Dinner en homage Ava Gardner

It's been awhile - some would say too long - since Cafe Drake posted another installment in our ever-popular series of "homage" dinners. This month we feature a beloved screen siren and the only woman in cinema to ever rival the beauty of a young Liz Taylor . . . Ms. Ava Gardner.

A South Carolina cotton farmer's daughter, Ava would be delighted we believe with the menu proposed below, an equal mix of downhome Dixie standards tweaked to an urbane and sophisticated level befitting a woman who drew from both influences with flair and grace.

DINNER EN HOMAGE AVA GARDNER

Mint Juleps

Cheese Straws

Pimento Cheese Crostini

Shrimp and Grits

Endive and Bacon Salad

Red Velvet Cake

Brandy Alexanders (do use a jigger/bar measuring cup here)

1 1/2 oz brandy / 1 oz dark creme de cacao / 1 oz half-and-half /1/4 tsp grated nutmeg

In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine the brandy, creme de cacao, and half-and-half. Shake well. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with the nutmeg.