We’ve all been there; it’s Thursday night, you’re looking to unwind after a long day and a nice post-work drink excursion fits the bill. However, with cocktail lists popping up everywhere that include ingredients that range from exotic to downright bizarre, finding a simple libation to quench your thirst can be quite the endeavor these days. Here to take the hassle and guess work out of your order are the folks at The Vinatta Project. With bespoke cocktails fashioned by simply saying “savory,” “gin,” or even “cucumber,” you’re just a few descriptive words away from cocktail nirvana.
Perusing the array of ingredients assembled in the bar’s mixology station, it’s quite apparent that the stylish barkeeps know what they’re doing; one taste of your drink will confirm just that. My initial cocktail was a gin-based twist on the classic martini with jumbo stuffed olives and a splash of liquid smoke. An easily sippable (and potent) drink, it accompanied me to a seat in the posh leather booth where a delicious meal would soon unfold. A basket of fresh bread and an aggressive family-style order later, I ventured on to a tequila-based jalapeno infusion with watermelon juice and a touch of agave.
As plate after mouth-watering plate arrived at the table, we first road-mapped the offerings before us then began our well-varied culinary adventure. The Tuna Two-Way dish paired wonton crisps with spicy tuna as well as an avocado puree; across the plate, a fresh piece of sashimi was complemented by a soy broth. A plate of ribs satisfied the carnal hankering for BBQ and duck-fat fries were a carnivorous take on pommes frites (not to mention, a table favorite). The heirloom tomato and rocket salad dialed back the richness with clean, crisp flavors – necessary before digging in to the skillet of cheesy stone grits awaiting us. Also necessary? A final bespoke cocktail, hand crafted to perfection to cap off a fuss-free evening I’d be happy to repeat on the regular.
