Mixology Madness in Philadelphia

“BEFORE PROHIBITION, BARTENDERS WEREN’T JUST GUYS THAT GOT YOU A BEER OR POURED A SHOT. THEY WERE ARTISTS. FROM MASTERS OF THE PRE-PROHIBITION ERA LIKE JERRY THOMAS, HARRY JOHNSON, ADA COLEMAN, AND MANY MORE”.

After a semi-decent dinner at Supper Restaurant, it was time for a few bevy’s, in Philly’s underworld.  I know from being in the biz that every city has some place that the locals keep a dark secret.  Who would ever think that the best cocktails would be consumed in an establishment anyone would casually pass by on normal day!  There is nothing but a small black awning (built on basement level) that says The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company.

Greeted at the top of a stairwell by tall gentleman wearing a hand tailored black suit, trench coat, and top hat, I knew I was on to something good!  We discreetly waited for a few seats to open.  Their policy was no seat no entry.  The gentleman shared with me the philosophy of The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company, “Sir, you can not appreciate the time here without being able to sit down”.  (he stated so prim and proper).  Meanwhile, icicles forming on my earlobes and  body is shaking, but I was okay waiting once the tall man in the top hat shared the philosophy with me. And for better purposes I will call “Charles Dickens”.

Yes, alas free seats! “Mr. Dickens” asked, “Would you mind sitting at the bar sir?” – I wanted to yell out, “Guy, I am freezing my ass off out here, and of course I am more than happy to sit at the bar!”.  Instead I kindly replied, “Yes sir, that would be just fine, thank you”.

Escorted by Dickens to the bar, we were greeted by what became my new best friend of the the evening, Chauncey, from Nashville, TN.  She welcomes us in the most kind manner and opens a few menus. The titles of the categories were; required reading, easy going, the flowing bowl, rebellious spirits, I asked her for water and she gave me gasoline… I took a moment to think WHERE THE HELL AM I?

My first selection was called “Pathology of Devotion” from the rebellious spirits section.  The drink consisted of
GUYANESE AND JAMAICAN RUMS, COLIN’S MIX, ABSINTHE, FRESH ORANGE AND LIME JUICE SERVED ON CRUSHED ICE.  I watched Chauncey work her magic and carefully mix each and every item, double, triple, and quadruple tasting it to ensure it was perfect as she added each layer of flavor.  Sold, sold, sold!

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Domestic Dispute over cheese steaks continue in Philly (Pat’s vs. Geno’s)

On a prior trips to the City of Brotherly Love, I was preoccupied eating at the fine dining joints to actually make it to find out what all this banter was about. Often after dinner service I would meet a few local chef friends out for libations at their local watering hole. There was never a night where this topic of Pat’s vs. Geno’s did not come up!

What is going on here? Time to get to the bottom of this!

This 4minute video says it all- After this cheese steak bout, I have dinner reservations at  Supper Restaurant then off to Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company.

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