The Old Man New Menu:Relations
Making its eighth-year mark, The Old Man is thrilled to announce its seventh menu with the theme Relations, continuing to unveil Ernest Hemingway’s ventures beyond his singular persona. Carrying a series of twelve drinks, Relations is a lyrical exploration of the ties that shape us and reflects on the varied bonds that defined Hemingway’s world – from mentorship, rivalry, love, friendship, to family – layers and layers contributing to Hemingway’s lucid and fervent character, distilled into glasses of distinctive cocktails.
Morphed by the intricate web of relationships surrounding oneself, the new menu channels how one is completed by the people who challenge, nurture, and provoke them, much like the cocktails in Relations that blend contrasting elements into harmonious wholes, each completing and complimenting each other.
Literature and Conflict
From the crisp, jalapeño-laced Handshake, inspired by the mentorship and respect of Ezra Pound, to deep, oaky tones for Mark Twain, a literary and artistic influence shine through in Maven. The sweet-bitter Lost Brothers, reflecting the rivalry and camaraderie between Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, while the smoky, sharp Foe embodies the clashing egos of Gertrude Stein, each drink a potent tribute to the tensions and bonds that shape literary legacies.
Companions and Romance
The playful, spicy Partners in Crime celebrates the wild, chaotic friendship with James Joyce. While the serene yet strong Quiet Waters reflects the steadfast companionship of Gregorio Fuentes. Love and loss are evoked in First Light, with gentle notes honouring Hadley Richardson’s formative romance, and For a Moment Only, a fragile, aromatic nod to the impossible love for Adriana Ivancich, each a poignant reflection of the bonds and fleeting moments that define love and loyalty.
Origins and Depth
The menu probes the roots of influence with Paradox, which mirrors the strict discipline and pressured growth imposed by Hemingway’s mother, Grace. Father & Son that captures the haunting legacy of Clarence Hemingway. Followed by Likeminded Creatures, a layered, earthy blend honouring the shared courage of war photographer Robert Capa, and Brightline, a bright, herbal tribute to Paul Cézanne’s luminous vision, each cocktail a deep dive into the formative forces and enduring connections that shaped Hemingway.
Relations weaves emotional contrasts – mentorship versus rebellion, fleeting passion versus enduring loyalty, playful chaos versus solemn duty – into every cocktail. Innovative techniques and evocative garnishes bring these stories to life, inviting guests to savour not just flavours but feelings, making every sip a moment of connection.
