The Triangle

Issue date: 10/31/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Jennifer Mansfield

Media Credit: Jennifer Mansfield

It's that time of year again, and people are itching with anticipation as the election for the next president approaches. With that in mind, "Step up to the bar and vote!"

With all the hype the media is drawing to this year's election, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant has decided to join in on the action. Along with their typical menu of soups, salads, fresh seafood and meat entrées, McCormick & Schmick's is now serving two election-inspired cocktails and election-themed happy hour snacks.

McCormick & Schmick's always offers an array of beers and mixed drinks, but now might be the time to try something new or show your support for your ideal candidate. Choices like the Love on the Ba-racks, which combines Blue Curacao, Peach Schnapps, Malibu Rum, citrus and Sprite or the McCain Maverick-tini, which combines Chambord, Stoli Raspberry, fresh raspberry puree and lemon, are both drinks that carry extremely fruity flavors, yet are distinctly different to reflect the personalities of each candidate. A University of Pennsylvania student said the Love on the Ba-racks had a great mix of flavors, yet the alcohol taste was concealed by the citrus and Sprite flavors, making this a tasty drink, but potentially dangerous if too much is consumed. This drink can be described as a very sweet, cotton candy-flavored Shirley Temple. On the other hand, the McCain Maverick-tini had a very concentrated raspberry flavor, yet the taste of vodka was much more present.

After choosing a drink, don't forget to check out the inexpensive Happy Hour menu. Items such as The Obama Burger Sliders, three mini burgers cooked medium, topped with cheese and served with French fries, "Change" Chicken Wings, chicken wings coated with a sweet honey glaze and Veto Nachos, tri-colored baked tortilla chips covered with Velveeta-style cheese sauce, sour cream and Pico salsa, are just $1.95.

If you're looking for something a little more upscale but still within your budget, try the Blackened Chicken Quesadilla, a floured tortilla layered with chicken and a mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheese, topped with a tomato and red onion salsa, the Stump Speech Steamed Mussels, mussels served in a white wine and garlic broth, Steamed Manila Clams, clams soaked in a white wine and shallot broth, or my personal favorite, Spicy Tuna Bites, hand cut pieces of tuna marinated in a spicy Cajun-style dry rub seared to perfection served with a sherry-infused mayo, each priced at only $4.95.

Besides having very reasonable prices, McCormick & Schmick's have raised the bar even higher by allowing anyone to take part in these specials. At just a $2.50 drink minimum per person, students can still order nachos under $2 without consuming alcohol. I was reassured by the general manager that anyone is perfectly fine to order a non-alcoholic fruit-infused iced-tea or even a glass of soda. McCormick & Schmick's is the type of place that enjoys providing great customer service and is as welcoming to the college crowd as it is to its business patrons.

Though these election-inspired creations are only available until Nov. 4, Happy Hour is served daily Monday-Friday from 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m., 10:30 p.m. - close and football Sundays from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

While you still have time, come down to McCormick & Schmick's located at One S. Broad St., pick a snack, choose a drink and vote for the candidate you like best.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools