National Martini Day: The Vesper Martini via Chef Geoffrey Zakarian at Point Royal
James Bond would be very happy to know that June 19th is National Martini Day. Shaken or Stirred. Vodka or Gin (or both). Straight up or on the rocks. Olives or Lemon twist, Apple, Lychee or Chocolate. There are many many options for the martini lover.
Geoffrey Zakarian, author, restaurateur, Food Network star and longtime “Chopped” judge helms the gorgeous oceanside Point Royal at The Diplomat Resort in Hollywood along with Executive Chef Daniel Siegelman, features Coastal American cuisine and a top-notch raw bar. Happy (Oyster) Hour is every day from 5:30-7:30 and offers $2- East Coast oysters, $1.50 Littleneck clams and a variety of other raw seafood, shooters and more including the famous Ugly Burger.
But back to the martini. In honor of National Martini Day, we asked Chef GZ to describe his perfect martini and he selected the Vesper Martini, a vodka and gin version that will equally please devotees of both spirits.
Vesper Martini
1 oz Tito’s Vodka
1 oz Hendricks Gin
.50 oz Lillet Rose
Instructions
1. Pour into a shaker with ice and pour into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Another martini offered at Point Royal is the slightly sweet and fragrant Lavender Martini:
Lavender Martini
1.5 oz of Ketel One vodka
.50 oz of Lemon juice
.25 oz Lavender Syrup
2 drops of saline water
Instructions
1. Pour into a shaker filled with ice and strain into a martini glass, garnished with a lavender petal.
Point Royal’s Cocktail menu also boasts eleven different hand-crafted cocktails in addition to martinis, plus an extensive wine and beer list.
When we asked Geoffrey about his favorite food pairing with a martini, he didn’t hesitate to recommend Point Royal’s Steak Frites with 8 oz Black Angus Skirt Steak, crispy fries and chimichurri butter.
So however, you want to toast National Martini Day, Geoffrey Zakarian’s Point Royal would be a good spot to channel Mr (or Ms) Bond.
Point Royal at The Diplomat Resort
3555 South Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
(954) 602-8750
Complimentary Valet Parking
Watch Geoffrey Zakarian make the perfect gin martini on You Tube. https://youtu.be/USCmxR3B2Rk