5 Things I Heart - Barry Leach Edition

Barry Leach is one of my mentors and he also writes The Blue Remembered Hills. He was my professor in college and has become one of my favorite people over the years and I truly admire him and value our friendship. He is one of my favorite people and whenever we get together I simply have the best time. He is witty and smart and cranky and fabulous all at the same time, all the time--something I strive for. Of course he agreed to do a 5 things list for me, I mean what choice did he really have.

Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth
Discovered in Rome, Italy, at Christmas. The barman in the hotel suggested it for the Manhattan cocktail I'd ordered and it was a revelation. Sipped it slowly, my beloved next to me with his Negroni, whilst looking at the spectacular panorama of Rome after dark.

Together with Bulleit Rye and a Luxardo maraschino cherry, makes the best Manhattan I've had, ever. Served straight up, of course. The most peculiar Manhattan I've ever drunk was one made with Talisker whisky on the Isle of Skye.

Guerlain's Eau de Cologne Impérial

Dating from 1865, when I first bought it, this cologne has top notes of Bergamot, Neroli, Verbena, Lemon, Orange, with a middle note of lavender and base notes of cedarwood and tonka bean. It's the only scent I'll wear on special occasions. The rest of the time it's just soap, though I must admit I really like Hermès Eau d'orange verte - also discovered whilst in Italy.

Blue
I possess more blue shirts than any other color, and, though I'm at a loss to explain it, I feel more comfortable wearing blue. Blue and white is a delicious combination, especially the cobalt and soft white of old Kraak porcelain.

Alden suede monk-strap shoes

Not much to say except that they're the best.



Fettuccine Alfredo at Pricci
He Didn't give me an explanation for this one, but I don't think it even needs one.
(Shameless plug: Athens Pizza has good Fettuccine--it's the special in Thursday Nights.)