I just came back from a delightful happy hour and learning get-together with visiting folks from Swiss Tourism. The appointed place was the rooftop bar at The Graham in Georgetown. Located in a historic, well, Georgian building in the posh D.C. neighborhood, it whispers rather than shouts. I love that kind of hidden in plain sight vibe. You enter the boutique hotel, march past the front desk and take the elevator straight up.
Though it’s obviously open in warm weather, they zip it up in a sort of velcro clear tarp. The wind had been kicking up, so I took it upon myself to mush the velcros together that had split apart. The place is like patio meets chic European garden.
The liquor selection is notable in a couple of areas: its rye and bourbon selections, with a full complement of Bardstown, KY originating liquors and also, NY’s acclaimed Whistle Pig in several expressions. I tried the 10 year Whistle Pig with 1 ice cube, which my late friend Colonel Michael Masters taught me to always do. It was quite lovely. It’s mellow, not a knock you down spice bomb, but has some sweetness and good body.
I also tried one of their house cocktails, incorporating Ketel One Botanical Mango and Orange Blossom vodka, as well as elderflower liqueur and some soda. Very light with a kick! They serve it in a martini glass, I learned they used to serve in a coupe. I thought in the summer especially, it would go well with ice in a Tom Collins glass and be more modern. I asked about mixology type stuff, but the bartender said that’s not really their vibe. You’re not going to see Surryano ham ends infusing stuff, for example.
The views over the rest of Georgetown are lovely and I saw both day and night sights.
It’s not a huge, cavernous place. If you bring a few friends, you will feel like it’s kind of your own house party.
With the Swiss, I saw a presentation of magnificent mountains, sightseeing trains, gastronomy and white wines. It looks like heaven! But not the parasailing folks — not my idea of heaven!
We snacked on DIY tacos, arancini balls and chicken satay, all perfectly seasoned. How many places have you gone where the snacks were just way too salty! No, this was Goldilocks just right. What to finish it with? Well, Swiss chocolate, bien sur!
Luxe & Down-Home Cuisine/Culture/Travel/Style 