The Open Bar Experience Podcast

In this episode I discuss my opinion and experience with Cultural Appropriation gone off the rails. Many people on the left have differing opinions of what it is and who gets to call on it. My take is simple, if you are of the culture or group appropriated from then you get to set the boundaries. For those not of the group or culture be inquisitive and be supporting but do not feel enlightened enough to think you can set boundaries on behalf of those perpetrated on.

In this episode I give my view on Dave Chapelle and Joe Rogan's tactics to be controversial without actually taking a side. They project the everyday's guy point of view but they live a privileged life. I also address the myth of al Lazy Labor Force and how businesses ahead of the curve will do better. Lastly, my views on the lack of representation for latinos in movies and TV shows as well as politics. Why is it that latino characters always have to have an accent. Millions of us do not speak that way and are fluent in both Spanish and English.

The restaurant and bar business has seen the worst of the pandemic. No one person has done more damage to the hospitality industry than Trump himself. By contradicting scientist early on in the pandemic and by promoting to his followers to defy masks orders from state and local governments, he helped the virus spread. Then, on January 6th he fomented a crowd of his supporters to storm the capital and fight for his made-up fraudulent election. Every single one of these events costs restaurants and bars billions of dollars a thousand at a time. Made up of small units of no more than a few dozen employees, small bars and restaurants are greatly affected by those decisions. Our economy has been driven by cheap goods and consumerism for many decades now. That said, shutting down the economy would have been devastating but manageable given the scope of how a virus persisting within a population can create fear with long-lasting economic effects stemming from the psychological effects of a false sense of security.

There is a lot to say and nothing let to discuss about 2020. We are done with one year and leading into a new one. As we prepare ourselves to peruse our goals in 2020 it is important to keep in mind the determination necessary to continue our path regardless of what the new years brings. Happy New Year! Salud!

While the Senate plays hard to get with one another and McConnel continues to serve special interest WE, the working-class American piles on the debt. Also, the bar and restaurant industry shuffles a hundred different way depending on governors, counties and municipalities. Heads of households need the help Congress gives the wealthy and corporations. This week in Matt’s Pick III we go for the holiday diet thumper, desert! Matt gives us three delicious options for some custard delicacies worth the drive for even an Inner Looper like myself. Texas Tribune, Texas Latinos Big Ice Houston  832 582 5993

Houston cocktail bar Rabbit’s Got the Gun hit the scene in late 2019 to they surprised of many. A typical Northside patio bar with an excellent cocktail program that includes soft serve, a coffee program, a food truck and host of talent from the Houston cocktail echelon. If you are in Houston, this spot is a must visit. Dr Marta Vega Moreno curated the El Museo del Barrio in Manhattan. In it is the story of the many people who helped make NYC one of the greatest cities in the world. After many years of political sabotage by the city’s elite, it needs the hard-working people from El Barrio now more than ever.

Matt was at it again with his Pick III favourite food spots in Houston (he sneaked in an Austin spot).

Illegal Mezcal Global Brand Ambassador Gilberto Marquez talks about his humble beginnings, his passions, and his side hustle of making custom hats, Pachuco Supply Co. We have a projected winner of 2020 calling for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the new POTUS and VPOTUS. That said, it doesn’t seem to be going as expected. We have grown accustomed to concession and acceptance speeches, this time we are missing one. At what point will reasonable adults be part of government? Once again I have Matt Carrizales give his Pick III of the Week: Masala Munchies, Somos Semillas, Pan de Taco (Honorary mention to Xela Roasters )

Gustavo Arellano writes for the L.A. Times and is the author of Ask a Mexican. We explore the possible future for the democratic party as well as the best taco and bourbon pairing.If you live in Houston or plan on visiting Matt has got a few recommendations for you; great food, ambience and service.

Early voting started today in Texas. States like Arizona, California and Georgia have started voting too. In Harris County where Houston resides there was a record setting day with 68,000 voters turning out.

Vanessa is a beverage professional that has worked in Chicago, NYC and Houston. She has been able to put together exciting wine menus that have caught the attention of wine consumer and her peers. She went from mini wine bar to country club. iHeart Radio, Apple Podcast, Alexa, Stitcher, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to your favourite podcast

There are similarities to what peepers do and how militias approach their own survival. The United States has seen deep division since 2016. It is currently experiencing sentiments not seen since the 1860s. A global pandemic, unemployment, protest, violent opposition to the protest, and a divisive president has created a cocktail of extreme views and positions that can lead us violent civil unrest. Stephen Miller Civil War Crash Course

An online publication for the liquor industry decided to celebrate Latin Heritage Month. The publication, Liquor .com, decide to spearhead the month with an industry veteran, author, bar owner & mentor that is of non-Latino heritage. Both the publication and the bar owner thought it was appropriate to feature a non-Latina for a Latin Heritage Month celebration. What does that say about the publication? What does it say about the bar owner? How is it possible that, in an industry filled with incredible Latino talent from dishwasher to bar owner to brand ambassador to your everyday neighbourhood bartender, the notion of a non-Latin to represent Latin Heritage was dominant within the Liquor .com decision-makers? Let’s explore some of the reason. John Leguezamo Latin History for Moron

GET INVOLVED!!! This episode I speak to Nate Casablanca and Dave Castleman of THIRST Group about the work they are doing to help small businesses receive payment from their insurers for Loss of Revenue Insurance. Intagram: @openbar.space

Sean Beck has a Houston restaurant personality for many years. He shares with us his beginnings as a beverage director and his current move to conduct training sessions over Zoom. THIRST GROUP “We work to keep independent restaurants and hospitality alive, by advocating that our elected officials ensure insurance carriers provide the protection you paid for.”

Alec Bradley, Black Market, Toro 6×50 with Weller 90 and the Chichicapa from Del Maguey

It’s time to rewrite some rules. One of those is the No Politics or Religion for hospitality professionals in and out of bars.

Nate and I discuss the culture and society we live in today with politics at the forefront of everyone’s lives. Bartenders and all other hospitality professionals are told to never discuss politics and religion. WELL, we’re tossing that rule out the window! Let’s get into this 2020 Election Cycle!

Rum Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva and Upmann 1844 Sun Grown

Houston entrepreneur Ben Williams tells us about his pursuit and eventual launch of a hemp oil base vodka that carries body and flavour unlike any of its competitors. He talks about family, work and the oasis of being surrounded by good people. Visit Highway Vodka for more information The Open Bar Experience website

For those who enjoy the simply yet better things in life. I share my preferred pairings when it comes to booze, cigars, coffee and tea. Nica Rustica El Brujito The Matsui Del Maguey Chichicapa

This week’s cigar is the Romeo y Julieta Hose of Montegue Toro paired with a malt wisky from Compass Box Last week I reviewed the Puros Huerfanos Churchill along with Elijah Craig and rum Clement VSOP. IG: OpenBarExperience

Cancel Culture has its place in our new society, however, it must be careful not to consume itself by judging the past according to norms that did not exist just two decades ago. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez has been dealing with strong opposition from the moment she won her election. That said, the disrespect she normally endures reached a new level this week with Rep. Yoho accosting her and using abusive language uncalled for. Portland Oregon has seen some aggressive policing coming out of the White House and the Justice Department. Plantation rum pledges to rename its rum to a non-problematic one…the question is when? Community Fridge is coming to Houston. Fact checking William Barr on Portland

Every Saturday I will give you a review of products I enjoy the way I enjoy them. This wee I have a cigar with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and an Indonesian binder. This cigar will be paired with a whiskey from Heaven Hill, Bernheim. Let me know if you enjoy it and what you would like to hear next.

Magical thinking is firtle ground for conspiracy theories. Rational thinking is hard work. Society’s best work is when there is a balance between the three pillars of society. Community, State, Economics have to coexist in a harmonious manner for a fulfilled society to exist. Goya foods is looking to expand its consumer base to the non-Latino communtiy. 401(k) Changes Social Security under threat Magical Thinking

The Puritan beliefs of four centuries ago still influence our society. Many of the same belief and approach used in the 17th century England and colonial America are at play in today’s political dynamics. Prevalent among them is Father Knows Best and The King is Above the Law. Words matter, so the use of the term toxic masculinity it may turn people off due to its attack on a natural state of being for men. Instead what I believe they mean is misogyny which is an institutional belief in male superiority. Let’s be clear about what we mean when we use these terms. Oliver Cormwell Matthew Hopkins Calle 13 George Carlin

There are many things we have learned in the past couple of months.So the shared experience of COVID 19 has demanded that we all make some changes. We have adapted our businesses to do more curbside pick-ups and to-go sales than normal. We have set up kits for our guests to enjoy our cocktails at home. Some business owners have had to make difficult sacrifices. Chris Williams of Lucille’s has taken profitability out of the equation just so he can keep his doors open, but also keep his employees fed and paid. Michael Neff of Cottonmouth Club has explicitly gone on record with the national media by saying that if saving lives means him losing his business, then so be it. He has also pointed out that losing a quarter or more of the bars in any city will have long-lasting consequences on the culture and vibrancy of the city.In Houston in particular, the former mayor invested millions of dollars in revitalizing downtown by focusing in the historic area around Market Square and Main St. It just so happens to be around the time when the craft cocktail revival was at its peak.I can tell you, as someone who participated in the education and promotion of a unified industry working to raise the level of craftsmanship in bartending, there was a lot of learning and collaborating. There was some travel to conventions and educational opportunities, and of course, there was a bit of drinking involved… just for the sake of learning…That said… when you have bars today that ignore the city’s, county’s or state’s requirements to social distance tables or customers, to have staff wear N95 masks for their safety and the guests… when bars close voluntarily, but then the state mandate is that ALL bars must close…. Having a NIGHTCLUB turned lounge/event venue pack their space a day after the state order comes in, is at the very least a big middle finger to anyone who has given a shit about getting out of this situation sooner rather than later. For that club to then post a picture of the BLM protest and claim that the club’s actions are not as bad as the protest, is an insult to the all of those people at the protest that also patronized and spent money at Cle or Spire and contributed to their success, but were also part of a protest for SOCIAL JUSTICE. Chris Williams Michael Neff

Priming is the act of preparing something for use or action. Studies have been done that show people can be subconsciously prepared for an idea or thought through careful manipulation of their environment and language used during the experiment. It is n interesting fact and it is more thought provoking when seen used by social media and election campaigns. In an effort to bring to you a bit of clarity on how COVID 19 is affecting some of the people in our community I spoke to a very talented chef with who currently has the virus. Omar Pereney also shares his story of how as an 11yr old he was able to get a job in one of Venezuela’s best kitchens. He also shares how in just 18 months he went from a new hire to buying out the company A la Carte Consulting. On my next episode, I will speak to one of our colleague’s mother who already had COVID and experienced a bit more severe symptoms but also had a different set of realizations during her bout with the virus. Peska and Omar Ends John Oliver: Evictions Media Manipulation COVID Info April 2020 Asymptomatic Spread of COVID19 The Pandemic Today

My guest for this show is Michael Neff. Michael is an industry veteran who bartends and is a principal partner of The Cottonmouth Club in downtown Houston. He is an entrepreneur and spirits professional whose purpose in life is to make great bars and entice people to drink well in them. He was the founding partner of Ward III & The Rum House in New York City, both bars famous for bespoke cocktails, finely curated spirits selections, and a commitment to hospitality. As a consultant, he spearheaded the build and programs at Kolo Klub in Hoboken, NJ & Corvo Bianco in Manhattan. On the West Coast, he helped The Three Clubs in Hollywood relaunch their cocktail program and is currently building the five bars and programs at the storied Clifton’s Brookdale in Downtown Los Angeles. A pandemic is a serious stuff. A pandemic poorly handled is really serious stuff. Just like any other potentially dangerous situation the mismanagement of it creates distrust, fear and uncertainty.For bars whose sole job is to host and entertain, a communicable disease is a nightmare scenario. Imagine having a social media agency but no internet; or distribution center with no warehouse space. You couldn’t do your job, But essential parts of your business are absent. When a bar can’t guarantee the public safety to congregate it looses all of its purposes. The Office: Closing Time Glengarry Glen Ross George Carlin

Plantation rum is a staple at most craft cocktail bars. The rum itself is very good and which makes it easy to most bar owners and bartenders to give it a pass. The owner himself has made it a point to be involved in the bartending community through education and support of creative cocktail programs. Even the co-creator of some of the products line is someone dedicated to the improvement of the craft of bartending and its traditions. However, to me the name is at least problematic and at most it romanticizes, supports and characterizes a culture of oppression. One reason we continue to struggle with issues of oppression based on race is due to the distortion of history provided by products that depict it as benign. There is nothing benign about Plantations and there is nothing benign of implicit bias. Society just the same as any individual must face its worse sin before any amount of redemption is granted. The labor intensive cash crops of plantations were a place of rape, murder and oppression. Just as the confederate flag has been romanticized as a symbol of Southern culture so has plantations been romanticized as a beautiful place to live. The chemistry of our brain is a vast trove of mystery that we have to accept. That said, there are things we do know about what makes us healthy and how to stimulate those involuntary reactions for our benefit. Isolation can be horrible for our mental health and our bodies. Again, there are things you can do to reverse those effects. The Civil Rights Movement occurred over the span of more than a decade. A decade of sacrifice and suffering by everyone that believed in equal rights or those who believed that the abuse imposed on our black brethren was unjust. That fire started with the murder of Emmit Till (August 1955) and took a massive organized manifestation with the Bus Boycott in Montgomery, AL (Dec 5,1955-Dec 20,1956). Distilled Identity by Osayi Endolyn Proactive Policing, The Social Brain. June 12, 2020, Part 2 Mr. T Bravery Chef Hall Whitney Plantation Museum Photo by British Library

Greg Perez is a bar operator/owner who has been making the best of a truly bad situation since Covid19. His bar Monkey's Tail was doing as good anybody can possibly want. It was busy, awards, great news coverage then all of the sudden we all got the notice that all service is to stop in order to prevent a pandemic from devastating our hospitals, our economy, our entire population. Well, in Texas we have been on the process of reopening and it's not looking good. However, for Greg, his partners and his staff there's always good work to be done. We are at a crossroads in this country of ours. The United States is as divided as it was prior to the civil war and that has got to be the saddest thing I can think of. Yet, we have been rolling on this road for some time and very few people have paid any attention at all. The past few weeks we have seen protest all around the nation and the world for police accountability. Social Contract explained by Kimberly Jones

Social justice is ow we maintain a peaceful prosperous society. The murder of George Floyd has sparked protest and consequent riots that have been too easy to condemn while forgetting the brutality of killing a man in broad daylight while being filmed by bystanders. It is a brutal reality for many of our fellow citizens and it breaches The Social Contract the we all have agreed to. In addition to my commentary on our current social shock after COVID19. I speak with Ryan Baker a personal trainer and project manager who sheds some light on some ways to keep fit with simple solutions. LINKS: David Daquiri TV on YouTube Ryan Baker TRX George Floyd Chris Cuomo

Spoke with Chef Chris Williams from Lucille’s Southern Cuisine restaurant, and he shared with us his experience realizing and adjusting to the new normal. Lucille’s is a restaurant carving itself a place in Houston food culture. Given its Southern origins, the food is full of flavour but not always heavy. Rich but not overly filling. Definitely a must destination if you are in town. I also spend sometime elaborating on the Manhattan cocktail and the group of variations that allow for much more efficient back bar as well as a way for the home bar keep to start buying ingredients with multiple uses. Manhattan variation Manhattan ingredients

Business owners in Texas have been grappling with the safest way to reopen. Most, not all. Bars, in particular, appear to be left out of the conversation. Guidance to help bar owners prepare for reopening has been little to none. So all we have left now is to defy the state and city orders to stay shut then battle it out in court. That is a recipe for disaster and playing with peoples’ health. As the date for Phase 2 of reopening approaches little is know of how what and who. If you want to give your dog a delicious, healthy treat go over to Brew Chew and order some! Here are some fun videos! Funny Funnier Funniest Gabriel Iglesias Crypto Bitcoin Wallet:37BKGddPBT8j1NENxBgJkQEwEBcogGUHUk

Politicizing a medical emergency is irresponsible. Medical professionals that study public policy are trained to better asses the dangers a pandemic has on large population-based on may factors. Therefore, we should be listening to their recommendations instead of the recommendation of politicians. Let’s break some of the bar rules and talk politics in the age of coronavirus. Just the same, restaurant owners (business owners in general) are not qualified to make decisions regarding public health other than to default to the safest methods available. Giving into public pressure that puts staff and their families at risk is irresponsible. My YouTube Channel Some fun stuff from YouTube: American Masculinity also Preparing for the end of the world What we know of COVID19 so far Who is behind the protest to prematurely open businesses Hillstone Restaurant Group forbids staff to wear face masks Photo by Celyn Kang

During this down time you should be working on developing a sustainable program for your bar. The ginnie is out of the bottle and it is blatently exposed that restaurants and bars operate on a tight margin. Worst of is the employees that have been left out in the cold because big government prefers to take care of the big companies OR some of those small businesses that make up the back bone of America are providing fraudulent tax recipients to the state and federal government to pay lower taxes, while denying workers of their benefits. As history inevitably repeats itself, we find ourselves back in the 20s. Big business, lots of credit, anti immigrant sentiment, weak worker rights, and a pandemic to expose all that is wrong with the world. TED Talk on a sustainable bar TWC Unemployment Claim LABOR Brew Chew Treats

Having a lot of time on your hands is both a blessing and a curse. During the down time of the pandemic of 2020 many on FB have taken to spreading conspiracy theories about the pandemic and it origin along with many other wild ideas. Instead we should look at the destruction of Labor Unions, extreme poverty and the lack of mental health as a right, and the revolving door of corporate executive to politician and back as the true conspiracies of existence. That said, TAKE A WALK. Enjoy your day buy slowing it down to the things you always say you have little to no time for. Here are some resources to help you navigate the CARES ACT passed by congress to provide relief to small business and labor alike. SBA Restaurant Owner Magazine Zoom has been getting hacked by prankster as well as dangerous people. J Matini Services PHOTO BY Photo by Xavier Coiffic

In a time of need good people get involved. However, there is never a shortage of terrible people looking to make things worst. For hospitality professionals getting involved to help others is simple a reflex. That said, there are some that find it more pleasing to make matters worst by biting the hand ready to help in a time of crisis. Here are some of the resources that will help in finding the help you need during a difficult time for all of us. Houston Food Finder Paycheck Protection Program Relief for Restaurant Workers Restaurant Worker Relief Program

Normally we don’t have time for anything! As of last week, we have time for everything. Given the shift that is occurring in our industry, we have to prepared for big changes. One way to do that is to learn a new skill while in hiatus mode. It is important to keep you ming occur[pied in the healthiest way possible and with as much enthusiasm as available. The COVID-19 response in the United States has been slow and inadequate given the enormous impact on our economy, in particular, the restaurant, bar and hotel industry. Government intervention is important as well as your own measures to better position yourself should the worst-case scenario happen. Hospitality Resources Website Instagram Twitter Lockwood STN

In the past week, the entire world has experienced an unprecedented pandemic that has changed the way we live. To the people that work in the bar and restaurant industry, life has all but come to a complete halt taking with it our income and possibly a predictable future. Covid-19 can be contained but everyone must participate in the distancing measures. Visit my Instagram or at Lockwood STN You can always listen at The Open Bar Experience USBG Charity Foundation Southern Smoke Imbibe: How to Help Hospitality Imbibe: Demand Action Move Humanity Forward WHO CDC

Update: I recorded on March 17th but given developments in Texas pertaining to COVID-19 and delivery of alcohol I had to make some adjustments. Normally you don’t have a pandemic at your doorstep, what do you do when it knocks?! Welcome back to The Open Bar Experience! I was in a hiatus that had a lot to do with opening and running of a sustainable bar program in the Downtown Houston District. Next time… BAR5 was a unique experience. Tons of long hours, many tasting glasses later, and some beautiful 65-degree weather. Lockwood STN Highway Vodka BAR5

I finally had the timing right to sit and chat with Chef Ben McPerson. He shares his plans for BOH and how he’s planning on keeping a menu that changes while staying grounded.

Having the chance to work with many talented chefs is a treat I relish in. As one of the three bars at Bravery Chef Hall, I have the opportunity to collaborate with five chef-driven concepts. Currently, I’m working with Master Chef winner Christine Ha to develop a cocktail for her menu. I find it fascinating to get to know other people’s palates specially chefs. Come by Lockwood Stn and enjoy a cocktail whether it’s a classic, one of my creations or a collaboration with a chef.

What is cachaca? You probably haven’t thought or heard the word cachaca or caipirinha since the last World Cup in Brazil. However, the spirit of Brazil has lingered for some who discovered it then and found they had a taste for it. Putting together a new menu is always a process of discovery. In the current menu at Lockwood STN I go with a bit of summer with a hint of fall.

Shaping your business is a process of self-discovery and growth. A bar is such a communal space that personalizing is a matter a lot of DIY. It is a steady rise of moments that build and crumble into fulfilment.

Chris Morris is a Houston bartender with a lot of curiosity and a flair for storytelling. We talked about some bartenders instinct to take ideas to the outer limit and back.

Having a small menu has its advantages. Housing an incubator space demands that you’d be unique.

Your dreams, your concept, your chance…

Owning a bar or restaurant is an extremely busy schedule. Bravery Chef Hall has been open for only two weeks yet it feels like a year. The long hours and the demanding need to do it better have everyone at the hall in a zone.

The second week of Bravery Chef Hall and a big thank you to all of our guests and downtown residents! Linda Salinas talks about Genever.

After a long and grinding two years, downtown’s new food hall finally opens. Bravery Chef Hall is a unique take on the food hall evolution by putting five chefs under one roof each with their own concepts. Every chef has their own kitchen, staff and menu that showcases their passion. Alongside these talented chefs are three bars that compliment the quality and passion of the culinary experience. Bravery Wine Bar, Secret Garden and my very own Lockwood Stn. In this episode, I spoke to Anh Mai, founder and partner of Bravery Chef Hall. He shares the difficulty of finding the right candidates for such an ambitious concept as well as plans for future dining halls.