Few Neapolitan restaurants have earned the staying power that Noodles Italian Café and Sushi Bar has, even during those steamy summer months. Locally owned and operated since 1991, the restaurant pairs two concepts not wholly unique, but definitely interesting bedfellows—Italian and sushi, for one of the most diverse menus in town.
But being a scene maker doesn’t mean you can sit back and rest on your laurels. Part of what makes Noodles such a dynamic and popular place is its dedication to serving the community, local and abroad, not just with great bites but a place to congregate for special events. And one of Noodles’ most happening events is Celebrity Bartender Night. The concept is simple: bring in a few local celebrities/scene makers, stick them behind the bar and let the mayhem ensue, all for a good cause.
For this installment of guest bartending, hosts Frank Duggan, III of Coldwell Banker and Nannette Staropoli of MARKIT Group will be slinging drinks to raise funds for the American Red Cross and The One Fund to help aid victims of the Boston Marathon Bombings in their recovery and rehabilitation. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to these two charities in Boston Proud solidarity.
- The event runs from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, with a suggested donation of $20 at the door. Each guest, of age, will receive a drink ticket for the event and buffet style bites.
These events are always a good time, not just because of the cause behind the spectacle, but because the guest bartenders are usually quite amateurish in their ability, so a little stump the bartender is always good fun. Here are a few drinks that are simple in makeup but have some rather difficult names for you to order at Noodles this Thursday. Enjoy!
The Gibson is a classic, and supremely simple to make. But sometimes simplicity, and a name that conveys nothing of a cocktail, can be quite difficult for the novice. If they get stumped on this ditty, tell them is stirred, not shaken.
The Gibson
- 2 oz. gin
- ½ oz. dry vermouth
- Pickled onion
Combine ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Stir well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
The Cuba Libre may sound exotic, but it is probably the simplest cocktail to make. For anyone who has been to Casa Bacardi, the distillery in San Juan, Puerto Rico, knows the history:
During the Spanish-American War, a group of Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders were enjoying a few cocktails at a local Havana watering hole. A captain ordered up a drink of Bacardi Gold, Coca-Cola and a lime wedge, which he enjoyed greatly, spurring others to join in the fun. After a few rounds and newly forged friendships, a toast, Por Cuba Libre!, rang out in celebration. The name stuck and the rest, as they say, is history.
For this cocktail, there are only three necessary ingredients: Bacardi Gold, Coca-Cola and a lime wedge. If they attempt to pour something different, gently correct the mistake.
Cuba Libre
- 1 part Bacardi Gold
- 3 parts Coca-Cola
- 2 lime wedges
In a highball glass filled with ice, squeeze and drop in lime wedge. Pour in Bacardi and coke. Garnish with lime wedge.
*Image courtesy of Bacardi.
The Traditional Daiquiri has a deep tradition, dating beyond Papa himself, Ernest Hemingway, again to Cuba and the Spanish-American War. Created by an American engineer at a beach bar called Daiquiri near Santiago, the simple rum cocktail has become one of the most popular and misconstrued cocktails around. The traditional daiquiri is not blended, filled with strawberries or diluted with scoops of ice. Instead it is a simple, balanced drink consisting of just rum, lime juice and simple syrup. Order this up on Thursday and you’re bound to see a look of panic as they picture blenders, prepared fruit and a great big mess.
The Traditional Daiquiri
- 2 oz. silver rum
- 1 oz. fresh lime juice
- ¾ oz. simple syrup
Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and train into a coupe glass (cocktail glass will work in a pinch) without ice.
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