Plenty of places can make great cocktails these days, but when it comes to presentation nobody comes close to Chicago's The Aviary. Grant Achatz's cocktail lounge is like the Cirque du Soleil of bars, and its custom glassware makes every drink look at least 20 percent cooler. And now the rest of us will be able to get our hands on some of our own.
Of all the eye-catching serveware at The Aviary, the one that stands out the most is probably the Porthole, a flat, clear, teapotlike flask designed for infusions. Arrange it full of whole flowers, fruit, herbs, spices, or whatever, then fill it with the spirit or spirits of your choice for a cocktail that's almost too pretty to drink. (I'm just kidding; drink it. You can make another.)
Martin Kastner of Chicago's Crucial Detail — who designs glassware for Alinea, Aviary, and Next — said they've been working to adapt the Porthole for production for the rest of us. The first manufacturing steps start this week, and Kastner said he estimates the process will take 14 weeks to complete, so the Porthole is expected to ship in October, which puts it right at the top of my personal Christmas list.
According to Kastner, the production run will be funded via Kickstarter. The campaign is planned to launch in early July, and the first hundred backers will receive the Porthole for $75. The second hundred backers will be able to buy it for $85. After that, backers will be able to order them for the regular price of $95. Customers in Europe will be able to get Portholes for €95, including VAT and delivery.
For more information, check out Crucial Detail.
(Images: Crucial Detail, The Aviary)
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a campaign, really NO THANK YOU
Presumably she's about two minutes away from announcing "Here's your Pansy Martini, sir."
Ugh to the snobby tone and ugh to the skull choker. Just ugh.
This is the latest example of the a funky shaped martini glass. These are too gimmicky.
I don't drink, so these aren't something I would be likely to get, although I guess infusions can be flavored vinegars and oils, too, so maybe...
I do think they look amazing. But how do you get the fruit et al in and, more importantly, OUT?
As for Kickstarter, I've heard good things about it...
The Crucial Detail site has some interesting items but this flask/infuser thingy is just trying too hard. While it's fun to do something new with presentation, my greatest interest is whether my drink tastes good, not the glassware.
"After that, backers will be able to order them for the regular price of $95." Is that supposed to be an incentive?
I've been to The Aviary and my friend bought the drink they served in this. It is quite an experience and it is visually stimulating. As the ingredients infuse at the table, the flavors change, so it's almost like having a different cocktail with every pour.
Maybe it's something you need to experience to appreciate. Though I haven't dined at Alinea and Next is next to impossible to get into, as someone in the industry I understand his vision and creativity. I really like his tableware and wish I had access and funding to create plates for my desserts.
@SherryBinNH : I'm guessing you lay it on its side, unscrew the screw in that central post, and lift off one of the glass sides. Looks like there's a black rubber gasket to create a seal when you screw it back on.
"Arg, new things are all fandangled and snobbish! Arg,I haven't had the drink but it must be more about presentation than taste! Arg that JEWELRY, why can't they dress their servers in a way I personally approve of? Where's my cane so I can wave it about in general disapproval?"
I don't have a drink often (maybe three times a year?), so when I do I like it to be an entire experience. These are beautifully presented and I'd hope that they're not breaking the bank on expensive handmade glassware just to chuck froofy looking swill inside. Yay for taking a chance on heightened aesthetic.
LOL @TheWintering -- I like a little cane waving when I'm not busy rapping someone's shoulder with my fan. But if one's reaction to that drink were "It's more about the taste than the presentation," can you imagine how amazing it would have to taste?
At least 20% cooler, eh? Please, please tell me a Brony wrote that statement.