V Modern Italian - New hot spot in Antwerp

Whenever I'm in Italy, I'm always amazed by the large variety of bars and restaurants. It is surprising to see even the smallest places offering an excellent range of perfectly mixed cocktails. Some venues that look like simple coffee places during the day turn into lively cocktail bars at night.

I was excited when I got invited to the opening of 'V Modern Italian' in Antwerp. I had heard of places like this in big European cities before. The owners had already started a pizza place in Antwerp earlier (V Pizza Antwerp Tower). Now, they were ready for more: great pizzas, but also entrees, salads and plates of pasta, and yummy cocktails in a stylish setting. Sadly, I wasn't able to attend the grand opening. But, I was lucky enough to get a new invite a few weeks later, after a good chat with a friend at the agency that organised the opening. 

The food was great. I especially enjoyed the starter and the pizza tartuffo. But, for detailed food insights, I'll let my food-blogging wife handle that. As for drinks, I tried their ‘special’: “Limoncello Pineapple Smash” (Vodka, Limoncello, pineapple juice, a splash of lemon and Sprite, garnished with a sprig of thyme and a dehydrated pineapple wedge). It was a bit too sweet for my liking at first, but some extra stirring had a positive result.  

My wife loved her non-alcoholic version of the “Viola” (Normally mixed with Tequila, lime juice, violet extract and edible glitter. Served with Violet flowers).
After dinner, I asked the waitress for a drink recommendation instead of dessert. From the extended menu of signature and classic cocktails, she suggested the Negroni, and it was spot on. Upon request, the bartender stirred the drink right in front of me. 

One more thing: don't judge the place by its outside appearance. From the street, it looks like a pretty narrow building. But once inside, you’ll notice it's double in size. They had two buildings combined into one large place. The bar is absolutely spectacular, the open kitchen has nothing to hide and DJs play the right music to set the mood. Since they only opened this month, they are still slightly harder to find on social media, which will of course resolve in the next months. I love the concept, the vibe is very cosmopolitan. This restaurant could be in Rome or even New York. 

Address
V Modern Italian, Schuttershofstraat 49, 2000 Antwerpen

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Consulting unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

Tennessee Bonded Coffee

It’s the season to indulge in the magic of festive libations, and what better way to elevate your holiday spirits than by crafting a delightful concoction with the all-new Jack Daniel’s Bonded? 

As I embarked on a journey of mixology, I found myself inspired to reinvent a classic – the Tennessee Coffee. The result? A sip-worthy creation that transcends the ordinary and adds a touch of yuletide cheer to your celebrations.

The Jack Daniel’s Bonded, with its rich and robust flavour profile, provided the perfect canvas for my holiday experiment. As I meticulously combined its notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, I discovered a harmonious blend that complemented the warmth of a well-brewed espresso. The result was nothing short of extraordinary – a symphony of flavours that danced on my palate, creating a sensory experience that resonated with the festive spirit.

Picture this: the aromatic essence of freshly brewed espresso mingling with the smoky and sweet undertones of Jack Daniel’s Bonded, creating a tantalizing fusion that awakens your taste buds. The sweetness of caramel intertwines with the subtle hint of vanilla, all wrapped in the embrace of oak-aged perfection. It's not just a drink; it's a celebration in a cup.

This newfound Tennessee Coffee variation is destined to be a highlight of your holiday gatherings. Whether you're hosting an intimate family gathering or a lively festive soiree, this concoction is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The deep, velvety notes of Jack Daniel’s Bonded provide a sophisticated twist to the classic coffee, making it a memorable choice for toasting to the joys of the season.

So, this Christmas, why settle for the ordinary when you can elevate your celebrations with a sip of something extraordinary? Gather your loved ones, raise your glasses, and savour the unique blend of flavours in this festive-inspired Tennessee Coffee. Cheers to a season filled with warmth, laughter, and the joy that only a well-crafted drink can bring!

Tennessee Bonded Coffee

Ingredients

50ml Jack Daniel’s Bonded

15ml Kahlua coffee liqueur

15ml Monin Cinnamon syrup

25ml fresh espresso (I used a Nespresso cup)

Double cream

Method

Add the whiskey, coffee liqueur, espresso and syrup in a shaker with lots of ice. Give it a good shake and strain it into your favourite coffee cup. Add double cream (shake it up first, but you don’t want it whipped all the way). Garnish with a cinnamon stick. 

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Consulting unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.