Day 81: Deep Blue Sea
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil. For thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Because I carry a big stick and I'm the meanest mother fucker in the valley! Two sharks down, Lord! One demon fish to go! Can I get an Amen?" I guess that's how you psych yourself up, when you're hunting genetically-engineered sharks.
Welcome back, my thirsty readers. I'm posting a bit late tonight, but that's because it's been a long, busy day. I'm back in the saddle, so to speak, working on new cocktails and re-tuning some old ones. Also on the schedule this afternoon, I was interviewed by my good friend, the Rhumbishop, about the current events surrounding the Black Lives Matter protests, as well as the state of bars and restaurants as we enter a new world, post-Covid. After some intense discussion, I finished of the segment with a cocktail, making a drink in front of an audience for the first time in quite awhile.
Making cocktails in front of the camera always feels like a cooking show. This time felt different though. It felt like a goodbye to a world we've strangely come to know. Farewell to quarantine cocktails, and hello to lives back in public, sipping, nibbling, and reconnecting. The interview series was titled Deep Waters, and this farewell reminded me of a scene from the movie Deep Blue Sea.
In the film, the character Preacher, who's the chef aboard an underwater facility for monitoring sharks, is played by rapper LL Cool J. This underwater research lab is being flooded and filled with genetically modified mako sharks, bent on killing everyone on board. As a video farewell, Preacher makes a cooking video, leaving behind his legacy of making the perfect omelette.
I didn't bring this up to talk about the movie. I wanted to share the amazing words LL Cool J gave the world, in response to the senseless murder of George Floyd, as well as the protests to follow. You can hear the pain in his voice, when you watch the video. I highly recommend seeing it for yourself, though the words are powerful enough on their own.
“For 400 years you had your knees on our necks. A garden of evil with no seeds of respect. In America's mirror all she sees is regret. Instead of letting blood live they begging for blood let. Revenge is a dish that's served on platelets. Transfusion, a confusion, abusing our intellect. I can't be bought with a $1,200 check even though $1,200 can make a meal stretch. Mama wasn't rich but she earned my respect. She made a little bit a money for a lot of blood, tears and sweat. Jumping up and down on police cars and vex. After Chauvin killed George Floyd we got next. Molotov cocktails anarchy on the set. The rich took the loot so now we loot shit. Feeling like a caged tiger that's whipped to do tricks. That's why I started fires and yelled and threw bricks. They tried to run me over and arrest me and shit. Tazed, pepper spray and a gaze with the kid. Being black in America is like rolling a pair of dice, but the stakes are way higher. You’re gambling with my life.
Black lives matter, forever.”
Deep Blue Sea
1.5oz Multi-Island Light Rum Blend (I used the Hidden Harbor 100 proof White Rum Blend from Maggie's Farm)
.25oz Allspice Dram
.5oz Blue Curacao
.5oz Fassionola
.5oz Orgeat
.5oz Lemon Juice
.5oz Lime Juice
Tiki Mug
Whip shake and pour unstrained.
Top with crushed ice.
Garnish with mint sprigs, flower, and shark lure garnish.
I'm going to head out on that note. LL said what needed said, and so much more than I could ever understand. I think I need some rest. Tomorrow is a pretty big day for me, but I guess you'll hear about that soon enough. Goodnight unto the thirsty readers of the world. Stay safe everyone, and keep shaking.
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