From Publishers Weekly
This travel guide-cum-cocktail recipe book doesn't aim to unearth hidden gems and chic new hotspots; rather, it celebrates the old school classics and their role in society, which remains au courant. Explains Connors, "the great city hotels of the past-marble palaces with richly ornamented lobbies, dining rooms that make one want to sit up straight, and proper bars-remain in a class by themselves." Detailed discussions of the history of 36 hotels and their signature libations-recipes included-make this a great keepsake for anyone who loves the good life, or wants to create it at home. Most of the hotels included, such as New York's Carlyle, the Beverly Hills Hotel, and Boston's original Ritz Carlton, are truly legendary; some are a bit of a stretch. But the cocktails are all classics, from the Plaza's Old Fashioned to the Margarita from San Antonio's Menger Hotel. Most of the photographs, a mix of black-and-white and color, are enticing and in keeping with the book's elegant premise, although a few, such as the snapshot of Milwaukee's Pfister Hotel, appear rather dated. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
Every major American city's social life was once defined by its grand hotel bars. Meet Me in the Bar captures and celebrates the romance, excitement, and grace of these American temples of good living. These landmark watering holes are toasted with foolproof recipes for their signature drinks-including the Boston Ritz Fizz and the Carlyle's Old Cuban-as well as classics such as the Manhattan and the Bloody Mary. One part travel guide, one part drink recipe book, Thomas Connors's handbook brings to life the greatest hotel bars, from New York's Bemelmans-with its whimsical mural by its namesake, the author of Madeline-to the gently rotating Carousel Bar at New Orleans' Monteleone Hotel. He relates the history of these venerable haunts, peppered with observations and stories told by the men and women who tend their bars. Meet Me in the Bar is full of historic images of hotel bars during their Golden Age, views as they appear today, as well as stylish color photographs of their appealing drinks. Elegant, sophisticated, and sometimes decadent, these retro drinks will charm lovers of vintage Americana. What bygone skill is more important than mixing the perfect drink?

About the Author
Thomas Connors is a frequent contributor to the Chicago Tribune's "Good Eating" pages. His articles-on food and drink, architecture, art, and design-have appeared in a number of national magazines, including Bon Appétit, House Beautiful, and Town & Country.

FROM THE PUBLISHER