Every Martini Ever (Almost)

When you host over two hundred performances of a show called Magic & Martini, everyone starts to send you drink recipes! Here, a YouTube channel, “The Educated Barfly” does a retrospective of the different recipes for the martini going back to the earliest recorded ones from the 1880s.

I agree with what he says that probably no other cocktail has a higher level awareness in popular culture, not just because ordering it was one of James Bond’s catchphrases — shaken not stirred (which everyone will almost invariably tell you is not the way to order your martini) — but the huge number of other old films that featured it.

So if you’re looking for a project while spending lots of time social distancing at home, trying five different versions of the martini to compare and contrast might be a fun passtime!

COVID19 Update

Photo by Tyler Sol Williams

For the moment it looks like we are taking a break from in person live entertainment. But that doesn’t mean the magic has to stop. For everyone who is isolating and social distancing at home, we have put together a virtual magic program using the free video chat software ZOOM to bring the magic to you.

Unlike most live-streamed entertainment, this is a personalized interactive experience just for you and the family and friends you want to invite. No leaving comments or muting your microphone. You get to be part of the magic all the way through.

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Or if you’d just like something to watch and enjoy, here is a full performance of my show, Magic & Martini, filmed with a live audience at Suite 114 in Toronto in November of 2018. We will leave the video up to enjoy as long as social distancing guidelines are in effect.

Produced by Chris Mayhew. Special thanks to Carisa Hendrix (aka Lucy Darling) for giving us the idea!

Magic & Martini - Now at the Storm Crow Manor

When I began performing Magic & Martini in 2016, I thought it would run for a few months. Now, over three years later, we have had over 175 sold out performances at venues in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga and Grand Valley. I’m now thrilled to announce the start of our fourth season at Toronto’s famous Storm Crow Manor.

Storm Crow Manor - 580 Church St., Toronto

Inside this meticulously decorated sci-fi and fantasy themed bar, we have an intimate space - The Black Lodge Room - which is perfect for magic. To go with the show, there is a menu full of food & drinks inspired by Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons and more! There is even a chance to put yourselves in the hands of fate and let a roll of the dice decide what cocktail you receive or what toppings your burger will feature.

The show is always dark in December (Holiday party season!) but we have two chances to see the show before the end of 2019:

Sunday, November 3
Sunday, November 17

Readers can use the secret code olive to save on ticket purchased online. A reminder that attendance is strictly 19+ with dress code. Food & drinks are available for purchase separately.

 

Photos from Magic & Martini in Toronto

Thank you to everyone who attended last night’s sold out Magic & Martini at Sute 114. Here are some photos form the evening courtesy of Patrick Nemeth.

There are a few chances left to see the show. Readers can use the secret code olive for a discount on tickets reserved online.

Photos from Magic & Martini in Toronto

Thanks to everyone who attended last night’s sold out performance of Magic & Martini. Here are some photos from the show, courtesy of Patrick Nemeth. There are a few chances left to see the show this year. Readers can use the secret code olive to save on tickets purchased online.

A little Martini primer

FINALLY…. a hint of something that looks like spring in Toronto. So to help you get in the spirit and cool down, here’s a primer from Cocktail Chemistry: Three different simple martini recipes.

Magic & Martini is continuing this summer on a special limited schedule. Tickets are now available. Readers can use the secret code olive for a discount on the price of tickets when reserving online.