Three is the Magic Number

Bar Louie in River North recently hosted a three martini luncheon to spotlight National Martini Day and is running a month long celebration at the venue. Internationally known spirits historian Dale Degroff was onhand to answer questions and describe his martini recipes.

Dale's second chance martini mixed gin with vodka, adding dry vermouth and Lillet Blanc. This was paired with roasted vegetabel flatbread, pot stickers, and caesar sala.

The second course paired the Knickerbocker martini containing gin, vermouth and bitters to a choice of lunch entree. The parmesan blue cheese burger was mouth watering and showed the high quality of food offered.

For dessert the Martinez martini was delicious with the key lime shiner. The strawberries and cake combined well with the lemon zest in the gin based martini.

Three martini lunches have a history in the '50s and '60s and should now be brought back into style. These martinis could be habit forming.

Visit www.barlouie.com for more on locations and information.