Getting (Martini) Cultured at The Raleigh
Contributed by on Jun 14, 2013
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If you've ever dropped by the iconic Raleigh Hotel on South Beach, there's a solid chance you've overlooked a door. In the lobby. To your left. And that makes sense. After all, there isn't really much in the way of signage. No burly guards. No velvet ropes. No fuss. No fanfare. Just a door.
Beyond it, a sliver of a space. One that harkens back to an older, glamourous heyday with its terrazzo floors, sumptuous red leather banquettes, warm wood-paneled bar and walls adorned with black and white photos of celebrities past. It's the Raleigh's Martini Bar . And Tuesdays, well, that's the day you'll want to make careful note of.
That's when this handsome space plays host to Martini Culture. From 7-9pm on Tuesday nights, a lively cast of characters filters through the space to pay homage to the archetypal cocktail. Along with the Martini Bar's resident bartender Trevor Alberts, each week features a different guest drink slinger from around the city with two of their own specialty martinis. Like Robert Ferrara of Swine with his English Rose cocktail (Plymouth Gin, Dolin Blanc Vermouth, Bittermens Burlesque Bitters, Rhubarb syrup, lemon, strawberries, egg white). And Ashley Danella of PB Steak with her play on the classic Martinez (Ransom Old Tom Gin, Cocchi Di Torino, Luxardo Maraschino, Bokers bitters).
Cushioning your glasses of gin and rye: a roster of savory snacks from the neighboring Restaurant Michael Schwartz. Homemade beef jerky, charred shishito peppers, oysters on the half shell with a charred onion-citrus mignonette. And of course, that Schwartzian staple: deviled eggs.
Drinks range from $12-$25, with snacks falling squarely between $5-$18. The Raleigh is located at 1775 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach.