Flights of Fantasy
Flight, noun\'flīt\ This 20th-century term for a small varied sampling of a food or drink has connections to World War I, when the Air Force started using terms like “wings,” “squadrons” and “flights.” The word’s association with drinks began when a tasting presentation of beverages was “flown” to your table. While beer and wine flights have become familiar selections on drink menus, here's a list of other local options, including margaritas, mimosas and coffee.
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THE SAKE FLIGHT
Hawkers Asian Street Food | eathawkers.com @eathawkers
Dishes here pair well with handcrafted cocktails and local brews, but for a traditional taste, order the saké or Japanese whisky flight. Mili Huynh, beverage manager, selected these sakés to take your tastebuds on a “complete journey through the world of ‘rice wine.’” The flight includes crisp, clear, fruity Living Jewel Junmai, herbal 10,000 Ways Honjozo and cloudy, flavorful The Pearl Nigori. Whisky flights are based on availability of the spirit.
THE MARGARITA FLIGHT
Salsas Mexican Restaurant | facebook.com/salsasofcollinsroad
Available anytime, this on-the-rocks flight is great to share with friends before committing to your favorite. Flavors include strawberry, peach, traditional and a Blue Margarita, which swaps triple sec for Curaçao. Tack on an order of ultra cheesy nachos for the full experience. Available only at Salsas’ Collins Road location.
THE MIMOSA FLIGHT
Hoptinger | hoptinger.com @hoptinger
There’s nothing like a champagne brunch! Hoptinger’s mimosa comes with a bottle of champagne, a flute, and a flight of 4 juice options. Mix and match cranberry, grapefruit, passion fruit and good old-fashioned OJ. Whether you prefer a splash of juice in your bubbly or a half and half mix, it’s a choose-your-own adventure
THE COFFEE FLIGHT
Sippers Coffeehouse | facebook.com/SippersCoffeehouse @sipperscoffeehouse
This tray dares you to take a sip before your Instagram-famous best friend takes a picture. Flights change according to seasons. The festive winter selection includes Eggnog Latte, Gingerbread Chai, Spicy Hot Chocolate and a Snowy Day Latte with white chocolate and peppermint syrup. Barista and flight creator Derek R. noticed that customers at Sippers tend to stick with the same coffee drinks over and over, so “I wanted to create a variety of drinks for people to try”.
