The Great Pyramid

The ancient pyramids of Egypt hold an air of mystery and wonder and remain a fascinating marvel of engineering. Modern day speculation posits that the near perfect precision of orientation along the cardinal points (north / south / east / west) of the great pyramids was achieved with the use of gnomons – long surveying rods placed in the ground to cast shadows. At the fall equinox, the rod’s shadow will trace a perfect east – west line along the ground.

Pharaoh's Secret by Perry McDaniel

Perry McDaniel, a favorite craftsman and fellow Texan, uses something a bit more modern to achieve his precision, but I suspect he could do it with shadows too. He designed (along with Norman Sandfield) and created the Pharaoh’s Secret, a miniature pyramid made from walnut, mahogany and padauk woods. Those familiar with the creations of the Sandfield brothers won’t be surprised to see that this pyramid is held together by perfect dovetails, impossibly positioned at opposing sides all around. There’s definitely something deep inside this tomb, rattling around like an angry mummy waiting to unleash its curse upon the world. Listen closely and you might hear it whispering the secrets of the ages. I can just barely make it out … I think it’s saying … “foooooled youuuuuuu”. Hmphh. Well, whatever the secret is, finding it is half the fun. The other half is admiring the beautiful workmanship and clever design of another timeless piece from this team.

Ancient Egyptian Dovetail ...

I’m taking a bit of poetic puzzling license here with this toast, but I think it’s acceptable in this case. The group of puzzlers who produced this fine pyramid are themselves at the pinnacle of playfulness. I don’t think they will mind. The Pharaoh’s Secret pyramid also resembles a volcano to me, with its red cap and dovetails like lava bubbling out and flowing down the sides of the mountain. Since the goal here is to get inside, I logically thought that going “Under the Volcano” would be in order.

Under the Volcano by Kyle Davidson

There are a few Under the Volcano recipes floating about but this appears to be the original, from Kyle Davidson and sourced from the underground collection of rogue cocktails published in the pamphlet “Beta Cocktails”. Presumably the drink takes its name from the 1947 novel by Malcolm Lowry set in Quauhnahuac, Mexico on the Day of the Dead, 1938. It tells the tale of an alcoholic former British consul who experiences the most fateful day of his life. It’s full of lyrical metaphors on the human condition and struggles against the forces of destruction. Sounds like an amazing recipe for a cocktail. This one is a sophisticated margarita which replaces the orange liqueur with something quite a bit more complex, the combination of Italain Cynar amaro and French Chartreuse. The result is absolutely incredible, a medley of flavors to ponder and enjoy. Perhaps it even contains the secret of the pyramids, who knows. Cheers!

Not your average margarita ...

Under the Volcano by Kyle Davidson

2 oz Tesoro Añejo Tequila

3/4 oz Lime Juice

1/2 oz Cynar

1/4 oz Yellow Chartreuse

1/4 oz Agave Nectar 

Shake together with ice and strain into a favorite glass. Garnish with something explosive.

Surprises a pyramid this pair ...

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