Polite Provisions puts the “craft” in craft cocktails. Since 2012, their knowledgeable mixologists have used the finest ingredients to create potent potables much the same way a pharmacist from an idyllic simpler time would compound powders and tinctures.
A dozen or more beer taps stretch across a white marble wall behind a long white marble bar. Liquor cabinets of dark wood and clear glass rise to the ceiling. A massive skylight soars overhead and small hurricane lamps illuminate the marble topped two-seater tables.
“Pierce”, my so-sexy-it-hurts dinner companion, and I took our seats near an open window. Anjali, youthful and energetic, welcomed us and presented the cocktail menu.
Our first selections were the Remember the Maine ($8) and the Pine Street Sour ($9). Maine packs a wallop and is rooted in an oaky rye whiskey shaken with sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur and absinthe, then garnished with an orange peel. The deep flavor profile begins earthy, turns sweet, and finishes with a licorice kiss. Divine. Pine Street mixes a spicy and bold rye whiskey with fresh lemon, grapefruit and pineapple juice, and a splash of bitter Leopold Brothers Apertivo. The result is a rewarding complex beverage of rich tropical fruit flavors with a smokey undertone and a tart bittersweet finale. Superb.
We decided to get something to eat before imbibing in another round of drinks and grabbed a nosh from Soda & Swine, the bar’s adjacent sister restaurant. Walking next door to place an order seemed like a minor inconvenience, but I’m glad we did. The inviting small space is open to the sky – no roof rests atop the exposed wood rafters.
Soda & Swine’s limited menu focuses on a variety of meatballs served with various sauces, cheeses and simple sides. I chose the Banh Mi sub ($8) and Pierce opted for the Skillet of Three ($8). The sandwich begins with a crusty roll stuffed with two over-sized smoked pork sausage meatballs smothered in BBQ sauce topped by pickled julienned vegetables, cilantro, Sriracha aioli and sliced serrano chile. The skillet of ground chicken meatballs, packed with minced basil, is served with a mushroom cream sauce. Both were delicious. We shared sides of rib-sticking-good mac and cheese ($4) made with sharp cheddar, and fried light-as-air pizza knots ($5) filled with warm gooey parmesan served with a tangy marinara dipping sauce.
Rejoicefully, Polite Provisions is open seven days a week, as is Soda & Swine. Drink/eat this, thirsty/hungry readers. You’ll be glad you did.
Polite Provisions
4696 30th Street
619-677-3784
Soda & Swine
2943 Adams Ave.
619-269-7632
