The Dude returns to The Capri Theatre Thursday September 18th. We're celebrating with White Russians, bowling, prizes, White Russians and fancy dress.
Party starts at 5pm at Leroy Lounge. Film at The Capri at 7:30pm.
In case you haven’t heard, college football season is upon us. Awesome weather, passionate pom-pom shaking, cookouts, and tailgates galore. I really can’t wait to see what this Fall brings us. A few of us here at the restaurant were discussing our favorite tailgate treats recently, and I started thinking about what the heck are we going to be drinking this year. Of course, there’s always room for craft beers in the cooler, and maybe a few more not-so-craft beers for those marathon tailgating days. It’s in my job description however, to think about how we can toast our favorite teams and consume good beverage in style and with ease.
Here are a few things that I have come across recently that should help us out. Some items are listed because they make for great, easy game-day cocktails, and others are listed because they are just damn good. Trust me on this, the Dewars, Titos, Mich Ultra, and Tanquerays are tired.
Buffalo Rock Ginger Ale: Awesome, distinctive packaging, and an Alabama classic this ginger ale makes a killer alternative to a Moscow Mule. If vodka isn’t your thing then try it with bourbon. Its big, bold spice can pair with even the lowliest whiskeys.
Jack Rudy Tonic: This stuff will spoil you. Go throw away all of the dusty bottles of Schweppes Tonic in your liquor cabinet and clear room for Jack Rudy! This amazing tonic is bright and floral, true to what tonic is supposed to be. Just add a splash of your favorite sparkling water to an ounce of this stuff...Jam!
27 Springs Gin: Yeah, you could use your boring ol’ vodka or gin to go with that kickass tonic mentioned above, but why ruin a good thing. How about making a little effort and grabbing a bottle of this stuff from High Ridge Spirits. It’s the best gin I’ve seen all Summer and sure to blow you away. Not to mention it’s practically made in our backyard. Easily mixed on any truck tailgate, two ounces of gin, one ounce of Jack Rudy, a splash of soda...heck, just eyeball it.
Reyka Vodka: Like I said earlier about the tonic, why ruin it with mediocre, blasé vodka. This stuff from Iceland has character, without the price tag. Mineral driven, and incredibly smooth, it does great with anything. It is just vodka after all. Use this in combination with the Buffalo Rock and a lime for a kick on the Moscow Mule, or with the Jack Rudy.
2012 Big Table Farm Willamette Valley Pinot Noir: Yeah, we are going to need some wine. Think about what your probably going to be eating, some killer BBQ or just about anything grilled. This spectacular Oregon pinot does everything. Great red fruit aromas, a little spice and earth on the palate makes for a perfect pre-game vino. Open this on one of those cooler, late game evenings.
Angel’s Envy Bourbon: Don’t let the name fool you, this stuff made it to the list for a reason. When the moment comes for the perfect whiskey drink with a couple of rocks, this is it. Like I mentioned before, it’s all about character. Angel’s Envy is finished in ruby port casks, producing a well balanced, rich and round sip of bourbon.
Bulleit 10: Speaking of character, this bourbon right here is excellent for the price. Just like its younger brother, the 10 offers great oaky spice, followed by a really interesting tropical/floral/fruit finish. Yeah, I said fruit when talking about bourbon. Don’t go running back to your Jim Beam just yet, give it a taste and expand your palate a little.
Will Abner is the sommelier and supreme bartender at SpringHouse on Lake Martin. You can catch up with him there, and even in Garden & Gun these days. But always at MADE Paper.
“We Talkin’ About Practice”
Alabama’s home opener against Florida Atlantic, a team hopelessly overmatched, was more glorified practice than game, but the Crimson Tide welcomed the opportunity to make like a college freshman and do a little experimenting, not before building a comfortable lead of course, which didn’t take long.
In the first quarter, starting quarterback Blake Sims got the Tide rolling early, leading three consecutive touchdown drives in the first quarter. After a series of wide receiver screens, Sims ran for a 7-yard score, on the next possession Sims tossed a screen to Amari Cooper, which he took 52 yards for another score, then late in the first quarter the screen pass struck again this time to Kenyan Drake which he took 39 yards to make it 21-0. Sims looked sharp early completing eight of his first nine passes, but like last week Sims never threw a pass further than 10 yards, something that will have to change once SEC play starts.
In the second quarter with the game pretty much in hand, Alabama provided fans with the long awaited debut of Florida State transfer quarterback Jacob Coker (6-4/230 lbs). Early on, Coker looked nervous, he was having trouble getting plays from the sideline, couldn’t connect on simple throws, and missed wide-open receivers. As Coker came off the field after his miscues resulted in Alabama having to settle for a field goal, he was met by Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin who told him, “don’t make us kick another field goal against these guys, its embarrassing.” Needless to say the next drive resulted in a touchdown, a pass from Coker to Jalston “Nudie” Fowler.
However, just before half-time Coker made a mistake that prompted Coach Saban to give the fans his best Steve Spurrier impersination. With 0:08 left on the clock and the ball at the Florida Atlantic 4 yard line, Alabama decided to run a quick pass to try and get one more touchdown before the half, but if the pass sailed incomplete they could at-least get 3 points with a field goal, all Coker had to do was (1) not let the time runoff the clock and (2) not get tackled, well, he did both. The blunder prompted Coach Saban to give fans his best Steve Spurrier impersination, with one of the better headset throws I’ve ever seen followed by the adult version of WTF.
In the second half, Sims continued to look sharp and seems to be becoming pretty skilled at managing what looks to be a run & shoot offense similar to what the San Francisco 49’ers ran in the mid-late 1980’s with Amari Cooper playing the role of Jerry Rice and TJ Yeldon giving his best Roger Craig impression. Although not as sharp as Sims, Coker showed fans why his arrival was so welcomed with some nicely thrown passes well over 40 yards.
The star of the day however was once again Amari Cooper, who caught a school record 13 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown. Amari is on pace for a special season, and needs just 866 yards receiving to become Alabama’s all-time receiving leader.
On defense, the Tide welcomed back middle linebacker Trey DePreist and cornerback Eddie Jackson. Trey and Eddie’s returns seemed to be just what the doctor ordered. There were few if any miscues on defense and players seemed to be able to get into position much quicker. Its hard to tell how much the defense improved due to how bad Florida Atlantic was, but having Trey and Eddie back was certainly welcomed.
With plenty of room to improve, Alabama will no doubt welcome another tune-up game next week against Southern Mississippi before Florida Gators head to Tuscaloosa on September 20th.
The Alabamist