I usually write my blogs first thing in the morning, but after my visit to La Condesa I couldn't help but rush home and put my thoughts to...um paper...computer!

So, I needed to grab a quick bite before hitting the grocery store for dinner supplies. And, as in typical fashion...I like to make my meals count. Meaning, if it's not worth putting in my body, then I'd rather starve! So, it was a bit out of the way to drive down to 2nd street, but I wanted to SIT at the BAR at La Condesa. Upon arrival, the bartender was super friendly and we hit it off right away. I asked him about their bloody mary mix...turns out they make it from scratch with lots of different herbs and spices. So, I ordered one up...but let's use El Jimador tequila instead and make it a Bloody Maria. Yummy! Very nice smokey flavor, with a hint of spice...and oh my, the tequila was terrific!

Brunch was an amazing smoked salmon benedict type dish with a chili hollandaise sauce. I usually always order the special at La Condesa just because chef always creates something unique and incredibly fresh.

Turns out our bartender, Cesar G. Aguilar, is a mixologist. So I started to pepper him with questions. As I prepare for another KXAN spot on February 6th featuring Valentines Day Cocktails, I asked him about the idea of a chocolate blueberry martini...one of my favorite chocolate bars is studded with dried blueberries...so why not a drink!
We started talking about ratios and proportions and fresh fruit vs. flavored vodka. He and I both agreed that Stolichnaya has such great flavored vodka, that it would be smart to try it with their blueberi first. Also, sometimes fresh fruit isn't always the same level of sweetness...okay, so i'm gonna stick with the flavored vodka...I will use girls night to create this blueberry chocolate martini of which we spoke.

Then he asked if I wanted to taste the valentines day cocktail HE created. But of course!
1 part Chambord
1 part Stoli Razberi
2 parts Irish Cream Liqueur (he used Coole Swan, but you could use Baileys)
shake, shake, shake
serve up
garnish with a rose pedal & orange zest

Wowee! I don't even usually like these types of creamy drinks, but it was so "gulp-able"! Upon bringing the drink to your lips, the orange zest hits your nose and prepares your palate for the richness of the drink. It has great balance and was so simple. A definite crowd pleaser. We were talking names and he came up with the Corazon...again, pretty simple. That's Cesar's philosophy anyway...keep it simple. He has been mixing for a long time and has landed at La Condesa as of about 4 months ago...and he is totally worth going to see. I watched him make some other great drinks for folks at the other end of the bar...he was knowledgeable AND really nice-which is refreshing. We had so much fun talking drinks...it took me about 30 minutes to eat my brunch! I was so pleasantly surprised by the venture to SIT at the BAR...it's gonna be hard to top this experience.

Be warned that the Corazon is not officially on the menu...well, at least not yet. But, I am sure if you go see Cesar he will shake you up...i mean shake one up for YOU! ;)