The martini has been described as “the King of Cocktails”. Bernard DeVoto remarked “[The martini] ... is the supreme American gift to world culture”, and Nikita Kruschev called the martini “ . . . America’s lethal weapon”. I will just say "Yes".
A Commentary by Robert Steven Brown, a founder and Managing Director of New World Merchant Partners, on the vodka martinis available at various locations and the vodkas encountered along the way. A Guide to Live By.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Cipriani Dolci, Grand Central Station, New York City
First my apologies for not posting for so long. The last year was hectic and, unfortunately, I was required to place my work before writing . . . and martinis.
That being said, I had the pleasure of grabbing a martini this week at Cipriani Dolci, a small restaurant located on the west balcony level of Grand Central Terminal in the city. Cipriani Dolci describes itself as follows:
It was 8pm and the hustle and bustle of the city was just beginning to slow. Countless people were making their way home after a long day. A good friend and I, having missed our respective trains home, decided to spend the time awaiting the next train with a quick drink. From Cipriani Dolci, one oversees the main area of Grand Central Terminal and can spend immeasurable time people watching and staring at the restored constellations on the tremendous ceiling. The scene at Cipriani Dolci is surprisingly loud, with patrons not only competing with others, but with the public address system at Grand Central, to be heard.
Notwithstanding the chaotic scene, service was indeed prompt and attentive. I ordered my martini and within a minute a still bubble- and ice crystal- filled, incredibly cold drink with frosted glass arrived. My martini was clearly well shaken and fresh. The vodka was full-strength. The olives were especially tasty and were fresh, firm and unpitted.
As announcements of trains arriving and departing continued, I found myself sipping my drink, wondering how many people before me had sat in my very seat taking in the frenetic daily lives of New Yorkers. But alas, the scene ended too quickly as I found my glass empty - the martinis at Cipriani Dolci, while excellently made, are remarkably average in size.
Cipriani Dolci, I give your martini a 9.5 out of 10 (a larger portion would have warranted a 10), but I give your location an 11. I will be back. My only regret is that I don't commute to and from the city as often as I used to.
That being said, I had the pleasure of grabbing a martini this week at Cipriani Dolci, a small restaurant located on the west balcony level of Grand Central Terminal in the city. Cipriani Dolci describes itself as follows:
Opened in March of 2002, Dolci has fast created its very own Cipriani "scene" thanks to its chic ambience, attentive service and well-priced Venetian menu . . . Featuring a dramatic design by Arturo di Modica (sculptor of the Wall Street Bull), Cipriani Dolci® blends gracefully into the landmarked beauty of the magnificently restored Grand Central Terminal.
It was 8pm and the hustle and bustle of the city was just beginning to slow. Countless people were making their way home after a long day. A good friend and I, having missed our respective trains home, decided to spend the time awaiting the next train with a quick drink. From Cipriani Dolci, one oversees the main area of Grand Central Terminal and can spend immeasurable time people watching and staring at the restored constellations on the tremendous ceiling. The scene at Cipriani Dolci is surprisingly loud, with patrons not only competing with others, but with the public address system at Grand Central, to be heard.
Notwithstanding the chaotic scene, service was indeed prompt and attentive. I ordered my martini and within a minute a still bubble- and ice crystal- filled, incredibly cold drink with frosted glass arrived. My martini was clearly well shaken and fresh. The vodka was full-strength. The olives were especially tasty and were fresh, firm and unpitted.
As announcements of trains arriving and departing continued, I found myself sipping my drink, wondering how many people before me had sat in my very seat taking in the frenetic daily lives of New Yorkers. But alas, the scene ended too quickly as I found my glass empty - the martinis at Cipriani Dolci, while excellently made, are remarkably average in size.
Cipriani Dolci, I give your martini a 9.5 out of 10 (a larger portion would have warranted a 10), but I give your location an 11. I will be back. My only regret is that I don't commute to and from the city as often as I used to.
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