Luckyrice Recap: Asian Inspiration in the World of Cocktails

May 4, 2010 4:34 pm

Luckyrice Recap: Asian Inspiration in the World of Cocktails

This past weekends first annual LUCKYRICE went off without the slightest hitch. As someone who is not accustomed to fancy dress parties or overflows of cocktails, I was thrilled at being invited to the Opening Night Cocktail Party.

Hosted by Kelly Choi and some of some of New York's best bars (including my favorite, Dutch Kills), the Bowery Hotel was packed to the brim with elegantly dressed party goers and tons of lovingly created cocktails. Upon entering, I was impressed with the space; large and beautifully lit, the Bowery Hotel boasted an exotic Asian flare. Tip: Go early to any cocktail event! The powers that be encourage fashionable lateness, but you won't get to try all of the concoctions if you arrive halfway through the festivities.

Like a grown-up kid in a booze laden candy store, I tottled around striking up conversations with mixologists from Bar Pleiades and Pegu Club and consumed more sake than I could have imagined. My favorite cocktail was the White Cosmopolitan by Xavier Herit of Daniel: in the middle of the glass was an orchid encased in entirely in ice! The drink itself was masterful, to be sure, and was one of the many amazing drinks I tired throughout the evening. Trick: When attending a cocktail tasting party, bring a friend with you. You can split drinks to make sure you try every one without getting sick!

Upon leaving, my guest and I were handed our own Zagat guides emblazoned with the LUCKYRICE logo. Quite the end to an amazing evening!

If you're looking to experience more LUCKYRICE after the official festival has ended, please check out their restaurant and bar week, which is running until May 10th!