ol_ironstomach Posted November 6, 2009 Share Posted November 6, 2009 Virtually destined to become an instant and epic temple of cocktail love, The Passenger breaks cover with Tim Carman's CityPaper interview here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Riley Posted November 6, 2009 Share Posted November 6, 2009 I've already picked out a nice, comfortable corner to set up a cot and blanket. It will just save me time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 Opening soon? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leleboo Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 Opening soon? The GOG piece (dated one day after City Paper's) mentions both "mid-November" and "early 2010." I'm having a hard time parsing it to see if the 2010 reference is just for the Columbia Room part of it, though, as the last line says opening "should" happen within the next two weeks, putting it sometime this week given the date of publication. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rovers2000 Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 The GOG's just posted a note on their blog that The Passenger will be open as of 5pm on Thursday. Joe, you've been lucky to have such nice weather while you've been out on your cot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tcarman Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 Check that. The Passenger opens to the public tomorrow, although not fully complete. Y&H offers a first look at the Passenger's beer/wine menus, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPW Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 Congrats to everyone involved in the opening of The Passenger! I definitely enjoy the low key neighborhood vibe. Best of luck. PS - Everyone, try the bubbly from Michigan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 PS - Everyone, try the bubbly from Michigan. If this is by any chance the Mawby Blanc de Blanc, I had a glass of it last summer (at Zingerman's Road House in Ann Arbor) ... and was impressed enough where I bought an entire bottle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWBooneJr Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 If you can order a good drink without a cocktail menu, this is your new favorite bar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FunnyJohn Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 More PR Congrats Derek and Tom! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jparrott Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 Sure enough, the guys were off to a flying start last night, with Jamie McBain (who also steers the ship of shake at Bourbon Steak) pitching in. The Mawby sparkler is a bit funky from a fresh bottle, but it blows off in a couple minutes. And the first Martini of Passenger's public opening got a Tom Brown retro-twist, with Hayman's Old Tom Gin, Dolin dry vermouth, and a dash of Peychaud's bitters. All I got to say is, don't knock it until you try it . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnatharobed Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 Congrats Tom and Derek! Sad that Tom left Cork but glad there is a new place I can go and say I want rum with something fruity but not sweet and get a perfect drink Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcanuck Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 I love this place. Great drinks, fantastic beer, cool music selection, nice people, comfortable environment. Even though they've only been open a few days, the place was slammed by 6pm yesterday. Nibbled on yummy almonds and olives. My friend's chili half smoke was received well. Another place to add into the rotation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beefnchedda Posted December 29, 2009 Share Posted December 29, 2009 "No." When I walked into The Passenger last night, the first thing I saw were Derek and Tom Brown together, working a relatively full bar in an otherwise empty lounge on a cold Monday night. After all the publicity each has gotten, you'd think it would have been anti-climactic; but it wasn't at all - it was like seeing Cal and Billy Ripken take the infield for the first time. I really wanted a Mojito last night, because I had just read through this fun little thread (you should, too, as it parallels the rise of Todd Thrasher and Derek Brown). So after I shook hands with both bartenders, I took a seat and asked Derek, "Can you make me a mojito?" "No. But I'll make you something better." So I sat there and watched him make an incredibly complex drink, a Queen's Park Swizzle ($10). I'm still not sure of all that went into it (it speaks volumes about my cocktail knowledge that I'd never heard of this classic drink before), but it was better than any mojito I've ever had - much more complex and interesting, with savory flavors and spice aromas to counterbalance the sweetness. A great drink that perhaps doesn't belong in the "Mojitos" thread, but I have to say it was a superb alternative. It looked something like this. Cheers, Rocks. I too I was at the Passenger last night, having some pre-dinner drinks with my girlfriend. I will say the drink of Mr. Rockwell looked amazing (I think you were the only customer having it, so now, having seen the picture you posted, I can safely assume it was you). So as to not derail this thread, I will simply state our cocktails were great as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beefnchedda Posted December 29, 2009 Share Posted December 29, 2009 Went to the Passenger for my second last visit last night and had another great experience. Relatively quiet on a Monday night and my girlfriend and I were able to get two seats at the bar. Great service from Tom ( i think). Very nice to be able to watch he and his brother in action, a truly learning experience. To start I had a scotch based cocktail with lemon. It was like a peaty lemonade and was delicious. My girlfriend had a Hendricks based gin drink with star anise. I cannot remember if we were told it had a little absinthe as well. For our second drinks I had a bourbon drink very similar to a Manhattan, but thick. I forgot to ask what the components of the drink were, as I was enjoying it immensely. She had what I thought was called a "martina", although when i search online i don’t think the proper cocktail shows up. It was explained that the martina was an ancestor to the modern martini. We also got a great lesson on London dry gins and genever gins. Prior to the second drink, my girlfriend was insistent that we get some food. We tried the beef jerky. It too was great. Peppery and spicy and the perfect complement to my bourbon drink. I will definitely be heading back soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 The kimchi hot dog does not suck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KMango Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 The kimchi hot dog does not suck. Next time, say hi. Leleboo, GennaroE, and I were tucked away in the alcove studying purple, red, and green concoctions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
synaesthesia Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 The kimchi hot dog does not suck. Bangers and mash dog is my favorite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susanmab Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 I stopped on by last Monday for the Project Create happy hour. I really liked what I saw. And my friend's kimchi hotdog looked fantastic. Alas, I'll need to go back when it's not vegan monday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 The posts about The Passenger are laconic. Some depth, please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KMango Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 (sorry this won't be deep) (it's posted via iPhone) +1 bartenders who don't look at you funny when you order "non-alcoholic green" +1 free wireless (from next door) +3 the non-alcoholic green turns out to be a cucumber collins (bitter, balanced, refreshing) +1 hopping, but not crowded on a Wednesday evening Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RissaP Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 Visit this cool, cozy neighborhood lounge. If you want ultra different cocktails, just ask Tom or Derek--when they’re not slammed. They'll whip up some alluring cocktails just for you! Congratulations Tom and Derek! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Riley Posted February 7, 2010 Share Posted February 7, 2010 It must be noted that bartender Alex is a whirling dervish of drink mixing when the hoards descent upon the place around 9:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. She's a wonder. Alex also made a cocktail from an idea that I had and she realized it's full potential, and I will go so far as to say it just may rival my namesake cocktail for sheer deliciousness. I call it the "Navy Cross", and it consists of: Cruzan Blackstrap Navy Tradition Rum Smith & Cross Navy Strength Rum John D. Taylor Velvet Falernum St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram Lime juice Pineapple juice. shaken and served on the rocks. After two of these, you will have the courage to take on Somali pirates singlehandedly. I named it Navy Cross because it is a "cross" of two Navy rums, plus it has the Smith and CROSS (get it?). The famous bartender, Don the Beachcomber, used to blend rums, which was my inspiration, and I added lime juice, but my imagination ended there. Alex added the Velvet Falernum, the Allspice Dram and the pineapple juice. Bingo! My father won the Navy Cross in World War II, so he was my inspiration behind it. I'd like to think that he would approve. It is REALLY good! A fantastic tiki drink. Ask Alex to make it for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DinerGirl Posted February 8, 2010 Share Posted February 8, 2010 From Maddy Beckwith at FreshFarm Market: The Brown brothers great new bar, The Passenger, holds charity happy hours on Monday nights. They will be serving $5 wines, beer and punch-of-the-day with 10% of all proceeds donated to a charity of the week. And yep, you guessed it, TONIGHT, Monday, February 8, from 5-8 pm, FRESHFARM Markets, will be the recipient! Come out & drink for a great cause! The Passenger is located at 1021 7th Street NW, between New York Avenue & L Streets NW, and right across from the MT Vernon Sq/Convenetion Center metro stop on the Green /Yellow line..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 It must be noted that bartender Alex is a whirling dervish of drink mixing when the hoards descent upon the place around 9:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. She's a wonder. Alex also made a cocktail from an idea that I had and she realized it's full potential, and I will go so far as to say it just may rival my namesake cocktail for sheer deliciousness. I call it the "Navy Cross", and it consists of: Cruzan Blackstrap Navy Tradition Rum Smith & Cross Navy Strength Rum John D. Taylor Velvet Falernum St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram Lime juice Pineapple juice. shaken and served on the rocks. After two of these, you will have the courage to take on Somali pirates singlehandedly. I named it Navy Cross because it is a "cross" of two Navy rums, plus it has the Smith and CROSS (get it?). The famous bartender, Don the Beachcomber, used to blend rums, which was my inspiration, and I added lime juice, but my imagination ended there. Alex added the Velvet Falernum, the Allspice Dram and the pineapple juice. Bingo! My father won the Navy Cross in World War II, so he was my inspiration behind it. I'd like to think that he would approve. It is REALLY good! A fantastic tiki drink. Ask Alex to make it for you Alex made me something along these lines with Kraken rum. I believe that she put some bourbon in there too. Very tasty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sthitch Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 the drinks at both are fabulous... I am not so sure. The drinks I have had at the Gibson are indeed fabulous, but I am not sure I would say the same about the Passenger (the free pour always leaves too much room for an unbalanced drink, and while what I have had were tasty, they were a little out of sorts). I understand that the Passenger is going for a more casual vibe, but listing a few drinks on the menu would not kill that, and might open the crowd up to ordering something other than vodka tonics, and drafts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mame11 Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 I am not so sure. The drinks I have had at the Gibson are indeed fabulous, but I am not sure I would say the same about the Passenger (the free pour always leaves too much room for an unbalanced drink, and while what I have had were tasty, they were a little out of sorts). I understand that the Passenger is going for a more casual vibe, but listing a few drinks on the menu would not kill that, and might open the crowd up to ordering something other than vodka tonics, and drafts. and thus you have nailed the reason I have not gone back to the Passenger after a few initial visits. I am not a cocktail connoisseur but enjoy a good cocktail. I am at a loss as to what to order at the Passenger and have not had the best luck when I've said just make me something with "x". The Gibson and The Tabard Inn both provide a list of cocktails from which I can choose or use as a guide. Why go somewhere I don't feel really wants me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sthitch Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 and thus you have nailed the reason I have not gone back to the Passenger after a few initial visits. I am not a cocktail connoisseur but enjoy a good cocktail. I am at a loss as to what to order at the Passenger and have not had the best luck when I've said just make me something with "x". The Gibson and The Tabard Inn both provide a list of cocktails from which I can choose or use as a guide. Why go somewhere I don't feel really wants me. It is even daunting to people that do know cocktails I can make most of the classics at home, when I go to a cocktail bar I am looking for someone elses take on a classic, or better still something completely new, I just feel that I should not have to guess at what those might be. I wish the Brown brothers the best of luck with their bar, it appears to have developed a strong following in a short period, I hope they can keep it up, however, I find that I am well outside of their target clientele. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirtymartini Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 It is even daunting to people that do know cocktails – I can make most of the classics at home, when I go to a cocktail bar I am looking for someone else’s take on a classic, or better still something completely new, I just feel that I should not have to guess at what those might be. I wish the Brown brothers the best of luck with their bar, it appears to have developed a strong following in a short period, I hope they can keep it up, however, I find that I am well outside of their target clientele. the point of having no menu is to encourage people to trust the bartender to introduce them to new things. Far from being a cocktail snob or an elitist, my mission is to bring good cocktails to a broader audiance. Nothing makes me happier than the times someone comes to the bar and says' I usually drink vodka soda but, I heard you can make me something' . When they find the derivative of an aviation or another drink to be quite good, I know that we have turned one more peson from the darkside Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sthitch Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 That is an admirable goal, but how possible is that when you have people 5 deep jostling for position at the bar and the bartenders even have trouble hearing people that are in the stools? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 That is an admirable goal, but how possible is that when you have people 5 deep jostling for position at the bar and the bartenders even have trouble hearing people that are in the stools? FWIW, I was at The Passenger a couple Tuesdays ago at 8 PM, and had no problem getting a barstool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miami Danny Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 FWIW, I was at The Passenger a couple Tuesdays ago at 8 PM, and had no problem getting a barstool. After work Saturday I walked over to The Passenger-from opening until about 6:30 there were a couple of seats at the bar. Also, while I understand the free-poured versus jigger argument, you can still get a great cocktail that has been free-poured by a pro, like Tom Brown. It is amazing to me how quickly the cocktail-bar scene has gone from cool/relaxed/retro, to fey/uptight/snobbish. It really has become tedious. The Passenger is a welcome and refreshing exception. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcanuck Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 That is an admirable goal, but how possible is that when you have people 5 deep jostling for position at the bar and the bartenders even have trouble hearing people that are in the stools? I really REALLY like the music that they play at The Passenger. It's one of the reasons I like going there. However, it IS a little loud. So you have to talk loud to be heard...which makes it harder for other people's conversations and so on. It builds to a deafening crescendo. And that's about the only the reason I don't go to The Passenger more often. Having said that, I don't agree that it's for cocktail snobs. There is a list (albeit a short one) of specials for those that like to chose. And the best drink I've ever gotten there was when I asked for them to riff on a Manhattan. Wow. Fandamntastic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ol_ironstomach Posted March 9, 2010 Author Share Posted March 9, 2010 I really REALLY like the music that they play at The Passenger. Best flippin' playlist in town, if you're of a certain age. (On a tangential note, the first time I walked into BGR in Bethesda, I was eerily reminded of my college album collection.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirtymartini Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 That is an admirable goal, but how possible is that when you have people 5 deep jostling for position at the bar and the bartenders even have trouble hearing people that are in the stools? Maybe I could say the 5 deep and loud problems you describe are a testament to my goals being met? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B.A.R. Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 Maybe I could say the 5 deep and loud problems you describe are a testament to my goals being met? Tread lightly, Grasshopper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Landrum Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 In an eerie, continued confluence between the world of DonRockwell.com and The New Yorker, a story by Jennifer Egan in last week's issue quotes Iggy Pop's "The Passenger" (for what it's worth, she has a better, less annoying story in the current issue of Tin House). That doesn't take away from the fact that it is criminal, and sad, to make any reference to "The Passenger" that is not to Antonioni's genius work with it's greatest-ever final (well, penultimate) tracking shot--well, second greatest, after the opening tracking shot which it "undoes" while paying homage to from "A Touch of Evil", and my with my dear, dear, beloved and lost Maria Schneider. Sorry guys, but hipster, insider cultural reference...NOT! Not when only Maria Schneider, light of my life, fire of my loins, my sin, my soul, rightfully deserves transcendent immortality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 That doesn't take away from the fact that it is criminal, and sad, to make any reference to "The Passenger" that is not to Antonioni's genius work Have another Pork Slap, Humbert. Is there anything in this town that is safe from the endemic pretentiousness? I have no opinion on the "free" pour vs. measured pour debate.The Passenger is a neighborhood bar with an excellent bartender. The Gibson is a cocktail lounge. Different missions, different methods. I can say that the Old Tom perfect martini served me the last time I was at the Passenger was measured (I like to watch) and delicious. Stitch, you and I are not the Passenger's target demographic. (I, for one, am far too deaf to hang out there regularly) but the new reservations only space in the back might be worth investigating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waitman Posted March 13, 2010 Share Posted March 13, 2010 Have another Pork Slap, Humbert. Is there anything in this town that is safe from the endemic pretentiousness? I have no opinion on the "free" pour vs. measured pour debate.The Passenger is a neighborhood bar with an excellent bartender. The Gibson is a cocktail lounge. Different missions, different methods. I can say that the Old Tom perfect martini served me the last time I was at the Passenger was measured (I like to watch) and delicious. Stitch, you and I are not the Passenger's target demographic. (I, for one, am far too deaf to hang out there regularly) but the new reservations only space in the back might be worth investigating. Join me in putting out daughters in protective custody until they turn 21? Being far too old to go to spend time in rowdy joints not featuring live music, sporting events or naked women -- not to mention too old to drink more than two cocktails at a sitting -- I find Passenger a perfect happy hour spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beefnchedda Posted March 14, 2010 Share Posted March 14, 2010 I attended last weeks seminar on vermouth and had a great experience. Highly informative with great tastings (sampled 6 or 7 vermouths, two martinis and two manhattans). It was the perfect mix of learning and alcohol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merry Mary Posted March 14, 2010 Share Posted March 14, 2010 (I, for one, am far too deaf to hang out there regularly) But wait, doesn't that mean the music won't bother you? Oh, but wait, then you will talk louder. Oh, wait. Never mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwertyy Posted March 23, 2010 Share Posted March 23, 2010 I didn't expect my question on Gibson v. Passenger to elicit so much discussion, but I thank you all for the pros and cons--great reading! We ended up at The Passenger, which I just loved, and which elicited some serious host praise from my visiting brother. I started out with a bro-recommend Derby, which was delicious, and which he said was one of the best he's had, possibly because of the mint-leaf floating on top that provided a yummy aroma that just hiked the goodness way up above the knees. Bro hadn't gotten the gist of the joint and thought I was being rude when, ordering my second drink, I just told the server, "I like whiskey. No gin, please." But our man said, "No problem," and brought me one of the three best cocktails I've ever had*: the Lion's Tail, which has some sort of all-spice-steeped liquor and some kind of whiskey and some other stuff. (Observant, ain't I?) But the thing is that I don't even LIKE allspice. Or anise, and it had a star anise floating in it! This was just an exceptional, exceptional drink. Yes, it is loud--even on a Monday, which may have been the result of a couple of seriously screechy tables because it wasn't that full. But the cocktails were impeccable. And I deeply appreciate that they are *reasonably-sized* cocktails, not those six-ounce behemouths that are so insidious nowadays. They're actually small enough that you can have two before a winey dinner and not lose your head. And at The Passenger, you WANT two. I have no idea how much they cost because my brother was so delighted, he picked up the check. Everybody wins! *The other two are a sherry cocktail at Absinthe in San Francisco and a lemongrass thing at Cyrus in Healdsburg. The Lion's Tail was right up there with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Posted March 26, 2010 Share Posted March 26, 2010 Nothin but a G Thang at the Passenger last night. Sippin' on gin & juice, laid back...I love this bar more and more every visit. Oh, and the chili dog was pretty damn good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pidgey Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 Hats off to Tom last night when I told him, "I usually drink martinis, but now I'm pregnant." He didn't flinch, and I ended up with a deliciously tart virgin mojito. My husband fell in absolute love with this place, especially after his spicy manhattan. Looks like the keg cooling system was down, but they were still doing a good beer business with those rockin' cans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweaked Posted March 29, 2010 Share Posted March 29, 2010 Pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the Passenger friday night. Elegently divey. Kimchi dog was great too! I dig it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
synaesthesia Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 "The Passenger is hosting a Fallout Brunch this Sunday in anticipation of the area being cordoned off for the nuclear summit being held Monday and Tuesday. Starting at 2 p.m., they will have the usual brunch along with "nuclear drink specials, appropriately attired bartenders" and '80s music." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miami Danny Posted April 15, 2010 Share Posted April 15, 2010 Tom Brown can make a cocktail, no lie. Bitters are our friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimRice Posted April 15, 2010 Share Posted April 15, 2010 Does Tom Brown make the best Mai Tai in town, or just the best Mai Tai in town that I've tasted? I've been struggling with the words. And actually, it was Alex who made it under his direction, with Kraken and J. Wray & Nephew overproof rums, velvet falernum, and several other goodies. (I also wouldn't recommend having more than two of them.) We also got an education into orgeat syrup and some of the history of these drinks. He also was playing around with a cucumber-ginger-gin cocktail that reminded me of eating a California roll! It was good and refreshing. As the spring turns to summer, and our minds turn to tropical drinks, this will be the place to be for real tropical drinks (especially the rum punch) thoughtfully assembled with good ingredients. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillvalley Posted July 14, 2010 Share Posted July 14, 2010 There's nothing like a little national press. (Check out the last one on the list.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimRice Posted July 15, 2010 Share Posted July 15, 2010 There's nothing like a little national press. (Check out the last one on the list.) Congratulations, guys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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