The Vera Bellezza – wow, what can I say? A fabulously unique cocktail, it deserves its name, True Beauty. I almost didn’t try it, I mean really, olive oil and Galliano?
Of course it’s more than two ingredients, there is grappa to ward off the sweet, Amaro Nonino for a slight bitter edge and then the blood orange infused olive oil adds a viscosity for a lovely mouth feel and finally a little lemon offers a touch of sour. It comes together to make a beautifully balanced cocktail designed by someone with a very experienced palate. So, it’s no surprise that one can find this original cocktail at Little Jumbo under the watchful eye of Nate Caudle.
I’ve heard people say that Little Jumbo is too expensive, but for the best cocktail I’ve had in over a year, it seemed like a steal of a deal considering their cocktails are all two- to three-ounces of spirits.
Lately I’m seeing less accomplished barmanship for the same price and maximum two-ounces – and don’t get me started on Saint Franks’ Moscow Mule using bottom shelf vodka and charging $9 for one-ounce. I’ve fallen in love with Little Jumbo all over again, including the restaurant design by Sara Baxter who created the coolest vibe in town. I’d put it alongside any space in Vancouver as a styling place to step out.
Visiting film critic Richard Crouse attests that if he lived in Victoria he would be at Little Jumbo nightly!