If you haven’t tried Au Cheval yet it is a definite go to! Walking in on Saturday during brunch hours I was prepared for chaos. Although Au Cheval was whirling, it had a nice mellow feel with a comfortable atmosphere. I plopped down on a cushy barstool and perused the back bar. Ah! Redemption Rye. Excellent. I love rye whiskey. Redemption is made in small batches, allowing for a longer barrel aging (over 2 years). To be considered a “rye” whiskey it must be made from a mash of at least 51%. The Redemption Rye uses a mash of 95% premium rye grain. It has an awesome spicy flavor. It’s like biting into a loaf of fresh homemade rye bread.
Au Cheval’s beverage director Joe Darling was behind the bar. I asked him to make me something tasty with the Redemption Rye and he delivered. In fact, he delivered over and over again…..but that’s another story. Joe mixed up a “Riff On A Scofflaw” consisting of Redemption Rye, Grenadine, Cocchi Americano, Lemon Juice and a dash of bitters. I can still taste that pungent grainy rye with a nice tart, sweet and slight bitter finish that the lemon and Cocchi Americano added. My new favorite rye cocktail!
Au Cheval not only offers a creative cocktail menu and craftbeer list but also an insane tasting – heavy on the pork food menu that will comfort you on any cold winter day. The music playing is unique as well. Darling’s favorite thing at Au Cheval is the library of Reel-to Reel tapes mixing right along with him.
hours: Open: Sundays: Brunch 10am-3pm, Dinner 5pm-1am (full menu until midnight) Monday through Thursday: 5pm-2am (full menu until midnight, late night menu 12am-1am) Friday: Lunch 11am-3pm, Dinner 5pm-2am (full menu until midnight, late night menu 12am-1am) Saturday: Brunch 11am-3pm, Dinner 5pm-2am (full menu until midnight, late night menu 12am-1am)
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