Centaur Martini Bar
by Angela WisniewskiArticle Tools
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My DD and I arrived around 10 p.m. on a frigid Thursday night. The half-man/ half-horse themed bar, aka the Town Pump’s beautiful and upscale Art Deco sibling and neighbor, Centaur, appeared to have a modest crowd inside. While we were two of a handful of patrons in the former toothpaste factory, yes, even in all of its three-story glory, I wasn’t concerned — more for me to drink! So it began, my slow departure from sobriety.
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Drink 1: Zen ($9)
I usually stick to the most basic stuff, nothing super sweet or sugary, without the martini glass. The awkward holders with their thin stem and wide mouth become quite a burden when the Errol Flynn hits my limbs. I was skeptical, but Zen was a perfect starter drink. It was refreshing, clean and duped me into thinking I was doing something good for my body and soul with its delightful mix of green tea, liquor and vodka. Like going to Yoga, sans the sweat!
Drink 2: White Grape ($9)
I hated white grape juice when I was a kid. But if Mom would’ve shaken it with ice, Smirnoff (Centaur’s well vodka, not half-bad), and served it with three frozen grapes dipped in sugar, I wouldn’t have poured it out while she wasn’t looking. This drink was very light-bodied and tart but not in an obnoxious, flavor-over-kill kind of way.
Drink 3: Wasabi ($9)
A wasabi-flavored martini? Eew. Bartender Misty said most people are turned off by the idea, but pleasantly surprised upon tasting it. So I did. Not at all the fiery, throat-burning hell ride I’d anticipated. In fact, it was precisely what the menu described, “A delicate infusion of Asian spices and citrus vodka to leave your throat with a little burn.” I’d prefer this drink with a meal. Good thing Misty suggested a three-tiered sampler platter to soak up some of this booze!
Drink 4: Mango ($9)
So, with drinks two and three in the bag I’m feeling great. Motown Remixed played from the mini Mac while I enjoyed a zesty, orangey-yellow liquid mango martini. So good in fact, it made me question — was this even alcoholic? Indeedy.
Drink 5: Dirty Girl Scout ($9)
Albeit sounding like a creepy man’s fantasy, I’ve had this cool, creamy thin mint-like mixture in shot form but never as a sipping drink. It's more of an after-dinner beverage for me. Misty used chocolate syrup — bonus!
Drink 6: Espresso ($9)
My words are slurring at this point, but I’m feeling good. Sleepy? Not after downing Centaur’s house-made espresso mixed with vanilla vodka and Irish cream martini. I’ve gone beyond my six drinks, thanks to one of Misty’s samples. My notes are becoming illegible and short, but I’ll be back for happy hour, 4-7 p.m. daily, for $5 martinis. | RDW
2233 Park Ave., Detroit; 313.963.2158 or centaurbar.com
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