Preparations Continue

Although there is still plenty of time before my endeavor actually starts, it is never too soon to begin preparing. My brother-in-law bought me a fine bottle of single malt Scotch for my birthday, The Balvenie Doublewood, matured in two woods and aged 12 years. One of the finest I have ever tasted. Sweet with a nice finish. I am hooked. It is half gone already despite my rather feeble attempt to save it for special get-togethers. Ah well, what can one do.

He also bought me "Blackbook," a comprehensive list of restaurants, bars, clubs, and hotels in New York. This will be most useful as I am sure some of my treks will carry me far from home into unfamiliar neighborhoods. I am already looking forward to my swing through Chinatown (who doesn't love a karoke bar).

Be sure to post with any suggestions as to bars I should hit.

Doctor's Advice

Following the common sense advice of checking with a doctor before embarking on any new "exercise" program, I checked in with mine concerning my One Thousand Bar trek. After pronouncing me fit and perfectly suited for such a program, we then discussed proper nutrition and my actual "exercise" program. As might be expected, he stressed the importance of a good breakfast. He thought a three day on, one day off pace might be optimal, but we both agreed that circumstances would have a large affect on that. We then discussed the ideal mixture of drinks. Of course we both agreed that large strong drinks would not do much to further the cause, thereby rulling out two of my favorites, martinis and Manhattans. He thought the ideal might be a shot of vodka and a glass of water for a chaser, but we both realized that would make the journey even more arduous than it already is likely to be. A good second choice seemed to be either screwdrivers or greyhounds (grapefruit juice and vodka). Bloody Mary's would be okay except that most places make them way too big. Of course, while in Mexico margarittas and shots of tequila will play a big role.

Gearing Up

Still a long way to go before I actually start my 1000 Bar Quest, but in the meantime I am studying up a bit. I found a really good website that any afficiando of the hardstuff might want to visit.

www.cocktaildb.com

If you are feeling adventurous, be sure to try the Mixilator

Pea Soup

Not directly related to my 1000 bar venture, I thought I would share this with you. Tomorrow I am going to a Jets game and my buddy will pick me and my wife up at 8:00 A.M. for a 1:00 P.M. game. Tomorrow is also my 12th wedding aniversary. We will be celebrating in the parking lot at Giants Stadium in New Jersey. Good Wife.

My assigned dish is pea soup, and I am making it now to reheat for tomorrow's game. Reheated pea soup is the best.

If enough people ask I will share the recipe.

The Beginning

I have, over the years, partaken and originated numerous drinking related activities. A friend of mine and I once went on a motorcycle trip and tried to drink at 100 different bars. We failed. We drank at 77. However, our rules were strict and our will was weak. We would not count as a bar anyplace we had a meal and, of course, we could not count a bar twice, even if we went back to it. Then, of course, there was the let's have another syndrome.

I also, with another friend, organized a Bar Trek in New York. This was an event where you needed to have one drink in 26 bars in one day to complete. In 5 years only 2 people actually completed this event. I was not one of them.

Now, for the last couple of years, I have had it in my head that I could have a drink in 1000 different bars within a year. I have discussed this with my wife, who thinks I am crazy, and she has agreed to support me in my endeavor.

I have also rejoined a health club and am going to prove that my tour of the bars can be completed while maintaining, and even improving, my overall physical well-being.

My journey will begin January 1st, 2005. I will keep you up-to-date on my progress on this BLOG