Enjoyed: Saturday, May 27, 2023

Listed on the menu: Yes, as “Old Fashioned”

Ingredients: Bulleit rye whiskey with angostura and orange bitters

The occasion: Memorial Day weekend is also “Race Weekend” for Husband’s family, who has been attending the Indianapolis 500 for a few decades. Whenever I come along, I try to see my side of the family in northwest Indiana. This year, my sister met me for a leisurely lunch at this historic Gothic Revival-style mansion, built by entrepreneur Moses Fowler in 1852.

My rating: *** out of 5. All of the ingredients were classic, so the drink met my expectations, flavor-wise. However, I was puzzled by the cloudiness. Did the bartender muddle an orange slice in there? Was the simple syrup (not mentioned in the ingredient list) not prepared correctly? Could a tiny splash of orange juice be in there? I would have liked to have seen the bartender at work.

Final thoughts: The Fowler Mansion is pretty, with lovely grounds, and with interesting period furniture and art work in the “museum” rooms on the second floor. The outdoor terrace had a charming fountain and the inside dining areas were striving to be elegant, with fireplaces and chandeliers. I understand that a non-profit runs the restaurant and bar, and that proceeds go directly to preserving the house. I was surprised at how few guests were there for lunch–it was a Saturday, and a holiday weekend, but the place was empty. Why? One problem, from my point of view, was that the menu mostly offered “pub fare” choices. In such a historic setting, I would have preferred more unique dishes, or maybe even a “tea party” lunch menu with canapes and scones. Make this a destination restaurant!

We are delighted that Oldest Son is engaged to a remarkable woman. And we are delighted that Son learned (from us, I hope!) to appreciate fine beverages, farm-to-table food, and elegant dining. Therefore, we are supportive of the decision to select a wedding venue that is classy, intimate, and memorable.

Both of my nieces will be getting married within the next twelve months, so I have been hearing about wedding planning and budgets. Yikes! Even a small, modest wedding is an expensive event. CNBC tells me that in 2023 the average US wedding will cost $29,000. I actually am surprised that the cost isn’t higher, once all the “extras” get factored in. (Engagement photos, videographers, hair and makeup crew, save-the-date cards, destination bachelor/bachelorette parties, place cards, menu cards, gift bags for guests, extra lighting, gratuities for the vendors—need I go on? We had none of this, and we never knew what we were missing.)

Today, Son initiated a conversation with us, and asked us oh-so-diplomatically about what we could contribute to his wedding. Happily, we reached an agreement, but I wish we were rich enough that money would be no object. “Gonna cost a mint,” I muttered, but we’ll be fine, although I now need to add this sum (and commensurate amounts for our other two children and their future weddings) into our retirement budget. I had forgotten to do this!

Tonight’s drink is my version of a cocktail often called a “Southside”. In a shaker, muddle 12-24 fresh mint leaves (depending on size) with 1 ounce simple syrup. Add 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice, 1 1/2 ounces dry gin, and 5-6 drops grapefruit bitters, if you have them. Shake well, and strain over several ice cubes in an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with mint and lime.