Highland Brewing Co. 15th Anniversary Auld Asheville Vintage Ale Tapping at Kickbacks Gastropub

Highland Brewing Co. Auld Asheville Vintage Ale

Fæder ure þu þe eart on heofonum
Si þin nama gehalgod
to becume þin rice
gewurþe ðin willa
on eorðan swa swa on heofonum.
urne gedæghwamlican hlaf syle us todæg
and forgyf us ure gyltas
swa swa we forgyfað urum gyltendum
and ne gelæd þu us on costnunge
ac alys us of yfele soþlice

Yes, I know you now are thinking the Jax Brew Bitch has finally had one too many pints – or that maybe I didn't notice one of my cats step across my keyboard right before I uploaded this blog post.

But what appears above is not the ramblings of an inebriated mind or the cat-astrophic result of migrating felines, it is actually some of the beginning verses of the Lord's Prayer – in Old English, or rather, Olde English.

Amazing how little this early language resembles our modern English!

I had this in mind as companion and I galloped our motorized steed over to Kickbacks Gastropub (910 King Street – 904.388.9551) to try some of the Highland Brewing Company's Auld Asheville Vintage Ale – an Old English-style ale - just tapped prior to our visit at 2:00 pm on Monday (June 25). It was my understanding Kirsten Oldham Kelley of Highland Brewing Company would be present to answer any questions during this spotlight on this very unique brew – one bearing little resemblance to other modern ales.

This ale is special because Highland brewed this for their 15^th Anniversary in 2009 and released it as a seasonal in December of that year. So, the Kickbacks Gastropub offering of this ale has been aging since 2009. Egads! … there was no way this wifman was going to miss out on nectar such as this!

Kickbacks Ale Angel, Jill

Entering Kickbacks, we encountered one of my Ale Angels, Jill serving as bartender for the day – a change from her long tenure there in working the night shift – a swap she certainly seems to enjoy!

Once we selected our seats at the bar, owner Steve Flores appeared and graciously greeted us. Steve always makes us feel so welcome and his dedication to his staff and customers establishes him as an effective role model for the young, lean and hungry entrepreneurs “biting at the bit” to get started one day. Confirming we were there for the Highland Brewing Auld Asheville, Steve texted Kirsten and learned she would be there at Kickbacks a little later that afternoon. Darn the luck! … we'd have to stick around!

Now this is how to do a Monday!

We ordered two of the Auld Asheville Vintage Ales, served in 6 oz. pours for $3.95 each – this ale is delicious! …. at 9.5% ABV, it can sneak up on you, so it's best to order two so that you can keep an eye on one while you drink the other. I was excited to note we had obtained the first two glasses of that tapping! … WooHoo! … the early Jax Brew Bitch captured the Brew! ...

Brendan, who we met in early Jax Brew Bitch days, is now with Champion Brands Team Hopheads and had entered Kickbacks in search of the Auld Asheville brew, as well. It was great seeing him and we discussed his association with Champion Brands and recent (CASK) activities.

Kashmir IPA & Auld Asheville Vintage Ale
on tap at Kickbacks Gastropub

Kirsten arrived with an entourage and after finding tables, came over to say hello to all of us and spoke of her duties within her current area of responsibility which includes the states of Florida, Alabama and Georgia! … Kirsten is an amazing woman holding a significant spot in the southeastern U.S. beer industry. She is obviously very effective and talented to have such a massive area to cover. While I was speaking with her, Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom arrived with the business cards for his new additional nom-de-plume, the Jax Beer Guy.

It was fun having a Monday-afternoon beer event of sorts and we all enjoyed talking about our appreciation for the Highland Brewing Company beers currently available at Kickbacks. Kirsten excused herself after awhile to return to her group.

On Highland’s website back in that 2009 Anniversary year, they described the Auld Asheville:

Highland Brewing Co. Auld Asheville Vintage Ale

“Auld Asheville Vintage Ale” - the name pays homage to the Scots Irish heritage of Highland’s mountain home. It is a style made famous by British brewers with their holiday offerings of old ales.

Auld Asheville Vintage Ale is a high gravity ale in the style of “Old Ales” or ‘English Strong” ales which are traditionally released just prior to the holidays. Contributing to the beer’s complexity is the use of three different yeast strains, two of which were imported from England. Because of the hopping levels, alcohol content, and the completeness of its attenuation with time in the tanks, it was noted “the product should cellar incredibly well and increase in complexity for at least the next year.”

Its taste is described as “having a bold profile from fine British Malts, woodsy and estery aromas from traditional British Ale yeast, and bittering from Styrian Bobek hops. The addition of Sterling hops provides a hint of spiciness in the nose.”

Dedicated to providing meaningful reviews, I decided to have another one – just to be sure I had a full appreciation for this ale, of course …

Then, I considered the other Highland Brewing Company's brews on tap – the Kashmir IPA and Razor Wit Belgian Wheat described on Highland's website:

Highland Brewing Company Kashmir IPA

A full-bodied India Pale Ale. This beer is golden in color with a moderate malty character with full hop flavor true to the classic ale that has traveled on sailing ships from England to India. Bold and brazen.

This is Highland’s version of the classic British beer which was designed to survive the long journeys from England to India on sailing ships. The higher alcohol content and much higher hop level provided the longevity necessary for the casks to arrive in India in a most drinkable condition. It is very often serious beer drinkers’ favorite style. Being “Just a wee bit different” we chose Kashmir, a controversial section of the Indian subcontinent in the north and matched it with a Madras inspired plaid from the south. Note: 6% ABV & 60 IBUs

Highland Brewing Company Razor Wit Belgian Wheat

Highland Brewing Co. Razor Wit Belgian Wheat

This Belgian-style Wit, or “white” ale, is an unfiltered wheat beer brewed with traditional ingredients and a Highland twist. Wits are conventionally brewed with noble hops, pale malt, unmalted wheat, orange peel, and coriander. We have made this beer our own by adding other unique spices to create complex aromatics, a refreshing taste, and a crisp finish. Light in color with a smooth body, Razor Wit is perfect for hot summer days and sultry summer nights. Note: 4.5% ABV & 25 IBU

Since I had recently had the Kashmir IPA, we ordered a Razor Wit to share. This was quite a contrast to the Auld Asheville but very flavorful – nice and spicy!

Only because I wanted to establish an ironclad perception of the Auld Asheville, companion and I shared one more. See how unselfishly I go the extra mile?

Kirsten re-appeared and cordially invited us, Brendan and Marc over to sit with them.

The fellowship was so enjoyable and I appreciated how Kirsten had invited us over and made the introductions. Her group had invaded and taken over two large tables under and near the draft beer list board  - and that area got quite busy with substantial amounts of food and beer making its way into “Kirsten's Corner”.

The aroma of the food made me hungry, so I suggested to companion we share the Jake 'N Bake pasta dinner described on Kickbacks Gastropub's menu:

Kickbacks Jake 'N Bake 

“Penne, chicken, shrimp, tomatoes, broccoli, cajun alfredo sauce and cheddar jack cheese, in a casserole-like amalgam”

Huge and delicious, served with your choice of a House or Caesar salad, this meal is a great value at $13.79. Plenty enough for me and companion to split and still have some to take home for later!

Marc said goodbye to the group and we stayed a little longer, enjoying discussions with Kirsten and her friends. All too soon, we had to start making our way home since it was a “school night” …

I bid ábéodan to Kirsten and were wonderful family and friends, looking forward to hopefully seeing them soon again in the future.

Jill as bartender and Mike as table server did a terrific job – sincere thanks to them for their consistent spectacular customer service!

The beautiful Kirsten ldham Kelley and JBB

My heartfelt appreciation to Kirsten Oldham Kelley of Highland Brewing Company and Steve Flores and the rest of his crew at Kickbacks Gastropub for a very enjoyable Monday-afternoon Jax Brew Bitch experience!

To those who may be reading, thank you again for doing so – and until I see you on future Prowls - “God þē mid sīe” ...

To view more photos from Kickbacks Gastropub and Highland Brewing Company, visit the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.324533604298922.76309.181100418642242&type=1&ref=notif&notif_t=like

Highland Brewing Company

http://www.highlandbrewing.com/

Kickbacks Gastropub

http://www.facebook.com/kickbacksgastropub

What does craft beer mean to you?

This is Day 7 of the National Craft Beer Week and having such a designation prompts one to ask:

“What does craft beer mean to me?”

This question ties the craft beer enthusiasts throughout the country together with a common thread. Whether prominently displayed in writing before you (as at the Craft & Import Beer Festival last night above interviewer Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom) or nestled quietly in your subconscious, the inquiry causes the craft beer consumer to take stock of his or her perception of the value which craft beer brings to their “personal table”. Note that one's level of involvement in “the industry” does not set any parameters in the basis for the question. We're talking beer-in-your-hand base perceptions as a consumer – forget the fact you might make your living by making, delivering, marketing or selling the product.

I considered it a “thoughty” question when I saw it emblazoned above Marc and it kept popping up in my mind as I “worked” the exciting event for blogging purposes. Upon further introspection, I have settled upon a few things which “craft beer” means to me.

It has opened a whole new adventure for me of course - writing about craft beer, its purveyors and the whole experience itself. I am firmly convinced the perceptions formed about bars and restaurants are forged the morning after – when you have had time to reflect on the “total value” of the whole experience. If I am indeed correct, this bodes well for the future of craft beer here in the Greater Jacksonville area.

Currently in and around Jacksonville, “Craft Beer” is offered at establishments already making the effort to provide a better quality beverage option and improved experience for their customers. Naturally, we Jacksonvillians want all of our purveyors to be so motivated and with our combined efforts, more and more will “see the light” and strive to improve their selections, their service and quality. That's why I go on the prowl … self-indulgently, of course – to highlight those places whose ownership and management are truly focused on their customers – and to Bitch Slap those who aren't.

Do we here in Jacksonville want to be seriously in the running one day for Beer City, USA? … then, we have to get it ALL right. We, as consumers, need to support ($) the local breweries, bars and restaurants AND their staff. Owners need to assure themselves they are soliciting and using feedback obtained from their customers regarding what they would like to see on the food and beer menus, what went well with their visit – or what made it a debacle.

The majority of our purveyors must “buy in” - to ACT upon the fact that the purpose of their business is to CREATE and KEEP their customers - and they must do ALL those things which make people WANT to do business with them. Common sense type stuff, huh? … then why are there still so many who don't keep that axiom in the forefront of their minds? … I say the good news is that it is a management style which can be mimicked and learned - old dogs can indeed learn some new tricks. No resting on laurels is allowed though – there are some lean and hungry young entrepreneurs out there – just waiting for their chance.

So, what else does “craft beer” mean to me?

“Beer” was always the mass-produced beverages when I was younger. As one of a group of fellow high-schoolers, sneaking away to the woods to consume whatever quantity one in the group had been able to secret away from their father's cache. I look back now and I have realized I was only drinking that beer for three reasons:

1)     there wasn't anything else, to speak of, available in Louisiana at the time;

2)     I didn't know any better any way;

3)     it was being offered to me by that cute boy I was interested in.

I went through the days, as many young adults, of hard liquor and though wild and exciting, it takes a toll on you. Craft beer is something I can sit and enjoy while being with friends - not drinking "for effect" - but drinking "for fellowship". Big difference!

"Crying in your beer" is a thing of the past - taprooms are happy places - as more and more bars decide to offer more craft beer, the stereotypical bars - where people go to drown their sorrows - will transform into places where happy people go to meet - and where lonely people can go to meet someone new in an upbeat environment.

Craft beer has also brought me (and companion) wonderful new friends from all walks of life. Thinking back to just a year ago, we had been in Jacksonville about a year and wondered how we were going to get out and develop a new circle of friends.

I had just started working out at the gym and we decided one evening to drop by Kickbacks where a co-worker of companion's had taken us one time before.

John was our server and he was quite displeased when I asked for an “Ultra”  - or something similar in calories. Companion made John a little happier by going with his suggestion – a porter or stout of some type. After I took a sip of companion's beer, I was hooked! … I then told John to select one for me – and the Jax Brew Bitch was born. Beginning with that experience, we have gained so many friends and interesting acquaintances.

Finally, “craft beer” has provided me with a mission. What I want to do is instill the motivation to those who have not tried craft beer to give it a whirl – my bet is that with all the styles out there, they will find one they will naturally gravitate toward.

I hope their experience will then become their passion  - and that the relationships they now have will be refreshed with exciting craft beer related activities - and that the new friendships they forge will be every bit as   endearing and gratifying as the ones WE have built, self-indulgently, enjoying “craft beer” via the Jax Brew Bitch.

To those who happen to be reading, I sincerely thank you for taking the time out of your day to do so. It means a great deal to me – and I look forward to seeing you – and meeting you – and getting to know you - on future Jax Brew Bitch Prowls.

http://www.craftbeer.com/pages/news-and-events/american-craft-beer-week

Tap's Blue Moon Tasting, round 2 ...

TeamHopHeads David Rigdon had mentioned during the Blue Moon tasting at Taps Bar & Grill in Fleming Island on Monday, March 5 that there would be another one at Taps in St. Johns the following Monday, March 12.

I hadn't figured I would go since companion was out of town, but Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom and Kristi kindly offered to tote me down there for the tasting.

It was my first visit to this establishment and I noticed it was noticeably smaller than the one in Fleming Island and had fewer taps – I also did not notice any tables equipped with the table-top taps. However, the place was very nice and the service was quite friendly and professional.

I had planned to order Blue Moon's Dark Chocolate Bacon Porter which I had voted as my favorite the previous week.  Blue Moon describes this nectar: “This deep-mahogany colored ale is brewed with hickory-smoked bacon and dark chocolate for a slightly sweet yet savory taste.” … most definite yummers …

Mile Marker 82 Islamorada IPA

However, I noticed they had Mile Marker Brewery's Mile Marker 82 Islamorada IPA on tap that evening! … WooHoo! … as close as I have found Mile Marker's brews to my house! … of course, I ordered that and a bowl of Taps's delicious chili.

 Mile Marker describes their Mile Marker 82 Islamorada IPA: “ Featuring Centennial & Sterling hops, Mile Marker 82 has lots of hop flavor and aroma but is easy on the bitterness. An IPA perfectly suited for Florida weather. Offers floral and citrus notes. Perfect for the first-time IPA'er or seasoned connoisseur.”

Although not as busy as the Fleming Island location was the previous Monday evening, Taps in St. Johns is a great place to visit – especially if you are in that neck of the woods.

Thanks to TeamHopHeads and Taps in St. Johns for a wonderful experience and to Marc and Kristi for the ride!

                                                                                          

http://www.tapsbarandgrill.com/

http://www.milemarkerbrewing.com/

To view more pics, visit the link below ...

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.260299740722309.63378.181100418642242&type=3

Sushi gave me an Intuition I would be CUT OFF at Kickbacks

Knowing Saturday evening (Dec 10) was probably going to end up being an “all-nighter” with all the stops we planned to make, I made sure I was rested, “aspirined” and famished when we picked up our friend Tina from her house and met Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom at Koja Sushi located at The Landing in downtown Jacksonville.

What a beautiful view of the river! … and there was a Christmas show being presented at The Landing performed by a talented youth group from St. Augustine – they were awesome. Overall, a very pleasant atmosphere during a very happy time of the year!

Wanting to pace myself for a marathon brews and chews outing, companion and I shared a Kirin Ichiban with our meal which consisted of (numbers per Koja's menu):

15. Fried Shrimp Roll ($ 4.95)

17. Spicy Tuna Roll ($ 4.95)

18. Spicy Salmon Roll ($ 3.95)

19. Yellowtail Roll ($ 4.95)

27. Eel Roll ($ 3.95)

28. Smoked Salmon Roll ($ 3.95)

Now, the basics I consider when judging sushi are:

A. Is the fish fresh or taste like yesterday's leftover bait?

B. Is it well-prepared or look like something hastily slapped-together?

C. Is the flavor something notable and unique? - due to the ingredients and their ratio to the whole

All of our selections passed both A and B. The Fried Shrimp Roll was okay but it tasted a little like the oil had not been changed recently and the greasy aftertaste was a little *ugh*. Understanding it WAS shrimp and fried at that, I've still had this type of roll better elsewhere.

The rest of the items were good but nothing really “knocked my socks off”. However, if I am in the area of The Landing and have a hankering for sushi, I would certainly go there again.

Service was very attentive and we appreciated our server's genuine smile and gracious manner. I wish I had noted his name ...

I first visited The Landing when companion and I traveled from our home in the U.S. Virgin Islands to Jacksonville for a business trip in 1995  – and the place was somewhat “happening” at that time – busy establishments and beaucoup shoppers – I could sense the energy.

Years later, when we would travel to Jax from our home near Orlando, we noticed sadly how the energy had waned. I hope it can be re-energized and I applaud those involved for their continuing efforts at The Landing, including Koja Sushi.

http://www.kojasushijax.com/

http://www.jacksonvillelanding.com/

Having dinner dealt with, it was on to more brew-related pursuits! ... our next stop was the IPA fest at Intuition Ale Works.

WOW! … the place was hoppin' – pun intended - and we could not even nudge our way in to the Tap Room – so, we found some available seats at a table in the also-crowded warehouse, from which we beheld the spectacle.

Our good friends, Teresa and Marco met us all there and they brought handsome nephew Ty and beautiful daughter-in-law Christina for their first visit to Intuition. Later, their friend Vince joined us, as well – he's hilarious!

Companion and I decided to maximize our exposure to the IPAs and shared (descriptions per Intuition's website):

• The Heel – Black Centennial IPA. Roasty malt notes complement the Centennial hop citrus notes.
• Cascade – Slightly spicy with strong citrus/grapefruit peel aroma.
• Anniversary IPA - Brewed and dry-hopped with Amarillo and Simcoe hops.

The Heel was very dark and was absolutely perfect for the cooler evening. Although I lean toward the darker brews, I am developing a taste for the lighter selections, as well – so I was quite proud of myself when I truly enjoyed the Cascade!

Based upon an earlier visit to Intuition, I had already become a fan of the Anniversary IPA, so a tongue-out “IN YOUR FACE!!!” to Ian (http://broopa.com/ ) -  I had MORE of the Anniversary IPA during your extended absence … less of the pie for you, bucko … by the way, did I mention how GOOD it was? … I'm so evil ... (see earlier blog post)

Congratulations to Intuition Ale Works for what must have been a successful IPA Fest! … thanks to Robin for working so tirelessly and graciously behind the bar in the warehouse! … that's one of the reasons she is one of my treasured Ale Angels! …

http://www.intuitionaleworks.com/

The ANSWER is: “Two spilled beers and a broken glass”

The QUESTION is: “How can you tell the Jax Brew Bitch had a great time at the bar?”

The last stop during our night of decadence was Kickbacks Gastropub and this was going to be Tina's first time inside the place. I think we may have scared her away for good ...

I don't think companion's rear had hit the chair at the high-top table before he had ordered Kickbacks Gastropub's extremely popular French Mushroom Spread and Fish & Chips for our group to share. The moans arising from our table surely distracted fellow-patrons, but we munched on.

Other friends happened by, including Teresa's and Marco's friend Vince we had met earlier at Intuition Ale Works. We were also pleased when Brewer Andrew Cattell of Intuition Ale Works pulled up a chair and visited with us for awhile.

The evening was going to end well, I just knew it – my “Suds Sensei”, John was our server – and between him and Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom, Tina had NO chance to slowly feel her way into the “World of Beercraft” - she was thrust in explosively!

I know our group ended up sharing / tasting a number of brews that evening including:

• Terrapin Beer Company's Wake 'N' Bake (most heavenly “yummers”)
• Sierra Nevada Brewing Company's Snowed In Stout
• Corsendonk Christmas Ale
• Delirium Noël
• Cigar City Warmer Winter Winter Warmer Ale

At some point during enjoying the brews noted above, a glass of Southern Tier's Crème Brulee was tragically spilled upon the table … *respectful moment of silence* … and later, another delightful brew was spilled with an accompanying broken glass. At that point, Tina declared me and Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom as “CUT OFF!” (I believe THIS was about the time she began fearing for her personal well-being). Others in my group maintain I had something to do with the Crème Brulee spill-occurrence, but I doubt their veracity. However, BOTH events resulted in my most trusted Ale Angel, Kat, swooping in with experienced skill to deftly rid our table of the mishandled nectar and dangerous shards – performing not too much unlike “The Executioner” during “Amateur Nights at the Apollo Theater” - a man with a broom who would sweep performers off the stage if the highly vocal and opinionated audiences began to call for their removal . Thank you, Kat! - we appreciate your kindhearted and understanding attitude!

A special thank you to John and Kat and the kitchen staff st Kickbacks Gastropub for a wonderful and memorable experience for our friend Tina and a fitting end to a perfect Jax Brew Bitch evening! … sorry about the glass … Marc's fault …

http://www.facebook.com/kickbacksgastropub

http://terrapinbeer.com/

http://www.sierranevada.com/

http://www.corsendonk.com

http://www.delirium.be/bier/1/0/red.html

http://www.cigarcitybrewing.com/

http://southerntierbrewing.com/index1.html

A night with Director John Waters ... Part II

Prior to the John Waters Christmas show at Florida Theater (see earlier blog post), companion and I decided to get a bite of sushi at Sumo Sushi at 2726 Park Street in Riverside. On a somewhat chilly Wednesday evening, there were just a few customers there when we arrived, though by the end of our meal, there was significantly more.

We had been there before (pre-Jax Brew Bitch) for a quick bite before they closed and had enjoyed our small order of sushi and the sushi-bombers provided by a couple seated next to us at the sushi bar.

We sat table-side this time and ordered:

·         2 Tobiko (Flying Fish Roe) with Quail Egg on top ($5.40)

·         2 Spicy Tuna Rolls ($9.10)

·         1 JB Roll (smoked salmon & cream cheese - $4.25)

·         1 Dynamite Roll (salmon, crab stick & asparagus deep fried with special sauce - $5.95)

·         1 Special Maki (salmon, crab meat, avocado, cream cheese & fish egg wrapped in cucumber - $7.95)

·         1 Volcano Roll (California roll, conch mayo, crab stick with fish egg on top - $7.95)

The Tobiko with Quail Egg on top I consider dessert since the combination of the roe and raw quail egg results in a sweet sensation to my taste buds. If you have not tried this, you should!

We ordered and split the Hot Sake ($5.50) to accompany the meal. Yes, I know hot sake is of less quality than that sake which is served cold, but this fit the cooler evening and my pocketbook much better.

All the food was well-prepared and presented. The restrooms were clean and well-supplied.

It was ALL delicious and the service was friendly and consistent. I am certainly planning a return visit! It was just perfect for a before-show meal and I was so excited about seeing John Waters in person, this was an absolute fantastic Jax Brew Bitch experience.

http://www.sumosushijax.com

Following the John Water's Christmas show, we stopped over for our first visit to the Burro Bar to meet Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom. Interesting place – wish it didn't have the heavily laden smokey atmosphere, though. A good selection of brews, we opted for and shared the Victory Golden Monkey and the Anderson Valley Winter Solstice. Suggestion: know what you want prior to approaching the bar at this place – bartenders were of NO help – just useless blank faces staring at us not offering any suggestions and appearing like they were feeling “put-out” having to wait while we decided.

When we arrived, Marc had saved us a table for three, however, a lady who was obviously “three-sheets” at least, had taken it upon herself to “Occupy Drunk Seat” and THAT was the source of the “Near-Bitch Slap” she was going to receive from me. By the way, I'm a Cajun girl, a well-grounded member of G.R.I.T.S. (Girls Raised in the South) and can take care of myself, thank you very much … (companion does all my light-fightin')

However, since we had just met Marc and I noted the lady appeared to be on something more … well ... ethereal than alcohol, I just firmly asked her to relocate her carcass. After asking me four times if I “really looked like that” (???), she slowly fumbled herself out of the chair, promising to “tell on us” when she spoke to her alleged friend, the bartender(s).

Later though, I saw her fall flat on the floor, pulling HER companion with her and no one, I mean, NO one went to assist. I went over to help them disentangle themselves from one another but it took myself, Marc and my companion to get them off the floor and her into a chair. Maybe the bar staff just didn't see them fall – I don't see how they could have not seen them since they were right next to the end of the bar, but it indeed left a sour taste in my mouth about the Burro Bar. I KNOW they saw us helping her into a chair RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEM but not a word was said – nothin' – nada - zip. How much more worthless of a staff could you have? Surely, they have some type of security staff or representative – to not respond to something like that was inexcusable. Other establishments would have been ALL over that situation and dealt with in short order. Even if  they had mentioned something in the aftermath, that would have been more acceptable. Simply unbelievable.

If you plan to go there, be ready to take care of yourself, physically and otherwise.

Management needs to re-assess what is happening at the Burro Bar – before it's too late. My gut feeling is that this episode is not merely anecdotal but systemic in nature. I may still venture there again, if I am downtown anyway (and prepared for a fight). I hope the staff improves, I really do – it could be a really great place in an area which could use some more great places.