"BlueSmoke" news and stories

'Mix Shake Stir'
Recipes from Danny Meyer's Acclaimed New York City Restaurants
Photos by Jo Franco
Little, Brown and Company -- 2009
Buy it on Amazon

A great cocktail can transform any gathering; menus can even be formed around them. Danny Meyer, one of the country's most outstanding restaurateurs, has finally released the recipes to his restaurants' most infamous cocktails. According to one of his bartenders from Blue Smoke, "a really great cocktail doesn't need a lot of ingredients, just a combination of tastes that balances the drinks." By the time readers are done flipping through this book, they will be inspired to pick up a shaker and create something they will truly be proud of.

Along with uncomplicated cocktail recipes, Meyer also includes recipes for bar fare such as Dried Cherry, Bacon and Pecan Mix, Thai Trail Mix and Blue Smoke Deviled Eggs; tips for rimming a glass with salt and sugar; and instructions for how to create an elegant garnish.

Cocktails are broken down into several sections: Favorite Classics, New Classics, Inspired Flavors, Elegant Sips and Casual Libations. While the cocktails in these sections are laid out clearly, it might have been easier to separate them by restaurant; fans of Meyer's restaurants would be able to find their favorites a lot more easily.

See what we tested and whether the book's worth buying after the jump.

By Alex Van Buren with reporting by Sarah De Heer

Elaborate eats -- despite the recession -- continue to make cameos nationwide, often in the strangest of places.

At Citi Field, Gotham's new Mets stadium, culinary stars Danny Meyer (Blue Smoke; Eleven Madison; Tabla), Dave Pasternack (Esca) and Drew Nieporent (Nobu; Tribeca Grill) will hawk their wares alongside the hot-dog vendors and pint-pourers.

It's quite a change from the scene at that beloved old warhorse, Shea Stadium, and an unusual step for what one 24-year-old lifelong fan calls "the blue-collar team in a city where the Yankees are kings." Is he looking forward to it? "Well, my dad is all in a huff -- 'Whatever happened to peanuts and crackerjacks?' -- but uh, I think it's gonna be cool."

The famously tasty Shake Shack burger has that effect on city denizens. Slashfood dropped by a press event to sample it and the rest of the grub.

Get a first taste and see photos after the jump.