After a rather filling BBQ dinner, my friends and I needed a drink; something we cold sip and enjoy, not just throw down, so to speak. I had heard that a high end cocktail bar specializing in absinthe and oysters had opened up a little while ago and tonight was the perfect time to finally head over and try it out.
Maison Premiere has a fairly extensive drink menu that includes two dozen plus absinthes from all over North America and Europe to choose from, along with beer, wine, liquor, cocktails, and juleps.
The bar itself is oval shaped and takes up about a one-third of Maison's space. Within the oval bar is a draft beer fountain and a special water drip fountain for making the Absinthe (you drip cold water over sugar cubes sitting on a slotted spoon) cocktails. There are a number of stools along the walls and tables and chairs to sit down, sip your drinks and enjoy some oysters from their 30+ selection if you so desire.
I was joined by two researchers with advanced degree's in "drinkology." Please note they both have experienced Absinthe before while, oddly enough, it was my first time. I decided to ease in to the demonic green liquor by going with a cocktail, the Movable Feast. It was composed of Bols Genever, rum, absinthe, and bitters. It was great and best sipped to really enjoy all the flavors. The Absinthe Julep turned out to very good, as well as were the other absinthe cocktails we tried.
Maison Premiere has a Happy Hour on weekdays that goes from 4-7 p.m. Even during their Happy Hour you can choose from 20 different oysters for $1.00 each! It's one thing to have oysters for $1.00 a piece, but to be able to choose from 20?!? I'll be back - sooner rather then later.
Maison Premiere: 298 Bedford Avenue
