Drink of the Week

After spending an afternoon downing Old Fashions with the ladies who lunch at the Washington Park Grille, I was just like Rhett Butler: I didn't give a damn about anything else I had to do that day. Rumored to have been created for a retired Confederate general who didn't care for straight whiskey, an Old Fashion is an intense bourbon drink designed for slow sipping. The Grille's Old Fashion ($5.50) adds soda water to the traditional mix of muddled orange slices, bitters and Jim Beam served over ice in a small rocks glass and garnished with a cherry -- but only a strict purist would object. The bar also has nineteen hoity-toity bourbons and single-malt Scotch options, as well as such creative cocktails as the Stormy Mojito and the Chocolate Martini. The atmosphere at this Washington Park institution is genteel yet friendly, and the round bar is packed until 2 a.m. with college kids and yuppies alike. On Sundays, a huge brunch spread comes complete with $2 mimosas and bloody Marys, a great way to drink away the Lord's day until live jazz begins at 6 p.m.