The Aviary
5/5
I get it now, I really do. We were celebrating a milestone birthday so we splurged and did the kitchen table 7 course tasting. Usually you hear tasting and think you'll need to eat dinner beforehand to avoid having to go to the McDonald's drive thru on the way home, however, I went in having had nothing since lunch time and was full by the end. Definitely recommend a Liquid IV before because you'll be mixing a bunch of types of alcohol (I don't know about you but that usually takes me out). OK, this is a long one as I'm giving you review for both the cocktail and the food pairing (apologies that not all the items reviewed are in the picture, but photo editing can only do so much) so just sit tight and get ready:
Vodka Cran Gusher: 5/5 - This is not the vodka cranberry from your college frat parties. Served as a "gusher" over a bed of mint snow on a large spoon, it's meant to be taken at once. Pop the gusher and the entire thing turns into a refreshing, tart, and tangy shot in your mouth. The perfect amuse-bouche!
The Partridge: 5/5 - Bourbon and spiced pear (the partridge in the pear tree) meet mint and Douglas fir for what feels like the mint juleps that triggered the final sequence in The Great Gatsby. I'm not normally a bourbon drinker, but I'll take another 3 of these any day. Paired with:
Chip n' Dip: 5/5 - This is basically a giant paprika Cheeto you then dip into a curried spinach dip that has now ruined chips and dips for me for the rest of my life.
The Porthole: 5/5 - This one is basically three drinks in one. A gin and lemon based drink with coconut chai and blueberry, the longer it sits the sweeter it gets. The first pour is far more gin forward, with an almost savory note, but by the end you're basically drinking a dessert-fruit forward cocktail. This one is also part of the 5 course menu and absolutely delicious. For gin lovers like me, this is a must try. Paired with:
Causa: 5/5 - A crab and aji amarillo causa with a chive cream sauce to finish it off. I've had my fair share of Causas in my life, this one takes the top spot.
Dragons Blow Kisses Too: 4.5/5 - The ONLY imperfect score and that is only because I am not a whisky drinker. However, this is made with white whisky which is not barrel aged so it provides a totally different flavor profile. Much like The Porthole, the more this sits in the cup the more the flavor changes. What starts off with notes of liquorice eventually takes on the flavor of Chai, albeit with more kick. Stir this one frequently as you sip to pick up on the spice notes. (The is is the video from the teaser review). Paired with:
Japanese Eggplant: 5/5 - Perfectly cooked, served with green curry, coconut and peanuts. No notes, would eat 5 of these.
The Vacpot: 5/5 -"There will be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class." This is basically a potions experiment. My absolute FAVORITE (rum drinkers this is for you). White rum, pineapple, hibiscus, clementine, every element for the perfect rum drink. Sweet yet tangy and tart. Served with a giant ice cube then stirred at the end to make sure all the flavors come together. Paired with:
Corn Dog: 5/5 - The corn dog every other corn dog wants to be when it grows up. Made with breakfast sausage and a Frank's Red Hot sauce this corndog may very well be what I order on my deathbed.
Mole Madre: 5/5 - Tequila reposado, mole spices, warmth and comfort in a glass. As a fun experience, you get to select an ingredient you think will improve the cocktail and they add it to the giant distilling funnel that sits next to the table. Tequila lovers, this one is for you. Paired with:
Chicken Kebab: 5/5 - Brought out on the individual grills, the chicken is tender and juicy, served on a pillow pita with pickled red onion and citrus labneh. If every kebab moving forward could taste like this I'd be a much happier human.
Limoncello: 5/5 - A palette cleanser before dessert. Layered with rioja, you have to blow bubbles into it (take that childhood upbringing!) to mix it up. I love limoncello so this made me super happy. If you're averse to overly citrus forward drinks you'll want to make sure yours is REALLY well mixed.
Tasty Waves/A Cool Breeze: 5/5 - Dessert drinks are really the best dessert let's be honest. This one is a banana colada (made with real bananas not that Laffy Taffy flavored nonsense) and a coffee foam on top. Well balanced where neither the coffee nor the banana fully take over instead making sure you get to enjoy both flavor profiles. Paired with:
Drumstick: 5/5 - This is not the drumstick from the blue box. It also has banana to play off the drink, but then also gives you coconut and white chocolate covered in cocoa nibs.
