A quick perusal of my Facebook feed tells me that I need some new friends. There are entirely too many smiling faces that have relocated to warmer climates for a few precious days this month. Coupled with the bitter cold outside my front door, these tropical pictures are almost too much to bear. As much as I love some of these jubilant saps, I want them to return with a nasty sunburn.
Finding refuge in a little imposed delusion is my only remaining coping mechanism. Luckily, the new Salsa a la Salsa at 2841 Hennepin Avenue in Uptown is filled with lively colors, flavor, and chili-punched food, plus a wide selection of delicious beverages.
While the bar boasts several variations on tart, tequila-spiked margaritas, a goblet of sangria says, “I’m sinking into this barstool for a good, long staycation.” The liquid is the burgundy color of crushed velvet. The berry rich red wine holds only a thread of sweetness, balanced by a slice of sunny orange. Somewhere in the depths of the glass lurks a more powerful spirit that unfurls inside the drinker’s heart as the it’s slowly drained.
While I might be wearing a fat sweater, when I’m sipping one of these for $5 during the daily 3 – 6 p.m. happy hour and squinting furiously, I can almost imagine there’s a palm tree nearby. It’s certainly cheaper than airfare.
