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Photo courtesy Laura Carney

Photo courtesy Angel’s Envy

Photo courtesy Free Bird Restaurant

Spotlight on author, cocktail, dining

By Jim Gordon and Leeta Liepins

Published 12:15 PDT, Fri July 7, 2023

Last Updated: 12:22 PDT, Fri July 7, 2023

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SUMMER READ: My Father’s List by Laura Carney

Once in a while a book comes across your desk that catches you on page one and keeps you until the last page. That is the case with our choice for this great summer read from journalist, magazine copy editor and illustrator, Laura Carney. It’s a story of a daughter who loses her father tragically in an accident. The grief she carries, turns to hope and a chance to recover when a list is discovered by her brother. This bucket list was written by Carney’s father when he was in his late 20’s. It contained all the things he wanted to do in his life including giving his children the most love, best education and best example he could give. For a grieving daughter, the idea of completing that list was a way to change the narrative from being unable to escape great feelings of loss and victimhood to creating a loving homage to her father while also healing herself. This “call to action” had Carney swimming a river, parachuting from an airplane, recording herself singing, riding a fast horse, driving a corvette, sailing a boat solo, even shaking hands with a president. All the while feeling her father’s presence, urging her on when she felt like she couldn’t complete another item on the list. This touching, beautiful memoir will have you crying at times, smiling at other times, while all the while reminding you of the human spirit’s strength and resiliency. As Carney points out, there is an emotion more expansive than grief: love. Post Hill Press, bylauracarney.com

THE SUMMER COCKTAIL: The “10/10 Manhattan”

For our latest summer cocktail, we contacted “Whiskey Guardian” for Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Adam Domet, who also earned a great reputation as a bartender and cocktail creator. The conversation turned to the “Manhattan”, a cocktail which has been around since the 1880’s, It has gone through high and low periods of popularity, but over the last few years has seen a resurgence, especially with Millennials. Domet offered a stylistic ode from Angel’s Envy to the classic Manhattan, known as the “10/10 Manhattan”, named after the original launch of Angel’s Envy back in October 2010. Sipping the delicious cocktail, we can see why it has won over cocktail lovers who may not have considered this modern take on a classic as a summer cocktail.

“Manhattan 10/10”

60ml Angel’s Envy Port Finished Bourbon

15ml Ruby Port

15ml Amaro Montenegro

2 dashes orange bitters

Stirred and served in stemmed cocktail glass and garnished with a brandy-soaked cherry and lemon twist.

angelsenvy.com

THE SUMMER SPOT: Free Bird Table & Bar

They have become a Richmond favourite since opening a few years ago, offering options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For us, the attraction has always been the delicious “comfort food” they serve up; Southern Classics such as Nashville fried chicken, (prepared with a crispy and flavorful coating and served with a range of delicious sides and the Free Bird signature Black Garlic Hot sauce), as well as West Coast favourites like freshly shucked oysters (Buck a Shuck is offered daily from 3 to 6 p.m.), and a variety of great drinks including craft cocktails, local beers, and fine wines. Whether you’re craving fried chicken, oysters, or simply a place to relax and enjoy a drink, this neighborhood spot is sure to exceed your expectations. It also has gained a reputation for being one of Richmond’s best destinations for “happy hour” located at the Executive Hotel.
thefreebird.ca