November 5, 2011
"The American Cocktail" Chronicles Creative Bartending
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 2 MIN.
CAMDEN, Maine - Imbibe Magazine's first cocktail book, "The American Cocktail," includes the award-winning Camden Hike created by bartender Tom Laslavic from Natalie's, Camden Harbour Inn, Camden. "Camden Hike" earned People's Choice Best Cocktail at the kick off event to Maine Restaurant Week in March 2010.
Laslavic's cocktail creation was inspired by the flavors of a Maine summer day in midcoast Maine. The drink features a sweet and tart blend of Cold River Vodka, lemon, blueberry puree, blackberry puree, Cr�me de Cassis, Honey Syrup and Club Soda.
Karen Foley, founder and publisher of Imbibe Magazine, said, "In compiling the recipes for "The American Cocktail," we looked for a cross-section of bartenders who represent the creativity and diversity of American cocktail culture, both in the ingredients they use and the regional spirit their recipes embody. The Camden Hike is the perfect example of a cocktail that showcases regional flavors in a way that gives you a true taste of Maine, and that's what we hope all of the recipes in our book accomplish."
"The American Cocktail" will be available in bookstores across the country beginning October 19. The 50 cocktail recipes featured in The American Cocktail come from some of the most talented bartenders across the country and feature regionally produced spirits, sodas, fruits and herbs.
"It's very exciting to see my cocktail featured alongside a selection of extraordinary cocktails from across the country," said Laslavic. "I enjoy creating new cocktails, and have a cocktail menu that features a wide range of my own creations. It's great to have my work validated by having a recipe featured in a cocktail book created by Imbibe."
Laslavic is a member of the US Bartenders Guild and manages the bar at Natalie's, Camden Harbour Inn.
The American Cocktail will be available in bookstores across the country beginning October 19. The 50 cocktail recipes featured in The American Cocktail come from some of the most talented bartenders across the country and feature regionally produced spirits, sodas, fruits and herbs.
The nationally acclaimed Camden Harbour Inn consistently receives praise from publications such as Departures, Travel & Leisure, National Geographic Traveler, Yankee Magazine and Dispatches for its world-class service and amenities and unparalleled views. Awarded among "51 favorite splurges in the world" by Sherman's Travel, the Inn attracts an upscale clientele who return often to experience one of New England's most tranquil, inspired and treasured settings.
The Inn's on-premise restaurant, Natalie's, has been called the finest gourmet eatery in Maine and was awarded Best French Restaurant in New England by opentable.com. Executive Chef Geoffroy Deconinck was nominated by Food & Wine for People's Best New Chef Award 2011. Natalie's offers Modern French cuisine with an emphasis on Maine seafood. The Wine Spectator-honored wine list features more than 250 specialty wines. The restaurant serves a four course Lobster Tasting menu in the summer and fall, in addition to extensive a la carte offerings and a Chef's Tasting menu.
The Inn and Natalie's have both earned the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award and the Inn is a member of Cond� Nast Johansens.
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
