Steve W.

I would like to address an issue brought up earlier (thanks, Don, for bringing it to my attention; please move this if it is inappropriate).

I am no longer the bar manager at Eventide, of course, but I have found a new position to keep me entertained for quite some time. I have recently signed on with The Neighborhood Restaurant Group; my duties will have me behind the bar at the Columbia Firehouse for three shifts a week, and managing a couple of others. My role will eventually expand to include the cocktail programs of a variety of the individual restaurants in the group, as well as training staff, and conducting classes and seminars on cocktail making, history, individual spirit tastings, and other fun stuff. I am looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that await, and hope that I can share a beverage or two with all of you soon.

I met some really great people in that place…

Steve

I normally don’t advertise on this board; it was a couple of DR folks that convinced me to do so…

On Wednesday, October 20th, I will be tapping a firkin of Heavy Seas Winter Storm Category 5 Ale at Eventide’s lounge in Clarendon. This is a big deal to me because we don’t have taps at Eventide, and I LOVE cask ales and don’t get enough time off to visit those spots that carry them. Last year, Thomas Cizauskas from Select Wines hooked me up with his own personal pin so that I could try serving cask ale. It was a solid first effort and I want to continue the tradition.

We will tap around 6 and pour until it’s empty; hopefully there is enough to carry us into Thursday. I haven’t received final pricing yet, but I will be offering discounted glasses for everyone present for the tapping.

See ya!

Steve

Turning to beverages, Steve Warner of Eventide is my favorite bartender.

Wow. I don't even think my better half would say that.

I really hope that the transition is a smooth one for you, and that an occasional visit back to the area is not out of the question. I really have enjoyed the conversations we've had over the last year-and-a-half, even though business at the bar sometimes made that difficult. I do hope that you will continue to describe your meals on this forum, maybe even enough to prompt a visit to Western Massachusetts (you will have plenty of couches, right?).

I wish you well, and keep fighting the good fight.

Steve

FYI, AB Liquors in Adams Morgan (on Columbia Road near 18th Street) has both this and the St. Germain elderflower liqueur on sale for less than I have seen it anywhere else (under $30).

Yes, we do use the Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur in the Cooper Bros. cocktail. And Barbara is right; look for deals in the city, because at the VA ABC stores (where I HAVE to purchase my inventory) the DdC is $31.95 and the St. Germain Elderflower is $36.90. I feel dirty after every order I pick up…

Welcomed by a smiling hostess, we were shown to our table where I perused the cocktail menu and ofound my eyes drawn to the Cooper Brothers Cocktail - a concoction of bourbon, ginger liqueur, and St Germain elderflower liqueur. Served neat and reminiscent of a Sazerac with a touch of sweetness, the drink was sublime. My only disappointment was that dining with our two kids necessitated a faster paced meal than normal so I didn't have time to order another before our meal started. Separately, I noticed with interest many off-the-run selections in the list of liquors on the page facing the cocktail menu. Much more varied selection than normal, in my estimation, which suggests potentially good things flowing from their bar.

Thanks for the kind words about the Cooper Brothers Cocktail but, in the interest of full disclosure, it is not our recipe. I made one after reading Eric Felton’s article about the real Cooper brothers, and felt it was too good to keep to myself. At the bar I make sure to let people know that we did not create this, but sometimes that doesn't make it to the dining room.

I’m glad you enjoyed it.

I haven't tried it yet, but the next cognac I'll get is the Pierre Ferrand Ambre. I've heard good things about it. Previously I've used Hennessey "Privilege" VSOP to great success, but I'm trying to support the independents. I hope you'll report back if you find something you love, I could use that info.

The PF Ambre makes a very good Sidecar. The VA ABC sells it for $46.95, but I'm sure that you can get a better deal across the river. Happy experimenting!

Thomas Cizauskas (from Select Wines) and I just finished spiling a cask of Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter. We will be tapping at 5:15 this evening in the Eventide Lounge, and pouring until it's gone. Stop by for a glass if you're in the neighborhood.

Joe generally carries the full Clear Creek line, so I'd start with him for the Douglas Fir. BTW it goes great with St. Germain Elderflower, Junipero gin, and lemon juice.

I'd like to pile on the Joe Riley/ Ace Beverage bandwagon. From the spirit side of the counter he has always been forthcoming with ideas and inventory to further the cocktail cause in this area. I credit him directly with getting me in touch with some distillers who didn't previously distribute to the VA ABC. He obviously didn't gain any business from my restaurant in this move, but I will forever recommend his shop to people looking for the hard-to-find cocktail ingredients.

To quote Steve McCarthy from Clear Creek Distillery; "I probably wouldn't be selling much on the east coast if it weren't for Joe Riley." That's a testemant to Joe's efforts.

Thanks for the other suggestions, by the way.

A family member sent me this, thinking it might help me in our new venture.

Liquor Substitutions

Hello all! I thought it was about time that I made my first post. My name is Steve, and I've been a member since February and a lurker since '06. I was first turned on to this board by shaggy (Dave), who is my boss in the up-coming Eventide Restaurant. My job as opening bar manager has been helped immensely by the information, contacts (thanks Joe Riley!), gripes and wishes that have been shared on this board, so I must thank you ALL for that. I hope I can return the favor with a cocktail or two very soon, so please ask for me when you visit. Hopefully that will be soon.

I will keep perusing these pages on a daily basis, so keep up the interesting posts, and I'll try to add a few of my own, now and then.

Steve