113200 Mon Jul 14 13:23:49 -0700 2003 8 7 Chicago Area 0 615464 I went to the Heartland Cafe in Roger's Park on Saturday and had the best Bloody Mary I've had in a long time. The bartender who works Saturday afternoon makes the best BM. Very spicy. They put something different in it, I can't put my finger on it. I guess I should've asked. Anyway, they've got a huge outdoor area which is nice in the summer. Any recommendations for other good BMs? Mon Jul 14 13:23:49 -0700 2003 0 mintwaster 1 615472 The Empty Bottle makes very good Bloody Marys. If you're eating at Bite, you can go next door and bring one back. Mon Jul 14 14:24:32 -0700 2003 615464 0 Gimp 2 615493 Sheffield's in Lakeview (3258 N. Sheffield Ave., 2 blocks north of Belmont) has exceptional Bloodys. What makes them special is they start with a shot of dark beer on tap, which adds an indefinable layer of flavor and body to the drink. Sounds odd, but it's delicious. Nicely spicy and they're served with crunchy pickled green beans and olives if you want them. Casual atmosphere with a small beer garden to sit in and a huge beer list if you get tired of the Bloodys. Mon Jul 14 16:52:10 -0700 2003 615472 0 Houndgirl 1 615480 The secret ingredient was probably a packaged spice blend called Spike; many of the bartenders there use it this way. But your acronym choice is rather unfortunate applied to a potable. Ugh. Mon Jul 14 14:51:21 -0700 2003 615464 0 Kates 1 615481 The secret ingredient was probably a packaged spice blend called Spike; many of the bartenders there use it this way. But your acronym choice is rather unfortunate applied to a potable. Ugh. Mon Jul 14 14:51:34 -0700 2003 615464 0 Kates 1 615490 My brother suggested I use a typical recipe, but use Aquavit and Clamato instead of vodka and tomato juice. I think he's right. I usually add a squeeze of lemon, some tabasco, worcestershire, and maybe some old bay seasoning. Once I made them double strength by mistake - meant to make a double batch but only doubled the alcohol - - - there were comments but NOBODY would let me add more tomato etc. to their drink. Mon Jul 14 16:19:11 -0700 2003 615464 0 Madd 2 615554 The Old Bay Seasoning is something I haven't tried yet...will do so this weekend. Try adding a shake or two of dried dill weed. You'll be astonished how good an addition it is. Tue Jul 15 19:48:00 -0700 2003 615490 0 TomSwift 1 615557 I think I make a pretty good bloody mary using clamato as a base. I add pepper, worcestershire, celery salt, dill weed, lemon juice and melinda's habanero sauce. The kicker is my homemade pepper vodka. I add 2 seeded jalapenos to a bottle of vodka and let it marinate for a day or 2. I actually call this a cajun mary. E-mail me if you need the exact proportions. Tue Jul 15 20:41:06 -0700 2003 615464 0 RevrendAndy 1 615560 Well, there's the Road Rash Mary at the Twisted Spoke on (I think) Ogden and Grand. It's huge, with a lot of kick, and it's served with a sandwich-sized toothpick of proscuitto, cheese, onion and olives, plus a "beer back" -- a small glass of Bass. Sure, it's kitchy, but it goes down well for brunch. Tue Jul 15 23:21:18 -0700 2003 615464 0 nono