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Enjoy this story from our archive, originally sent to TT members on .

Booze Cruise

Mussels take a swing through Manhattan

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A classic Manhattan is a fine drink. In a crazed--and inspired--move, Larry Tressler, the executive chef of Holland House Bar and Refuge in Nashville, Tennessee, transforms the cocktail into a meal, simmering mussels in rye whiskey, vermouth and bitters. Although most of the alcohol evaporates during cooking, boozy remnants of a Manhattan linger in every bite. The mussels are great by themselves, but better still served alongside their namesake cocktail.

Mussels Manhattan

Recipe adapted from Larry Tressler, Holland House Bar and Refuge, Nashville, TN

Yield: 2 appetizer-size servings


Cook Time: 10 minutes

  • INGREDIENTS

    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

    3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

    ½ pound mussels, beards removed

    ¼ cup rye whiskey (such as Jim Beam)

    2 tablespoons dry Italian vermouth (such as Noilly Prat)

    2 dashes Angostura bitters

    ½ cup vegetable stock

    3 tablespoons unsalted butter

    Kosher salt

    1 tablespoon shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano

    1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh basil

    1 small baguette, sliced in half lengthwise and toasted

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and mussels. Quickly and carefully add the whiskey, vermouth and bitters; be careful pouring in case the mixture flames up. Stir in the vegetable stock and butter. Season with salt and simmer until the mussels have opened, about 4 to 6 minutes.

2. Transfer to a serving bowl. Top with the cheese and basil and serve immediately with the toasted baguette.
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About The Chef

Larry Tressler, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America worked at the Tasting Room and the Brick Ridge in Maryland. He is now the executive chef at Holland House Bar and Refuge in Nashville, Tennessee.

Holland House Bar and Refuge, 935 W. Eastland Ave., Nashville, TN; 615-262-4190 or hollandhousebarandrefuge.com

 
Visit Holland House Bar and Refuge's website

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