Drink #32 Vodka Gimlet
3.10.2012
The Marrieds. That’s what we call ourselves. No really. Yes, I wish we were more creative too, but all in all it’s accurate.
In short, we’re a group of 4 sets of friends who are all married and half of each couple knows each other from work. The group have been planning for a proper outing for months now and last night it finally it all came together.
Outside of the actual friendships, the whole idea is just a fun, silly little thing for everyone I suppose. And setting up dinner with multiple sets of friends and couples is nothing new to me.
But, to be frank, for a gay guy from Ohio, being part of a group–who I adore–called “The Marrieds” is nothing short of a blessing wrapped in a dream, and deep fried in awesome.
Joe and I have been together for 8 years now. And while our weekday elopement here in DC back in July was a surprise, our intention to marry was not. Other than falling in love with the District, we were also excited to know that marriage was legal here for homos gentleman like us.
For my entire life, all I’ve ever wanted is to feel normal. That or become Batman, but that one’s probably never going to happen… And Joe makes me feel special & normal all at the same time. [Insert Robin joke? Nah.]
For me, wanting to be married with the person you love is normal. And getting married is normal. So in short, being part of a fun set of friends who who call themselves The Marrieds and like to spend time together, go out eating, drinking (someday dancing?) is the epitome of normal.
And just so we’re clear, being/feeling normal does not mean I’m not a bouncy, goofy, inappropriately wise-cracking, mouthy smart-ass kid inside. It just means I found someone who wants to share the rest of life with me regardless.
Now, whether that makes Joe normal is a whole different story, I agree.
So, The Marrieds went to Cava Mezze on Barracks Row on a packed Saturday night. Cava is a Greek-inspired small plates restaurant well known for their great food, service and inventive drink menu. And it’s like a fast moving show within a restaurant–the wealth of servers run the tables taking orders, dropping off orders, filling drinks, making suggestions, oh, and setting cheese on fire with 5 foot flames. Seriously. It’s all pretty awesome.
The drink menu had some fun stuff on it, but I was looking for something was a bit more standard, classic. I settled on a vodka gimlet called the Kaffir Gimlet made with Kaffir Lime vodka, fresh lime and agave nectar.
Lime. Lime, lime and more juicy, tart, lime. The gimlet had a smack-you-in-the-face alcohol bite that was complimented by the lime’s bright, bitter sting. It was sweet, but not cloyingly, thanks to the agave nectar that helped sooth the drink on its finish.
It wasn’t a complicated drink in flavors or profile, but it was fantastic. Every sip filled my sinuses and glands with a welcome, striking sting–like when you try hot sauce or yellow mustard and it seizes your senses, but in that good, makes you feel, kinda way.
In short, have you ever doused a lime with alcohol, set it on fire and then tried to drink the juice? No? Well if it sounds like a challenge, it probably is. So, I would instead suggest Cava’s Kaffir Gimlet. No seriously, sure it sounds scary, but it’s simple, delicious yet visceral–if you’re into that sort of thing.
On the menu side, Cava’s food blew our doors off. There wasn’t a single item we all didn’t devour, or want to order again. Their staff is smart, attentive and quick. And their drinks are creative and delicious–as agreed by all of The Marrieds.
I will be back to Cava again. Hopefully soon. Not just for the firstdrink opportunity–they make a cucumber-habanero margarita that sounded like fun–but for the service and about 30 additional small plates I want to try.
You know, in the end, I am a believer that being part of groups and experiences that make you feel whole and normal is important. That said, pushing yourself, trying new things and taking risks–often while surrounded by solid friends and family–is also important.
These days, thanks to my friends, family, Washington, DC and Joe, I’m able to lump all these things into one big long adventure. Seriously? It might not be your normal, but it’s my dream come true.
Cheers, Ben