A while ago I wrote a piece about
my efforts to find the best margarita in Hamra. At the time Colon ranked first
by a distance, followed by Dany’s.
However, it’s time I posted a
brief update.
Over the last couple of weeks I
have retested the offerings at both Dany’s and Bricks (all in the name of
social research, I assure you) and have to alter my findings.
Dany’s – At Dany’s there is a
certain bartender by the name of Jean. Beyond being an all-round good guy, Jean
also mixes a mean margarita. Pretty much spot-on. Provided that Jean is on the
bar, Dany’s margarita’s are almost a match for those of Colon.
Bricks – A margarita appears to
be a very personal experience. As with Dany’s a certain talented individual can
make all the difference. Appalled at my description of the Bricks margarita in
my previous post the manager, Jose, took up the challenge. The result? A unique
take on the traditional margarita, made with a touch of lemon and a
refreshingly different approach to the old classic. Definitely worth a try.
Again, ask for Jose.
And now an out-of-Hamra (shock
horror) margarita joins the mix:
Carlito’s (Antelias) - Now, I
must admit to a certain bias here as my brother-in-law was the bartender in
question.
However, Carlito’s (part-owned by
the guy who managed Monet’s Pacifico back in the day when it did the best mixed
drinks in town – as an aside, a few of the bartenders at Kayan are graduates of
the Pacifico school overseen by this guy) margarita was quite exceptional.
Simply blended, a mix of sweet and sour, not too much salt, it was a great
example of what an extraordinarily simple mixed drink can be if done well.
-
As Carlito’s isn’t a Hamra bar,
the league table stands as follows:
Colon –
Nadim still rules the roost
Dany’s –
Provided Jean’s on the bar (Carlito’s would slot in at joint second place)
Bricks – Try
out Jose’s alternative blend
Ferdinand /
Neighbours – This blog is not responsible for any injuries that occur while
sampling margaritas at either establishment
The verdict so far – If you’re
looking for a margarita in Hamra, speak to Nadim, an easy-going guy and a
talented mixer.
