The Liquid Muse

Making New Bartender Friends at Hotel Palomar

I love staying at the Hotel Palomar in Washington DC. In addition to being part of the eco-friendly Kimpton Group, Palomar is spacious and stylishly decorated, and rooms have jacuzzi bathtubs and leopard print fuzzy robes, giving it hipster spa appeal. (Some even have treadmills right in the room! No more excuses!) They also have free coffee / tea in the lobby each morning and wine hour in the evenings. Just like home but cooler.

However, the main attraction at the Palomar, as far as I'm concerned is its restaurant / lounge, Urbana. Sleek and inviting, the food is kissed with Mediterranean inspiration. (Try the white asparagus wrapped in proscuitto off the "small plates" menu!) And, the cocktail menu is filled with fun must-try's. I really enjoyed the Pampero Venezuelan rum cocktail made with orange flavored modifiers. My new pal Roberto made it - and it was delicious!

Roberto is orginially from Mexico DF and he has lived in DC for about 10 years. He finished his ESL (English as a Second Language) courses and is now considering college. I admire someone who has the guts to go to another country, work his butt off and sets goals for himself. And, I appreciate that kind of person having such a great, friendly attitude behind the bar - and make a fantastic drink, to boot. Salud, Roberto!