About a year ago, I was in New York City and went to my favorite little restaurant--a sort of Belgian Brasserie near Broadway. Their food is great and they have an amazing selection of Belgian and French beers. However, this last time I visited, I wanted something different and noticed that they had an absinthe menu. This intrigued me, as I knew that the drink had been banned for some time. When I asked the waiter about it, he told me a long story about how the effects of the drink were GREATLY exaggerated and it was perfectly safe. And, when I had the drink, I was impressed how civilized and cultured the drink was--starting with its very elaborate presentation to its lovely anise-tinged aroma and flavor. I was hooked and can't wait to go back for more--but unfortunately, I live in Florida and don't know any place where it's served around here. Fortunately, I am going to Paris in a few days and perhaps I can find it there--since it was THE place to drink it in the 19th century. Because of my love of the drink, it was a natural that I would decide to watch this unusual documentary--to learn the truth about this concoction--how it is made, why it was banned and why it no longer is banned.
I enjoyed the documentary. Its biggest strength is that it is VERY informative--chock full of information that will satisfy just about any questions you might have about this wicked(!?) drink. I enjoyed the many interviews as well. My only complaint, and I am sure it's because of the limited resources of the filmmakers, is that the film looked a bit cheap--and some appears to have been shot with a simple home video camera. But, considering it's probably the only documentary you'll find on the drink, you have to take what you can get--and enjoy. I just wish the film had told me where I could get the drink around here!
I enjoyed the documentary. Its biggest strength is that it is VERY informative--chock full of information that will satisfy just about any questions you might have about this wicked(!?) drink. I enjoyed the many interviews as well. My only complaint, and I am sure it's because of the limited resources of the filmmakers, is that the film looked a bit cheap--and some appears to have been shot with a simple home video camera. But, considering it's probably the only documentary you'll find on the drink, you have to take what you can get--and enjoy. I just wish the film had told me where I could get the drink around here!
