Back in Toronto
So renovations are almost done. We’re now into product development and finishing touches. Feels good. We’re just two weeks away from opening – for realsies this time!
(Pictured below: Becky restoring the mural we discovered behind the wall.)
(Below: Daiquiri time!)
On another note: Last week we had a bunch of friends over to help us taste beers for the new menu. That was fun. Reminded me of why I do what I do – in art and in my bar practice. I love hosting. I love getting people together for activities and facilitating social interplay. We had a really good time discussing the beers and it was great to have people activate the space! And to boot we discovered some really great beers!
It reminds me of a series of beer-tastings I held a couple years back. I would choose a bunch of beers, research them, and invite people, privately or at social gatherings, to taste and discuss beers. But moreso, it was a great way to gather people together who otherwise wouldn’t interact and get them talking about taste memories and the like. The beer, and beer appreciation, is more than just tasting beer. It allows for conversations about memory and such things. It’s a facinating way to see how people think and talk about their life experiences. For instance, a certain flavour in the beer might remind one of a childhood memory, which may spark a particular memory for someone else in the group and on and on. It’s such a great way to get to know each other.
This week, Becky and I went on a special fieldtrip to San Francisco. We hit up a bunch of cafes, roasteries, bars and resaturants. It was really eye-opening. And now we’re back, inspired, and ready to rock! We learned so much and are so excited to incorporate our renewed energy and creative flare into our Grey Tiger mission!
