Date: August 13, 2010

Probably having nothing to do with Mary, Queen of Scots, the Bloody Mary's origin is nonetheless disputed as is the case with most popular cocktails. The likely inventor was a bartender working at Harry's Bar in Paris, which was a gathering place for American expatriates in the 1920's. The drink's name apparently came from a customer there who said the spicy concoction reminded him of a girl at Chicago's Bucket of Blood club. The bartender then moved back with his recipe to the States in the 1930's, working at the King Cole Bar in New York's St. Regis Hotel. The hotel changed the drink's name to the Red Snapper (which we like), but it didn't stick and the name and popularity of the Bloody Mary remains today.

The Fish Market Bloody Mary is one of our signature cocktails listed on the back of the daily menu. It features Absolut Peppar vodka and a great zesty scratch mix of tomato juice, Worcestershire, Tabasco, Old Bay seasoning and kosher salt. It's garnished with a celery stalk, spicy green bean, wedge of lime and a nice big steamed prawn.

You might not need an appetizer with this Bloody Mary, but if you're hungry still, try it with a plate of calamari fritte.