Weekly Volcano Blogs: Served blog

Posts made in: 'Served Banner Models' (39) Currently Viewing: 31 - 39 of 39

July 14, 2014 at 8:15am

Served Blog Banner Boy: Q&A with Steve Wirtz of Eastside Club Tavern

Slinging craft beers requires knowledge beyond the basic pour. Eastside Club Tavern bartender Steve Wirtz has the answers. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Steve Wirtz.

Server Banner Boy, July 14-20, 2014

Steve Wirtz

Steve Wirtz was with Dick's Brewing Co. for 13 years, spreading the Centralia brewery's good word and great beers near and far. For the last 21 years, Wirtz has been pulling the 42 tap handles at the notorious Eastside Club Tavern in downtown Olympia.

Why do you serve?

"I'm absolutely in love with the beer industry and all the people involved. Fitting since my last name means "tender of the bar" in German. My father was also a bartender for many years. I guess I'm just destined for this career and a lifer at the Eastside Club."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"My favorite tender in the South Sound is Terry Williamson at The China Clipper in Olympia. He is pretty much known worldwide at this point and his infectious personality keeps people coming back to the Clipper. Love that guy!"

What are you most proud to serve?

"Being an IPA guy myself, I'm most proud serving the wide variety of great IPAs on the market today. I really feel like I can connect to the breweries and then translate it to the customers - like an ambassador of beer.

What's your favorite movie?

"My favorite movie would have to be the Shawshank Redemption. I'm also into any movie containing classic and antique cars as I'm a gearhead."

What don't you serve?

"Thankfully, I don't serve liquor. Beer has a much better vibe and comes with much less trouble. My customer base at the Eastside is a very diverse, yet docile and relaxed crowd. I'm pleased to serve and converse with them.

What's on your radar at the Eastside Club Tavern?

"I'm excited for the Eastside cycling jerseys, which should arrive soon. The design looks great!

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

July 7, 2014 at 11:48am

Served Blog Banner Boy: Q&A with Corey Lund at Hilltop Kitchen

Hilltop Kitchen Bar Manager Corey Lund would like to pour you a craft rum cocktail. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Corey Lund.

Server Banner boy, July 7-13, 2014

Corey Lund

From server at the Pacific Grill to bartender at 1022 South to bar manager at Hilltop Kitchen, Corey Lund is the man in the know, especially wine. Taking a break from pouring craft cocktails at HK and riding his bike around Tacoma, Lund was gracious enough to answer my questions.

Why do you serve?

"It all started waaaay back in college because well, I had to pay the rent! Eventually I came to see it as a viable career, and started really caring about the work. Of course, it helps if your employer also cares, supplying your guests with quality menus." 

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"Probably Brie at Marrow. She kills it every time."

What are you most proud to serve?

"Really, anything that's had a lot of thought put into it, from ingredients to production, to whatever spin the house puts on it. Though I do have a particular fondness for French food, and sparkling wine." 

What's your current drink of choice?

"At the house, we drink mostly wine. If I'm going out, fortified wines like Americano or Manzanilla Sherry. Or Chartreuse." 

Favorite movie?

"Um, Tarkovsky's Stalker." 

What don't you serve?

"Minors." 

What's on your radar at Hilltop Kitchen?

"I never thought I would get into rum, but HK has an amazing collection. In that regard, two things are on my radar: Mondays we offer glasses of any cane or agave spirit for half price, also as tasting portions. It's a great way to taste around the back bar. Also, the new cocktail menu! Per Se and Gravity's Rainbow stand out." 

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

Filed under: Served Banner Models, Tacoma,

June 30, 2014 at 8:52am

Served Blog Banner Boy: Q&A with Morgan Alexander of Tacoma Brewing Company

Morgan Alexander serves his Tacoma Brewing Co. beers 4:20-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 2-9 p.m. Saturday.

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Morgan Alexander.

Server Banner boy, June 30-July 6, 2014

Morgan Alexander

Morgan Alexander began brewing beer in high school. He used Baker's yeast and apple juice, which was according to Alexander, "horrible stuff, but it was alcohol." In October of 2013, he converted his beloved Amocat Cafe into the Tacoma Brewing Company. "It was a sad day for me," says Alexander. "The previous three years had been filled with so many good memories. But now there's beer, so it's not so bad." Tacoma Brewing Company is at 625 St. Helens Ave. in Tacoma's Triangle District.

Why do you serve?

"I'm social and I like people. If you're in the service industry and people annoy you, then you are in the wrong industry."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"I would say it's a tie between Jason at Tacoma Cabana and Sean at the Parkway. They are both always friendly, professional and happy to serve."

What are you most proud to serve?

"I try not to serve stuff I'm not proud of. Lately, I am most proud of my Broken Window IPA. It's a very unconventional beer that appeals to people." 

What's your current drink of choice?

"I've been getting more into sour beers. My latest favorite Rodenbach Grand Cru.

Favorite movie?

"I don't really have time to watch movies. I've been watching Louie on Netflix lately though and love it!"

What don't you serve?

"Wine ... at least for now."

What's on your radar at Tacoma Brewing Company?

"A new space! It won't be in Sea-Tac."

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

June 23, 2014 at 9:32am

Served Blog Banner Boy: Q&A with Monkey at The Swiss Restaurant and Pub

Monkey has been serving drink at The Swiss for 10 years. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Monkey.

Server Banner boy, June 23-29, 2014

Monkey

Monkey has been serving the patrons of The Swiss for the last 10 years. He actually began serving drinks at the Hotel Bar & Grill, the short-lived restaurant and bar on Pacific Avenue, owned and operated by The Swiss. Today he holds court several nights a week at The Swiss Restaurant & Pub.

Why do you serve?

"I'm in it for the smiles."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

Jesse motherfuckin' Turcotte - a gentleman who has served more Swiss Army outings (Swiss employees bar-hopping) than I can count, all the way from his Magoo's days to Doyle's. We would come twenty strong, pouring out of a limo after hours and hours and hours of celebrating. I'm sure we looked like a hot wet one. But you wouldn't know it by looking at Jesse. Nothing fazes that dude.

What are you most proud to serve?

The "Swiss Kiss." That bad bitch has helped facilitate more good times than I care to mention. It has been known to turn a conservative woman into a twerk queen.

What's your current drink of choice?

Jäger on the rocks. Always has been. Always will be.

Favorite movie?

The Breakfast Club. I know. You wouldn't think so. But, it is. You would think maybe The Boondock Saints or Barfly or Empire Strikes Back. But they aren't. It's The Breakfast Club. Best movie ever.

What don't you serve?

Douchebags on their phones. Hang up and join the other human beings making connections face to face.

What's on your radar at The Swiss?

Trying to convince the Mischief Makers to bring back the Hotrod-A-Rama. Ever since it went on hiatus there has been a rat rod sized hole in my heart.

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

Filed under: Served Banner Models, Tacoma,

June 16, 2014 at 8:42am

Served Blog Banner Girl: Q&A with Tricia Irwin of Doyle's Public House

Tricia Irwin serves at Doyle's Public House in Tacoma's Stadium District. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Tricia Irwin.

Server Banner Girl, June 16-22, 2014

Tricia Irwin

Tricia Irwin has been serving the patrons of Doyle's Public House for the last seven years. She truly adores the Tacoma Stadium District pub, especially her bosses and fellow employees. She was also named Tacoma's sexiest female bartender in 2010.

Why do you serve?

"Gosh, where do I start? My amazing guests, the creativity, the laughter - I thrive on it all. I've been in this industry for 11 years, so, I guess it just clicks."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"Joy at The Top of Tacoma rocks my world."

What are you most proud to serve?

"I'm really diggin' the banana Jameson my boss Russ Heaton has concocted. Mix that with some Bailey's, chill it up and you have a little cloud in heaven."

What's your current drink of choice?

"Oh, I think most people know I'm not too picky. But I'm usually pretty happy with whiskey and a good IPA."

Favorite movie?

"For the sake of this interview, let's just go with Cocktail ... 'Cocktails and Dreams.'"

What don't you serve?

"A bad attitude. Or anything blue."

What's on your radar at Doyle's Public House?

"WORLD CUP BABY! The tent is up in the parking lot until July 14 and we are having quite the party! Come join me and the rest of Doyle's awesome crew for some good footy and good times!"

Filed under: Served Banner Models, Tacoma,

June 9, 2014 at 7:49am

Served Blog Banner Boy: Q&A with Jason Alexander of Tacoma Cabana

Jason Alexander co-owns the Tacoma Cabana with business and life partner Robyn Murphy. They have the largest collection of rum in the region.

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Jason Alexander.

Server Banner Boy, June 9-15, 2014

Jason Alexander

The Tacoma Cabana is Tacoma's craft tiki bar, nestled in Tacoma's hip lower Pacific Avenue. Co-owner and bartender Jason Alexander, armed with recipes from Trader Vic's and Don the Beachcomber and his trusty fez, pours scratch tropical craft concoctions incorporating his own ideas, infusions and syrups.

Why do you serve?

Because it's fun. For as antisocial as I can be at times, I enjoy the social aspect of it a lot.

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

Whether he is serving up a keg of beer to me at the cabana or pouring a tall, frosty cold one at his taproom at Tacoma Brewing Company, Morgan Alexander has to be my favorite server right now. I love talking shop with that guy any chance I can get.

What are you most proud to serve?

I'm most proud to serve the awesome people of Tacoma and surrounding areas. I have really great customers that I look forward to seeing on a weekly basis

Current drink of choice?

Anything with high-quality, overproof rum in it.

Favorite movie?

Dredd (2012). I'd love to be a judge if that were a real job.

What don't you serve?

Anything that doesn't contain rum.

What's on your radar at Tacoma Cabana?

Forecast says, "it's all just rum, lime and sugar with pineapple wrapped in bacon." 

LINK: Meet Todd McLaughlin from Engine House No.9

LINK: Meet R.J. Adler from Pint Defiance

LINK: Meet Rose Peterson from 1022 South J

June 2, 2014 at 9:14am

Served Blog Banner Boy: Q&A with Todd McLaughlin of Engine House No. 9

Todd Mclaughlin tends bar at Engine House No 9 in Tacoma. He had an awesome time at this year's Sasquatch! Music Festival. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Todd McLaughlin.

Server Banner Boy, June 2-8, 2014

Todd McLaughlin

McLaughlin tends bar at Engine House No. 9, a restaurant, bar and brewery housed in a historic engine house in north Tacoma. He has been with X Group restaurants since 2008, and specifically E-9 for the last two-and-a-half years. Since September 2013, McLaughlin has also tended bar at Doyle's Public House in Tacoma Saturday nights.

Why do you serve?

"I serve for the people. And for the beer. Actually, I mostly serve for the beer."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"Favorite server has to be Ben Williams next door at Masa. He's just an all around badass bartender."

What are you most proud to serve?

"I'm most proud to serve anything coming out of E-9's barrel and sour program. It is all phenomenal beer that really sets our brewery apart from others."

What's your current drink of choice?

"Beer, of course and whiskey."

Favorite movie?

Old School

What don't you serve?

"I'll really serve whatever makes the guest happy. But I do my best to avoid selling Bud and Coors Light and encourage people to drink real beer."

What's on your radar at Engine House No. 9?

"I'm really excited for our annual sour fest on August 23 and for the new and first ever E-9 Berliner Weiss, which we just brewed."

LINK: Meet R.J. Adler from Pint Defiance

LINK: Meet Rose Peterson from 1022 South J

May 26, 2014 at 7:37am

Served Blog Banner Boy: Q&A with R.J. Adler of Pint Defiance in Fircrest

R.J. Adler, assistant manager at Pint Defiance, a craft and specialty beer store and taproom on the edge of Fircrest. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet R.J. Adler.

Server Banner Boy, May 26-June 1, 2014

R.J. Adler

Assistant manager, bartender, server

Pint Defiance, a craft and specialty beer store and taproom on the edge of Fircrest

Why do you serve?

"I serve for the love of great craft beer. This answer is complete cheese, but I mean it."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"Oof, I have to pick just one? Sean at the Parkway seems to have a preternatural sense for knowing what I want before I do."

What are you most proud to serve?

"Anything local. I love being able to say, 'Here, a guy I know made this.'"

What's your current drink of choice?

Berliner Weisse

Favorite movie?

"No Country for Old Men"

What don't you serve?

"I try not to get snobbish about beer but you won't find me cracking any 'cold-activated' cans, if you catch my drift.

What's on your radar at Pint Defiance?

We always have awesome events on our calendar - Deschutes Brewer's Night on June 11, a sour beer night on June 25. I'm also looking forward to all the summer seasonal releases that are hitting our shelves. I'll be trying them all ... ya know ... for research.

LINK: Meet last week's Served Banner Girl.

May 19, 2014 at 1:45pm

Served Blog Banner Girl: Q&A with Rose Peterson of 1022 South J in Tacoma

Rose Peterson, general manager at 1022 South J in Tacoma. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

Welcome to Served in the South Sound - the Weekly Volcano's new food and drink blog. This blog will continue to host our thoughts on the South Sound food and drink scene, but now with fewer Howitzers. Military news and event coverage, as well as South Sound music, arts and wackiness will remain on our Walkie Talkie blog. On our new blog, we'll serve up a feedbag of fresh chow daily, with local restaurant news, the New Beer Column, bar and restaurant openings and closings, breaking culinary news and breaking culinary ground - all brought to the table with a dollop of Internet frivolity on top. We've moved all the New Beer Column and Mac and Cheese Madness posts to this blog. The food and drink posts from 2006 through last Friday will remain on Walkie Talkie.

Every week we'll swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Rose Peterson.

Server Banner Girl, May 19-25, 2014

Rose Peterson

General manager, bartender and server

1022 South J, a craft cocktail lounge and locally-source food, 1022 South J on Tacoma's Hilltop

Why do you serve?

"I started in the bar business as a part-time job for extra cash. I soon found out I didn't want to work behind a desk. I enjoy the conversations I have with strangers, as well as my regulars."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"Right now, I'm digging Will over at Asado."

What are you most proud to serve?

"The Hazelnut Old Fashioned"

What's your current drink of choice?

"I'll pour a Bastille Whiskey at home, but I'm also on the cider wagon right now."

Favorite movie?

"Die Hard, in fact all of the Die Hard flicks are my favorites."

What don't you serve?

"I don't have anything blue."

What's on your radar at 1022 South J?

"Summer nights on our kickass patio. Bring on the warm weather!"

About this blog

Served, a blog by the Weekly Volcano, is the region’s feedbag of fresh chow daily, local restaurant news, New Beer Column, bar and restaurant openings and closings, breaking culinary news and breaking culinary ground - all brought to the table with a dollop of Internet frivolity on top.

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