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David Hammond

David Hammond is a freelance writer for the baiduhai.

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Cheers to a beautiful pre-dinner cocktail, Innocents Abroad, at The Loyalist.

Innocents Abroad at The Loyalist

Choosing a cocktail to kick off dinner is a decision not to be taken lightly. "Innocents Abroad," says Roger Landes, head bartender at The Loyalist, "is always my recommendation for...
Stirred ... not shaken? There's a reason The California Clipper goes off-script for its Vesper, a classic cocktail you'll find in the James Bond film "Casino Royale."

Vesper at The California Clipper

Right now, somewhere, some guy suavely orders a Vesper, imagining himself to be James Bond. In "Casino Royale," while at cards, 007 reveals the recipe: "three measures of Gordon's, one...
Kusanya Cafe is the kind of place where you can get a cup of coffee, check out the community board, print a school paper or simply jump on the internet. You'll see people huddled together over papers strewn across the wood tables or someone walking in simply to say hello to the small staff. Because the nonprofit cafe roasts its own coffee on-site in small batches, don't hesitate to order that lavender iced latte ($3.49) or a plain cup of coffee. The breakfast and lunch menu is lush with references to famous musicians, like the Lupe Tabasco breakfast sandwich ($2.29). It features a thin egg patty, with melted cheese and Sriracha on ciabatta, and you can add sausage, spinach and tomato for an extra charge. The cozy and brightly lit environment is exactly where you want to catch up on some work or meet up with friends. 825 W. 69th St., 773-675-4758, <a href="http://www.kusanyacafe.org/">kusanyacafe.org</a> — Grace Wong

Making atole, a warm, liquid gift from ancient Mexico

Every Sunday, Mexican vendors at Chicago's Maxwell Street Market offer the sometimes humble, always delicious, foods of their homeland. Tamales, tacos and other familiar corn-based street bites are served up...
Kusanya Cafe is the kind of place where you can get a cup of coffee, check out the community board, print a school paper or simply jump on the internet. You'll see people huddled together over papers strewn across the wood tables or someone walking in simply to say hello to the small staff. Because the nonprofit cafe roasts its own coffee on-site in small batches, don't hesitate to order that lavender iced latte ($3.49) or a plain cup of coffee. The breakfast and lunch menu is lush with references to famous musicians, like the Lupe Tabasco breakfast sandwich ($2.29). It features a thin egg patty, with melted cheese and Sriracha on ciabatta, and you can add sausage, spinach and tomato for an extra charge. The cozy and brightly lit environment is exactly where you want to catch up on some work or meet up with friends. 825 W. 69th St., 773-675-4758, <a href="http://www.kusanyacafe.org/">kusanyacafe.org</a> — Grace Wong

Drink This: Cucumbers in paradise, with plenty of gin

Vegetable juices are healthy, right? Spirits, in moderation: also healthy. Put them together: super healthy! At least that's what I told myself while enjoying the Cetriolo Limetta, a vegged-out cocktail...