Get Your Drink On: The Residence
Open just about two weeks, The Residence looks like a cushier version of its predecessor, Amber. The couches in the lounge area have been replaced; red (pleather?) stools populate the bar. Rattan chairs and potted palms in the back corner create a homey reminiscence of Havana, like a room that didn't make the cut at Le Colonial.
C. Alburger The back room: Not ready for Le Colonial?
Bartender Shady Muleady told us much of the clientele at smoker-friendly Amber quit the bar when they kicked cigs. She said many have resurfaced with applause for the newly smoke-free interior.
Menu themes are due to change monthly, give or take, mirroring the latest "travels" of its fictitious owner, Mr. Goodbarr. They'll reflect one country ― Austria, say, or Argentina ― with a specialty drink and wine focus (cocktails range from $7 to $9). For now, the menu skips from New Zealand (Maori Martini) to Louisiana (The French Quarter) to Korea (Surviving Seoul). "We're trying to gauge what people like," says Muleady.
So far the True Manhattan (Russels' reserve six-year rye, Carpano Antica vermouth, bitters) and Tokyo Schoolgirl (sparkling sake, St. Germain liqueur, yuzu juice) have been crowd favorites. We tried the Jalisco En Fuego, comprised almost entirely of Azul silver tequila and Canton ginger liquer with a scattering of chile flakes and a squeeze of lemon. The chile infused further into the drink as we sipped, giving the last gulp a warming wallop.
There are plans for boozy ice cream and coffee events. Hopefully we'll catch wind of the latest before Mr. Goodbarr gets back from his latest "trip."
The Residence 718 14th St. (at Church), 797-8866
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