised to become a new force in the online blog-scape. With a terrific advisory board and contributors lined up to aid with content generation, the site sports creative materials such as “Diva Drinks” with tips and recipes from master mixologist David Brogan of SignatureDavid.com,” Diva-scopes” by Astrologer Patrice Kamins (known as “The Interventionista”),  and a free giveaway of 365 days of love and sex tips created by Dating Diva Daily Founder and Dating/Relationship Expert Kimberly Dawn Neumann (better than a page-a-day calendar!). There will also be a special “Dating Diva Deals” section that visitors to the site can view only if they sign up as a subscriber. Upon joining, Dating Div-ettes will receive a link allowing full access to a page filled with deals, sales and specials available to no one but the Diva-elite.
Dating Diva Daily wants to bring flirty back!

So, log on and take a nice long peak at DatingDivaDaily.com!  I know you’ll love it!   And be sure to look for my latest cocktail creations!

Here’s the link:  www.datingdivadaily.com

Cheers!  David