Agwa de Maria

Right before Snowpocalypse II, we got some samples of AGWA de Bolivia, a coca leaf liqueur made in Amsterdam. I've brought the (legal and non-narcotic) Mate de Coca from Peru through customs, and it has always been good for anecdotical value (ICE Agents being more understanding than one would expect).

I'm no chemist, but the company states that the plants are grown in Bolivia and then the leaves are taken to Amsterdam to be de-cocanized, macerated, and turned into a spirit. Drinking it straight reminds me of those herb liqueurs my grandfather enjoyed as digestifs, and the color beckons back to Midori. The nose is mostly citrus, and the herbal component is bright and clean. While we enjoyed it with champagne, as the press kit suggested, Maria made the best of her postponed housewarming and came up with her own creation:

4oz Agwa de Bolivia
6oz Vodka
Juice of 2 blood oranges
3oz Trader Joes Sparkling Pomegranate
1oz sparkling water
shake with ice, and pour,
top with champagne to taste

For those of us who prefer gin to vodka, Agwa should be a good, sligthly more flavorful, fit. Seek out and enjoy!

Got a 4WD?

On Thursday, February 11th, Food & Friends needs 20 volunteers to deliver meals, especially those with 4-wheel-drive vehicles. Those without cars would be very much appreciated in the kitchen, and it would be great if they could come between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Volunteers may sign up to chenderson@foodandfriends.org. This information is also available on their website at www.foodandfriends.org/winterstorm2010.

Without Food & Friends, their clients likely will not eat, so the help of the community is vital. Meals may be picked up from Food & Friends (219 Riggs Road, NE/Washington, DC) between 10 a.m. and 12 am., they will provide detailed delivery directions, and routes should take no more than 3 hours. For more information, prospective volunteers may call 202.841.5347.