Paulius Musteikis
A nod to everyone’s favorite carrot-chomping wabbit with the What’s Up, Doc?
The traditional izakayas of old were casual pubs where Japanese businessmen could relax and enjoy an after-work sake or beer.
At Tavernakaya, 27 E. Main St., the classic concept gets a modern makeover and offers an inventive, curious cocktail program to match the diverse, street-food and night market-inspired menu. The gastropub is closed for repairs, but here are some drinks to dream about until it reopens Jan. 28.
The cocktail offerings make good use of spirits, never repeating a star ingredient. But the standout on the menu is the What’s Up, Doc? — a sweet, refreshing and somewhat unexpected concoction of Plantation 3 Star White Rum, carrot syrup, creme de menthe and a squirt of lime. It comes bright orange and shaken to a perfect froth. The rum, which blends spirits from Trinidad, Jamaica and Barbados, adds complexity, while the sweet carrot and the refreshing creme de menthe add a bright finish.
Another hit was the Mono No Aware — a Japanese saying that translates to “the pathos of things.” This spirit-driven cocktail is heavily herbal and floral thanks to Sichuan peppercorn-infused gin; Cocchi Americano, an Italian aperitif, adds a satisfying, elegant bitterness. Garnish with a red pepper and enjoy while feeling wistful about the impermanence of life.
