Cooking with Vodka

Floridita Moscow Now Open!

Well at long last...the Floridita Bar-Restaurant is open at 36 Arbat in Moscow. The food is great, the cocktails beat most anything you'll find anywhere in the Russian capital and the band (flown direct form Cuba) is hot. The summer terrace is open as well...and it is a very pleasant place to beat the heat this summer. And soon our Casa del Habanos will open with a humidor room, a second bar, small dance floor and members lounge. Judging by the crowds so far...it was all worth the effort (see my previous rant). Of course, that could just be the Cuban Spiced Martini talking. More vodka stuff coming soon, folks. I promise.

Floridita Moscow Opening Soon

I have advice for anyone thinking of opening a restaurant. Don’t. And for anyone thinking of opening a restaurant in Russia, you may as well run full speed into a brick wall. It will be less painful and you’ll have a greater sense of accomplishment. I’ve been involved in dozens of restaurant projects. But this will be my first in Moscow. Inspired by the original Hemingway watering hole and eatery in Havana, Cuba where the Daiquiri was invented, Floridita is already successful in London, Dublin and Madrid. It is true that the idea to open one in the Russian capital was mine. But I plead temporary insanity, your honor. This little restaurant/bar/night club/cigar shop with live music and kick-ass cocktails has so far survived inane Russian bureaucracy, corrupt and incompetent local partners, fire, flood and all manner of bribery, thievery and shenanigans (yes, it’s ok for an Italian/Portuguese American to say shenanigans) and death (our wonderful 29-year old chef had a heart attack, may he rest in peace). As I write this, my partners and I are just days away from opening Floridita on Arbat, Russia’s oldest and most visited pedestrian street. So please cross your fingers, say a prayer, rub the left hind foot of a graveyard rabbit killed in the dark of the moon, or anything else you think may send a little luck our way. And if you find yourself in Moscow anywhere near 36 Arbat, please look me up and say hello. In fact, if you mention that you read about Floridita at Vodka.Com…the staff will give you a quizzical look and pretend they don’t know what you are talking about.

A Reader Asks How Vodka Affects the Cooking Process

There are numerous ways vodka affects the cooking process.

In some recipes, vodka is used to achieve a chemical reaction in a dish. Vodka added to marinades, for example, can help break down tough fibers and tenderize meats. Vodka added to cheese and cream sauces lowers the boiling point to help prevent curdling. It is also very effectively used to deglaze pans during the cooking process in order to dissolve and impart alcohol-soluble flavor compounds to foods or sauces. And sometimes vodka may be added to provide a last minute burst of flavor, to complete the cooking process, or to enhance presentation – as in a flambé.

Thanks for the question.

Obscure Vodka Fact #6

Charka: an old Russian measure of liquids used for vodka retail sales beginning from the 16th century. A charka contained a single serving of vodka -- which initially contained 150 grams (about 5 ounces) of 40 proof vodka. In the 19th century, when vodka reached strengths of 80 to 90 Proof, a smaller serving of 70 grams (about 2.25 ounces), approximately half a charka, was approved.

Vodka Creamsicle

This drink tastes like the vanilla ice cream wrapped in orange sherbet treats I had when I was a kid. But this has a kick instead of a stick.

3 ounces orange juice
3 ounces Orange Peel Vodka (The Vodka Cookbook, p. 142 or orange-infused vodka)
1/2 ounce heavy cream

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds and strain into chilled martini glasses.
2. Garnish with orange wedges and serve.

Makes 2

(by John Rose, author of The Vodka Cookbook)

Happy Birthday Dad!

My Dad celebrates another birthday today. Since we share the same name he tells me he keeps a copy of The Vodka Cookbook lying around to impress the ladies. I'm not sure if it's working. But its ok by me. Happy birthday Dad - with love, John

Obscure Vodka Fact #5

The first recorded exports of Russian vodka were to Sweden in 1505.

DAS COOKBOOK

Once the Vodka Cookbook crosses the German border, guess what? It transforms itself into: Das Wodka Kochbuch. That's right! A German edition of The Vodka Cookbook is now available and I'm looking forwrd to hearing from German Vodka lovers about their favorite recipes and experiences.

SOMEONE’S IN THE KITCHEN WITH VODKA

I know, I know. I'm a bad boy for not keeping up with this blog. But so much vodka...so little time. Actually, I've had a lot on these past few months. But I will try harder to press on with more vodka recipes and more news about The Vodka Cookbook. Speaking of press, check out this review by Henley Vazquez in Stuff@Night back in my home town, Boston. Click here.

Fermented Fruit

Your average fruit cocktail is a bit of a let-down. Sure it has fruit. But where's the cocktail? I fixed that.