Turn their quirky favorites into traditions

My mom wasn’t much of a ‘drinker’ but she discovered the blue cheese-stuffed olive martini later in life, and was always delighted when a bar or restaurant had it on the menu. It actually took a few failed attempts at various hip bistros for her to realize that the blue cheese-stuffed olive was not a given!

On her birthday and death day, I invite a friend or two to raise a glass in her honor. I usually make a few calls or ask around to find a bar that serves them, which is part of the fun. One year I brought my own olives to the dive bar where a pal’s gf worked. Sometimes I share stories and memories, sometimes we just toast “to Winnie,” and enjoy an indulgent martini on whatever day of the week it is. Every time, I feel like my mom and I are exchanging a little wink when my pal and I clink glasses and take the first sip.