Why anyone is going out to dinner anymore is a good thought to ponder on. I often find myself asking highly-acclaimed chefs why they think dining out has been a thing. I don’t think they get my question but they ought to consider that we both are from different generations: they parked and had burgers rolled to them in skates by a boy with braces and I get food delivered to me by a stranger, possibly the same guy who dropped me off earlier, or in a box. Restaurants have to be doing something special to get us out. And though this was not planned, Ocean Prime after watching Ocean’s 8 sounds ideal.
But it’s Negroni Week and that’s even more important than an all-female lead heist film because…well let’s discuss the glorious Ocean Prime in Beverly Hills first and their boozy libation. Their decadent and refreshing OP Negroni is served with Botanist Gin, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, and Campari.
Negroni’s are really interesting because the cocktail dates back to 1919 in Italy, thanks to a guy who apparently was roughing it and needed a gin substitute for his very fizzy cocktail the “Americano”. It’s become an iconic Italian drink since.
What’s also happening at Ocean Prime is $1 donations from each cocktail to Inspire Artistic Minds, a charity focused on providing scholarships and educational experiences to advance the arts in the areas of taste, sight, and sound, with a strong focus in the food and beverage industry. That should just about do you in for a night out, even if it’s by yourself.
Imbibe launched Negroni Week in 2013 to raise money for charities around the world. Now, Imbibe and the spirits company Campari have helped grow Negroni Week from about 120 participating venues to over 7,700 venues around the world, and to date, they have collectively raised nearly $1.5 million for charitable causes.
You have until the 10th of June to sip, socialize, and give back. Invite your father. Tell him it’s a pre-Father’s Day drink to kick-off the not-so dad’s steakhouse, steakhouse that’ll be treating him to next week.
Photo Courtsey: Ocean Prime
