Mimosas

A better blogger than I would have something intriguing to say about International Women's Day. She would point out that women in the US still earn less than men. Or ponder the impact of gender-based abortions on the marriage rates in China. She might note that the feminization of poverty. Or maybe wax ecstatic about the 100th anniversary, woot woot! Not this blogger. I'm old. And I'm tired. I'm especially tired of the same old state of womanhood. Cherchez la femme et plus ça change...

Instead, I think I will remember my first Women's Day in Rome. The custom in much of Europe is to bury women in armfuls of mimosa blossoms. It's absolutely charming. They smell divine, are gaudy to the point of irrational exuberance, and are ridiculously affordable. There are also a whole host of foods inspired by the bloom, all yellow, all festive. Best of all though, is The Mimosa. Who could possibly say no to champagne, orange juice, and perhaps a splash of Grand Marnier? Unless it's evening and one of your girlfriends just landed a new job which demands celebrating. Then you might want to skip the brunch drink and lift something a little more sophisticated.

Such was the case this Women's Day. The new hire and the blogger opted for Happy Hour at Napoleon Bistro in Adams Morgan in NW DC. The gorgeous interior, with its rouge et noir et or, is the perfect foil for a girls night out. The half price bar menu is a wonderful introduction to Chef Faniyi's creations. But best of all are the myriad champagne cocktails, also half price. The new hire chose the  jewel-toned Kir Royale and I went with the Green Fairy.

Happy International Women's Day!