When you’re at a Latin-American restaurant and piña coladas are on the menu, you’re almost obligated to order it. So, at the risk of being branded a cocktail conservative who’s too scared to try novel beverages, I chose a piña colada from among a cocktails list that included more exotic, mostly tequila- or bourbon-based options. Our server supported my choice, revealing that it was his personal favorite too among the cocktails they offered, and I’m insecure enough when it comes to the ordering of cocktails that I appreciated his affirmation of my choice (this isn’t sarcasm. I legit felt reassured by our server’s “Excellent choice!” and look of approval). As it turned out, I’m very glad that I decided to start my evening with this traditional drink. Well, okay, maybe not start my evening with it, for it did take a while before someone noticed my arrival and took my drink order, by which time Charlie’s first drink was almost entirely gone. If I have one gripe about DAMA, it would be the sluggishness at which drinks were ordered and produced. It led to a “drinks incompatibility” all evening between Charlie and I that rendered each toast somewhat awkward due to the drastic difference in the volume of our glasses whenever we raised them to say, “Cheers.” Once I finally got my piña colada, though, it proved to be worth the wait. This blended cocktail tasted the way a lazy summer day at the park feels—sweet, decadent, and slightly alarming because of how quickly it’s gone. I tried pacing myself as best I could, but the piña colada didn’t taste very alcoholic, and eventually throwing all caution to the wind, I started sucking at the cold nectar through the straw as recklessly as if I were attacking a slushy. Consequently, my summer-day-in-a-glass disappeared all too soon. Though I would’ve loved a second glass of the same, I take my duties as a blogger—as an “experiencer of restaurants”—very seriously, and felt that I would be remiss if I didn’t try at least one other item on the cocktails menu. My choice for a chaser drink was more daring than the first: a “Derby Cocktail Tropical” that definitely allowed me to taste the alcohol in it; specifically, the bourbon. There were hints of pineapple and mint too, but bourbon tends to overpower, and I’m not entirely sure I like the taste. When I dine here in the future (and yes, I do intend to come back), I know I’ll order the piña colada again, but the “Derby,” probably not. Interesting drink, but having tried it once, I don’t have any particular desire to experience it again.