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I love finding a new watering hole, and recently we hit the jackpot.

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The Blind Pig Tavern. So named because sympathetic policemen were known to turn a blind eye to speakeasies back in the day.

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This place has a modern rustic feel, randomly placed pigs and the most fabulous craft cocktail list I’ve seen in years.

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Ooh la la!

From the breadth of selection, I knew it was going to be a long afternoon.

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First up? The raspberry basil martini. I’m a sucker for mixing fresh herbs in alcohol and this was sheer perfection. The bartender must have known I was in it for the long haul because she brought me the bonus amount as well. Waste not, want not.

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Next up was the pineapple sage gimlet. As it was being served, the bartender told me she went easy on the sage because a few people said it tasted like tree bark. Amateurs! I took one sip and asked for the full strength version. It was sublime.

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And lest you think all I do is drink, there was food as well. Parmesan garlic brined wings to share…

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And a pulled pork Mac and cheese that was rich, creamy, delicious and enough for three meals.

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There was also a blackberry violet sour. The bartender said a few people told her this one tasted like soap…. which made me marvel at the masses of unrefined drinkers who came before. Go back to the 7-11 and pick up a pack of Bud you heathens! This cocktail was tart, sweet, fragrant and complex. A layered masterpiece.

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As we rounded toward evening, I ended on the Butterfly martini. With gin, St. Germain, violette liquor, hibiscus simple syrup and rose water it was a veritable flower garden in a glass.

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Random picture of the husband’s giant bowl of haddock chowder because yes, he was there too. Someone had to drive me home after all.

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Cute touch. I left the bartender a big tip, but no bucket for the kitchen this time around.

The Blind Pig has earned the top slot on our visited once, have to go back list. So many cocktails, so little time…

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