Chef Richard is one of those colorful and lively personalities oft referred to as “a character.” He is also one of those creative and talented artistes de cuisine oft referred to as “a genius.”Jovial, cheeky, charming, obnoxious, hilarious and naughty are all words that come to mind when I think of Michel Richard. He is a true gourmand, passionately obsessed with his restaurant and one of the least politically correct people I know in DC. (The latter of which is, of course, half the reason I’m fond of him!)I started working on a walking project with Michel earlier this year. (Read about a walk we took around Georgetown in the holiday issue of Capitol File Magazine. My article titled “Romancing the Corkscrew With Michel Richard” gives a little insight into his screwball sense of humor, as well as his intrigue with corkscrews, themselves.)Other suggested Richard Reading is his new cookbook, Happy In The Kitchen. The playful tones and delicious dishes will leave a pleasant taste in your mouth.Being The Liquid Muse, I also had to, of course, inquire as to his favorite cocktail. I have to admit that I didn’t anticipate his answer. I expected something French, or something uber-sophisticated, maybe even something I had never heard of…He explained that as a young man, new to America, he was so intrigued by his first sips of a certain cocktail that he created a cake using the same ingredients. How to make Mr. Richard happy in (or out) of the Kitchen? Give this man a Pina Colada!Here is Citronelle’s tasty version of this cocktail classic, helping you to hang on to a taste of summer, as winter creeps in…

Pineapple Martini

(courtesy of Citronelle)2 oz. pineapple syrup1 1/2 oz. coconut water2 ounces 10 Cane rum1 1/2 oz. coconut runShake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with pineapple cubes.Photo credits:Cover of Happy In The Kitchen: Deborah JonesPhoto of Michel Richard and Citronelle’s Pineapple Martini: Moshe Zusman