Thursday, December 30, 2010
the naughty toddy
Sometimes, while sitting at my desk, sipping a new-to-me tea, I fathom a drink recipe. I text PerryA the idea. She shares the enthusiasm. We test a few variations. A week or so passes. Then, there arrives a night when the honey whiskey we have on hand makes it all fall into place effortlessly.
happy, merry
The room is growing cozy these days. And, nights.
Here are a few snapshots to share the holiday pizazz with you.
I hope the holidays and the days between are delighting you.
I'll return soon with a drink recipe for warmth and photos of the New Year's celebration.
Until then, happy, merry times to you.
Cheers!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
a sign of things to come
The Bartender is a hands on kinda guy.
If he wants a boat, he buys the shell of a priceless vintage wooden boat and restores her to a lovely version of her former self. His adherence to the nuances of authenticity are admirable. His dedication to a decade-long project humbles me.
When he has a vision of the potential for a room, he tackles the space with his wits and bare hands as well. Our condo is a tribute to that.
And, now so is this bar.
I will say that I'm sorry for the confusion caused by the barfront remaining nameless since we opened.
I promise you, however, all with be worth the wait.
What can I say, he has a vision...
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
first shift
Last Sunday, The Bartender sprang my first bartending shift on me. He knew the best approach to get me back there. You know, the sneaky kind. Of the sort that doesn't allow me a single moment to mull over anything. To worry. He casually suggested I serve a beer. I obliged.
And, Snap! Just like that, I was behind the bar on a Sunday night. More folks arrived. More beers cracked open. Poured into pint glasses. A few shots. Anxious moments. Many questions. Happy exchanges. Sooner than expected, it was almost midnight and I wondered when I'd sleep before waking at 5:30 to drive back to the city. There's no time for pondering or complaining behind the bar, however. You must keep moving on. It's not about you. It's about all of them.
Yes, my feet were crammed into inappropriate urban-style shearling boots. My hair was tucked into a knit cap. A thick sweater warmed too much. Yes, as I had not prepared for this session of serving, I was not clad as I would have liked or would have felt more comfortable. The Bartender sympathetic but enjoying a shift off, suggested I step outside for a cool, rainy pause. That's what you have to do, babe. The shift continued.
I have bussed tables. I have waitressed. I have even poured pints o'plenty on many a slow Monday dayshift. Up until last weekend, I had not spent eight hours behind a bar. Pacing. Eyeing. Bored. Tuckered. Cranky. Smiling. Chatting. Serving and serving.
Don't for one second think that anyone can bartend. It just isn't true.
I never wanted to be one of those owners who doesn't know the business. Yet, here I am. In fairness, it is the business of which he's familiar. I want to know every facet as well. I hate being vulnerable behind the bar. Having more questions than answers. I am grasping at the comfort of knowing that we are learning the whole of this business, together.
See that lady above? She is learning lessons the hard way. Quick and dirty. That's just how this business is. She can pour a perfect Guinness, however. That she can do.
Yes, it's here. Our new tower. Slinging drafts we will be. Ain't it pretty? Nautical, no?
Now, excuse me while I resume quizzing myself with basic change calculations.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
cheer
With these gifts, they are making this bar their room too. I like that.
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