The Cocktails of the Ritz Paris

Rating:
Summary: The Coctails of the Ritz Paris book review
Review: As a former bartender at a private country club, I can fully appreciate Mr. Field's work and position at the Ritz Paris. His book is a vey informative and enjoyable read. I had the pleasure to live at the Ritz for two weeks in 1981 after graduation from college, and look forward to visiting again soon to see the completed renovations that were in progress when I was there. The book sure makes me yearn to return to the Ritz as soon as I can. When I do, I will be sure to drop by the bar to say "hello" to a very accomplished barman!

Rating:
Summary: The Worlds Best Bartender
Review: I have had the enjoyable opportunity to share many cocktails with Colin, and am extremely thrilled that he has published a book of some of the great cocktails that he serves to his guests at the Ritz in Paris.

While this book does have a "small" collection of recipes for standard cocktials (Mojito, Whiskey Sour, Pina Colada, Daiquiri...), it is a very small list, and simply represents some of the standard cocktails the way that Colin makes them in his bar. This book instead shines in the collection of cocktails that appear in Chapter 5 : "Cocktails and the stories that belong to them". Here Colin shares his recipes for the "Ritz Pimm's", "Miss Bonde", "The Georges", "Serendipiti", and many others which Mr. Field shares not only the recipe, but some of the story surrounding its birth.

The "Bar Hemingway" is indeed a unique bar in the heart of Paris, just as Colin Field is a unique bartender. It should then come as no great surprise that his first cocktail book reflects this uniqueness in ways that will make it a favorite of many.

Rating:
Summary: Classic
Review: I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to spend New Year at the Ritz in Paris. The absolute highlight was the time spent in the Hemingway Bar. I never understood the meaning of serendipity until I found it, and to find there was a cocktail named after it when I did was more than the icing on the cake. Colin and his colleagues are not only masters of their trade, but also charming, witty, knowledgeable, humurous in the extreme. The perfect barmen. I bought the book as a souvenir and have been unable to put it down since opening at the first page. This is a must for any pretender to Colin's throne. Unfortunately, I suspect his abdication from the position of best bartender in the world will be a long time coming. The Hemingway Bar is the best kept secret in Paris and long may it remain so. Ssssshhh, don't tell anyone.