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BEHIND BARS

By Lawson Roberts

Healthy drinking

I was at a post-wedding party this past weekend and the cutest little 6-year-old came up to me and said in as innocent way as a 6-year-old can say: "Uncle Lawson, you should do a cannonball in the pool. That would make a huge splash. I mean, big."

So you know you can't be offended when a child says something like that, but it sure did make me think. I have finally hit the wall. I am going to take the next 10 weeks and have a trainer work with me and lose weight. You know I never really even thought of myself as being crazy overweight, but somewhere between seven years ago and this article, I have managed to get my weight to an astonishing 230-plus pounds. I'm 5-feet 8-inches tall. That means I'm a walking time bomb.

So, my mother, who has been nagging for years, couldn't get me motivated to shed the weight. Nor could friends. But a 6-year-old did the trick.

So, what does this have to do with a cocktail and bar column? I'll tell you. Each week while I will update you on my progress and personal gains, I also will be offering you fascinating research about healthy options to drinks at the bar and at home. I will start by saying cocktails that include orange juice can be pretty easily switched to an orange-flavored liquor. These liquors have less calories. As a matter of fact, I have been told omitting O.J. from your cocktails will oftentimes cut the calories in half. So, do you have a healthy cocktail that you enjoy? Which local restaurants and bars serve healthy cocktails? Drop me a line at lroberts@postandcourier.com.

Stay tuned, as this should prove to be an interesting ride.

Vickery's birthday

Fifteen years ago, Beaufain Street was changed for good. a little restaurant out of Atlanta moved to the corner and started offering clamato bloody Marys, fries with gravy and probably the funkiest wait and bar staff this writer had ever seen. Sunday Vickery's is throwing a barbecue to celebrate its 15-year anniversary. Come on down to 15 Beaufain St. and enjoy pulled pork and all the fixings. For a list of cocktail specials and all the details of Sunday's party, call 577-5300.

Big John's

Big John's, 251 East By St., is a tavern and a Charleston institution.

The place was founded back in the '50s by former New York Giants linebacker "Big John" Canady, The bar used to be considered a Citadel cadet hangout. However, over the past 10 years or so, it seems that you can catch just about all varieties of

Charlestonians enjoying a cocktail or ice cold beer at the place. Now, please allow me to be the first to tell you that if you are looking for something upscale and swanky, you have definitely gone to the wrong place. "No frills" better explains the decor and ambiance.

Tonight is college night with $3 pitchers of beer and $1 vodka shooters. Other highlights include Big John's two for Tuesdays featuring $2 Bud and Bud Light Tall Boys. For details on the bar's weekly festivities give the place a call at the bar's rather appropriate phone number, 723-DIVE (3483).

What are bitters?

I have found several questions being asked at any bar at any time and I feel it is my responsibility to give you an answer to your most sought-after cocktail inquiries.

For most, bitters is nothing more than an off-beat ingredient mentioned in old books or movies. If you fall into that category, you're missing out.

So what is it? bitters is a distillation of aromatic herbs, barks, roots and plants, steeped in alcohol. With a 45 percent alcohol level, it is not something you would want to drink straight. However when used properly, it is the perfect flavor for cocktails or food.

Bitters was originally produced in the early 1800s as a patent medicine, intended as an digestive aid. It was recommended before eating to improve the appetite and to help digest the meal, or afterward to help settle the stomach.

Bitters was originally used to formulate the drink called the cocktail, which was known as a stimulating beverage made of brandy, gin or other liquor, mixed with bitters, sugar and very little water.

Wine for Spoleto

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday make plans to stop by Crave, 1968 Riviera Drive, Unit O, in Mount Pleasant, to enjoy wine and tapas. You also will get a preview of what to enjoy during this season's Spoleto Festival. For more details, call 810-0088.

Drop us a line at lroberts@postandcourier.com.

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