The Violet Hour

And now some long awaited reviews of some of the clubs visited during the Cocktail Tour of 2009. It’s incredibly hard to pick favorites but I would have to say the first stop on the tour may have been the best. However our trip to the Violet Hour was very nearly cut short by our lack of experience club hunting. I felt like the country bumpkin in the big city for the first time, and to be honest this ids pretty much what we were.

The cab driver got us to the general location but could not find the exact address. Knowing the establishment had to be around there somewhere we hit the streets. We wandered back and forth on Damon Ave for quite some time before we had to ask someone if they knew where the place was. The look on the gentleman’s face told me that this must happen to him frequently, and with a suppressed grin he pointed us to a graffiti covered building. “Just run your hand along the wall until you find the brass knob.” We must have walked passed the entrance at least three times. Reading the description of the establishment led me to believe I was looking for an ornate vintage building. However in true speakeasy style, the Violet Hour is perfectly hidden utilizing modern urban camouflage. As instructed we followed the wall until we found the brass knob and stepped out of the light into perfect darkness.

It took a moment for our eyes to adjust. As we moved from the bright evening light to perfect darkness and emerged through the heavy velvet curtains framing the entrance I literally felt as if we had been transported back in time. We were faced with an intimate room portioned off by groupings of high backed chairs which created small conversation alcoves. The bar itself took up the entire North wall. The music was enjoyable, the light low, the chairs comfortable.

The cocktail I was after was described in GQ as being the third best cocktail in the world; the Juliette and Romeo. The J&R is a gin martini consisting of Beefeaters, mint, cucumber, and rose water. I am not a gin aficionado but I can tell you this was one of the best drinks I have ever had. Smooth, tart, with essence of black pepper and hints of mint the JR is a delicious liquid paradox of unexpected combinations.

Afterwards I tried the Oldest Confederate Widow, consisting of Bombay Dry, lemon, honey syrup, Pernod Absinthe, and house orange bitters. It should be noted that all bitters and syrups are Violet Hour homemade specialties. This grand lady was served in a tall Collins glass sporting a long cylindrical piece of ice that melted slowly, maintaining the balance of the drink without overpowering or watering down the taste.

My lovely wife tried a Gilded Cage, a vodka based cocktail consisting of Tito's, lemon, egg white, honey syrup, and Regan's orange bitters. However our waitress recommended switching the vodka for rum transforming the cage into a perfectly exotic summer libation.
If you are in Chicago do yourself a favor try the Violet Hour. It is an experience you will never forget.

Enjoy!
Gman