How To 'Press For Champagne' On The Cheap (And Not So Cheap At All)
It’s New Year’s Eve, and Champagne is on the mind. According to the Wall Street Journal, more than a fifth of sparkling-wine sales are made in the last three weeks of December -- although year-round shipments of Champagne in the U.S. have helped the sparkling-wine industry bubble back up to pre-recession levels.
If you love Champagne, you’re not alone. If you really love Champagne, then now is an opportune time to remember there’s a button for that. Yes, "Press For Champagne" may be a rare breed of button, but it’s more accessible than you may think.
Ranging from the luxe to the DIY, here are some ways to get your finger on one:
Win at London
“There is something so very comforting, in these Dickensian hard times, about the idea of simply pressing a button and having a lad wheel up a trolley of Champagne's finest,” wrote the Independent's reviewer Terry Durack of London restaurant Bob Bob Ricard.
Part of the draw of the art deco Russian brasserie is that at every booth is a "Press For Champagne" button, lauded by Yelp reviewers such as the one who writes: “It took us all of 5 minutes to hit this.” Some would call that restraint.
Or head to Searcy's Champagne Bar in St. Pancras station. They have a Champagne button… and heated leather seating.
Make for the Hills
This year, Montage Beverly Hills designed five special hotel suites in celebration of the California city’s centennial, writes Forbes. One film noir-themed suite features a Champagne button, but here’s the kick -- the room is priced like the year of Beverly Hills’ incorporation ($1,914).
Download the App
Pernod Ricard -- the makers of G.H. Mumm -- have a "Press For Champagne" button in the Apple Store that allows you to purchase bottles and have them delivered by middleman Liquor Run in 30 to 60 minutes. Unfortunately, the app appears to apply only if you live in the Melbourne or Sydney areas of Australia … le sigh.
Good Old Etsy
In it for the long term? Home installation might be for you. Etsy vendor Lisa Golightly sells two versions of the buzzer -- errr, button -- one that rings, and one that does not.
Although, if you’re going to make the investment, might as well put a ring on it.
Make Your Own
Perhaps the most viable (scratch that, definitely the most viable) option for Champagne lovers at every spending level is the DIY option. Sequins & Scissors explains how to do it with a vintage buzzer, picture frame, and hot glue (which should not be used more than two glasses in, FYI).
Does all of this seem like gratuitous opulence to you? Skip the button, spend on the bottle.
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