Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/49694
OUR WHO'S WHO District Sips N by Kelly A. Magyarics / photos by Greg Powers ever mind the sagging ratings that have plagued the President and Congress. These hot new venues get a resounding vote of approval from Washington, D.C. constituents and visitors alike. Next time you find yourself in the District, be sure to grab a drink at one of these innovative new spots. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace/Black Jack Bartending brothers Ari and Micah Wilder deal drinks at this new duo of New Orleans–inspired venues in the District's hopping 14th Street neighborhood. Downstairs at Pearl Dive, the vibe is casual seafood shack-slash-dive-bar, with portholes, a zinc-topped bar, shrimp po' boys and oysters on the half shell. Upstairs, the velvet drapes, tattooed lady backbar mural and eclectic selection of apothecary bottles on Black Jack's shelves evoke comparisons to a turn-of-the-century circus with a touch of vaudeville. On both floors, the Wilder siblings reinvent classic drinks and create contemporary ones on two distinct cocktail menus. Their take on the Sazerac replaces the lemon peel garnish with a house made lemon gomme syrup; the smoky-sweet Cigar, with mezcal, peach bitters and lemon, is chilled with two large, smoked peach nectar–infused ice cubes, and garnished with a wrapped charcuterie "cigar." "The inspiration behind all of our cocktails comes from seasonal availability and locally sourced fresh ingredients," the brothers explain. Pearl Dive's wine menu lists 35 seafood-focused boutique bottles, joined by a handful of draft beers and forty nostal- gic and craft selections in cans. pearldivedc.com; blackjackdc.com GOING BEHIND D.C. BARS Mixologists (and brothers) Ari and Micah Wilder of Pearl Dive Oyster Palace and Black Jack put the finishing touches on their refreshingly minty Frozen Cobbler, with Old Overholt Rye, Rothman Apricot Liqueur, peach and honey. december 201 1 / the tasting panel / 95