"Dale DeGroff" news and stories

New York City isn't about to forget its cocktail roots.

The wild popularity of New Orleans' Tales of the Cocktail has prompted imbibing New Yorkers to get into the cocktail conference game. Enter the Manhattan Cocktail Classic, which held a preview session over the weekend in anticipation of a full-blown, five-day cocktail conference next May 14-18. Lucky attendees to the preview seminars were taught cocktail lessons from behind the bar at swank locales throughout the city.

The cap to the weekend was a wild party at the main branch of the New York Public Library on Oct. 4, complete with a Prohibition-style "Free Lunch," cocktails from more than two dozen bartenders and a live band that made the place jump in "Great Gatsby"-like fashion. Check out Slashfood's photos after the jump.

Well another Tales of the Cocktail has come and gone, and Slashfood made it through relatively unscathed. New Orleans was filled with the world's best bartenders who met to tipple together and share a bit of their mixology wisdom for throngs of (slightly tipsy) fans during the five-day bacchanal.

James Meehan of New York's PDT was named American Bartender of the Year on July 11, while "Imbibe!" author David Wondrich got a nod for his cocktail writing and Dale DeGroff for his latest book offering, "The Essential Cocktail."

Get our favorite moments and more photos after the jump.

An occasional column on drinks made from the legendary 1930 "Savoy Cocktail Book."

Please forgive the prolonged absence. Orange bitters, or rather, a lack of it, waylaid this column longer than expected.

When we last met, I had finally achieved a childhood goal: obtaining an original "Savoy Cocktail Book" and making my first "Savoy" cocktail -- the Hanky Panky (on the advice of mixologist Gary Regan).

A few days after that column appeared, I bumped into James Beard Award-winning mixologist Dale DeGroff at World Cocktail Day. When I asked him what I should try making, he didn't hesitate: "Satan's Whiskers."

Each Thursday or Friday (oops!), we round up a selection of scrumptious links from our friends over at YumSugar. Here's what they've got cooking this week.

• Competitive eating isn't for amateurs - an Indian man died after choking on a pastry at his company's eating contest.
• Who doesn't love a good holiday puree! Check this slide show for five varieties.
• Looking for a retro nibble for your Thanksgiving relish dish? Try these Chicken Salad Stuffed Celery Bits.
• An interview with Dale DeGroff, King of Cocktails.
• YumSugar wants to know - How are you cooking your turkey this year?
• Former Next Food Network Star cheftestant Kelsey Nixon is getting her own Food Network show.
• Still need help with your Thanksgiving plan? Download this dinner planner.
• An interview with Lauren, the first chef kicked off Top Chef.