Cocktail Dinner at Proof

Monday night I went to Proof for their Museum of the American Cocktail Dinner. Four and a half hours, ten drinks and five plates later, I went home and passed out.

There were so many drinks that I only finished three of the cocktails: Derek Brown's Hibiscus Fizz (Finlandia Vodka infused with Hibiscus, Rose Hips and Orange Peel, Yuzu and Lemon Juices, topped with soda), Gina Chervesani's Cereza la Fuma (Milagro Silver Tequila, Lillet Rouge, Cherrywood Smoked WHite Pepper Meringue, Agave Nectar, Lime Juice, topped with Fleur de Sel), and Tom Brown's Truffled Amaro Flip (Korbel Brandy, Ramazotti Amaro, Egg Whites, Lemon Juice, Truffle Oil, Jerry Thomas Decanter Bitters). Also notable was Justin Guthrie's Tarragon Gin Fizz (Hendrick's Gin infused with Tarragon, Lemon Juice, Natakhari Tarragon Soda).

On the food end there were five dishes (along with some nice little passed hors d'oeuvres in the beginning, with were paired with five cocktails). First up, and paired with Todd Trasher's Dr. Who celery cocktail, was a chilled seafood and hearts of palm cocktail that tasted like gazpacho. Next, paired with Derek's drink, and my favorite dish, was sake glazed salmon with pickled honshimenji mushrooms, asparagus and tamari-radish emulsion. Third was braised Shenandoah lamb with spring pea tarragon risotto and grilled ramps, paired with Gina's cocktail. Fourth was a cheese selection with honey and bread paired with a killer drink by Sebastian Zutant called the Medicine Man (Sebby Potter and the Teaming Cauldron of Booze). Finally was a strawberry and pink peppercorn shortcake with creme fraiche and honey lavender ice cream paired with Tom's really nice amaro flip.

Washingtonian has some pictures of the event here.

And read my article for recipes for some of the above drinks.