One of Champagne’s grande dames, Madame Bollinger, had this to say about her favorite beverage: “I drink Champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company, I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it – unless I’m thirsty.”
The point being, there’s hardly a human condition that can’t be improved with a sip of bubbly. Take the Champagne cure at bargain prices and the feeling is all the more giddy.
Caviarteria’s tasting bar on Park Avenue and 59th Street is popping the cork on a special that’s a luxe pick-me-up after work or holiday shopping. Weekdays from 3 to 7 p.m., two glasses of Taittinger Champagne are paired with five canapes for $25.
The made-for-sharing snack includes bubbly friendly bites such as foie gras and baby shrimp on toast points, Scotch salmon and, naturally, black and red caviar.
After indulging, you might want to check out gifty mother-of-pearl spoons and such for the eggheads on your list. This Autumn Sunset Special is available until the end of the year. For more information, call (212) 759-7410.
For a more elaborate escape from the everyday, World Yacht is giving a complimentary bottle of Mumm Cordon Rouge to couples on its dinner-and-dancing cruises through Dec. 30. On board, the bottle normally costs $65.
The three-hour sail provides views of the city’s magnificent skyline and the Statue of Liberty, as well as a four-course meal that’s recently been spiffed up by new chef Patrick Augustyn.
He’s supplemented his dishes with ones created for the ship’s “Best of New York” menu by top Manhattan toques Todd English from Olives, Andrew Di Cataldo from Patria and Harold Moore from Montrachet. The Sea Grill’s Ed Brown contributed roast sea bass with couscous and black bean broth, and Aquavit’s Marcus Samuelson added crispy salmon with steamed bok choy, roasted jicama and horseradish sauce.
The cruise costs $67 per person Sunday through Thursday, $79 Friday or Saturday. Call to reserve at (212) 630-8100.
However you do it, do break for bubbly. You don’t want to wind up like Lord Keynes, immortalized for his dying words: “I wish I’d drunk more Champagne.”
