If you ever decide to interview a world-famous, master drink mixologist, definitely let him pick the place.
Alex Ott suggested we meet for his interview at one of his favorite buried NYC treasures, Angel’s Share, (upstairs, through a Japanese restaurant, behind an unsuspecting wooden door) where he ordered me “the best lychee martini in Manhattan.” Except his own, of course.
This man is a mover and a shaker… and a stirrer. Alex Ott is a global scenester (he’s lived on 6 continents), a world-renowned flavor genius (he was trained by the best in the industry from age 16), a gifted artist, has 2 TV shows coming out, and is as passionate about his charity work as he was about the consistency of the crystallized ginger in his drink that night.
After getting to know Alex Ott and his take on New York and life in general, I can safely say this will be an amazing week… even if I drink too much to remember it all. ;)
Alex exploded onto the New York scene with multiple appearances on Sex and The City, as buzz about this hot, young mixologist Alex Ott echoed through the press. His signature cocktails and techniques are credited as a major catalyst in the revival of the New York bar scene.
Alex Ott brings the party. Literally. He’s catered drinking extravaganzas for the Oscars, the Emmys, VMAs, an $80 million Royal Indian wedding, and is called on by celebrity friends and philanthropists all over the world to do parties all the time. (Poor guy can’t catch a break.)
Buddha Bar in New York, Paris, Beirut, Dubai… Sushi Samba… these are just a few of the hundreds of upscale restaurants that have hired Alex Ott to design their signature cocktail menu and train a bar staff to meticulous perfection. He also consults for numerous liquor brands, and is currently the chief mixologist at Svedka.
Alex has two TV shows in the making: One is called Icebreakers, starring Alex traveling to 14 countries, introducing us to each one’s best signature ingredient and showing us how to mix it. (Saw the teaser... looks really cool!) He’s also the judge on Bartender Wars, the “Top Chef” of mixology. Does that make him the Simon Cowell of cocktails? Hot.
Sky’s the limit? Not a chance. NASA hired Alex to create a line of non-alcoholic drinks made for Zero Gravity.
<---- That's Alex! No, it's not. But he wishes it was. He actually owns a space suit. It hangs on his wall.
Here are shots from his GQ photo shoot. Nuff said.
Alex was born in Germany, grew up in Kenya, has lived on every continent that's not frozen over, and speaks 5 languages. But there’s no question in his mind: his favorite place in the entire world – and his home for the past 10 years – is New York City. 1. First and foremost: Be spontaneous. Don’t think about the next day. Don’t plan. (That being said…I have to somehow not plan the rest. Hmmm..)
2. Have brunch at Bubby’s in Tribeca. Get eggs and the breakfast bread – both some of the freshest in the city.
3. Eat at Café des Artistes on the Upper West Side.
4. Go shopping at my favorite thrift shop, Buffalo Exchange.
5. Visit the Gagosian Gallery on the Upper East Side.
6. Go to the Hayden Planetarium and see a space show. (“I’m a space dork. Why else would I make drinks for NASA?”)
7. Watch the best movie ever: In The Shadow of The Moon. (“I mean, I’m really a space dork. Just watch it.”)
Rules 8-12: Get the 5 Best Drinks in NYC:
8. The Watson: Gin, fresh cucumber, Pimms, fresh lime, white cranberry. At Steak Frites
9. Gin & Tonic (because “nobody expects it” on a best drinks list… you have to really know how to make it): Highball glass, Hendrick’s gin, Schwepps tonic, 1 lime wedge, STIRRED! At Angel’s Share
10. Chucumber (Alex’s own): Fresh cucumber, Elderflower cordial, Shochu, lime. At Sushi Samba
11. Menomenee Falls: Tequila, pineapple juice, ginger, African spice, cilantro. At 2 places: Apotheke and Onieals. Taste and compare.
12. Pickle Back: Shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey. Chaser: Shot of pickle juice. At The Rusty Knot (Why do I feel like this is on here just to mess with me?)
13. Not your average NYC Game Rule…
I regret to inform you that Mr. Master of Mixology has refused to publicize all his favorite drink spots, because, as he explained, all of his most cherished spots in New York are true insider secrets and would be ruined (RUINED!) if the masses knew about them. (Plus: "they'd never get in.")
So going back to Rule #1 (be spontaneous, don’t plan), here is lucky number 13:
I must always be ready, at any moment’s notice, day or night, to meet him at an instructed intersection or landmark. And one by one… he will show me all the best.
Loves it.
But it gets better! I imagined the prize would be maybe an open bar happy hour party at Sushi Samba, a lifetime supply of Svedka Orange, a signature drink named after me… but no. And I never realized how badly I’ve always wanted this prize… until now!
THE PRIZE:
A hot air balloon ride.
Amazing.
I will drink my space face off, and I WILL rise to the top.
Helloooooo Round 4.
Now, Ladies... if you, too, have a weeeee bit of a crush on Hot Mr. Ott... I've added some more pictures just for you.
By law, Alex explained, you’re not allowed to claim that an alcoholic drink is “healthy”… but after learning all about his concoctions and trying a few, let’s just say I would totally trade in my multivitamins for his margaritas.
To that end, I am imposing a bonus rule to help in Alex's efforts to end bad bar drinks:
No soda or artificial flavor shall pass my lips!
Who's with me?
Kisses!
Michelle Joni
This game has been won! Click here to see the results.
The picture of the drinks looks ah-mazing. I want to gulp them all down :P Did you take the photograph? It's fabulous lady!
ReplyDelete♡,
Jessica