Curious Elixirs has been an industry leader in the world of nonalcoholic beverages and cocktails, and it’s definitely not just something for Dry January anymore. Between “California sober” substitutions and a younger generation that doesn't value alcohol as much as its counterparts, the N/A sector is becoming more and more important.
So the timing is good for Curious Elixirs to bring the largest coast-to-coast booze-free party back to Nashville next week on Wednesday, May 14. The third edition of The Great Curious Cocktail Party will be coming to Killjoy in East Nashville at 1100 Fatherland St. for a nationwide boozeless toast at 8 p.m. Curious is hosting 100 of these parties across the country, and it’s free to attend. They would like you to register here in advance, though. The astrology-themed party will also feature astrologers, tarot readers and light bites.
That same evening, Mimo executive chef Derek Simcik, chef Nicky Miscia and pastry chef Hector Llompart are inviting guest chef Byron Gomez of Michelin-starred restaurant Bruto in Denver into their kitchen for a special collaborative dinner. The event will kick off on May 14 with a private cocktail reception from 6 until 7 p.m. followed by a four-course dinner prepared by the Mimo crew and former Top Chef contestant Gomez.
Each course will be inspired by the culture of the chef, so expect something Costa Rican from Gomez — specifically a promised dish of ribeye complemented with a Lízano sauce, chimichurri, sweet plantain au gratin and gallo pinto.
Tickets for the Chef Dinner Family Meal are $120 per person, including welcome cocktails. Reservations can be made through OpenTable or by calling the restaurant at 615-610-6990.
Guests will be able to enjoy up to three hours of complimentary valet at the Four Seasons.
The wine experts at Miel are continuing their oenophilic education initiative with a series of informational classes they’re calling SOMMer Camp. (I wish this had been around when I was schlepping out to Fairview for Whipporwhill every summer.) Classes will be held in the barn at Miel on Wednesday evenings from 6 until 7:30 p.m, and your instructors will be Miel proprietor Seema Prasad and LeeAnne Arnold, the store manager at Harvest Wine + Spirits.
Here’s the syllabus for the 10 classes they have on the schedule:
May 21: Rosé
May 28: Summer Party Cocktails
June 4: Portugal
June 11: Crisp Summer Whites
June 18: Think Beyond the Spritz!
June 25: Chillable Summer Reds + BBQ
July 16: Wines of the French Riviera + Post Bastille Day Celebration
July 23: Special guest Jane Lopes teaches about AUSTRALIAN Wine!
July 30: Island Wines ... back by popular demand.
Aug. 6: Field Day, your favorite Field Blends.
Of course, you must be 21 or older to participate, and there will be no color wars at these camps. Hold your spot for any of the classes by registering at Miel’s website.
