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| - We took my daughter here to celebrate her 21st birthday. When we pulled up outside, she sneered - actually sneered - and said, "This is it? This is what I got dressed up for?" And we just grinned with glee.
From the outside, the VTR is the most unassuming hole-in-the-wall. But that fact simply adds to its speakeasy atmosphere. All the magic is inside, as my daughter quickly learned.
We were greeted by name, and ushered to a cozy spot by the fireplace. And then the drink ordering began.
You wil never hear the sound of a blender at the VTR. All the drinks are made by hand, including the sours with their frothy, egg white foam. Juices are hand-squeezed on the spot. Their own wine reductions substitute for vermouth. And everything - everything - is delicious.
The menu is updated as the owner, Paulius, perfects new versions of great classics. Of late, the additions have focused on spicy, savory drinks like the Aviation and the Spicy Chica. There are plenty of delicious choices for those who prefer a sweeter drink, including the amazing Apricot and Apple Brandy Sours.
And if it's not on the menu? Just ask. The last time we were there one of our compatriots asked for a Mojito, to the groans of the rest of us. What we didn't realize, until her drink arrived and we all had a taste, is that the Mojito has suffered under appalling disservice in its newfound popularity - the VTR version was deliciously balanced, not overly sweet, and amazing.
Which reminds me - the best way to experience the VTR is to go with a group of good friends and be prepared to pass drinks around so everyone gets a taste. That way you can "cover the bingo card" to best effect without completely breaking your pocketbook - the drinks here are not cheap, but the quality of ingredients and the care in preparation makes them completely worth the price.
As for my daughter? Her sneer was replaced with a continual smile and she loved the evening. The next spring she brought her boyfriend halfway across the country just so he could experience it. She adored it with the same love that we have for it, and pronounced it the "Disney World of Drinks."
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