The term "Drinking Buddies" probably doesn't have one standard meaning that everyone will accept. For example, in my case I hear "drinking buddies" and I think about those guys with whom I want to share a drink or two without launching into a coma-inducing binge. On the other hand, "Drinking Buddies" have been known to drink until they induce a coma in themselves. I've heard tell of wives that really hate their husbands "Drinking Buddies" because they take their man away from the family. And of course, I've known wives who can't wait for their husbands to go out to drink with his buddies if only to get him out of their hair.
The list that follow includes those folks who I want to share a drink with in 2010 primarily because I'm willing to bet that they will fascinate me. I'm a fan of fascination. The other common denominator amongst those on my 2010 Drinking Buddies List is that I've never met any of them.
1. Scott Beattie (mixologist/author)
I got turned on to Scott's cocktalian virtuosity through a book of his that a friend had him sign for me. Scott, who lives in Healdsburg, developed the bar program at famed Cyrus Restaurant. He got noticed for incorporating locally grown produce and agricultural products into his unique cocktails. This led to "Artisan Cocktails", the book my friend had signed for me and the book I intend to use extensively. It surely makes sense that the first person on my 2010 Drinking Buddies List would be a cocktail virtuoso.
2. President Barack Obama (President of the United States)
Just because the presidents Chicago dwelling had a 1000 bottle wine cellar in it, many people have reported that our President is a wine lover. I have my doubts. I want those doubts removed and I figure one drinking session with the President would clear them up. But in addition, I think I could, over a few drinks, convince the president to support federalization of wine shipping laws.
3. Mel Dick (President, Southern Wine & Spirits)
I'm thinking it would be an interesting evening.
4. Michael Sandel (Political Philosopher)
Michael Sandel teaches the famous "Justice" class at Harvard where he explores different theories of "Justice" using current day political and social dilemmas. His book, "Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do" is a extraordinarily accessible philosophy text. I have a lot of questions about what's the right thing for me to do these days. I wouldn't expect him to give me an answer to these questions. But I bet after a Manhattan or two, he'd be able to creatively point me down the road to answers.
5. Matt Kramer (columnist, Wine Spectator)
I've corresponded and spoken with the Wine Spectator columnist, but never actually met him. He strikes me today, as he has for quite some time, as one of the more interesting wine journalists in the land. This is best displayed today in his new (freely accessed) column at the WineSpectator.com called "Drinking Out Loud". The plan is to get Mr. Kramer looped over a couple bottles of really idiosyncratic, mountain grown Italian wine and sign him up as a pro-direct shipping advocate. Of course, the plan is also to learn a thing or two about writing and wine.
6. Butch Harmon (Golf Instructor)
If I don't learn how to stop leaving my game on the range, I'll never be able to hustle anyone on a golf course. I need help. Butch, considered the #1 golf instructor in America is just the man for the job. Now, I don't know if he drinks, but odds are he does if he's a golfer. I'm imagining a couple days of instruction then a couple nights of wine and cocktails somewhere in the vicinity of Pebble Beach should do the trick.
7. God (Deity)
My big question is just how omnipotent and omniscient this Guy (Gal? Folks?) really is. See, I've always thought that He could not be all knowing and all powerful, especially when you see some of the dastardly work done in His name all about the planet. I figure...throw back a couple with Him and it will all come out. Plus, the news will make for a good blog post, assuming I can work wine into it somehow.
8. Gore Vidal (Author)
I think Gore, the ex-pat American literary legend and sometimes cultural commentator living in Italy, would be a profoundly good drinking buddy. When you read Gore you get the impression he not only possesses fascinating secrets, but also can keep them. This is the perfect sort of drinking buddy.
