Day 29—Super Bowl Sunday, February 7th
The Brandy Library
Today is Super Bowl Sunday and I hate Super Bowl Sunday. I’m old enough to remember when the Super Bowl started in the ‘60’s. Back then you know what you did on Super Bowl Sunday? You watched the game. Period. End of story. Maybe you had a few potato chips during the game, but that was pretty much the extent of the festivities and merriment to be had. Those were simpler times.
Now it’s like Christmas and New Year’s Eve rolled into one giant, lame-brained tailgate party that never fucking ends. There’s endless pre-game shows, commercials jammed down your gullet everywhere you turn and zillions of Super Bowl parties being thrown where amateur drinkers throw down way too much booze and turn into a sickening, twisted caricature of Mike Ditka meets W.C. Fields. And every bar has a Super Bowl extravaganza day of pizza, chicken wings, cheap booze and a sea of drunken sports lunatics frothing at their collective mouths. How the fuck was I going to escape the madness, seeing as I have to go to a bar?
I have the answer: I’m going to the library. And not just any library, The Brandy Library! I found an old-school, drinking establishment where it’s not only free of TV’s, instead of books in the bookcases they have booze in them! So I decided to dress for the occasion and spend Super Bowl Sunday drinking in peace and quiet at the Brandy Library. So put down that chicken wing, turn off the game and let’s head to the library. Hike!
This looks like a classy joint, so I decide to dress up for the occasion. Cheers!
Here we are, the Brandy Library located in the heart of Tribeca in Manhattan.
The lovely host and floor manager Natalia was feeling a little shy, so she decided to pose with the patented Zioum Zioum Ostritch Mask.
Before I was even seated I met Gudron and Richard who sang praises about the bar and the staff. Gudron proclaimed it her favorite bar.
Within minutes, librarian Josimar was expertly crafting the classic Sidebar cocktail for me.
I had never had one and I doubt I will ever have another one this delicious until I come back.
Cognac plays a key role in the making of a Sidecar and Josimar displays the Library's signature bottle, distilled exclusively for the Brandy Library.
The bar is both elegant and comfortable.
I cleanse my pallete with a glass of Chimay beer.
Here's the comfortable, candle-lit lounge area. Perfect for a date or to unwind after work.
Martin was enjoying upscale Tequila in the lounge area. He too came here for the non-Super Bowl Sunday vibe.
There are actual books to read at the Brandy Library, it's no suprise however that all have an alcohol theme to them.
The cocktail menu is so big, it's housed in this book binder.
And dinner is served. I had the Mac and Foie Gras and the Gratin Dauphinois, both were decadent and delicious!
For desert, Josimar crafted a delicious Brandy Alexander.
The drink comes with a tasty sugar cookie. A delicious end to a wonderful, non-Super Bowl Sunday!
And now the obligatory bathroom mirror shot with the Zioum Zioum Ostrich mask. Goodnight everybody!
Review
The Brandy Library is a cocktail paradise! There’s more than a river of alcohol to be had here. The whiskey list on the menu is ten pages of different brands. And while this is a classy joint to be sure, expect no snooty attitude from the staff that work here. Natalia the lovely host and floor manager greeted me warmly and led me to a seat at the bar. And since it was slow here due to Super Bowl Sunday, she even sat down and chatted with me about the bar, cocktails and the 365 website. And Josimar, the bartender (librarian)/cocktail sommelier was friendly and more than helpful in assisting me with the cocktail choices and an expert in the art of crafting cocktails.
The bar is an elegant atmosphere with a sturdy and classic bar up front and a comfortable lounge area with candles and comfortable leather chairs and couches behind. The book cases that line the elegant walls are stocked with the many different bottles of whiskies and spirits available at the bar. Natalie and Josimar told me there are around 2,000 varieties of brown spirits to be had here. The menu boasts 100 classic and signature cocktails, plus a nice selection of wine and domestic and imported beer. And to soak up some of the alcohol The Brandy Library has an eclectic menu of delectable treats ranging from Steak Tartare, Coq Au Vin, Mac and Foie Gras, Mini Burgers and a Rack of Lamb.
Joel Forrester performs live jazz on the piano every Monday night. The Brandy Library has gotten rave reviews from diverse publications such as Esquire, Vibe, Vogue, Forbes and Travel + Leisure. And now they’ve been written up in 365 Bars, so they’ve truly arrived! Stop by for unique fun and a cocktail experience like you’ve never had in your life.
Brandy Library
25 N. Moore Street (Between Varick and Hudson)
212-226-5545