A while back I was experiencing a bout of depression, and was struggling to leave my house. I searched through the cobwebs in my mind for something that once brought me joy but would require little effort. My partner suggested we go out for dinner. I love everything about restaurants: the ceremony of fine dining, the friendly small talk at a local eatery, and the atmosphere of a sexy cocktail bar. I believe it’s an experience worth investing your time and money in, if only on the rare occasion.
I dragged my feet to Part and Parcel, a small and charming restaurant in Quadra Village, and had such a culinary revelation I wanted to cry (and may actually have cried) tears of joy rather than sadness. I felt inspired to write about the experience and my partner and I joked about starting a blog where I would review restaurants that were so good they could give you reason enough to live.
Playing on that idea for a blog, I will be sharing this food and drink forward column, where I will be offering my personal favourite things to eat, drink, and do in Victoria. I’ll also be highlighting some things I just find uplifting and relevant… like cocktails.
Having recently observed Remembrance Day, I found myself thinking about a poppy-red beverage from the golden age of cocktails, which spanned from the 1860s until after the first World War. Although prohibition put a damper on the inventive bartending that had become all the rage, we were left with many of the classic mixed drinks we still enjoy today.
From this golden age came the Singapore Sling, which is believed to have been invented at the famous Raffles Hotel during Singapore’s colonial era. Still the signature cocktail at this colonial landmark, the fruity refreshment is served in a hurricane glass and garnished with a cherry and pineapple slice. The original girly drink, this gin-based cocktail was designed to fool onlookers as women sipped the spirited beverage disguised as a non-alcoholic punch during a time when ladies were not permitted to consume alcohol in public.
Prior to the Japanese occupation of Singapore in the 1940s, my grandfather, Lieutenant Commander William “Bill” “Digger” “Moose” Martyn, frequently patronized the long bar in the Raffles Hotel during time off from his duties. When I travelled to Singapore over two decades ago, I imagined him there, probably with a whiskey, while I savoured my then-$16 Singapore Sling in the most beautiful hotel I’ve ever seen.
Although not on the menu, our very own grand hotel The Fairmont Empress will mix you up this lady in red upon request (just remember to ask nicely).
If fruity drinks are not your prohibition-era cup of tea, try something else made with their very own Empress 1908 Indigo Gin—you will not be disappointed.