Pop Quiz: Review the Martini closest to your house

the VERY closest.

Maybe you're a mile from the Oakroom but only a half-mile from Freddie's on Broadway. Or maybe you live near the Barrett Bar but closer to Lynn's Paradise Cafe. The challenge is: go to the bar closest to your home that has a martini; drink one; and post a review in this thread.

This thread was inspired by an exchange between me and my beer-nerd, Belgium-beer-loving boyfriend, during which he revealed to me: "Oh, uh....I've never actually had a martini. Not a real, traditional one."

I think it would be fun if everyone goes and has one, and reports back. I mean the Very Very closest one. Even if that's at your neighborhood Marathon Station or whatever.

This is a fantastic challenge idea. I don't like Martinis at all though so I'll refrain. But now that I think of it I'm not even sure where the closet martini to me would be probably Club Grotto. Or the Left Field Lounge. I wonder if they even serve martinis at the Left Field.

Just to be clear, this is for true vodka or gin martinis, correct? Love the idea...

[Robin Garr]

the VERY closest.

Sort of like Michelle, I'm not really into martinis ... but the closest nice restaurant with a bar to me is Porcini, an easy walk away, and I would be amazed if they don't stir up a fine specimen.

I'm all for the challenge, for me, it's trying to figure out which place is truly the closest tome as I'm right in the heart of St. Matts - a dozen places within a stone's throw.

Go to Martini's at the Summit....order a dry Bombay Saphire martini with extra gorgenzola stuffed olives. Martini heaven at a chain....

I don't care for martinis either, so maybe we could do a food one to accompany it...

Like...hamburgers or fish sandwiches?

I think the closest to us is Palermo Viejo. Gin martini up with 3 olives is excellent - cold and stiff -- what else could you ask for?

The Cosmopolitan (up) is also excellent. Just a hint of pink -- more vodka than cranberry.

I'll do an assessment of our 'hood to see if that's actually the closest...

I was 6 years old when I had my first martini. I thought my Dad was drinking ginger ale and wondered why it had an olive in it. He told me that it was a German ginger ale. I proceeded to take a huge slug of it and promptly sprayed it all over Dad. I've never had one since and don't plan on it. I have a similar story for Scotch. Give me some nice vino....

The Place: Club Grotto (tossup between that and Dundee Tavern)

The Request: Hendricks Gin martini ordered up with olives.

The Glass: Kind of a thick stemmed, thick rimmed, run-of-the-mill martini glass. It was pulled from a refrigerated case, so the standard protocol of filling the glass with ice and water to let it chill while mixing the drink was not followed.

The Drink: Shaken, not stirred. Probably could have been shaken a little longer but served appropriately icy cold with small bits of ice floating in the drink. The garnish was two large, pimiento-stuffed green olives skewered on a standard brown toothpick.

The Price: $6.75

The Venue: I was the only patron at the bar. The bartender was friendly and talkative, and extra points for that. He pointed out their new bar menu that includes salads, soups, three or four sandwiches (burger, walleye fish, and chicken piccata), and a hot brown. These are reasonably priced and an alternative as a weeknight dinner at CG without dropping north of $100.

That was fun, Marsha L. - give me another assignment.

(Where's Susan Riegler?????)

Jay we should have coordinated and rendezvoused at Club Grotto! I still wouldn't have ordered a martini but I would have enjoyed watching you enjoy yours.

Okay. mine is too easy:

Go to Martini's at the Summit....order a dry Bombay Saphire martini with extra gorgenzola stuffed olives. Martini heaven at a chain....

My closest martini place is Martini's at the Summit, unless Graeters now serves them...

This will be a good excuse for Brian to drink (he's the martini guy in our house). He's had a very tough week ( and it's only Tuesday) so I'm guessing he'll be thanking Marsha for the assignment.

Deb

living by frankfort ave i have many choices here but i have to say varanese is a rock's throw away and their "valentino" martini is incredible...might have started at proof on main though...

My closest martini is Asiatique and the crew up their knows that I'm a loyal fan. I'm particularly fond of some of their specialty martinis such as the Pamapolitan and the Mango Gimlet. Can't go wrong with their Ginger martini either.

Jay we should have coordinated and rendezvoused at Club Grotto! I still wouldn't have ordered a martini but I would have enjoyed watching you enjoy yours.

Yup, sounds like we're neighbors!