When we went to see one of our favorite Golden Gate Fields apprentice jockeys compete in The Foxfield Races, we happened upon a charming bar in Nearby Charlottesville, Virginia.
The celebrity mixologist, Micah LeMon, shared some interesting anecdotes about this premier steeplechase, along with a few popular cocktail recipes. His bar, The Alley Light, reminded us of a few San Francisco drinking destinations (particularly The Comstock Saloon in North Beach).
We were pleased to discover that Micah is also an author of some renown, having recently penned “The Imbible,” an entertaining book of instruction and lore related to spirits and cocktails.
We especially enjoyed the book’s Appendix 2, which contains this commonly used term behind the bar: On the Fly.
“On the Fly” indicates that something is needed as soon as possible; e.g., “I need a Manhattan on the fly.”
This is an expression we will try out on our ferryboat barsmith just before last call.
University of Virginia Press has a great many more interesting titles, by the way. Check them out.