Before the onslaught of the monsoon last weekend, I, along with the boyfriend, went to visit some friends in the wilds of western Connecticut. At first it was downright shocking: my lungs had forgotten what it was like to breathe clean air, and my ears rang for the first few hours for the lack of cars, buses, sirens, and people screaming in them. And as I was getting out of the car, my feet landed on something besides concrete (grass!) and my poor, confused legs almost buckled. (But after I got over the astonishment of experiencing actual relaxation for the first time in many months, I really enjoyed myself!). Anyway, all this is to say that sometimes we New Yorkers at times hold the mistaken conception that the world revolves around the Big Apple: but once again, I was pleasantly surprised.

On the second day of my journey to Wonderland, I mean Washington, CT, we ventured out (after a rain-soaked hike!) to have a Bloody Marys and burgers at this beautiful little inn called the Mayflower. The bartender was warm and professional…and served us a little slice of heaven (see below), which immediately made me forget my waterlogged shoes and sopping jacket. I took a sip and felt like I was on the beach in Miami, where, incidentally, Tracey and I will be reposing together in one week!

The “Double AA”:
Combine about 1/3 can of cream of coconut with ice, and a few generous splashes of tropical juices (I loved the combination of papaya, pineapple, cranberry and tangerine). Don’t forget the Bacardi, blend, and serve.

Cheers: April showers bring Miami flowers!