Sipping Arak at Lebanese Taverna
Friday night, Amie and I had some time to kill before seeing a movie in Harbor East, so we decided to slip into Lebanese Taverna.
After scanning the drink list, I went with a serving of Arak (pictured). I'd never had the Middle Eastern anise-flavored alcohol before, but as you know, I'm always game to try new things.
The presentation was arresting: A metal tray with a small glass carafe of Arak, a little glass pitcher of water and a metal ice bucket. It looked like a lot just for one drink.
Arak is a clear liquor that turns milky white when you add water. It's typically served on ice and cut with water.
Our helpful server poured some Arak into a small glass for me and dropped in a few ice cubes. Slowly, the Arak began to turn white. Yikes stripes! I felt like an amateur chemist ...
It wasn't easy, but I finished the generous serving. Our waiter said it was 100 percent alcohol, which may or may not be true, but I'm inclined to believe it. I was woozy after one serving. A sizable serving, but one serving nonetheless.
I can't say I'm eager for another round of Arak, but I'm glad I tried it.
(Photo by me)
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
sounds exactly like Absinthe or Pernot
Posted by: Geoff | June 21, 2010 8:52 AM
If it were 100% alcohol, not only would it be undrinkable and illegal but there would be no flavor whatsoever.
Posted by: Alexander D. Mitchell IV | June 21, 2010 9:26 AM
@Geoff -- Yes, it reminded me of absinthe. Forgot to include that in the post. Thanks for reminding me.
@Alexander D. Mitchell IV -- What if it was 110 percent alcohol? WHAT THEN?!?!?! Science only goes so far ...
Posted by: Sam Sessa | June 21, 2010 9:33 AM
Our waiters like to make our guests feel better about themselves and their tolerance!
Arak is 53% alcohol, or 20-30% diluted, the way Sam tried it.
We won't hold it against you!
Posted by: Alexander | June 21, 2010 12:39 PM
@Alexander -- I feel better about myself already. Thanks!
Posted by: Sam Sessa | June 21, 2010 4:02 PM
So they probably MEANT 100 proof
Posted by: Anonymous | June 22, 2010 11:26 AM