POM Wonderful along with over 25 artisenal spirits companies sponsored the first official Midsummer Night Cocktail Jam where top mixologists from all over NYC battled for top prize.

 Hosted by Pipeline Brands and Cabrito, the night was fueled by a massive crowd and beautifully crafted cocktails.

Earlier this week, we got together at Double Crown for the Clear Liquor Tweet-Up, here's the evidence:

Ok, so they weren't egg yolks, but Chris Lee's molecular take on the Pina Colada definitely felt more like a Prairie Oyster than a blended poolside drink. The renown Aureole chef (who apparently kicked some Top Chef ass on the new masters series) certainly has a deft hand with texture- taking a beach bar basic and turning into a molecular masterpiece. How does he keep all of that pineapple, coconut and Don Q flavor together? I'm still not sure, but I could definitely use another one of those shots.

Last night, we caught up with Jeff McInnis the chef over at Dildo Dilido Beach Club-  who was taking the blood out of his Bloody Marys at a Don Q Rum event.

Even though he wouldn't share his exact recipe with the camera (what, do you think we're Top Chef?), he gave up enough info for us to try out the method. So far, we haven't perfected it, but we've had fun trying.

With the news of Eric Hara's resignation from David Burke's empire ringing through the blogosphere, I felt compelled to dig up one of the lost clips from the BubbleQ.  When speaking with John Tesar (formerly of the Mansion at Turtle Creek in Dallas), he mentioned two new projects with David Burke.  Could he be Hara's replacement?
 

Eric Hara's Resignation [via Eater]

Day 1 - total meat overdose