Last night, we were treated to a very special preview of Apothecary Bar + Lounge, the new “cocktail restaurant” in the Midtown Gayborhood from restaurateur Bruno Pouget and Urban Space Development, a design-build firm (they’re responsible for Capogiro’s 20th & Sansom location, if you’re curious about their previous work). If all goes well with the strange and mysterious harpy known as L&I, it should be open some time next week. We’re usually reluctant to make statements of greatness before doors are open, but in this case, we’re going to make an exception. It’s going to be, as they say, The Shit.

Why? Artisan cocktails from snappy beverage consultants The Tippling Bros. Kold-Draft ice cubes that take longer to melt and are free of excess air impurities. Cocktails in bottles–not bottle service, but Cocktails. In. Bottles. A roof deck. A menu of libation-absorbing snacks meant for sharing from chef kitchen consultant Steven Cameron. We can honestly say that there’s nothing really like this going on in Philly right now. Before you all start reminding us about Southwark, which we love, we’d like you to know that this is just different. The gents of Southwark–and Katie Loeb over at Chick’s–need some company. Plus, a rising tide floats all seaworthy boats. And nothing floats our boat like a rising tide of delicious cocktails.

After the jump, a full breakdown…

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Are you gay if you like to drink rose? [Ansa]

Klein has news on a possible Daniel Stern project in Rittenhouse Square and a definite Bruno Pouget (of the not-yet-opened Apothecary) project coming to 20th and Sansom. It already has Tinto and Capogiro, could this be a new foodie nexus? [Inquirer]

Did you know there’s a “Hypertension Division” at Penn? They’ve determined that the health benefits of drinking eight glasses of water a day are iffy at best. You can now return to your eight glasses of beer. [Telegraph]