Drink of the Week

Vesta, the ancient Roman goddess, represented hearth and home. She was also known for her purity -- hence the term vestal virgins. But odds are pretty good that you won't find one of those wholesome ladies sipping sangria at Vesta Dipping Grill. Sangria, a traditional red-wine punch, has become a favorite summer party drink known for its mellow taste and strong results. Vesta keeps a large jug of its special brew -- red wine, Triple Sec, brandy, peach schnapps, a simple syrup, and lime juice -- on one end of the curvilinear concrete bar. Garnished with lime and orange slices and served on the rocks, this sangria packs quite a punch at $7 per glass or $32 for a pitcher. Enjoy the drink in the cool, candle-lit space that is Vesta; the restaurant's known for its 33 exotic dipping sauces and hip, happening crowd. The dinner menu has been tweaked for summer: new dishes include an ancho-chile ceviche and a lobster, vine-ripened tomato and watercress salad. Combine those with a pitcher of sangria, and you just might end up with a summer night that would do Aphrodite proud.