HPR’s First Annual Cocktail Showdown: The Boozie Awards

After a long month of sampling FM’s finest spirits, the results for HPR’s First Annual Cocktail Showdown are in. Bars and restaurants from around the area put forth their best efforts, but only a select few will receive a Boozie Award.

Best Cocktail

In this category, drinks are judged based on flavor, presentation, and creativity. The winners are:

1. First place was a tie between The Silver Moon’s Holiday Pear and the Bacon Bloody from Usher’s House.

The beauty of the Holiday Pear was its simplicity. Pear vodka, ginger ale, and a ginger cube was all it took to make one of the most delicious creations HPR had ever tasted. It could easily be a new classic to last throughout the ages.

The Silver Moon’s atmosphere (a classic take on the 1940s Silver Moon formerly in Moorhead) contributed all the more to how smooth the Holiday Pear went down.

The Bacon Bloody was a little more complex. It’s dangerous territory messing with an age-old classic like the Bloody Mary, but what we found at Usher’s was simply awe-inspiring.

They actually infuse vodka with bacon for this deliciously unkosher rendition of the Mary. Top that with smoked Gouda wrapped in prosciutto ham skewered alongside a strip of crispy bacon, a jalapeno ice cube to spice it up, and you have yourself a winning drink.

2. The HoDo’s Spanish Coffee.

Just when the weather was starting to get chilly, HoDo was heating up the competition. They wowed us with a pyrotechnics demonstration as they set fire to the glass vessel that would soon become a Spanish Coffee. Tasty, entertaining, and the HoDo’s Bohemian atmosphere. Need we say more?

3. Pumpkin Pie Martini (Prime Steakhouse - The Hub)
This was by far the most creative martini we saw throughout our testing ventures, and the most seasonally themed as well. The rim of the glass (pumpkin syrup, crushed graham cracker, and cinnamon sugar) emulated a pumpkin pie crust in appearance and flavor. Topped with whip cream, cinnamon sticks, and a couple pumpkin seeds for good measure, this martini most certainly lived up to its name.

4. Cork Passion (Fargo Cork & Cleaver)

Creating a fruity cocktail is a delicate business, one that requires balance and tact. Bartender Cody Lavelle succeeded with flying colors. The Cork is one of the oldest fine dining restaurants in the area, and their cocktail experience shows.

5. Chocolate-covered Raspberry Martini (Green Mill)

Aren’t martini names good at describing themselves? Bartender Matt Schumacher, who placed nationally in a Green Mill bartending competition, offered us two variations of the same drink, one with white chocolate, and one with dark. Both versions were sensational.
The only downfall of this martini is how incredibly well it masks the amount of liquor it contains…could be trouble.

Beer Selection

1. The Sidestreet

27 beers on tap, over 60 selections bottled. Sidestreet has selections ranging from Goose Island to Minnesota’s own Summit EPA. Even though they could win by the sheer size of their selection, the quality of that selection is what truly makes them winners.

2. WF Maxwell’s

Although their selection is not quite as extravagantly vast as Sidestreet’s, Maxwell’s more than compensates with individuality and flavor. They have Rogue Dead Guy Ale on tap, Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, Breckenridge, and a number of other HPR favorites. Even more striking were their exclusive beers. Saison Dupont and Delerium, among others, are definitely worth checking out.

3. Usher’s House

Usher’s has a grand selection, and the beauty of it is that the selection is constantly changing and evolving, creating a new experience every time you visit. Aside from the glory of being surprised by new beers, you can count on Usher’s to have a selection that is unique, exclusive, and damn delicious.

4. Three Lyons Pub

Yet another vast selection. They have unique labels like Finnegans (Three Lyons sells more Finnegans than any other FM bar), Kronenberg, and Old Speckled Hen. Overall, their selection’s flavor tends to steer toward the lighter side, although you can find a dark ale there nonetheless.

5. Granite City

Granite City has the advantage of being the only bar that offers microbrews made in-house. Their six original microwbrews are fantastic in flavor, and with a Mug Club Membership Card, you can get yourself cheap 64 oz. Growlers full of microwbrew and a number of other goodies.

Shots

1. Tequila Flight (Juano’s Latin Bar)

Juano’s Latin Bar has a remarkable tequila selection. We were noticing this spectacle of tequila bottles on their shelves when we walked in, and were ever so pleased when they offered us a flight of tequilas. They even make their own tequila infusions. If you think you know tequila, you haven’t tried anything until you’ve experienced the vastness of this selection.

2. Oatmeal Cookie (Passages Café - The Radisson)

A simple exploration of a classic, showing that sometimes you don’t have to make it new when you do it right. Like the ambient live jazz Passages provides, the Oatmeal Cookie was a mellow, low-key shot, yet still potent. Very tasty.

3. OB Fresh Squeezed Citrus Drop (Old Broadway)

We must note that the OB uses freshly squeezed citrus for their drinks. Any citrus cocktail or shot you’ve had before doesn’t compare to one made with freshly squeezed juice. Such a simple concept – quality ingredients.

4. Monkey Business (The Empire)

The Empire lived up to their shot reputation. Although only the Monkey Business won, we were even more impressed with how many original shots they offered. We tested seven shots, and they become more and more original and creative as the testing progressed.

5. Honey-Dew-Me (The Northern)

This was a very tasty shot. Whether or not you like honeydew, this is a shot for you. Not overpowering with its fruitiness, it is a very flavorful shot that still packs a punch.

Wine

1. The Winery

The perfect amount of selection, knowledge and presentation. For both novice and experienced wine drinkers, The Winery will have something new. They provided exotic to affordable wine options, all with professional presentation. From the origin of grapes and family vineyards to the stemware dilemma, your questions will be answered before you can even ask them.
2. WF Maxwell’s

Maxwell’s (formerly Littlefields) has a sterling reputation for wine selection, and their presentation does not disappoint. Truly an unforgettable experience.
3. Silver Spoon

The Silver Spoon has vast selections of wines from different regions with top-notch service. They have an array of reds to whites, and the choices range in regions to prices. The staff can tell you about the grape, the region, the vineyard, and then offer you food fit for a king or queen.

4. Monte’s

Monte’s consistently has a selection of great wines. Even more consistent is their impeccable taste and knowledge. Their wine board is a necessary guide for a fine wine experience. Mr. Hanson’s presentation left no doubt in our minds that Monte’s has one of the best wine selections in town.

5. Sarello’s

Sarello’s offers some of the finest and most original wines judged from the Wine Spectator list. If you want to wet your lips with a gorgeous zinfandel or bold cabernet, this is a necessary stop.

Dessert Drinks

1. Banana Split Martini (Passages Café at the Radisson)

Yet another treat from the Radisson—as much fun to eat as it is to drink. It comes garnished with a generous portion of banana, cherry, pineapple, and raspberry sauce. It should almost come with a spoon.

2. Karmel Sutra (WF Maxwell’s)

Made with a delicate blend of many fine liqueurs, its taste is more arousing than its name. Chad, the bartender, might have mentioned something about making it up on the spot. Should this be the case, our hats off to him for a stroke of genius.
3. Blue Moon (Silver Moon)

This Blue Moon, unlike the beer, is a Silver Moon original. Champagne sweetened and strengthened by Blue UV Vodka, with a cherry for good measure. How could you go wrong?

4. Cherry Mr. Misty (The Northern)

A slushy for grownups. It tastes identical to a DQ. Mr. Misty with a little extra punch for us big kids. Instant nostalgia and pure flavor make this one a winner.
5. Orange Push Up (Knickerbocker Liquor Locker)

Along the same theme as the Cherry Mr. Misty, this shot perfectly represents an Orange Push Up turned adult beverage. Who could forget the push up wrappers with Scooby-Doo on them? It’s a perfect way to celebrate the fact that you can still smoke cigarettes at the Knickerbocker Liquor Locker.

Interesting Drink Names

Rather than go into detail, we’ll let the names do the talkin’ on this one.
1. Lindsay Lohan—a Red-Headed Slut with some Coke in it (The Northern)

2. Honey-Dew-Me (The Northern)

3. Piss Off Limey Bastard (Dempsey’s)

4. Blue Balls on the Rocks (Teamsters)

5. Knicker Knocker (Knickerbocker Liquor Locker)

Points of Interest

At Vintner’s Cellar you can taste all of the wines for free before buying, and better yet, you can make your own wine with specialized label included. The selection of wines ranges from cranberry apple to fireside red similar to a port meaning you can purchase wine for even the pickiest palettes.

Silver Spoon has a quaint home feel. Immediately upon entering we were greeted by the kindest staff, and we all agreed it felt like visiting a charming friend’s home. With a vast wine selection only outdone by a larger menu, we were pleasantly surprised.

Speak Easy was another surprise for us. The bartender Mark razzle dazzled us with fountain-poured martinis and flaming Italian lemon drop shots. We thought the 1920’s guide to slang was the bee’s knees. Thank God prohibition is said and done, but the Speak Easy remembers it fondly.

The newly opened Silver Moon was a lavish treat with water walls and champagne cocktails. This restaurant is a classic take on the 1940s Silver Moon formerly in Moorhead. You almost expect Frank Sinatra’s ghost to sing you a tune at the grand piano in the dining room.

The Hub was a great entertainment destination with anything and everything you’d desire under one roof. Want a sophisticated autumn martini? Try Prime; shotgun a Red Bull with liquor? Hit the Cadillac Ranch; celebrating a Bison victory? Go green and gold domino shots in the Hub Club. We were graciously taken around to try specialty drinks and given insight and inspiration into their creation.

Sarello’s is always a treat with fine wine and experienced staff you can’t go wrong. There’s no better way to start a weekend than an excellent Friday lunch and gorgeous wine flight.

Sidestreet is exceptional with over 27 beers on tap and over 60 bottles we were at odds making decisions. Thankfully the bartenders happily poured, shook, and mixed some tasty treats. Just ask a bartender their specialty or favorite, and you’re sure to find satisfaction.

Teamsters was good plain fun. There’s typically a rowdy crowd of spirited drinkers jamming out to karaoke or just having fun in this spacious bar. We enjoyed the highly alcoholic, affordable drinks inspired by one sexual innuendo after another. Lip opener, anyone?

JC Chumley’s self proclaimed neighborhood Cheers bar is just that: friendly and familiar. They’ve got one of the best barmaids in town who’s been pouring drafts since the draft.

Rooters not only served us killer Bloody Mary’s, always on special Saturdays from 10am to 4pm, but they also feature the classic Rooter’s Root beer. This famous Root beer has tickled taste buds since they originally opened their doors. A downtown classic.

The High Plains Reader wishes to thank all participating bars and restaurants for being so generous with their time, tenacity, fervor and liquor.

This was our first time hosting the competition, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the tremendous effort and astounding creations of the talented and hard-working professionals in the trade. We couldn’t have been more impressed.