A Little Pour of Citrus Heaven
If you haven’t yet tried Opal Restaurant’s sublime warm seafood
salad, you’re missing out on one of the city’s more pleasurable,
bona fide local experiences. Equally appreciated by regular State
Street trawlers, however, are the liquid concoctions of Esteban,
Opal’s bartender, whose utterly decadent “Perfect 10 Martini” comes
with a gorgonzola-stuffed olive.
Out with a friend for a light meal one warm evening before
reviewing a show at the Lobero Theatre, I was tempted to peruse
Opal’s signature martini selection, where my eye settled on the
Fresh Rosemary Lemon Drop, a blend of Ketel One Citroen, Triple
Sec, and freshly squeezed lemon juice infused with rosemary,
generously poured, and served in a sugar rimmed glass.
Immediately sold on the idea, I ordered one for each of us, and
the herbal-infused cocktails slid back just like virgin lemonade —
it wasn’t until I stood up to go that I understood why Esteban is
developing something of a following. And so I learned why $8.75 is
a small price to pay to float down State Street on a citrus-scented
cloud with sugar lining. And though that night’s theater review may
not have been the most intellectually rigorous one I ever wrote,
I’m offering no apologies.
The Details: Opal Restaurant is located beside the Arlington
Theatre at 1325 State Street. For reservations, call 966-9676. To
peek at the menu and the extensive wine, spirits, and martini
lists, see www.opalrestaurantandbar.com/opal.html.