Drink of the Week

Serial bartender: It's a scary concept. Okay, not nearly as frightening as Ted Bundy or some other serial types, but Oran Feild is almost as well known in this state. He could even go by one name, like Cher or Madonna. So when I entered Monarck, the latest alcohol-dispensing venue created by Francois Saffieddine, who also gave us Lotus, Blue 67 and Mynt, I wasn't the least bit surprised to see Oran behind the fifty-foot bar. He's the mixologist who's shaken things up at many of the town's hottest bars, including Flow, Brasserie Rouge and now the cool-looking Monarck. I've long been a fan of Oran's mixing skills. I loved the Luna-tic, the Luna Hotel drink that, like magic, changed color when you dropped in cotton candy. And while Monarck boasts no color-changing cocktails, the magic does its work here, too. The Mango Cosmo ($7), made with mango vodka, triple sec, fresh citrus and cranberry juice, with a twist; the Watermelon Kamikaze ($7), made with Ketel One, Marie Brizard watermelon liqueur, fresh citrus and muddled watermelon pieces; and the Dragon Boat ($8), made with Soho lychee liqueur, Grand Marnier, Limoncello lemon liqueur, pineapple juice and lychee, were all transforming experiences. And you'll be transported back to the '80s during the retro happy hour, from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, with $3 martinis, mojitos, wine, domestic beer and well drinks. Good thing I'm a serial drinker.