The Drink Network

A few nights ago my friend Pete was in town and we went out to dinner at Central.  It was an awesome meal complete with oysters, pork belly, fried chicken and a chocolate mousse with these crunchies.  This is not a food review.

I was actually just rechecking my bill on-line and I saw what I spent on drinks versus food and I was shocked.  i shouldn't be but I was.    When I go out I usually have one drink and thats about it, at Central it was a couple glasses of wine and some pre dinner drinks and all that was more expensive then my meal.

I have always loved food from a young age.  I learned food from watching cooking shows on PBS at a way to young age.  I am talking about Julia Childs, Yan Can Cook and that show where the followed European Master Chefs and they cooked a meal.  But all those shows really helped me to understand fine cuisine and how things are supposed to be done and exposed me to all sorts of food from around the world.

If I am going to restaurants like Central spend this much on drinks why can't the there be a Drink Network dedicated to fine drinks, spirits, wines and coffee to help expose me to fine drinking and what it is all about.  You are probably asking yourself dude you an adult and you have spent time drinking why do you need a network to educate you just go to happy hour.

My response is this: no your time sneaking liquor from your parents, hanging out at 7-11 and playing "Hey Mister" or using your fake in the shady parts of town does not make you a drink expert.  Happy Hour drinking buckets of Corona and watching Mad Men does not make you an expert.

I think we would all enjoy shows about guys exploring drinks from around the world; or an Iron Chef/Bartender type show; or how about a celebrity bartender.  Anyway you cut it Food Network has helped push people' palates forward.  It is time for the Drink Network to arise and help us understand.