Eats

When a rose is not a rose

by Mary Tutwiler

Cocktail creativity is blooming in Acadiana, inspired  by St. Valentine. Pamplona Tapas Bar bartender Luke Tullos has come up with another charmer for the romantic occasion.

Cocktail creativity is blooming in Acadiana, inspired  by St. Valentine. Pamplona Tapas Bar bartender Luke Tullos has come up with another charmer for the romantic occasion, a blushing beauty called "Kissed By A Rose." He builds the drink with brandy, Campari (a bright red bittersweet Italian liqueur made from artichokes), Tuaca (a brandy based Italian liqueur with notes of orange and vanilla), lemon juice and a sip of simple syrup for sweetness. Note the balance between sweet and sour, bitter and rich, classic cocktail building blocks. Tullos shakes the cocktail and pours it into a chilled champagne flute. Topped with a froth of Spanish cava, a bouquet of rosewater foam and a dash of Pechaud bitters, it's as much an olfactory experience as it is a libation.

Pamplona will be open on Sunday, Feb. 14 for Valentine's Day, as well as regular hours this weekend. Call 232-0070 for more info.