Jaw-Dropping Record: UK native Bruce Masters has set a truly stunning record for most pubs visited, with an official count of 46,495 unique drinking establishments dropped in upon from 1960-2014. That works out to roughly one new pub a day for 128 years, and about $186,000 spent if he ordered just a single beer in each new spot. We’d like to say we aspire to Masters’ level, but we’re honestly more confused that he never found a regular spot to settle in and learn the bartenders’ names. Better luck next time, Bruce.
More Booze For Penn Station: A new Pret a Manger coming to Penn Station recently confirmed it will follow its European model and offer beer and wine for sale. This is particularly important at Penn Station, where train beers are the last defense between an orderly commute and a complete shattering of social order. We salute them for doing their patriotic duty.
Even More Booze For Midtown: Continuing the campaign to make Midtown crowds more bearable, the team at Tipsy Scoop is opening up with boozy ice cream in Kips Bay. We’re talking a full 5% ABV equivalent per scoop, which is just the right amount to preserve walking agility while mellowing you towards the inexplicable gaggle of tourists blocking the sidewalk for a photo. It’s still unacceptable, but at least you’ll be calm.
Alright, Let’s Calm Down: Groupon, of all entities, is releasing a Prosecco Nail Polish, just in time to disappoint your long-suffering mom on Mother’s Day. The polish is edible and allegedly smells and tastes like the real thing, because nothing says “I couldn’t afford a real gift” like jamming your fingers in your mouth.
Update Your Stash: Any fool can pick up a few cheap bottles for a party, but sometimes you need liquor that tastes good and won’t break your budget. Enter this list of affordable and quality brands ready for cocktails, neat, or swigging straight from the neck and still having a few bucks for tacos.We’re not saying the rest of your life needs to be balanced, but your budget can be helpful.
Geek, Out: Readers of this column will recognize David Wondrich as a frequent source of news, ruminations, and recipes. Take a look inside his world and be inspired to start collecting your own historical cocktail implements. Or, at the very least, decide to drink something decent this weekend. Good luck out there.