THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2002
COVERSTORY
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN = 9
Ranging from spicy to mild drink is more of a genre
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
Alcohol: 5
Overall: 4
Buffalo Wild Wings' Bloody Mary takes a unique approach to making its hangover helper. Bartender Kevin Zolotor said he "makes 'em like I drink 'em — hot and thick." A splash of Guinness gives the drink added thickness and the restaurant's Blazing wing sauce in lieu of Tabasco sauce sets tongues on fire. This Bloody Mary is not for the timid.
Crosstown Tavern
1910 Haskell Ave.
Sunday price: $2
Texture: 1
Spices: 1
Garnish: 1
Alcohol: 3
Overall: 1
They play Marvin Gaye in this east-side establishment, but knocking back a couple of these drinks isn't likely to put anyone in the mood for gettin' it on. Some Barton Vodka, tomato juice and a slice of lime with no spices just meets the bare bones requirements. But hey, it's two bucks on Sunday
nights. If
you're near 19th and Haskell, it's the best (OK, the only) Bloody Mary in the neighborhood.
Johnny's Tavern
402 N. Second St.
Sunday price: $2.50
Texture: 4
Spices: 5
Garnish: 0
Alcohol: 3
Overall: 4
Sunday night drinkers at Johnny's Tavern like it spicy. And so do we. Since 1953, Johnny's has been mixing its drinks to the liking of its Sunday regulars, which include a fleet of Johnson County bikers who've come to appreciate the taste of the bar's custom-mixed Bloody Marys. We're not sure if it was the drink or the brawny bartender that got us all hot and bothered.
Louise's West
1307 W. Seventh St.
Sunday price: $2
Spices: 4
Spices:4
Garnish: 5
Alcohol: 3
Overall: 4
Mexi-Kans
2412 Iowa St.
Sunday price: $2.50
Texture: 1
Spices: 2
Garnish: 1
Alcohol: 1
Overall: 2
You would think Mexi-Kans was a Russian restaurant with the amount of vodka in its Bloody Mary. But the kick of Habanero hot sauce and the free chips and salsa reminded us of Mexico. Although it was not the best—by far—we would be willing to return for a Bloody Mexi-Kan, a Mary made with tequila for a south of the border twist.
O'Dell's
733 Massachusetts St.
Sunday price: $2
Texture: 3
Spices: 2
Garnish: 0
Alcohol: 2
Overall: 2
The O'Dell's Bloody Mary is made from a basic recipe of tomato juice and vodka. There's nothing special in this version just a pre-made mix. And there's no garnish topping the tiny glass. The O'Dell's Bloody Mary does taste pretty good because it's smooth and doesn't reek of cheap vodka. This drink isn't too spicy so it's another good choice for those who want a milder Mary.
Paradise Café
728 Massachusetts St.
Sunday price: $2.25
Texture: 3
Spices: 3
Garnish: 4
Alcohol: 3
Overall: 3
A lack of spiciness make this Bloody Mary easy to drink, but without the spice it lacks one of the essentials to a good Bloody Mary. Bartender Michael Kennedy said about the morning-after cure, "If it doesn't make you sweat, it's not doing its job." This version lacks anything that makes it unique to Paradise Café. It has the basic Tabasco, horseradish and Worcestershire sauce, but no secret ingredient. The garnish is pleasing with celery salt around the rim of the glass and a peperoncini and olives speared on a sword are a nice touch.
John Nowak?Kansan
The Pool Room
925 Iowa St.
Sunday price: $2.75
Texture: 5
Spices: 3
Garnish: 4
Maybe it's the Cavender's Greek seasoning or the shot of olive juice. This tasty libation stays with you awhile without scorching your taste buds off. Served in a pint glass with a couple of olives, this Bloody Mary can help you lose yourself in a game of 8-ball. Our only complaint: it's full of Viaka, the ugly stepchild of vodka brands.
3801 W. Sixth St.
Alcohol: 1
Stone Canyon
Overall: 4
Sunday price: $3
Texture: 4
Spices:4
Garnish: 2
Overall: 3
The Bloody Mary at Stone Canyon reflects the restaurant's ambiance — rich and classy. "It's your typical Sunday drink. And it's got some vegetables in it," said Kyle Wegner, bartender and '97 KU graduate. Kyle, we applaud your health-conscious approach to alcohol.
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