The summary: 
The point of this mini manifesto is to set the stage for more posts on things I consider cool, and in keeping with the Tessin Rinpoche aesthetic.  To keep it interesting, I will try to focus on things that are not currently particularly popular.  And I will try to be a tiny bit disciplined [...]

When I make drinks for people, I am frequently asked how or why I created the drink.  To me the answer seemed obvious: grab some bottles, pour, mix, taste.  Upon reflection, however, I realized that I do always have some sort of target.  The inspiration for that target can take many forms. 
A drink target could involve an [...]

NY got really cold this week.  Sure I’ve seen colder in the midwest, but my personal Absolute Zero is around 35 – anything below that is in one big category of inexplicable cold.  Given the temps, I was not surprised when EE requested something warming (but not warm) as an aperitif.
I feel challenged by making cold [...]

Maisie Jones (2003-2009)
 
Maisie was a good chaser, and a good cat.  She was. . . She was one of us.
She was a cat who hated the outdoors, and bathing, and as a napper explored the surfaces of our apartment from window to rug.  And she was an avid toy chaser.  And a good friend.
She died–she died [...]

Cranberry-infused Gin with Tonic (plus some squirrel candles)
EE and I are uber-excited to be hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year!  Because we live far from our families, and because I’m working on Friday, we are staying in Manhattan.  This will be our first chance to see the parade, and our first major holiday together without the presence of [...]

 
Yesterday’s New York Times included this article referencing the movement of men’s fashion – with some shout-outs to interior design – towards 19th-century inspiration.  I love the article.  And I don’t. 
Honestly, I think I like the article mainly for vain reasons.  This year’s trends validate some of the more distinctive choices I’ve made in terms [...]

Quiz:  What absolutely perfect, classic novel was first titled (though never published as) First Impressions ?
Regardless of whether you know the novel (though I hope you do), the point here is that first impressions aren’t always right, but that they do matter.  In the real-life Tessin Rinpoche salon (my home), I’ve been thinking about the first [...]

Tessa was clear when he started this blog that not ALL of the posts would be about mixology – that things go on in the living room besides cocktail-drinking.  We agree that there is more to mixology than shaking and stirring; one must consider the whole milieu.  Upon questioning the drink-mixer himself about what form [...]