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Sunday, August 17, 2014

Book Review - Magic in a Shaker

Magic in a Shaker

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About the Book
One of the world’s top bartenders shares his wisdom in this seasonal introduction to the world of cocktails. Join Marvin J. Allen, longtime bartender at New Orleans’ Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone, as he doles out sips and tips in this delightful, informative guide. Recipes, histories, and tricks of the trade fill these beautifully photographed pages. Allen tutors readers in basic equipment and ingredients, giving the groundwork needed for them to experiment.

From the warm rum cocktails of February to the delicate art of the martini in September, every month is an introduction to a different spirit. Start St. Patrick’s Day with a classic Irish Coffee. Take the edge off of the August heat with a Pimm’s Cup. Summon the spirit of fin de siècle with October’s absinthe recipes. Imbibe through the depths of winter into the dog days of summer with Allen’s expert guidance. Each cocktail is a combination of disparate ingredients that, when combined, create a new and exciting taste. It’s just like magic.

About the Author
Marvin J. Allen is the bar manager and bartender at the Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar. Voted New Orleans Magazine’s Bartender of the Year in 2005, Allen has been behind the counter for more than twenty years. A member of the United States Bartenders’ Guild, he is a USBG certified spirits professional. Allen’s emphasis on classic ingredients and fresh tastes has earned him several honors: his Southern Comfortini won second place in the Tales of the Cocktail® contest in 2003, and in 2004 his Blushing Southern Belle earned honorable mention in the same competition. Allen also placed in the 2010 42 Below Vodka competition with his Peanut Butter and Jelly Martini. A recipient of the 2010 City Business Culinary Connoisseur award, Allen has been an “adopted native” of New Orleans, Louisiana, for more than twenty-five years.

About the Photographer
Ann Benoit lives, loves, photographs, writes, and most importantly eats in New Orleans. A full-time book packager, she zealously pursues her second career of food photography and food writing. She is a member of the American Culinary Federation, the International Association of Culinary Professionals Food Photographers and Stylists, and the James Beard Foundation. A retired assistant attorney general for the State of Louisiana, she is a graduate of Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and Southeastern Louisiana University.




My Take on the Book
This was an amazing book for anyone that likes to put together great drinks for themselves or their guests. The author knows his stuff and is definitely a mixologist. I plan to be back in New Orleans this next March and I know that I plan on stopping by the Hotel Monteleone to meet the author and get a cocktail from this drink artist. I loved the wide array of drinks in the book as it was amazing at how wide a net Mr. Allen shares with his readers and I for one have to say than you for what he shares!


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