For as long as I can remember around Christmas time, I enjoyed the popular wintertime drink Eggnog which was only available in November and December. I always looked forward to the holidays, and referred to it as “Eggnog Time”! Not until I was older did I consider why I had to wait till winter to enjoy this festive concoction, as well as it’s odd name.
Now I’m quite sure that I’m not the only one who began to think about this little quirk after reaching a certain age, but just didn’t give it the proper attention because it only comes to mind once a year (and the holidays are very busy for most of us) then fades into the background for the following ten months starting January 1st.
Now it’s origins date back to medieval England where a certain drink by the name of “Posset” which was an ale-like beverage served hot, and made with milk, figs, sherry, ale, wine and eggs that was enjoyed by the wealthy (and 13th century monks) and used as toasts to good health and prosperity. It was also referred to as “Milk Punch”. As for the name, posset was served in a carved wooden bowl or mug, which was called a “noggin”. Get it? Egg+Noggin!
Now just how did this thick milky ale/wine/rum laced drink become associated with the holidays? Well around the 1700’s when the English began to colonize America, milk punch/posset/eggnog traveled along, and many English colonist families had their very own unique recipes. It was prepared during Yuletide and thus later on began to be associated with Christmas.
Whether you love it or hate it, Eggnog is almost 100 years old in the United States, and is not going anywhere for the foreseeable future. Having said that…….Happy Holidays and Cheers!
I arrive around a few minutes after 7pm and said to the manager at the desk up front: “dinner for one”. Right away was the response, and was taken to a table that was up in the front of the restaurant, in the mist of all the action, (it was quite crowded for a Tuesday night). Now I did not inform them that I was coming to do a review, and was trying my best to be “under the radar”, but after being seated, I noticed that the manager was staring a bit in my direction a few times. I also noticed that he whispered something in a waiters ear while trying not to look in my direction, but I saw it happen.
Lido is one of the few restaurants in Harlem that serve a decent Chardonnay, so I sipped upon it and enjoyed the bread while I perused the menu for what I would eat for dinner and critique for the evening. The Cannonball Chardonnay had a 2016 vintage (quite good I say) a California wine from Sonoma, that hints of Honeysuckle, Vanilla and Quince, and very full bodied. I loved it.
The presentation was superb with the spinach on top the chop, and the other ingredients underneath the chop supporting it like mini table legs. It was a very unique presentation that was visually pleasing. Inspecting the “chop” I found that it was cooked very well, not too dry nor undercooked, and the garlic cream sauce was something noteworthy.
At this point I began to suspect that they were onto me, and knew who I was, so as I went outside for a smoke I introduced myself to the manager Patrick, and confessed that I just reviewed the food for the magazine. Patrick was delighted and the owner was standing nearby, and I could see by the look on her face that she was delighted too!
Several passerby’s walked up to me and gave me either nods or words of approval at my swift and effective action to rescue the gentleman (and resume traffic on the corner of 117th street and Fredrick Douglas Blvd). I returned inside of Lido to settle my bill, and was received like a hero for my actions outside to my amazement (I do this all the time, but, oh well) and returned to my table to sign my check. Since my cover was blown, and they knew I was a restaurant critic, I asked if I could take some photos of the interior of the restaurant for the article, which was met with a resounding yes!
As I made my way back to my table to collect my things, I saw former New York City Mayor David Dinkins sitting at a discreet table in the back of the restaurant. As I tried to keep a respectful distance, he nodded towards me with approval, and I extended my hand to the former “Hissonor” he noted my “heroics” outside and inquired of my visit to Lido. I explained that I just finished a restaurant review of Lido, as I’m a Food Critic, aside from being a men’s fashion magazine and gave him, and his guests at his table my business card.
The former Mayor was very gracious and inviting, and also was so kind to take a photo for the article.
(Mike Strange, and former New York City Mayor David Dinkins)
When I finally returned to my table, I found that the Manager Patrick gave me another glass of Chardonnay on the house, as a reward for my “good deed” and for reviewing the restaurant!
(Mike Strange, and manager Patrick)
Needless to say this has been the most eventful review that I have done so far (never a dull moment), with fabulous food, superior Chardonnay, rescuing a fellow Harlemite, and practically sitting on David Dinkins lap for a photo. I just simply love Harlem, and I love Lido Harlem. 
So what are you waiting for? Get to Lido for dinner or drinks to mix and mingle with their fabulous pre/post gentrified clientele. Oh…did I mention that they have a great Chardonnay!!??
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman LVMH Bernard Arnault said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to welcome Tiffany, a company with an unparalleled heritage and unique position in the global jewelry world, to the LVMH family. We have an immense respect and admiration for Tiffany and intend to develop this jewel with the same dedication and commitment that we have applied to each and every one of our Maisons. We will be proud to have Tiffany sit alongside our iconic brands and look forward to ensuring that Tiffany continues to thrive for centuries to come.”
The acquisition of Tiffany’s by LVMH was approved by the board of directors of both companies with the recommendation by Tiffany’s board of directors to their shareholders, that they approve this very large and history making transaction.
The Elegant Classy Gentleman Magazine 