Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Cheers: It's Global Negroni Week!

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Barrel-aged Negroni photo via starchefs.com.

I was doubled over with excitement because of National Lobster Day until I found out that it is also Global Negroni Week.

This is serious business if you're like me and have a secret love affair with both gin and Campari.

A few sweet places where you should consider checking out the classic Italian aperitif:

Craig Schoettler is OUT at The Aviary

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Alinea chefs Dave Beran (from left), Craig Schoettler and Grant Achatz discuss The Aviary build out. (Photo: The Aviary)

The award-winning, yet controversial Executive Chef Craig Schoettler is apparently no longer working at The Aviary—according to his latest tweet:

"Good luck The Aviary."

Under Schoettler's leadership, the molecular-focused cocktail lounge has garnered a number of awards and accolades, including being named a Tales of the Cocktail finalist for World's Best New Cocktail Bar (The winner will be announced when the annual cocktail and spirits conference takes place in New Orleans July 25-29). Schoettler did this final interview about The Aviary's innovative cocktail techniques with the Daily Meal Video Network last week.

Schoettler's girlfriend, Jennifer Contraveos, who tends bar at Barcito, tweeted this curious message Monday afternoon:

"Can you post all your genius recipes now? :) Good luck is right."

This looks like there's an interesting story behind those tweets. We'll keep you updated with more details . . .

UPDATE: Looks like he was fired.

We reached out to The Aviary partner Nick Kokonas, and he had this to say: