Grey R.
Yelp
The Vesper Cocktail Bar Campbell CA Sat 3/12/22
©
When's the right time to update my review? Why, when the mannequin changes its clothes and no one notices, of course! Laughing!
When the food & cocktail menu changes, so does she! Or is it my imagination? You figure it out, I'll describe the ambience for ya!
Oh, the mannequin! The lady up in the attic alcove! Have you noticed that she's got a change of outfit? I liked her so much more back last Fall, when she was dressed in leopard and red heels! Now she's in Grey LOL & nobody notices her any more, patrons don't even know that she's there! ;-)
Nope, I have nothing to do with it!
So now she's more modest, famed mannequin lady that used to wear seducing off-shoulder leopard dress and red stilettos, lounging in the overhead alcove niche. She's now in Grey top & black bottom, with matching black shoes. Ha-ha, what does it all mean?
Today on the twelfth day of March in the year 2022, the restrictions are lifted, masks inside are no longer required, and people are out to celebrate!
Sounds are loud, bar is crowded, bartenders behind the counter look like laborers of another trade LOL and all together, it feels festive, the truth!
That calls for the Vieux Carré in Cajun Creole style with the single ice cube. Rye Cognac, Sweet vermouth, Bénédictine Bitters, 14 bucks. Happy hour is 4-6pm, I came past that mark. Vieux Carré is a classic straight from '30s New Orleans, a fascinating drink! A short, slow sipper that begins with equal parts of rye whiskey, cognac, and sweet vermouth, gets you in the mood! I'd say it was a little different and lip smacking good!
Yes, Ryan M. the Bartender who makes the best drinks, still here, thankfully. Last fall I asked him for food recommendations and advice, so glad that I did. Everything turned out to be spot on!
I've been back several times since, posted photos from each visit.
Always go for warm Potatoes & Raclette - hot cheesy roasted fingerling potatoes and salami, garnished with pickles, I have to tell you it's one of the best dishes here! Today's reincarnation contained Italian Pancetta Coppata salume, pickled Cauliflower, Cornichons, and Brussels. You have to try these!
Charcuterie plate with cornichons, yes, and the best part is the warm fingerling potatoes raclette covered in cheesy yumminess that goes so well with a Bloody Mary! It is the best drink to go with this plate.
You know how Bloody Mary's could be a completely different drink depending on the establishment? The one at The Vesper that Ryan mixes with unique house-made bloody mix is phenomenal!
Bloody Mary will take your stuffed olives, with pickled scallions or garlic, a string bean or German horseradish so well!
I do have to tell you that Street Corn Salad is gone from the menu, regrettably, no more, and is greatly missed!
Ryan enlightened me on this dish last year. Initially I assumed that Street Corn Salad would be simply a blend of mixed greens base, typically sprinkled with corn kernels, oh boy, was I delightfully surprised! It was a bowl of warm corn with Cotija cheese, Chili, Micro Cilantro, Tajin seasoning, a unique blend of mild chili's, topped off with Pickled Onions and Kewpie, which I learned is a smoother, creamer Japanese mayonnaise, because it's made with rice rather than distilled vinegar. This dish was so fantastic, I considered ordering seconds last time!
The Reverend & The Drifter cocktail for dessert! Yeah, go ahead and laugh!
Stiggins pineapple rum, add Oftd rum, Spiced pear liqueur, Orgeat, Lemon, & Cherry juice!
O.F.T.D. Rum if you're ain't sure, is Old Fashioned Traditional Dark Rum, overproof! Burnt sugar and Carribean spices aromas, perfect for tiki-style! Served in a Tiki mug! With fresh mint and purple orchid flower! 14 bucks! Yum!
*Scout Vesper
Softly falls the rain today
As our campsite floats away,
Silently each Scout should ask,
"Have I brought my scuba mask?
Have I tied my tent flaps down,
Learned to swim so I don't drown,
Have I done and will I try,
Everything to keep me dry?
P.S. Peter Pan woulda loved that chandelier!
Cheers!
[ *1 of previous reviews Vanished on Mar 18, 2022 @5:00 PDT & Count reduced to #687 ]
[ *Update Review, posted as #698 with 10 pics on March 17, 2022 ]
Bloody Mary 11 @The Vesper Campbell CA Sat 3/12/22
Warm Potatoes & Raclette Salami Cornichons Onion 13 @The Vesper Campbell CA Sat 3/12/22
The Reverend & The Drifter Stiggins pineapple rum Oftd rum Spiced pear liqueur Orgeat Lemon Cherry juice 14 @The Vesper Campbell CA Sat 3/12/22
Vieux Carré Rye Cognac Sweet vermouth Bénédictine Bitters 14 @The Vesper Campbell CA Sat 3/12/22
Bar wall! @The Vesper Campbell CA Sat 3/12/22
Bar scene! @The Vesper Campbell CA Sat 3/12/22
Pretty chandelier! @The Vesper Campbell CA Sat 3/12/22
Boys making cocktails! @The Vesper Campbell CA Sat 3/12/22
No More!
Street Corn Salad Kewpie Cotija Pickled Onions Chili Tajin Micro Cilantro 12 @The Vesper Campbell CA Sat 3/12/22